Political Science is the study of politics, policy, and social forces from domestic, international, and comparative perspectives. It is the ongoing examination of social behavior, public and private institutions, international relations, domestic and international law, public policy, and the many varieties of political ideologies. Political Science coursework provides students with an understanding of how government affects their everyday lives while simultaneously developing their communication, critical thinking, and analytic skills.
THE PROGRAM
Political Science prepares you for careers in public service, the legal professions, non-profit organizations, and the private sector. We offer:
- Flexible course loads: Students in our major can focus on those aspects of politics and policy that interests them most
- In-demand skills: Our programs build such skills as written and spoken communications, data analysis, policy evaluation, and legal reasoning.
- Hands-on learning: Our internship program, undergraduate research opportunities, and study abroad programs provide students with multiple ways of acquiring skills and knowledge outside the classroom.
- Community: Student organizations such as the Pre-Law Club and Pi Sigma Alpha help students to connect with peers, build professional networks, and prepare for post-college life.
Experience
Political science offers annual study abroad experiences with recent visits to the British Parliament, the Hague, Italy, and the European Commission. Political science internships provide real-world experiences in government, political parties and campaigns, legal affairs, and public policy. The Upper Midwest Center on Public Policy offers students opportunities to conduct research on politics and public policy.
Career Opportunities
Careers for political science graduates can be found in such areas as law, policy analysis, civil service, interest groups and associations, program administration, local and state government, non-profit organizations, diplomatic service, communications, business, and other critical fields.
Many political science students go on to attend law school and pursue a legal profession. NDSU 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 students have pursued graduate studies in public administration and public policy and gone on to careers in public administration, regional planning, non-profit management, consulting, and academia.
Scholarships
There are a number of scholarships available to students within the Political Science program. Visit the department website for information.
Extra-Curricular Activities
The Department of Political Science & Public Policy works closely with the Pre-Law Club, a student organization for students interested in attending law school. The Club holds regular events, invites lawyers and law school administrators to discuss careers, and provides information about law schools, entrance examinations, and career opportunities.
Accelerated mpp
The Department of Political Science & Public Policy is proud to offer an accelerated Master of Public Policy (MPP) option that allows students to complete a BA/BS in Political Science and an MPP in as little as 5 years.
The Faculty
Faculty in the Department of Political Science and Public Policy have expertise in such areas as state and local governance, law and judicial politics, crime-related policy, international law, the modern digital society, research methodology, and policy analysis. They provide a practice-informed education for NDSU students. We encourage students who want to learn more about the Pre-Law Minor to reach out via email or schedule an appointment using Bison Advise.
Faculty members include:
Dr. Thomas Ambrosio, Professor, Ph.D., 2000, University of Virginia.
Dr. Nicholas Bauroth, Professor, Ph.D., 2003, Loyola University Chicago
Dr. Sarah Boonstoppel, Assistant Professor, Ph.D., 2014, University of Maryland
Dr. Steven Briggs, Associate Professor, Ph.D., 2007, University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Dr. Elizabeth Carlson, Associate Professor, Ph.D., 2011, University of California Los Angeles
Dr. Kjersten Nelson, Professor, Ph.D., 2009, University of Minnesota.
Dr. Daniel Pemstein, Professor, Ph.D., 2010, University of Illinois.
Sample Program Guide
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This guide is not an official curriculum. This guide is a sample four-year degree plan of how students might plan this major with other degree requirements to complete their education in four years.Student plans will vary from this sample due to a variety of factors, such as, but not limited to, start year, education goals, transfer credit, and course availability. To ensure proper degree completion, enrolled students should utilize Degree Map and Schedule Planner in Campus Connection and consult regularly with academic advisors to ensure graduation requirements are being met.
| First Year |
|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|
| POLS 110 or 115 | 3 | POLS 220 or 225 | 3 |
| MATH 104 or 103 | 3 | ENGL 120 | 3 |
| ENGL 110 | 3 | HUM/Fine Arts and Cult Div Gen Ed | 3 |
| COMM 110 | 3 | Science/Tech Gen Ed | 3 |
| HUM/Fine Arts and Glob Persp Gen Ed | 3 | Minor or Elective | 3 |
| | 15 | | 15 |
| Second Year |
|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|
| POLS 240 | 3 | POLS 325 | 3 |
| STAT 330 | 3 | Wellness Gen Ed | 3 |
| POLS 200-300 level elective | 3 | Minor or Elective | 3 |
| Science w/ Lab Gen Ed | 4 | Electives | 6 |
| Minor or Elective | 3 | |
| | 16 | | 15 |
| Third Year |
|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|
| POLS 300-400 Area Elective1 | 3 | POLS 300-400 Area Elective1 | 3 |
| POLS 300-400 Area Elective1 | 3 | POLS 300-400 Area Elective1 | 3 |
| Minor or Elective | 3 | Science/Tech Gen Ed | 3 |
| Upper division Writing | 3 | Minor or Electives | 6 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| | 15 | | 15 |
| Fourth Year |
|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|
| POLS elective | 3 | Electives | 7 |
| POLS elective | 3 | POLS 300-400 Area Elective1 | 3 |
| Minor or Elective | 3 | 300-400 level elective | 3 |
| 300-400 level elective | 4 | |
| 300-400 level elective | 3 | |
| | 16 | | 13 |
| Total Credits: 120 |
