The Department of Political Science and Public Administration provides the most comprehensive undergraduate Political Science major in North Dakota and the state's only undergraduate and graduate programs in Public Administration. The Department is committed to providing quality liberal arts and professional programs that help students develop their ability to think critically, to communicate well, and to become conscientious and productive members of their communities. The Bachelor of Science in Public Administration (BSPA) degree combines a solid liberal arts background with important entry-level skill courses in management, accounting, computer applications, and statistics. The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science emphasizes American politics, but provide a basic understanding of political systems around the world. Political Science examines such questions as what should government do, how should government function, and what should be the role of citizens.

The Department has a strong reputation for teaching, research, and service. It received the University Award for Outstanding Departmental Teaching in 2005. Faculty members have published numerous books and articles, and participate in conferences throughout the world. The Department demonstrates its commitment to students through its accessibility to students, inventiveness in the classroom, willingness to work with students on writing assignments, and service as faculty advisors and advocates to help students prepare for scholarship competitions inside the university and out. Graduates are well prepared for employment in both the public and private sectors, as well as for advanced degree programs in the social sciences as well as law.