University of Massachusetts Boston

What you'll study

The Political Science and Government degree combines foundational courses in political thought, institutions and behaviour with specialised options in American politics, comparative politics, international relations, public policy and political methodology. You will study core topics such as constitutional law, political theory, campaigns and elections, interest groups, urban politics, and public administration.

• Core courses: introductions to political science, research methods, and political theory which develop critical reading, writing and quantitative skills.
• American politics: courses on the U.S. Constitution, Congress and the presidency, state and local government, and public law.
• Comparative and international politics: study of political systems beyond the United States, international organisations, global governance and foreign policy analysis.
• Public policy and administration: policy analysis, budgeting, public management, and urban policy—reflecting UMass Boston's urban context.
• Methods and data: classes in qualitative and quantitative research methods, statistics for social science, and applied policy evaluation.
• Capstone and electives: a senior capstone or thesis option and electives that allow for concentration in areas such as race and politics, immigration, environmental policy, or security studies.

Students have opportunities for experiential learning through internships with local, state and federal government offices, community organisations and policy think-tanks, as well as research projects with faculty.

Entry requirements

Admission to the Bachelor programme is based on secondary school academic records and other supporting materials. Typical requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent, a competitive GPA, and completion of a college-preparatory programme with strengths in writing and social studies.

• Academic preparation: coursework in English and social sciences; evidence of strong analytical and writing skills is advantageous.
• Supporting documents: official transcripts and any personal statements or essays required by the university.
• International applicants: proof of English language proficiency when required and certified secondary school credentials comparable to U.S. high school completion.
• Transfer students: credit transfer is evaluated on a course-by-course basis; applicants should provide college transcripts and a record of academic work relevant to the major.

Applicants should consult the university admissions pages for specific application steps and any programme-specific recommendations.

Career prospects

Graduates with a degree in Political Science and Government enter a wide range of careers across the public, private and non-profit sectors. The programme emphasises analytical, research and communication skills valued by employers.

• Public sector: roles in local, state and federal government, public administration, legislative staff, and policy analysis.
• Law and advocacy: preparation for law school, legal support roles, public interest organisations and civil rights work.
• Non-profit and NGOs: programme management, advocacy, community organising and research positions.
• Private sector: jobs in public affairs, government relations, consulting, journalism and market research.
• Further study: graduates frequently pursue postgraduate degrees in public policy, international relations, law, or related disciplines.

Why study at University of Massachusetts Boston

UMass Boston’s location in the city offers direct access to government agencies, civic organisations and a diverse urban population, enriching classroom learning with practical experience. The university emphasises public engagement and applied research, allowing students to combine academic study with internships and community-based projects.

Faculty include scholars and practitioners with expertise in urban politics, public policy and comparative politics, and the campus supports student research, internship placement services and career advising tailored to political science majors. The programme’s flexible elective options and opportunities for interdisciplinary study make it suitable for students aiming for public service, advocacy, or graduate study.