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 Undergraduate Advising & Support

We’ve built this webpage to serve as a dynamic hub for semester updates, event information, and useful advising links. The colorful buttons above offer quick links to the Political Science department website where a wealth of detailed program information is housed. Other buttons can connect you to academic, experiential, and career supports. If you have time, it’s worth exploring all of pages of this SBS Pathways website as your interests develop and change. We hope it will play an active role in your student success.

Why take SOC BEHAV 250: College to Careers?

Published on April 8, 2024

Earn Credit & De-Stress Your Career Planning!

Learn: How To Get Internships And Jobs
Build: Your Network
Create: a Polished Resume, Cover letter & LinkedIn Profile
Get: Expert Advice in a Student-Friendly Setting

Register for this highly useful and popular …

By Carol Sharick
Carol Sharick Director of Career and Professional Development for Undergraduates, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
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Application for Community Scholars Program NOW OPEN

Published on February 22, 2024

Now more than ever, students might be seeking an opportunity to work on issues of social change.  Mounting and intersecting crises are deepening inequality and suffering in the U.S. and across the globe. Thankfully, there are many examples of resistance, …

By Andrea Lydick
Andrea Lydick
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Winter Break Skill Building Program, with SBS Careers

Published on November 15, 2023

Winter break is around the corner and is a long 6+ weeks.  Are you wondering how to use that time?

Your SBS Career team invites you to join us virtually for a structured, self-guided professional skill building program, so you …

By Carol Sharick
Carol Sharick Director of Career and Professional Development for Undergraduates, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
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Sidebar

Featured Alumni

Pamela Eisner Lesch’18, Political Science,

Alumni
  • Washington, DC
  • Congressional Relations Specialist Library of Congress
Meet Pamela >

Jennifer Grayson’92, Political Science

Alumni
  • Washington, DC
  • Child Welfare Program Specialist U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Meet Jennifer >

Fernando Tenesaca’23, Political Science

Alumni
  • Chicago, IL
  • Sales Development Representative Salesforce
Meet Fernando >

Tegan Oliver’23, Political Science

Alumni
  • Washington, DC
  • JD Law Student George Washington School of Law
Meet Tegan >

Hunter Fairchild’23, Political Science

Alumni
  • Washington, DC
  • J.D. student George Washington School of Law
Meet Hunter >

Jole Laguda’23, BDIC and Political Science

Alumni
  • Chicago, IL
  • Dual Language Educator Hamline Elementary School
Meet Jole >

Carlos Pereira’23 Political Science

Alumni
  • Windsor Locks, CT
  • Area Manager Amazon
Meet Carlos >

Jessie Giordano’23 Political Science

Alumni
  • Contract Specialist United States Air Force
Meet Jessie >

Michelle-Kim Cohen’03, Political Science

Alumni
  • Associate General Counsel Cambium Learning Group
Meet Michelle-Kim >

Solomon Bennett

Alumni
  • Washington DC
  • Research Associate Edleman Global Advisory
Meet Solomon >

Carla Montilla

Alumni
  • Washington DC
  • Policy Research Associate Public International Law & Policy Group
Meet Carla >

Will Soltero’19, Political Science & Journalism

Alumni
  • Washington, DC
  • Communications Consultant Fireside Campaigns
Meet Will >
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Featured Resources

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Skill-Building With Linkedin Learning Classes

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

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…
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Relevant Courses

SBS College to Careers – SOCBEHAV 250

SOCBEHAV 250: College to Careers This class is all about YOU. • One credit, highly-participatory course • Learn about yourself…
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Research Opportunities

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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.

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

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.