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.

Seniors – schedule appointments with us during the summer

The SBS career team is here for you all summer, and we know that many of you have decided to hold off on your job search until after graduation.  You can schedule appointments with us for up to six months …

By Carol Sharick
Carol Sharick Director of Career and Professional Development for Undergraduates, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
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Considering an Incomplete (INC)?

SBS Academic Dean Brousseau-Pereira has this guide to help you think through the decision.

By Adrian Grace
Adrian Grace Director of Undergraduate Advising
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Seniors: What’s next for you?

SBS Seniors – congratulations on your upcoming graduation!  YOU DID IT!  What an accomplishment!  Now it’s time to tell us – what are your plans?

Are you still figuring it out? Let us know!

Have you been accepted to grad …

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

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
Meet Trace >

Stefanie Costa Leabo’10, Political Science

Alumni
Meet Stefanie >
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Featured Resources

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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 2021 was just shy of 60%, 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.