Bachelor of Arts

Mission

The Department of Political Science seeks to offer an intellectual rigorous program of study that will promote lifelong learning and support the wider mission of the University of Massachusetts Lowell. We seek help them develop an understanding of the political process and ability to critically analyze political systems, relationships, problems and the linkages between pertinent phenomena. We offer preparation for graduate education, law school, high school teaching, public administration, public service, work in international organizations of all kinds and intelligent citizenship.

Requirements of the Major

• Degree Pathways for the Political Science concentrations:
  • American Politics
  • International Relations and Comparative Politics
  • Law and Politics
  • Political Communication and Public Opinion
  • Sustainability and Environmental Politics
• Requirements

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.