The Department of Political Science is able to place students in state and national government where they can experience first-hand the functioning of government. The department has available a professional-degree program, whereby students can prepare for careers in government service and in management with political party organizations. To assist students in preparing for such careers, internships have been established. In a study of Graduate Record Examination scores, it was found that of all the social sciences, students of political science scored highest on the verbal ability test. Teaching assistantships also are available.
Political science provides an analytical and substantive background relevant to the study of law.
The department offers a special program of pre-law advisement. Students considering law may participate in the Student Advocate Program, which is a body of student advisers capable of assisting other students in dealing with the problems of apartment rentals, medical and auto insurance claims, traffic citations and consumer complaints. The student advocates also offer referral information regarding the local Small Claims' Court, Legal Aid Office and Lawyer Referral Service. The law profession in Fargo-Moorhead makes possible the observation of about 100 lawyers. The Department of Political Science cooperates with other departments to offer law enforcement training to students interested in entering the field and in continuing education for law enforcement officials.