College of Arts & Sciences

Political Science

From Government Systems to Global Affairs

In today’s ever-changing political landscape, there has never been a greater need for a clear and nuanced understanding of how governments work and the role that citizens play in representative democracy. The Political Science major will prepare you for a variety of rewarding positions in politics, public administration, law, diplomacy, the nonprofit sector, and many other fields. You will be equipped with the analytical tools necessary to understand political processes at work within societies as well as among players in the global community, which will position you to apply your education in countless ways. Should you wish to complete your coursework in three years, another exciting option is the 3+3 Law Program offered in collaboration with our School of Law.

Why Choose Political Science?

A degree in Political Science is the first step to a career in a wide range of fields. You can apply your expertise directly through governmental work, advocacy, policy analysis, survey research, journalism, or law, among other career paths.

1000+ internship sponsors

98% Class of ’22 employed/attending graduate or professional school within 6 months of graduation

What Will You Study?

This dynamic major will provide you with an understanding of the complex and important relationship between politics and society. You'll learn the skills necessary to critically evaluate the performance of government institutions and policies, while learning how to analyze diverse, and sometimes conflicting, streams of information concerning politics and policy. You will also gain a detailed understanding of the choices and trade-offs that citizens make as participants in representative democracy. Courses in Comparative Politics, American National Government, Public Policy in America, Political Theory, and International Relations will give you a well-rounded educational foundation on which to build your career. These courses examine dynamic debates such as: Who becomes a terrorist? Is standardized testing a good way to measure student progress? Should campaign spending be considered political speech? Should corporations have the same rights as people? Is the UN effective? How do we safeguard the rights of citizens while still protecting them from harm?

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Curriculum Department Combined Degrees Minor

Unique Learning Opportunities

Internships and Field Work

As a Political Science student, you'll gain professional skills and experience through internships and fieldwork. These experiential learning opportunities will allow you to take a test drive of your future career in a practical setting. Students have interned in the Springfield (MA) Mayor's Office, the District Attorney's Office, the Western Massachusetts Office of the Governor, and with local representatives at the U.S. Capitol. You may also participate in the Washington Semester program, where you will complete an internship and take courses in the nation's capital. In addition, students can gain hands-on experience in survey research by working as paid employees of the Western New England University Polling Institute.

Study Abroad: Become a Global Citizen

Today’s competitive workforce needs business professionals who think from a global perspective. The College of Business will help you to become a student of world economies and cultures while making valuable contributions in your explorations. Whether you participate in a faculty-led summer seminar course or spend a semester at an international university, the experience will broaden your horizons and help you compete in the global landscape.

Study Abroad

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