Social Thought & Political Economy (STPEC)

The Social Thought and Political Economy Program (STPEC) is an interdisciplinary undergraduate major in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. The only program of its kind in New England, it is designed for students who want a challenging major that will help them understand the world and work towards changing it. The program draws on courses from a variety of departments in the social sciences and humanities, including Afro-American Studies, Anthropology, Communication, Economics, History, Legal Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology, and Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies.

Work in the SBS Pathways Center next year!

We’re hiring, and we’re looking for SBS majors like you to join our team for the fall and spring. These jobs are posted in Handshake. Click the links below for more information about the positions. Come join our SBS Pathways …

By Carol Sharick
Carol Sharick Exec. Director of Career and Professional Development, SBS
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New Salary Tool for UMass SBS Students: Labor Market Insights

The SBS Pathways Center is excited to share our newest resource for students with the introduction of our Labor Market Insights module.  In our virtual career center this tool will allow you to both explore and prepare for a potential …

By Emily Schuett
Emily Schuett
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It’s the SBS Career Cafe! Your One Stop Shop for career preparation.

Wednesday March 4th, 1-3:30pm at the Pathways Center and Thompson Hall Lobby

Join us at the SBS Career Café ☕ — an interactive experience designed to help you take your next career step!

Explore four zones focused on your growth:

✨ Bonus: The …

By Carol Sharick
Carol Sharick Exec. Director of Career and Professional Development, SBS
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Labor Market InsightsIn partnership withLightcast logo

Explore occupations by career categories and pathways and use real time labor market data to power your decision making.

Type in a keyword to select a relevant 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
  • 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.

Featured Alumni

Erin Buechele’19, STPEC

Alumni
  • Boston, MA
  • Relational Organizing Coordinator Massachusetts Democratic Party
Meet Erin

Ella Khorov’19, STPEC & Communication

Alumni
  • Washington, DC
  • Senior Policy Advisor Office of U.S. Congressman Tony Cardenas
Meet Ella
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Featured Resources

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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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