Political Science
Political science is the study of politics, public policy, government and related topics. This includes the investigation of political behavior, 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.
The Program
The political science program at North Dakota State University offers a number of avenues for the study of government. The curriculum in political science ensures that students graduate with a solid knowledge of key political science subfields, including American government and institutions, the legal system and Constitutional law, international relations, and comparative politics. In addition to the many course offerings available at NDSU, students can draw upon many additional courses through Tri-College University (a consortium of NDSU, North Dakota State College of Science, Minnesota State Community and Technical College, Minnesota State University Moorhead and Concordia College). The urban center of Fargo-Moorhead enables students to observe and participate in metropolitan judicial and governmental affairs.
Internship/Field Experience
The Department of Criminal Justice and Political Science has been very successful in helping students secure internships in local, state, and federal agencies where they can experience first-hand the functioning of government. NDSU students also regularly serve as interns for elected officials from North Dakota and Minnesota.
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 in 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 careers.Political science students also regularly go on to attend law school and then pursue a legal profession. NDSU political science students have attended law schools such 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. Still other NDSU political science students may elect to go on for graduate study in political science, public policy, or public administration and pursue advanced careers in public administration, regional planning, as researchers at think tanks, or as academicians.
Extra-Curricular Activities
The Department of Criminal Justice and Political Science works closely with the Pre-Law Club, which is designed to provide students with information about law schools, entrance examinations and career opportunities in the field of law.
The Faculty
- Jeffrey Bumgarner, Professor and Department Head, Ph.D.,
2000, University of Minnesota - Thomas Ambrosio, Professor, Ph.D.,
2000, University of Virginia - Nicholas Bauroth, Professor, Ph.D.,
2003, Loyola University - Ethan Boldt, Assistant Professor, Ph.D.,
2019, University of Georgia - Kjersten Nelson, Associate Professor, Ph.D.,
2009, University of Minnesota - Daniel Pemstein, Associate Professor, Ph.D.,
2010, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Political Science Plan of Study
Please note this is a sample plan of study and not an official curriculum. Actual student schedules for each semester will vary depending on start year, education goals, applicable transfer credit, and course availability. Students are encouraged to work with their academic advisor on a regular basis to review degree progress and customize an individual plan of study.
First Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
POLS 110 or 115 Introduction to Political Science or | 3 | POLS 220 or 225 International Politics or Comparative Politics | 3 |
MATH 104 or 103 Finite Mathematics or College Algebra | 3 | Gen Ed Humanities & Fine Arts | 3 |
ENGL 110 College Composition I | 4 | ENGL 120 College Composition II | 3 |
Gen Ed Humanities & Fine Arts/Gen Ed Global Perspectives | 3 | Gen Ed Science & Technology/Gen Ed Cultural Diversity | 3 |
COMM 110 Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 | Minor | 3 |
| 16 |
| 15 |
Second Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
POLS 240 Political Ideologies | 3 | POLS 325 or CJ 325 Applied Research Methods or | 4 |
POLS 200-300 level elective | 3 | AHSS Requirement | 3 |
STAT 330 Introductory Statistics | 3 | Gen Ed Wellness | 3 |
Gen Ed Science & Technology w/Lab | 4 | Minor | 3 |
Minor | 3 | General Elective | 3 |
| 16 |
| 16 |
Third Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
POLS Area 1 | 3 | POLS Area 2 | 3 |
POLS Area 3 | 3 | POLS Area 4 | 3 |
ENGL 320 or 358 Business and Professional Writing or | 3 | Gen Ed Science & Technology | 3 |
Minor | 3 | AHSS Requirement | 3 |
AHSS Requirement | 3 | Minor | 3 |
| 15 |
| 15 |
Fourth Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
POLS elective | 3 | POLS 489 Senior Seminar | 3 |
POLS elective | 3 | Minor | 3 |
Minor | 3 | Minor | 3 |
300-400 level general elective | 3 | 300-400 level general elective | 3 |
300-400 level general elective | 3 |
| |
| 15 |
| 12 |
Total Credits: 120 | |||
View NDSU equivalencies of transfer courses at: www.ndsu.edu/transfer/equivalencies
Putnam Hall
Dept #2316
Putnam Hall is located at 1349 12th Avenue North, Fargo, ND 58102 (Campus Map)
Contact Information
Political Science
NDSU Dept 2315,
PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050
DEPT PHONE: (701) 231-8567
DEPT WEBSITE: www.ndsu.edu/cjps
or
Office of Admission
North Dakota State University
Ceres 114
Dept #5230, PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050
Tel: (701) 231-8643 / Fax: (701) 231-8802
Email: NDSU.Admission@ndsu.edu
Web: www.ndsu.edu/admission/
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