Skip to content Skip to main nav

Search Keywords

Guests
Log in
Sign up

College of Social & Behavioral Sciences

Make an Appointment

Prospective Students

Seek Your Pathways
Explore Academics
Explore Careers
Our Diverse Communities
Post-Grad Planning
Who We Serve
How do I?

Government / Public Policy / International Relations

Are you interested in a career in public service? Jobs in the Local, State or Federal Government, or the many agencies, organizations or multilateral institutions that influence them, offer a wide range of options to apply your skills and explore your interests in all types of roles in the United States and abroad.

RELEVANT COURSES
FEATURED RESOURCES
ADVISORS
ADVISORS
CAREER OUTCOMES
FEATURED CLASSES AND ELECTIVES
FACULTY SPOTLIGHTS
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
SUCCESS STORIES
RESOURCES
VIDEOS
EVENTS
MENTORS
JOB + INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
JOB + INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
JOB + INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
EXPERIENTIAL OPPORTUNITIES

Skip filter options to posts

Featured Articles

Clear

Filter Controls

Academic Success Tips Alumni Highlights Employer Spotlights Faculty Highlights Front Page News Guest Blog Hot Jobs & Internships Peer Advisors' Corner Professional Advice Program Promotion Recent News Student Stories

Clear Filters

Kabir Thatte ’16 is following the drumbeat of politics

Share This: Share Kabir Thatte ’16 is following the drumbeat of politics on Facebook Share Kabir Thatte ’16 is following the drumbeat of politics on LinkedIn Share Kabir Thatte ’16 is following the drumbeat of politics on Twitter

“Back in 2012 when I was trying to decide between majors, I was caught in between this huge web of do I go into sciences, do I go into liberal arts? And as I went through college, I loved political …

By Alli Faust

Alli Faust Product Manager

Send Email

« Previous page Page 1 … Page 22 Page 23 Page 24

Sidebar

Follow This Community

Featured Jobs + Internships

Research Associate
Environmental Law Institute
Financial Management Intern
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Office of Economic Empowerment Intern | 2024 Treasury Summer Internship Program
Office of the Massachusetts State Treasurer and Receiver General
Arts Marketing and Development Internship
City of Frederick
Immigrant Affairs Coordinator - Dec. Grads
New York County District Attorney's Office
Research Assistant/Research Associate, Inclusive Economy - Dec. Grads
The Center for American Progress
Case Specialist - Falmouth District Court
Massachusetts Trial Court
Education Internship - Spring 2024
United Nations Association of Greater Boston

See More

Featured Alumni

Sybelle Etienne’21 – Managerial Economics
Grants and Fiscal Compliance Associate, Massachusetts Service Alliance
MA, Boston

Learn more from Sybelle

Sana Shah’18, Managerial Economics
Financial Systems Analyst, Federal Reserve Board
Washington, DC

Learn more from Sana

Caitlyn Arnold’17, Sociology
Admissions Manager, The School for Field Studies
Beverly, MA

Learn more from Caitlyn

Annaly Monteiro-Serena’19, Legal Studies
AmeriCorps Legal Advocate, Cambridge & Somerville Legal Services
Boston, MA

Learn more from Annaly

Wilson Darbin’20, Sustainable Community Development
Project Manager, City of Springfield Office of Planning and Economic Development
Springfield, MA

Learn more from Wilson

Solomon Bennett
Research Associate, Edleman Global Advisory
Washington DC

Learn more from Solomon

Carla Montilla
Policy Research Associate, Public International Law & Policy Group
Washington DC

Learn more from Carla

Erin Buechele’19, STPEC
Relational Organizing Coordinator, Massachusetts Democratic Party
Boston, MA

Learn more from Erin

Ella Khorov’19, STPEC & Communication
Legislative Health Fellow, Office of U.S. Congressman Tony Cardenas
Washington, DC

Learn more from Ella

Lindsey McCauley’18, Resource Economics
Capital Budget Director, Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation

Learn more from Lindsey

Will Soltero’19, Political Science & Journalism
Communications Consultant, Fireside Campaigns
Washington, DC

Learn more from Will

Shannon Emmet’19, Political Science & History
Legislative Aide, MA State Senate Office of State Senator Barry R. Finegold
Somerville, MA

Learn more from Shannon

Virtual Job Simulations

Forage helps you bridge the gap between the classroom and the world of work. Find your career fit and showcase your skills by completing these virtual job simulations with top global companies. Get started today!

