Political Science
Political Science Major
Political Science is the study of politics, government, and public policy. This includes the investigation of political institutions, international relations, law, and political values. The purpose of classes in political science is to provide students with knowledge to assist them in understanding how government and politics affect their everyday lives. A political science major offers the student career opportunities in public service, business, and education. Also, many students interested in attending law school select Political Science as a major. As part of its offerings the department offers a special program of pre-law advisement.
A total of 37 credits of major coursework is required for Political Science. All students are required to complete POLS 110 Introduction to Political Science or POLS 115 American Government, POLS 325 Applied Research Methods, POLS 240 Political Ideologies, POLS 220 International Politics or POLS 225 Comparative Politics, and POLS 489 Senior Seminar. In addition, four 400-level classes must be taken; one from each of these areas: law, American Government, comparative politics, and international relations. Nine credits of electives are also to be selected in consultation with an adviser.
Political Science Minor
The minor in Political Science requires a minimum of 21 credits including Introduction to Political Science or American Government and International Politics or Comparative Politics. Three classes of the student’s choice at the 400-level in law, behavior, international relations, or comparative politics are required. Six credits of electives also are to be selected in consultation with an adviser.
Pre-Law Emphasis
The department offers a special Pre-Law emphasis for those individuals who wish to pursue careers in law. It consists of a major in Political Science that includes a concentration of law related courses, as well as required classes in English and communication. Electives in business, communication, criminal justice and accounting are also part of the emphasis. For further information and specific course requirements contact any political science faculty.
Public Service Option
The department offers a special Public Service emphasis for those individuals who wish to pursue careers in public policy or related fields. It consists of a major in Political Science that includes a concentration of public policy courses. Electives in accounting, management, communication, and related fields are also part of the emphasis. For further information and specific course requirements, contact any political science faculty.
Minor Requirements
Political Science Minor
Minor Requirements
Required Credits: 21
| Required Courses | ||
| POLS 110 | Introduction to Political Science | 3 |
| or POLS 115 | American Government | |
| POLS 220 | International Politics | 3 |
| or POLS 225 | Comparative Politics | |
| POLS 240 | Political Ideologies | 3 |
| POLS | 100 or 200 level | 3 |
| Electives: Areas of law, behavior, international relations or comparative politics (at 400 level) | 6 | |
| Additional Electives: Selected in consultation with adviser | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 21 | |
Minor Requirements and Notes
- Students should refer to www.ndsu.edu/cjps for information regarding application for minor.
- A minimum of 8 credits must be taken at NDSU.
- To apply, a student must have completed a minimum of 36 credit hours upon application.
- To apply, a student must have achieved a minimum GPA of 2.75 in all coursework.
- Complete the 12 credit core with an average GPA of 3.0 or better.
- Failure to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 in the minor courses for political science will result in an academic warning issued from the department for the first violation. Students will receive notification of this warning at their NDSU email address. If the GPA falls below 3.00 for a second semester in the minor POLS courses, the student will be administratively removed from the program.
