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Political scientists think critically and analytically and apply a broad understanding of the nature of politics to the important questions of our time. A major in Political Science prepares students for graduate education in various fields as well as for careers in government, politics, law, and a wide range of other professional and managerial positions. The program helps students learn how policies are made and carried out. It also provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage in political discourse as informed citizens.

The Department of Political Science offers a major leading to the bachelor of arts degree and a minor in the discipline. The department also supports a minor in Asian Studies, in Policy and Ethics, and in Human Rights and Social Justice.

Students majoring in Political Science may choose at least one of the five areas of concentration: American Politics, International Studies, Law, Political Studies, and Public Administration. The internship program, a key element in the department’s offerings, features placements of 3-6 credits locally, in Boston, and in other locations across the state, and placements of 3-9 credits in Washington, D.C. (Washington Center Internships). The department hosts three active clubs: the Political Science Club, the Law Club, and the International Relations Club. The department also sponsors a local chapter of the national honor society in Political Science, Pi Sigma Alpha.

*Washington Center Internships are offered for up to 15 credits. Students may apply 6 credits to the major, or 9 credits if they also enroll in a political science course offered by the Washington Center.

Programs

• Asian Studies Minor
• Policy and Ethics Minor
• Political Science Minor
• Political Science, American Politics Concentration, B.A.
• Political Science, International Studies Concentration, B.A.
• Political Science, International Studies, Interdisciplinary Option, B.A.
• Political Science, Law Concentration, B.A.
• Political Science, Law, Interdisciplinary Option, B.A.
• Political Science, Political Studies Concentration, B.A.
• Political Science, Public Administration Concentration, B.A.

Courses

• POLS 0101 - American National Government
• POLS 0103 - State and Local Government
• POLS 0105 - Law, Courts and Politics
• POLS 0110 - Introduction to Asian Studies
• POLS 0204 - Introduction to Public Administration
• POLS 0205 - Metropolitan Politics
• POLS 0206 - Political Analysis
• POLS 0208 - Constitutional Law
• POLS 0209 - International Relations
• POLS 0210 - Comparative European Government
• POLS 0211 - Comparative Foreign Policy
• POLS 0212 - The U.S. Supreme Court
• POLS 0215 - American Political Thought
• POLS 0220 - International Law and Human Rights
• POLS 0224 - Politics of Developing Countries
• POLS 0230 - Asian Politics
• POLS 0231 - Latin American Politics
• POLS 0301 - Classical Political Thought
• POLS 0302 - Modern Political Thought
• POLS 0305 - American Foreign Policy
• POLS 0306 - Political Change in the U.S.
• POLS 0307 - Presidency and Congress: Political Dynamics
• POLS 0309 - Civil Liberties
• POLS 0318 - Public Management Skills
• POLS 0320 - Politics of Budget-Making
• POLS 0321 - American Public Policy
• POLS 0323 - Selected Topics in Political Science
• POLS 0327 - Administrative Law
• POLS 0330 - Women and Politics
• POLS 0335 - Feminist Political Thought
• POLS 0337 - The World at War
• POLS 0340 - Politics and “The Family”
• POLS 0397 - Political Science Internship
• POLS 0398 - Washington Internship
• POLS 0399 - Independent Study

Return to: Undergraduate Academic Departments and Programs