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.

What is the Pathways Program on usajobs.gov?

Published on March 31, 2021

If you’re a current student or recent graduate, you may be eligible for federal internships and job opportunities through the Pathways and other student programs. The Pathways Program offers federal internship and employment opportunities for current students, recent graduates and …

By Rebecca Bell
Rebecca Bell Career and Professional Development for SBS
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How to Become a Change Agent

Published on March 31, 2021

Organizations can benefit from “change agents”—people who rethink, redesign, and restructure the way things work from within. Whether they reimagine entire programs or introduce new systems and technologies, change agents cultivate bottom-up problem solving and informal leadership at their organizations.

This description of a …

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CESL Community Scholars Program Seeking Applicants

Published on March 23, 2021

The Community Scholars Program (CSP) is a two-year academic civic engagement and leadership program that works in collaboration with community organizations to advocate for a more just world. Working with community groups throughout western Massachusetts, CSP students develop meaningful social change projects …

By Adrian Grace
Adrian Grace Director of Undergraduate Advising
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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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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 2024 was 51.3%, 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.