Political Science Major

As a political science major, you will gain the knowledge and skills to engage in the complex realm of national and international politics.

At a Glance

Flexibility

Full Time
Delivery Options

On Campus
Degree

BA

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What courses will you take?

Student in the UMass Lowell political science program holds a binder

At UMass Lowell, we offer five concentrations, which lead to a wide range of career opportunities.

American Politics
International Relations and Comparative Politics
Law & Politics
Political Communication and Public Opinion
Sustainability and Environmental Politics

The B.A. in Political Science begins with an introductory course in American government, comparative politics or international relations, and two courses on the methods and skills of the discipline.

In addition to these basic courses, we offer courses that examine elections, political communication, constitutional politics, race and ethnicity, state and local politics, the politics of sports, political psychology, and much more.

You can also take a variety of courses that cover international politics, such as the politics of development, international organizations and human rights, national security, Islam and politics, global environmental policy, Asian politics, Latin American politics and the war on drugs.

In the final year, you will complete a practical experience in local government, law, or a service organization.

Visit the Academic Catalog for a complete course listing and to learn about the Political Science minor.

Degree Pathways are a semester-by-semester sequence of courses recommended for successful completion of a degree, diploma, credential or certificate from the university. The most current degree pathways are:

Visit the Academic Catalog for all degree pathways, including those from prior enrollment years.

Students who graduate with a degree in Political Science will be able to:

Understand and utilize qualitative and quantitative political science research methods; demonstrate a grasp of basic statistical concepts and their application to research.
Demonstrate a broad knowledge of the theories and functions the state; and of the nature, problems and development of politics, government, public policy and law at all levels.
Demonstrate a basis in knowledge and critical thinking skill that prepare students for intelligent citizenship and civic participation.
Demonstrate knowledge of the politics of other nations and of the international community in an increasingly globalized world.
As Politics is a practice as well as an area of academic study, demonstrate the ability to critically analyze and compare academic course portrayal of political activity with an actual experience of such activity.
Demonstrate the ability to produce a significant research paper reflecting acquired writing, research and critical analysis skills.