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.

Apply to be a SBS RISE Diversity Fellow

Applications due Friday, April 7, 2023.

The SBS Remedying Inequity through Student Engagement (RISE) Program is currently recruiting students who would be interested in serving as a RISE Diversity Fellow through the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences for the …

By Carol Sharick
Carol Sharick Director of Career and Professional Development for Undergraduates, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
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Consider being a First Year Seminar TA in Fall 2023

Have you been looking for opportunities to further your leadership skills? Have you ever thought about trying out teaching? Do you wish someone had helped you figure out SPIRE or told you the best places to study, where to get …

By Carol Sharick
Carol Sharick Director of Career and Professional Development for Undergraduates, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
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Political Science Scholarships Close Soon!

Log into AcademicWorks for the most complete picture of options for you and to apply NOW!

Most Political Science scholarships close March 26. For descriptions log into AcademicWorks, or read here: Political Science Scholarships.

SBS Scholarship Deadline Update

Closing …

By Adrian Grace
Adrian Grace Director of Undergraduate Advising
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Sidebar

Featured Alumni

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 >

Shannon Emmet’19, Political Science & History

Alumni
  • Somerville, MA
  • Legislative Aide MA State Senate Office of State Senator Barry R. Finegold
Meet Shannon >

Jackson Cote’19, Journalism & Political Science

Alumni
  • Northampton, MA
  • Breaking/Trending News Reporter MassLive
Meet Jackson >

Trace Dodge’19, Economics & Political Science

Alumni
  • Washington, DC
  • Director's Financial Analyst Rotational Program Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Meet Trace >

Stefanie Costa Leabo’10, Political Science

Alumni
  • Boston, MA
  • Chief Data Officer City of Boston
Meet Stefanie >
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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

Media Relations Foundations

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

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 2020 was 60%, 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.