						
									Death Penalty Law and Advocacy											Experience with Capital Punishment Justice Project
																					Capital Punishment Justice Project
																		
									Getting Ready to Join the Workforce											Experience with Standard Bank
																					Standard Bank
																		
									UK Public Service											Experience with Transform Society
																					Transform Society
																		
									Careers in Government											Experience with NSW Government Virtual Program
																					NSW Government Virtual Program
																		
									StartUps for Smarter Cities											Experience with Sydney School of Entrepreneurship
										(external link)											Sydney School of Entrepreneurship
																		
									Professional Skills Development											Experience with Two Sigma
																					Two Sigma

View All Experiences

Relevant SBS Courses

Your major does not necessarily have to be in direct line with your career! Sociology majors can work in the business sector. Economics majors can work in government. Poli Sci majors can work on Wall Street. Many SBS departments offer courses relevant to various career paths. Here is a very small sampling of courses relevant to this industry from across the majors. Please speak with your academic advisor to explore all available courses, and remember that you need not constrain yourself to courses within your major. Study what is interesting to you!

POLISCI 121: World Politics

POLISCI 121: World Politics: Introduction to the principles and practices of international relations in the political, military, economic, and environmental realms.…

ANTHRO 104 – Culture, Society and People

ANTHRO 104 – Culture, Society and People: The nature of culture and its role in creating forms of social, economic,…

SOCIOL 224 – Social Class & Inequality

SOCIOL 224 – Social Class & Inequality: The nature of social classes in society from the viewpoint of differences in economic…

LEGAL 375 – Human Rights and Wrongs

LEGAL 375 – Human Rights and Wrongs: Introduction to humanitarian law. Topics include theory and history of international human rights law,…

SOCIOL 386 – Complex Organizations

SOCIOL 386 – Complex Organizations: The significance of large, complex organizations like schools, hospitals, businesses, religions and government. How such organizations…

COMM 387 – Media, PR, and Propaganda

COMM 387 – Media, PR, and Propaganda: The historical roots of the PR industry in government propaganda efforts; the contemporary influence of…

RESECON 121 – Hunger in the Global Economy

RESECON 121 – Hunger in the Global Economy: Explores the causes of hunger (chronic under nutrition) from an economic perspective. Focus on…

COMM 250 – Interpersonal Communication

COMM 250 – Interpersonal Communication: This course introduces non-majors to a variety of competing theories of interpersonal behavior and everyday social…

ECON 366 – Economic Development

ECON 366 – Economic Development: Theories of economic growth applied to Third World countries. Classical and Neoclassical economic theories and…

COMM 260 – Public Speaking

COMM 260 – Public Speaking: Practical communication in one-to-group contexts. Theoretical bases for structuring and presenting public speeches.

POLISCI 253H – Int’l Environmental Policy & Politics

POLISCI 253H – Int’l Environmental Policy & Politics: Focus on the social, political, and economic factors causing environmental threats and by…

JOURNAL 310: Going Global; Changes in International Journalism

JOURNAL 310: Going Global; Changes in International Journalism: This course explores the challenges and issues facing journalists covering global affairs. Students…

LABOR 204 – Labor and the Global Economy

LABOR 204 – Labor and the Global Economy: Learn about globalization and its impact on workers in the U.S. and internationally,…

POLISCI 171 – Intro to Political Theory

POLISCI 171 – Intro to Political Theory: Introduction to the Western tradition of political theory; focus on particular problems and…

POLISCI 228 – Weighing the Evidence

POLISCI 228 – Weighing the Evidence: What are the likely effects of proposed social policies? Should an environmental pollutant be…

SUSTCOMM 125 – Global Cities & Global Issues

SUSTCOMM 125 – Global Cities & Global Issues: Cities are dynamic organisms whose inhabitants require food, water, shelter, safety, commerce, leadership,…

