Political Science

The Department of Political Science at the University of Massachusetts has a strong tradition of providing undergraduate instruction of the highest quality. Whether you are just taking a class or two, or are planning to major in Political Science, you will find that the Department and its faculty are committed to undergraduate teaching and students. We offer a wide range of classes, from lecture-based instruction to smaller seminars, as well as internships and Honors courses. The diversity of the faculty means that the Department is able to offer a broad range of courses every semester.

Undergraduate program options include a Bachelor’s degree, a minor, the International Relations certificate, and the Data Analytics for Public Policy and Legal Studies letter of specialization.

Welcome to the Political Science Community

Majors study political life in the varied contexts in which it occurs—institutions, social movements, power relations, elections, political culture, ideas, and war. The major emphasizes issues central to public life such as democracy, citizenship, participation, inequality, global forces, institutions, and governance. A purpose of the Political Science major is to help educate a reflective and engaged citizenry capable of sharing power and responsibility in a contemporary democracy. The curriculum supports this goal first by developing students’ skills in critical thinking and comprehending complex phenomena. Second, the program emphasizes students’ development of skills in articulating clear, sound, and compelling arguments of their own, based on appropriate evidence, in spoken and written presentation.  Third, the program offers opportunities for acquisition of quantitative, qualitative, and interpretive research skills that are applicable to a broad range of careers and intellectual interests.

Five College Courses Fall 2021

Five College Interchange: Updates to Registration Dates

Pre-registration for Five College courses for Fall 2021 will take place August 2 – 11. During this period, this is a course request period only for open seats in course. Instructors cannot permit students into …

By Adrian Grace
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Last call: Apply for Paid Fall Internships with the new SBS On Campus Internship Program

SBS Students, don’t miss out on this professional development opportunity. Apply by August 1st! 

SBS majors are encouraged to apply for a paid fall internship as part of the exciting new donor funded “SBS On Campus” Internship Program.  Interns …

By Rachel Noto
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SBS in DC Spotlight: Farah Sabir

SBS in DC Spotlight: Farah Sabir

Our SBS in DC cohort with Farah in the middle of the front row

As this summer in DC flies by, I’ve been reflecting on the many people who have made an impact …

By Lizette Sta. Maria
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Research Opportunities

Office of National Scholarships (ONSA)

The Office of National Scholarship Advisement (ONSA) at UMass helps students (and alumni who are not currently in grad school) …

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Political Science: Departmental Honors

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Commonwealth Honors College (CHC)

The CHC provides a diverse community of academically talented students at UMass Amherst with extensive opportunities for analysis, research, professional …

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Undergraduate Research Engagement Program (UREP), Political Science & Legal Studies

UREP is designed to partner advanced undergraduate political science and legal studies majors with faculty for hands-on, one-on-one research experiences.

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Five College Courses Fall 2021

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Last call: Apply for Paid Fall Internships with the new SBS On Campus Internship Program

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SBS in DC Spotlight: Farah Sabir

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Paid Fall Internships with the new SBS On Campus Internship Program – deadlines approaching

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Virtual Student Federal Services Internships – Apply Now!

Screenshot_2021-07-01 SBS in DC Internship Program ( sbs_in_dc) • Instagram photos and videos

Learn more about our SBS in DC interns, and follow their summer adventures on Instagram!

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