BA in Government
Northern State University
Key Information
Campus location
Aberdeen, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 28,000 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Aug 2024
* estimated yearly total for international students; USD 17,677 - estimated yearly total for residents
Introduction
NSU's government majors graduate with comprehensive knowledge of the American political system, the philosophy behind the political activity, and the way politics work in a global environment.
In this program, you’ll learn to write and argue concisely and effectively - valuable skills in virtually any career. Most graduates end up in law, government, politics, and business.
The government program combines in-class knowledge with practical experience. Professors stress strong reading and writing skills and the ability to discuss ideas.
At NSU, government study takes place in a student-centered environment, where the course of study is tailored to your individual needs. Small class size allows for a more dynamic learning experience, in which faculty members get to know each student. We place students in the right courses and internships designed to promote success.
Program Outcome
- Students demonstrate the ability to comprehend basic concepts, make connections, and show original thinking. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
- Students combine or synthesize existing ideas, images, or expertise in original ways and experience of thinking, reacting, and working in an imaginative way characterized by a high degree of innovation, divergent thinking, and risk-taking. They effectively communicate disciplinary principles orally and in writing. (Cross-curricular Skill: Critical and Creative Thinking)
- Students show knowledge of the institutions and practices of the American Government and can apply them to current affairs. (Cross-curricular Skill: Civic Knowledge and Engagement)
- Students should show historical and moral imagination and communicate such reasoning in an effective manner. (Cross-curricular Skill: Ethical Reasoning)
- Students will demonstrate the ability to develop a thesis statement and address that thesis in an articulate manner. (Cross-curricular Skill: Problem Solving)
Curriculum
First Year Fall
- IDL 190, Freshman Seminar 2
- ENGL 101, Composition I 3
- POLS 100, American Government 3
- Arts and Humanities Course: Artistic Expression 3
- Natural Science with Lab Course 3-4
First Year Spring
- ENGL 201, Composition II 3
- SPCM 101, Fundamentals of Speech* 3
- MATH 114/L, College Algebra* 3-4
- HIST 121, Western Civilization I 3
- Behavioral/Social Sciences Course 3
Second Year Fall
- HIST 122, Western Civilization II 3
- Introductory or Intermediate Foreign Language 3-4
- PHIL 100, Introduction to Philosophy** 3
- POLS 250, Introduction to International Relations 3
- Elective or Minor Course 3
Second Year Spring
- Arts and Humanities Course: Literature 3
- Natural Science with Lab Course 3-4
- International Relations/Comparative Politics Course 3
- Elective or Minor Course 3
- Elective or Minor Course 3
Third Year Fall
- Political Science Elective Course 3
- Political Philosophy Course 3
- Elective or Minor Course 3
- Elective or Minor Course 3
- Elective or Minor Course 3
Third Year Spring
- POLS 430, Constitutional Law 3
- Political Science Elective Course 3
- Security Studies Course 3
- Elective or Minor Course 3
- Elective or Minor Course 3
Fourth Year Fall
- Political Science Elective Course 3
- Elective or Minor Course 3
- Elective or Minor Course 3
- Elective or Minor Course 3
- Elective or Minor Course 3
Fourth Year Spring
- Advanced American Government Course 3
- Elective or Minor Course 3
- Elective or Minor Course 3
- Elective or Minor Course 3
- Elective or Minor Course 3
*Fulfills a General Education Requirement. Other course options may be available.
**Fulfills a major requirement. Other course options may be available.
***Fulfills a general elective. Other course options may be available.
Suggested Double Majors: Criminal Justice, English, History, and Sociology.
Suggested Minors: Criminal Justice, English, Geography, History, and Sociology.
Career Opportunities
The majority of government graduates with a bachelor's degree work for private, for-profit businesses in sales, marketing, media, upper-level management, and administration. Many are self-employed or work in federal, state, or local government organizations, including legislative and judicial bodies, departments of labor and justice, and local government. Others work as elementary or secondary school teachers.
Potential job titles include community organizer and activist, government executive, legislator, post-secondary teacher, public interest advocate, and public interest lawyer, writer, editor, or public relations specialist.
Internships
NSU government students have interned at the White House and in the U.S. Senate and South Dakota Legislature. Government majors are encouraged to pursue such internships.