LEGAL 494DI – Environmental & Public Policy Dispute Resolution

LEGAL 494DI – Environmental & Public Policy Dispute Resolution: This course examines multiparty disputes involving topics such as land use management,…

LEGAL 293 – Race, Citizen, and the American Constitution

LEGAL 293 – Race, Citizen, and the American Constitution: The role that law and courts have played in shaping, defining, and constructing…

POLISCI 391 MP – Media & Politics

POLISCI 391 MP – Media & Politics: From the power of the political pamphlet and partisan press in the 18th century…

POLISCI 280 – Public Policy

POLISCI 280 – Public Policy: Focus on how public policies are made in the U.S., including the role of citizens, interest…

View All Classes

Skill-Building With Linkedin Learning Classes

See below for skill-building classes – visit LinkedIn Learning for more.

The Core Competencies All Employers Seek

Some skills are universally sought by employers and are essential to a well functioning team. Stand out from the crowd…

Media Relations Foundations

Taught by Jessica Chen

View Jessica’s LinkedIn Newsletter If you want your business to succeed, you need as much brand recognition as you can…

Google Analytics 4 (GA4) Essential Training (2021)

Taught by Corey Koberg

Google Analytics 4 provides the means to track, analyze, and report on the visitors to your site and app—who they…

Learning Data Analytics: 1 Foundations

Taught by Robin Hunt

Are you interested in pursuing a career in data analytics? In this course, instructor Robin Hunt brings you into the…

Excel Essential Training (Microsoft 365) (2018)

Taught by Dennis Taylor

Get up to speed with Microsoft Excel, the world’s most popular spreadsheet program. Follow along with Excel expert Dennis Taylor…

Nonprofit Management Foundations

Taught by Leslie Crutchfield

Thinking about leading a nonprofit organization? Internationally renowned author Leslie Crutchfield provides a primer on nonprofit management and leadership. She…

Emerging Leader Foundations

Taught by Dan Schawbel

View Dan’s LinkedIn Newsletter Taking on a leadership role in the diverse, ever-changing modern workplace can feel both exhilarating and…

Public Speaking Foundations

Taught by Laura Bergells

Develop the skills you need to prepare and deliver an outstanding speech or presentation. In this course, Laura Bergells offers…

Cryptocurrency Foundations (2018)

Taught by Jonathan Reichental

View Jonathan’s LinkedIn Newsletter The digital revolution has impacted almost every aspect of our lives, including the way money is…

Nano Tips for Using Excel with Miss Excel (2021)

Taught by Kat Norton

Welcome to our Nano Tips series, where LinkedIn Learning creators deliver impactful lessons in literally seconds. Here, join Miss Excel…

Learning Bitcoin and Other Cryptocurrencies (2018)

Taught by Tom Geller

Bitcoin is a form of money that only exists online. While it’s making headlines around the world, many people don’t…

Blockchain Basics

Taught by Jonathan Reichental

View Jonathan’s LinkedIn Newsletter Blockchain technology demands attention. And it’s not just due to the way it revolutionized monetary transactions.…

Artificial Intelligence Foundations: Machine Learning (2018)

Taught by Doug Rose

Machine learning is one of the liveliest areas in artificial intelligence. Machine learning algorithms allow computers to learn new things…

Tableau Essential Training (2021)

Taught by Curt Frye

Tableau is a powerful and versatile data analytics and visualization tool that many consider indispensable for data science work. Its…

Cert Prep: PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)®

Taught by Kelley O'Connell

The agile approach to project management can help companies respond faster and more effectively to change. As a result, having…

Excel: PivotTables for Beginners

Taught by Dave Ludwig

PivotTables don’t have to be scary! This powerful Excel feature cuts the time you spend on formulas in half. In…

Creating a Business Plan

Taught by Mike Figliuolo

Looking to build a business or expand one you’re already running? You’ll need to build a business plan before you…

Data Science & Analytics Career Paths & Certifications: First Steps

Taught by Jungwoo Ryoo

The career opportunities in data science, big data, and data analytics are growing dramatically. If you’re interested in changing career…

PowerPoint: Designing Better Slides (2017)

