The Political Science Department has three major objectives:

First, the department provides students with a traditional liberal arts education. The department's offerings in the university-wide liberal studies program create an awareness and understanding of national and international political processes.

Second, the department's professional and pre-professional programs in the fields of political science, law, public administration and education facilitate the development of talented and ethical leaders and educators.

Third, the department's faculty and students study and assist in the resolution of political and administrative problems in the local community, the Upper Peninsula region and the state.