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.

SBS Pathways Proud! Rising Researcher Claire Healy’21, PoliSci, working to bring about global peace and understanding

In her first year at UMass, Claire Healy had a grand vision. What if there was an international, multilingual magazine that could create community among young people across borders? The magazine would publish poets, writers, artists, and journalists and its …

By Carol Sharick
Carol Sharick Exec. Director of Career and Professional Development, SBS
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10 Jobs That Are Fantastic for Political Science Majors (You Don’t Have to Work in Politics!)

It might seem like a political science undergraduate degree would prepare you primarily for a career in politics. However, there are four million professionals with poli sci degrees—and their jobs range from attorneys to social workers to financial analysts. If …

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Advice from an Alum: So it’s the end of the semester….

Finals are approaching.

In a perfect world, you have been organized, created a schedule, set achievable goals, studied a little every evening, attended office hours, and found time to exercise, sleep, and socialize.

Or, like I often found myself guilty …

By Samantha La Penna, Class of 2018, Legal Studies & English
Samantha La Penna, Class of 2018, Legal Studies & English Class of 2018, Legal Studies & English
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Explore occupations by career categories and pathways and use real time labor market data to power your decision making.

First, choose an industry of interest, then filter for occupation. (If you'd like to see data for a specific location only, filter by state.)

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 2025 was 71%, 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 2025 was 71%, though knowledge rate varies among departments.

  • First Destination
  • Top Employers
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  • 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.

Featured Alumni

Ayla Thorntona’20, Political Science & Spanish, Masters in Public Policy

Alumni
  • Legislative Director Senator Sal DiDomencio, Massachusetts State Senate
Meet Ayla

Abigail Keagle’23 Political Science and Math

Alumni
  • Washington DC
  • Data Science Associate MITRE
Meet Abigail

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’22 Political Science

Alumni
  • Washington DC
  • Research Associate Edleman Global Advisory
Meet Solomon
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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 Pathways Careers Courses

SBS Pathways Careers Courses SOC BEHAV 250: College to CareersSOC BEHAV 490C: Pathways to Career Success SOC BEHAV 490C: Pathways…
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Research Opportunities

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