Taught by Heather Ackmann

Designed for non-designers, this course introduces average business professionals to key design components and requirements for purposeful PowerPoint slide design.…

How to Be More Inclusive

Taught by Madecraft

Creating an inclusive workplace, where every employee feels welcomed, valued, respected, and heard, requires both structural change to your company…

View All Classes

Explore Outcomes

The SBS Office of Career & Professional Development annually surveys graduating seniors in order to provide a snapshot of their post-graduation plans. The survey begins just prior to graduation, and continues until six months after graduation. Our data collection process is guided by the industry standard put forth by the National Association of Colleges & Employers, and includes information collected by the SBS Office of Career & Professional Development, the Office of Institutional Research at UMass Amherst, and by various academic departments, as well as from information that is made publicly available by students. The SBS undergraduate outcomes knowledge rate for 2022 was 70%, though knowledge rate varies among departments.

Class

All Academic Divisions/Schools

All Programs/Majors

Toggle charts

The SBS Office of Career & Professional Development annually surveys graduating seniors in order to provide a snapshot of their post-graduation plans. The survey begins just prior to graduation, and continues until six months after graduation. Our data collection process is guided by the industry standard put forth by the National Association of Colleges & Employers, and includes information collected by the SBS Office of Career & Professional Development, the Office of Institutional Research at UMass Amherst, and by various academic departments, as well as from information that is made publicly available by students. The SBS undergraduate outcomes knowledge rate for 2022 was 70%, though knowledge rate varies among departments.

First Destination
Top Employers
Starting Salary
Job Titles
Employment Locations
Top Universities
Degree Types
Fields of Study

Select data point

First Destination

SBS graduates pursue a range of plans after graduation, including employment, continuing education, and volunteering/service, among others. This graph depicts what recent SBS graduates tell us they are doing within six months after graduation.

Top Employers

Students in the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences at UMass Amherst build the skills employers seek, such as critical and analytical thinking, creative problem solving, communication, cultural awareness, and more. This makes our students highly attractive candidates for a wide variety of roles with an even wider range of employers and industries. The list of employers featured here is based on information reported by students or employers to SBS, or employment data that is made publicly available by students. The list is formulated based on the most-commonly reported hiring employers. Generally, the first ten on the list have hired multiple students, and after that, employers who have hired at least one SBS grad are listed in alphabetical order. Survey data indicated that a minimum of 330+ distinct employers hired UMass students in 2022.

Starting Salary

Starting salary data is self-reported by the new graduates and is not a required field on the survey, so this data is incomplete with regard to salary ranges. Keep in mind that salaries for volunteer/service roles are, by their nature, low, and skew the averages lower. There are also students making significantly more than the average. Both cost of living (based on geographic location), and chosen industry have a significant impact on starting salaries. These data do not include information on benefits such as health insurance, tuition reimbursement, bonuses, and other important factors in a student's employment decision making process.

Job Titles

Employment Locations

A majority of students in the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences, as with the University as a whole, are residents of Massachusetts. While the majority of our graduates choose to stay in Massachusetts for their first post-graduate jobs, many others accept positions all across the country, and around the world. Common first destination locations are Washington, D.C., New York City, California, and the other New England states.

United States

World

Top Universities

The list below provides a look at the most-commonly reported graduate schools in which SBS graduates are enrolled. While many SBS graduates choose to stay at UMass Amherst for their graduate education, many others attend universities across the country and around the world.

Degree Types

Fields of Study

The variety of fields of study selected by SBS graduates is a good indication of their diverse interests, and their desire to both expand and deepen their understanding of their area of interest.

We don’t have enough student data to show you these results.

