At a Glance

  • Flexibility
    Part Time | Full Time
  • Delivery Options
    On Campus
  • Degree
    BA

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

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

Student in the 小猪视频 political science program holds a binder

Discover how politics shapes communities and global events with the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at 小猪视频.听

You鈥檒l study American politics, global affairs, law and political communication. You'll also build valuable skills in research, writing, data analysis and public speaking.听

Gain hands-on experience through internships, study abroad and programs like Model United Nations, Mock Trial and the Washington Internship Program.听In the final year, you will complete a practical experience in local government, law or a service organization.

You'll graduate ready to pursue graduate and law school or careers in government, law, public service, advocacy, and communications.听

Focus Your Studies

Choose a focus area based on your interests and career goals.

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

Career Outlook for Political Science Majors

  • $85,400

    Median annual salary for bachelor's degree holders in New England
    Source: Lightcast, 2025

  • +11.9%

    Projected job growth in New England (2023鈥2035)
    Source: Lightcast, 2025

What Can You Do with a Degree in Political Science?

With valuable skills in reading, writing, critical thinking and public speaking, our graduates thrive in diverse careers or go on to graduate school.听


political-science-students-800

Career Areas

  • Political campaigns
  • Polling organizations
  • Local, state, and federal government
  • Marketing and communications
  • Journalism
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Legal services, law and law enforcement
  • Teaching
  • Armed forces

Graduate School Placements

  • Stanford University
  • University of Massachusetts, Amherst
  • Boston University
  • Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University

What Our Students Say

Sabine Laurent poses with two other people.
Sabine Laurent '26
Political Science and Criminal Justice

Transfer student Sabine Laurent is double-majoring and serving as senior class president.

When I came here, I found ways to develop myself as a person that I don鈥檛 think I could have done anywhere else.
Rena McFall speaks with 小猪视频 Chancellor Julie Chen and another student.
Rena McFall '26
Political Science

Rena McFall led student organizations and gained national and international experience in Washington, D.C., preparing for a future career in international law.

Pushing myself academically in college has shown me how much I love learning.
Anthony Amatucci sits at a table with an open laptop and gavel during a 小猪视频 Model United Nations meeting.
Anthony Amatucci '25
Economics and Political Science

Honors College student Anthony Amatucci leads 小猪视频 Marching Band and the Model U.N. team 鈥 and still finds time for a double major, a minor and research.

I feel like the students here and the faculty here, they鈥檙e not trying to make a name for themselves: They鈥檙e trying to teach, research and make an impact.

Courses You'll Take as a Political Science Major

Sample course topics include:听

  • American Politics
  • International Relations
  • Climate Change Communication
  • Politics of the Internet
  • Politics and Sports
  • Global Security
  • Law and the Legal System
  • View all courses

Year-by-Year Course Plan

Check out our degree pathways, which offer sample plans for completing your degree in four years.

For students who entered fall 2020 and beyond.

Freshman Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.1010Introduction to American Politics (SRE)3
FAHS.1090First Year Seminar1
ENGL.1010 /
HONR.1100		College Writing I /
First Year Seminar in Honors: Text in the City (CW)		3
WLxx.xxxxLanguage 1 and Culture3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)13
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective听(SS)1 - PSYC.1010 谤别肠辞尘尘别苍诲别诲听3
Total16

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
ENGL.1020College Writing II (CW)3
POLI.1120 /
POLI.1210		Introduction to Comparative Politics /
Introduction to International Relations (DCA)		3
WLxx.xxxxLanguage 2 and Culture3
xxxx.xxxxSciences with Lab Perspective (SCL)13-4
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective听(SS)13
Total15-16

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.2010Research Methods (IL)3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)13
xxxx.xxxxSciences with Lab Perspective (SCL)13-4
xxxx.xxxxLanguage 3 and Culture /
World Ready Elective2		3
xxxx.xxxxMath Perspective听(MATH) - MATH.2830 recommended3
Total15-16

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.3010Quantitative Research Methods (CTPS), (QL)3
POLI.xxxxAmerican Politics Concentration Elective43
POLI.xxxxAmerican Politics Concentration Elective43
xxxx.xxxxLanguage 4 and Culture /
World Ready Elective2		3
xxxx.xxxxPolitical Science / Free Elective3
Total15

