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.

UMass Amherst to host MA Appellate Court: Students Invited to Attend

MA Appellate Court at UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst is once again hosting the state Appeals Court on campus as they hear 6 oral arguments. The Appeals Court is a court of general appellate jurisdiction, which means that the justices review …

By Rebecca Bell
Rebecca Bell Associate Director of Career and Professional Development for SBS Rebecca Bell
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Get the most out of the new SBS Pathways website by selecting your preferences!

We encourage you to explore the variety of content areas on our new SBS Pathways website, whether exploring academics, checking out our various Career Communities to learn all about different industries, learning about our Signature Programs like the Academic Fellows …

By Carol Sharick
Carol Sharick Director of Career and Professional Development for Undergraduates, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Carol Sharick
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#WhySBS Contest – Get creative and give us your best tagline!

We’re seeking taglines and descriptions of why SBS / the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences is such a great place, and why incoming students should want to come join us and one of our majors!
Prizes will be offered to …
By Carol Sharick
Carol Sharick Director of Career and Professional Development for Undergraduates, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Carol Sharick
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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.

  • First Destination
  • Top Employers
  • Starting Salary
  • 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.

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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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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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Recent Posts

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UMass Amherst to host MA Appellate Court: Students Invited to Attend

Seek your pathways

Get the most out of the new SBS Pathways website by selecting your preferences!

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#WhySBS Contest – Get creative and give us your best tagline!

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All my friends say…

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Hot Tip: You Have Free Access to Microsoft Office through UMass

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SBS in DC Info Sessions & Office Hours!

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