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.

Connect UMass First-Generation Students and Alumni Group Launch

Published on November 1, 2021

UMass is creating a way for current first-generation students to connect with first-generation alums through Connect UMass.

Join us on Wednesday, November 10th at 4pm via Zoom to launch this project. For more information, watch this video.

 

By Adrian Grace
Adrian Grace Director of Undergraduate Advising
Send Email
Read more

How I Chose My Major: Peer Advising Intern Kaego NDIweka

Published on October 27, 2021

As I am about a month into my senior year and finishing all my Political Science requirements this semester, I think back to how much I changed from my freshman year to now. It has been a long and interesting …

By Kaego NDIweka
Kaego NDIweka SBS Peer Advising Intern
Send Email
Read more

Short-term Paid Project Work with Paragon One – Skill/Resume Builders

Published on October 19, 2021

Has it been tough to gain experience and hence, build your resume during the pandemic?  Here’s a great way to get some experience and differentiate yourself.

Paragon One partners with employers to offer paid “externships” to students.  Externships are a …

By Carol Sharick
Carol Sharick Director of Career and Professional Development for Undergraduates, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Send Email
Read more

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 >
View All People

Featured Resources

View More

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…
Learn More
View All Classes

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…
Learn More
View All Courses

Research Opportunities

View More

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 2023 was 80%, 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.