Junior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.xxxxAmerican Politics Concentration Elective53
POLI.xxxxAmerican Politics Concentration Elective53
POLI.xxxxPolitical Science / Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxScience, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Perspective听(STEM)13
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)13
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.xxxxAmerican Politics Concentration Elective53
xxxx.xxxxPolitical Science / Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)13
xxxx.xxxxWorld Ready Elective3听/ Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Senior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.4xxxApproved 4000-level Seminar (WOC)3/63
xxxx.xxxxPolitical Science / Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.4960 /
POLI.4970		Experiential Learning in Political Science /
Practicum in the Law (AIL)		3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Total Minimum Credits = 120

Minimum Political Science Credits: 36

Maximum Political Science Credits That Can Be Counted Toward Graduation: 45

Minimum Upper Level Credits: 18 with a minimum of 6 at 4000 level plus 12 at 3000 level or higher (POLI.3010, POLI.4960 or POLI.4970 count toward these requirements). One of these advanced courses must be a seminar, which is a small class of advanced students, focused on more intensive writing than usual classes. The topics of seminar courses will vary each semester with the interests of department faculty.

You should meet with your faculty advisor to determine how you will meet the Political Science and Core Curriculum requirements.

1No more than two Breadth of Knowledge courses can be taken with the same prefix. The Core Curriculum courses may be taken in any sequence. Refer to the Core Curriculum policy for further details.

2World Ready Language Track (WR track) requires successful completion of a two course sequence in a World Language (depending on placement) and three approved courses on the culture/history/literature/film related to that language, but taught in English. (Total of 15 credits.) For detailed information refer to Policies - Language Requirements in the undergraduate catalog.

3Political Science majors satisfy the Written and Oral Communication (WOC) ELO by taking an approved, 4000-level Political Science seminar course. See your Advisement Report or the WOC Course Listing for a current list of approved courses.

4American Politics Concentration Electives (Sophomore Year):

5American Politics Concentration Electives (Junior Year):

6Approved 4000-level Seminar:

Current 小猪视频 students should use their Advisement Report in SIS. Political Science majors will also be assigned to a faculty advisor who guides students through their studies. The department strongly suggests scheduling an advising meeting once per semester.

Restriction on off-campus study:

Be advised that any course taken at another institution must be formally approved prior to enrollment.

See the catalog policy for details.

Breadth of Knowledge (BOK) Glossary

  • SS - Social Sciences Perspective - 9 credits
  • AH - Arts and Humanities Perspective - 9 credits
  • SCL - Sciences with Lab Perspective - 6-8 credits
  • STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Perspective - 3 credits
  • CW - College Writing I and II - 6 credits
  • MATH - Math Perspective - 3 credits

Read more about the Breadth of Knowledge requirements.

Essential Learning Outcomes (ELO) Glossary

  • AIL - Applied and Integrative Learning
  • CTPS - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
  • DCA - Diversity and Cultural Awareness
  • IL - Information Literacy
  • QL - Quantitative Literacy
  • SRE - Social Responsibility and Ethics
  • WOC - Written and Oral Communication

Read more about the Essential Learning Outcomes.

For students who entered fall 2020 and beyond.

Freshman Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.1010Introduction to American Politics (SRE)3
FAHS.1090First Year Seminar1
ENGL.1010 /
HONR.1100		College Writing I /
First Year Seminar in Honors: Text in the City (CW)		3
WLxx.xxxxLanguage 1 and Culture3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)13
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective听(SS)1 - PSYC.1010 recommended3
Total16

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
ENGL.1020College Writing II (CW)3
POLI.1120 /
POLI.1210		Introduction to Comparative Politics /
Introduction to International Relations (DCA)		3
WLxx.xxxxLanguage 2 and Culture3
xxxx.xxxxSciences with Lab Perspective (SCL)13-4
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective听(SS)13
Total15-16

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.2010Research Methods (IL)3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)13
xxxx.xxxxSciences with Lab Perspective (SCL)13-4
xxxx.xxxxLanguage 3 and Culture /
World Ready Elective2		3
xxxx.xxxxMath Perspective听(MATH) - MATH.2830 recommended3
Total15-16

