Political Science

Political science is the study of politics, policy, and government at the local, state, national, international levels. Our coursework provides students with an understanding of how government and politics affect their everyday lives as well how it can shape their futures. The major prepares students for careers in a variety of political or government-related professions as well as in the private sector and with nonprofits.  

The Program

The Political Science program at NDSU offers a number of avenues for the study of government. Students graduate with an understanding of key political science subfields, such as: American government and institutions; the American legal system and Constitutional law; international relations; and comparative politics. Students focus on those aspects of politics and policy that most interest them, while obtaining a breadth of knowledge across the field. Our programs build skills in terms of communication, data analysis, policy evaluation, and legal reasoning.

Our location in the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area allows students to directly observe and participate in local, state, and federal government affairs.

Students can select the Standard major, which provides a flexible path to a political science degree, or specialize in Pre-Law or Public Policy. These emphases provide programs of study that augment core political science offerings with relevant courses from other disciplines.

Internship/Field Experience

The Department of Political Science & Public Policy has been quite successful in helping students secure internships in local, state, and federal agencies where they can experience first-hand the functioning of government. Students regularly serve as interns for elected officials from North Dakota and Minnesota. In addition, students can intern in political campaigns for local, state, and federal offices.

Career Opportunities

One out of five persons in the United States today is employed by some level of government. The expansion of the public sector has created a vital need for thoughtful and active people who are professionally trained in government and political science. The type of jobs available to NDSU political science graduates include policy analyst, budget analyst, lobbyist, legislative aide, state or federal program administration, city/county administration, positions in non-profit organizations, diplomatic service, and other related careers. 

Many political science students go on to attend law school and pursue a legal profession. NDSU political science students have graduated from such law schools as the University of North Dakota, the University of Minnesota, the University of Michigan, the University of Washington, Northwestern University, Duke, and George Washington University. Other NDSU political science students may elect to go on to graduate study in political science, public policy, or public administration and pursue advanced careers in public administration, regional planning, and non-profits, or as consultants at think tanks, or as academicians.

Extra-Curricular Activities

The Department of Political Science & Public Policy works closely with the Pre-Law Club, which provides students with information about law schools, entrance examinations and career opportunities in the field of law.

The Faculty

Thomas Ambrosio, Professor, Ph.D., 2000, University of Virginia

Nicholas Bauroth, Professor, Ph.D., 2003, Loyola University -- Chicago

Ethan Boldt, Assistant Professor, Ph.D. 2019, University of Georgia

Sarah Boonstoppel, Assistant Professor, Ph.D., 2014, University of Maryland

Steven Briggs, Associate Professor, Ph.D., 2007, University of Nebraska -- Omaha

Elizabeth Carlson, Assistant Professor Ph.D., 2011, University of California, Los Angeles

Kjersten Nelson, Professor, Ph.D., 2009, University of Minnesota

Daniel Pemstein, Professor, Ph.D., 2010, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Sample Program Guide

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: A Sample Program Guide provides an unofficial guide of program requirements and should be used by prospective students who are considering attending NDSU in the future. It is NOT an official curriculum and should NOT be used by current NDSU students for official degree planning purposes. Note that the official curriculum used by current NDSU students can vary from the Sample Program Guide due to a variety of factors such as, but not limited to, start year, education goals, transfer credit, and course availability.

To ensure proper program completion, enrolled students should utilize Degree Map and Schedule Planner in Campus Connection and consult regularly with their academic advisor to ensure requirements are being met.