Professionals In-Residence / Industry Experts

Cristina Sunkel

Professionals In-Residence / Industry Experts

Share This: Share Cristina Sunkel on Facebook Share Cristina Sunkel on LinkedIn Share Cristina Sunkel on Twitter

Washington, DC
Independent Consultant

Learn more from Cristina >

Experiential Opportunities

SBS in Boston – Boston-based credited internship program during the semester Experience with UMass Amherst: Mt. Ida Campus

SBS Shadows – Spend a Day With an Alum in their Workplace Over Winter Break

View More

Student Success Stories

SBS in Boston Student Spotlight: UMass SBS Political Science major Ava Jolie Femia’24

My SBS in DC Experience: Abby Keagle

Why apply to SBS in DC: What I learned

A Look Back at My SBS in DC Experience: Lizette Sta. Maria

How I Chose My Major: Peer Advising Intern Tamar Stollman

View More

Featured Resources

Skip filter options to posts

Clear

Filter Controls

Resource Categories:Academic Skill Development Academics & Course Registration Academics & Emergencies Career Exploration Experience UMass Experiential Learning Financial Forms & Petitions How-to Guides Internship Credit Process Job & Internship Search Major Declaration Make a Difference Professional Resources Research Scholarship & Awards Self-Assessment Wellbeing

Clear Filters

What Can I Do With This Major?Share This: Share What Can I Do With This Major? on FacebookShare What Can I Do With This Major? on LinkedInShare What Can I Do With This Major? on Twitter
Whether you are exploring multiple majors or searching for information about your chosen field, this site will help you connect …

						Read More
						
Focus2: Self-Assessment & Career Planning SolutionsShare This: Share Focus2: Self-Assessment & Career Planning Solutions on FacebookShare Focus2: Self-Assessment & Career Planning Solutions on LinkedInShare Focus2: Self-Assessment & Career Planning Solutions on Twitter
Focus2 is an online assessment system that will help you develop a picture of your personal strengths, interests, needs, and …

						Read More
						
O*Net Interest ProfilerShare This: Share O*Net Interest Profiler on FacebookShare O*Net Interest Profiler on LinkedInShare O*Net Interest Profiler on Twitter
Figure out what your interests are and how they relate to the world of work. This tool helps you decide …

						Read More
						
Informational Interviewing GuideShare This: Share Informational Interviewing Guide on FacebookShare Informational Interviewing Guide on LinkedInShare Informational Interviewing Guide on Twitter
An informational interview is a great way to build on your job-related Internet research by learning about the ins and …

						Read More
						
HandshakeShare This: Share Handshake on FacebookShare Handshake on LinkedInShare Handshake on Twitter
UMass students use Handshake, the leading career platform used at over 1000 colleges and more than 500,000 employers. Used by …

						Read More
						
Networking How-To GuideShare This: Share Networking How-To Guide on FacebookShare Networking How-To Guide on LinkedInShare Networking How-To Guide on Twitter
Networking does not have to be scary or intimidating! Learn how to best use your curiosity and career goals to …

						Read More
						
Idealist.orgShare This: Share Idealist.org on FacebookShare Idealist.org on LinkedInShare Idealist.org on Twitter
Idealist is a nonprofit organization based in New York. Working with others, in a spirit of generosity and mutual respect, …

						Read More
						
Opportunities in Public AffairsShare This: Share Opportunities in Public Affairs on FacebookShare Opportunities in Public Affairs on LinkedInShare Opportunities in Public Affairs on Twitter
www.OPAJobs.com is the #1 source of jobs in Public Affairs, Government Affairs, Policy, Public Relations and Communications in the DC …

						Read More
						
USA JobsShare This: Share USA Jobs on FacebookShare USA Jobs on LinkedInShare USA Jobs on Twitter
This is where you can look and apply for jobs and internships with the federal government.
https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/students/

						View Resource

View More

Featured Videos

Go to the video

SBS in DC 2021

Go to the video

Angele Noel: A Day in My Life as a Legislative Intern

Go to the video

Exploring the Resource Economics major

Go to the video

Stefanie Costa Leabo’10, Political Science, Chief Data Officer, City of Boston

Go to the video

Natalie Amazan’20, Legal Studies Senior Class Speaker

Go to the video

The B-Corporation Model – Using Business as a Force for Good

View More

UMass Amherst College of Social & Behavioral Sciences
SBS Pathways Center

Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube

128 Thompson Hall
200 Hicks Way
Amherst, MA 01003
(413) 577-1057
sbsadvising@sbs.umass.edu

Privacy Policy | Terms of Service

			Copyright © 2023 UMass Amherst College of Social & Behavioral Sciences