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.

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

Published on September 17, 2021

Google docs are nice, but sheesh – that formatting can be a bear sometimes – especially when you are trying to write a resume.  Things are so much easier with Word!

Do yourself a favor and download Microsoft Office for …

By Carol Sharick
Carol Sharick Director of Career and Professional Development for Undergraduates, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
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The ABCs of Resilience with Ginny Chandler: UMass Dignity and Respect in Action, The Podcast

Published on September 13, 2021

Dr. Genevieve “Ginny” Chandler’s research and work focuses on resilience, which she defines as “recognizing your internal and external supports to manage stress.” She joins UMass Dignity and Respect in Action to talk about her concept of resilience and how …

By Adrian Grace
Adrian Grace Director of Undergraduate Advising
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Why you should apply to SBS in DC

Published on September 9, 2021

This past summer, I had the privilege of participating in the 2021 “SBS in DC” program, completing a Communications and Policy Internship at the Environmental and Energy Study Institute.

Before flying down to D.C. and beginning my internship, I had …

By Irina Costache
Irina Costache Program Fellow
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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
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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
  • Employment Locations
  • Top Universities
  • 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.