Welcome to the Government / Public Policy / International Relations Community
Students who are interested in how governments work and how policy decisions are made, as well as students who want to make a positive contribution to society through public service, may find their niche in Government, Politics and Public Policy, and International Relations. From elected office to the campaign work that happens behind the scenes, from lobbying for large corporations and advocating for social issues to research and strategy, there is something for everyone who wants to be involved in, very broadly, the way countries are run.
Sample Classes
Depending on your main area of interest, your academic pathway will shift. To explore this field, you can take courses that will provide you with knowledge and skills in:
- Analytical & Critical thinking
- Oral & Written Communication skills
- Teamwork
- Creative Problem Solving
In the Relevant Courses section below are a few examples of relevant SBS courses, but we urge you to talk to your major/departmental advisor and explore available courses in SPIRE. Remember not to constrain yourself to classes within your major. Check SPIRE for full course descriptions and availability. These are abbreviated descriptions, and details may change at the discretion of the instructor. Courses may not be offered every semester.
Also in this section are some relevant non-academic Linkedin Learning courses that you can take for free, compliments of UMass.