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.3010Quantitative Research Methods (CTPS), (QL)3
POLI.xxxxInternational Relations and Comparative Politics Concentration Elective43
POLI.xxxxInternational Relations and Comparative Politics Concentration Elective43
xxxx.xxxxLanguage 4 and Culture /
World Ready Elective2		3
xxxx.xxxxPolitical Science / Free Elective3
Total15

Junior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.xxxxInternational Relations and Comparative Politics Concentration Elective53
POLI.xxxxInternational Relations and Comparative Politics Concentration Elective53
POLI.xxxxPolitical Science / Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxScience, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Perspective听(STEM)13
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)13
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.xxxxInternational Relations and Comparative Politics Concentration Elective53
xxxx.xxxxPolitical Science / Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective听(SS)13
xxxx.xxxxWorld Ready Elective3听/ Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Senior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.4xxxApproved 4000-level Seminar (WOC)3/63
xxxx.xxxxPolitical Science / Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.4960 /
POLI.4970		Experiential Learning in Political Science /
Practicum in the Law (AIL)		3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Total Minimum Credits = 120

Minimum Political Science Credits: 36

Maximum Political Science Credits That Can Be Counted Toward Graduation: 45

Minimum Upper Level Credits: 18 with a minimum of 6 at 4000 level plus 12 at 3000 level or higher (POLI.3010, POLI.4960 or POLI.4970 count toward these requirements). One of these advanced courses must be a seminar, which is a small class of advanced students, focused on more intensive writing than usual classes. The topics of seminar courses will vary each semester with the interests of department faculty.

You should meet with your faculty advisor to determine how you will meet the Political Science and Core Curriculum requirements.

1No more than two Breadth of Knowledge courses can be taken with the same prefix. The Core Curriculum courses may be taken in any sequence. Refer to the Core Curriculum policy for further details.

2World Ready Language Track (WR track) requires successful completion of a two course sequence in a World Language (depending on placement) and three approved courses on the culture/history/literature/film related to that language, but taught in English. (Total of 15 credits.) For detailed information refer to Policies - Language Requirements in the undergraduate catalog.

3Political Science majors satisfy the Written and Oral Communication (WOC) ELO by taking an approved, 4000-level Political Science seminar course. See your Advisement Report or the WOC Course Listing for a current list of approved courses.

4International Relations and Comparative Politics Concentration Electives (Sophomore Year):

5International Relations and Comparative Politics Concentration Electives (Junior Year):

6Approved 4000-level Seminar:

Current 小猪视频 students should use their Advisement Report in SIS. Political Science majors will also be assigned to a faculty advisor who guides students through their studies. The department strongly suggests scheduling an advising meeting once per semester.

Restriction on off-campus study:

Be advised that any course taken at another institution must be formally approved prior to enrollment.

See the catalog policy for details.

Breadth of Knowledge (BOK) Glossary

  • SS - Social Sciences Perspective - 9 credits
  • AH - Arts and Humanities Perspective - 9 credits
  • SCL - Sciences with Lab Perspective - 6-8 credits
  • STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Perspective - 3 credits
  • CW - College Writing I and II - 6 credits
  • MATH - Math Perspective - 3 credits

Read more about the Breadth of Knowledge requirements.

Essential Learning Outcomes (ELO) Glossary

  • AIL - Applied and Integrative Learning
  • CTPS - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
  • DCA - Diversity and Cultural Awareness
  • IL - Information Literacy
  • QL - Quantitative Literacy
  • SRE - Social Responsibility and Ethics
  • WOC - Written and Oral Communication

Read more about the Essential Learning Outcomes.

For students who entered fall 2026 and beyond.

Freshman Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.1010Introduction to American Politics (SRE)3
FAHS.1090First Year Seminar1
ENGL.1010 /
HONR.1100		College Writing I /
First Year Seminar in Honors: Text in the City (CW)		3
WLxx.xxxxLanguage 1 and Culture3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)13
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective听(SS)13
Total16

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
ENGL.1020College Writing II (CW)3
POLI.1120 /
POLI.1210		Introduction to Comparative Politics /
Introduction to International Relations (DCA)		3
WLxx.xxxxLanguage 2 and Culture3
xxxx.xxxxSciences with Lab Perspective (SCL)13-4
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)13
Total15-16

