Department of Political Science & Public Administration
The Department of Political Science & Public Administration offers a dynamic curriculum to prepare students for graduate studies or careers in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors. Our department offers two undergraduate majors: Political Science and Public Administration, both through the Nistler College of Business & Public Administration.
Our mission is to serve the global, national, state and local community through teaching, research, and service
What is Political Science?
Political Science is so much more than “politics”. The study of Political Science is the study of international, domestic, and comparative perspectives that influence power, politics, and policies. Political scientists get to explore how power is legitimized, how it operates and how it shapes our world. Political Science studies individual and collective values but also how people navigate societies rules and institutions.
Major Subfields of Political Science at UND
- Political theory
- Political ideology
- Political economy
- Policy studies and analysis
- Comparative politics
- International relations
Common Political Science Professions
- Business/Finance
- Public Administration
- International affairs
- Non-governmental organization & non-profits
- Journalism & Media
- Academic Research & Teaching
An Ideal Interdisciplinary Degree
Political Science majors draw on the full educational range of the University of North Dakota. A political science student builds knowledge of the discipline of political science but will also be able to draw on courses in philosophy, history, statistics and economics. Students develop foundational skills in statistics and in a foreign language.
What is Public Affairs?
Public Affairs is the study of how governments, non-profits, and even private individuals work to advance a social mission. It explores administration and management in settings where problems are complex, where there are competing goals and values, and where profit can’t tell us what makes a decision “good”.
Two Public Affairs Tracks at UND
- Public Administration
- Focus on management of government orgs
- Nonprofit Administration
- Focus on administration of nonprofit groups
Where do Public Affairs Professionals Work
- Local, state, federal government agencies
- Non-governmental organizations
- Nonprofit agencies
A Versatile Professional Degree
Public Affairs majors gain competency in many of the same skills as business students (Accounting, Management, and Economics) as well as an understanding of American Political institutions. Students who focus on public administration build additional skills in statistics, research, and the policy process. Students who focus on non-profit administration develop area specific knowledge about issues and problems and how the non-profit sector operates.
Our Programs
Undergraduate Majors
- Political Science (B.A.)
- Public Affairs: Public Administration (B.S.)
- Public Affairs: Non-Profit Administration (B.S.)
Undergraduate Minors
Undergraduate Certificates
Graduate Programs
Graduate Certificates
Combined Bachelor's and Master's Option
This Combined Bachelor's/Master's program allows you to complete a Political Science B.A. or Public Administration B.S. along with a Master of Public Administration (MPA). You are able to complete both degrees in 5 years rather than the typical 6 years needed to complete the two degrees separately.
You could pursue a legal focused undergraduate program and begin taking law classes in your fourth year at UND. Program deateils are available at https://und-public.courseleaf.com/undergraduateacademicinformation/departmentalcoursesprograms/politicalscience/pols-law/
Accelerated Bachelor's to Law Degree (3+3) Option
This Accelerated Bachelor's to Law Degree allows you to complete a Political Science B.A. while getting a jumpstart on law school. You complete both degrees in six years rather than seven — a big savings in time and money.
