Political Science

The political science major or minor will prepare you for a variety of careers in public service, legal professions, non-profit organizations, and business.

• Flexible course offerings: Students in our majors focus on the aspects of politics, policy, and law that most interest them, while obtaining breadth of knowledge across the field.
• In-demand skills: Our programs build skills that are in demand across the job market, focusing on written and spoken communication, data analysis, policy evaluation, and legal reasoning. Typical earnings for holders of bachelor's degrees in political science or public policy are the second-highest across all majors in the arts, biology and life sciences, education, humanities, social sciences, law and public policy, and are comparable to earnings of bachelor's degree holders in the physical sciences.
• Hands-on learning: Our internship program, undergraduate research opportunities, and study abroad programs provide students with multiple ways to acquire skills and knowledge outside the classroom.
• Community: Student organizations like the Pre-Law Club and Pi Sigma Alpha help students to connect with peers, build professional networks, and prepare for post-college life.

The Program

Political science is the study of politics, public policy, and government. This includes the investigation of political behavior, institutions, international relations, law, and political values. The coursework in political science provides students with knowledge and understanding of how government and politics affect their everyday lives and ultimately prepares students for careers in a variety of politics- or government-related professions, as well as a wide swath of careers in business and non-profit organizations that require strong communication, critical thinking, and data analysis skills.

Experience

Political science offers annual study abroad experiences. Recent programs have taken students to the British Parliament, the Hague, and the European Commission. Political science internships provide hands-on experience in government, political parties and campaigns, legal offices or private organizations engaged in politics or public policy. The Upper Midwest Public Policy Institute offers students opportunities to conduct research about politics and public policy.

Career Opportunities

The types of jobs available to 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.

Scholarships

Scholarships specifically available to students enrolled in Department of Political Science & Public Policy programs who excel in academics and who have demonstrated career potential. Applications are due by March 1. Visit the department website for details. 

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.

Accelerated mpp

The Department of Political Science & Public Policy is also pleased 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 areas ranging from local governance to global public policy and international relations. We also feature a cluster of scholars focused on law, judicial politics, and crime policy. PSPP faculty draw on internationally recognized research programs and extensive experience as program evaluators and consultants for governments, firms, and non-profits, to provide a cutting edge, and practice-informed, education to NDSU students. We encourage students who want to learn more about the political science major or minor to reach out via email or schedule an appointment.

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.

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Select a minimum of five courses from at least three of the four areas (Areas 1-4)