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.2010Research Methods (IL)3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)13
xxxx.xxxxSciences with Lab Perspective (SCL)13-4
xxxx.xxxxLanguage 3 and Culture /
World Ready Elective2		3
xxxx.xxxxMath Perspective听(MATH) - MATH.2830 recommended3
Total15-16

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.3010Quantitative Research Methods (CTPS), (QL)3
POLI.xxxx
LGST.xxxx		Law and Politics Concentration Elective4/53
POLI.xxxx
LGST.xxxx		Law and Politics Concentration Elective4/53
xxxx.xxxxLanguage 4 and Culture /
World Ready Elective2		3
xxxx.xxxxPolitical Science / Free Elective3
Total15

Junior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.xxxx
LGST.xxxx		Law and Politics Concentration Elective4/63
POLI.xxxx
LGST.xxxx		Law and Politics Concentration Elective4/63
POLI.xxxxPolitical Science / Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxScience, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Perspective (STEM)13
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)13
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.xxxxLaw and Politics Concentration Elective53
xxxx.xxxxPolitical Science / Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)13
xxxx.xxxxWorld Ready Elective3 /
Free Elective		3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Senior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.4xxxApproved 4000-level Seminar (WOC)3/73
xxxx.xxxxPolitical Science / Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.4960 /
POLI.4970		Experiential Learning in Political Science /
Practicum in the Law (AIL)		3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Total Minimum Credits = 120

Minimum Political Science Credits: 36

Maximum Political Science Credits That Can Be Counted Toward Graduation: 45

Minimum Upper Level Credits: 18 with a minimum of 6 at 4000 level plus 12 at 3000 level or higher (POLI.3010, POLI.4960 or POLI.4970 count toward these requirements). One of these advanced courses must be a seminar, which is a small class of advanced students, focused on more intensive writing than usual classes. The topics of seminar courses will vary each semester with the interests of department faculty.

You should meet with your faculty advisor to determine how you will meet the Political Science and Core Curriculum requirements.

1No more than two Breadth of Knowledge courses can be taken with the same prefix. The Core Curriculum courses may be taken in any sequence. Refer to the Core Curriculum policy for further details.

2World Ready Language Track (WR track) requires successful completion of a two course sequence in a World Language (depending on placement) and three approved courses on the culture/history/literature/film related to that language, but taught in English. (Total of 15 credits.) For detailed information refer to Policies - Language Requirements in the undergraduate catalog.

3Political Science majors satisfy the Written and Oral Communication (WOC) ELO by taking an approved, 4000-level Political Science seminar course. See your Advisement Report or the WOC Course Listing for a current list of approved courses.

4Up to 2 classes (6 credits) from approved LGST electives may be used to fulfill concentration requirements in POLI-Law & Politics. Up to 2 classes (6 credits) may be shared between the POLI-Law & Politics Major and the Legal Studies Minor.

5Law and Politics Concentration Electives (Sophomore Year):

6Law and Politics Concentration Electives (Junior Year):

7Approved 4000-level Seminar:

Current 小猪视频 students should use their Advisement Report in SIS. Political Science majors will also be assigned to a faculty advisor who guides students through their studies. The department strongly suggests scheduling an advising meeting once per semester.

Restriction on off-campus study:

Be advised that any course taken at another institution must be formally approved prior to enrollment.

See the catalog policy for details.

Breadth of Knowledge (BOK) Glossary

  • SS - Social Sciences Perspective - 9 credits
  • AH - Arts and Humanities Perspective - 9 credits
  • SCL - Sciences with Lab Perspective - 6-8 credits
  • STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Perspective - 3 credits
  • CW - College Writing I and II - 6 credits
  • MATH - Math Perspective - 3 credits

Read more about the Breadth of Knowledge requirements.

Essential Learning Outcomes (ELO) Glossary

  • AIL - Applied and Integrative Learning
  • CTPS - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
  • DCA - Diversity and Cultural Awareness
  • IL - Information Literacy
  • QL - Quantitative Literacy
  • SRE - Social Responsibility and Ethics
  • WOC - Written and Oral Communication

Read more about the Essential Learning Outcomes.

For students who entered fall 2020 and beyond.

Freshman Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.1010Introduction to American Politics (SRE)3
FAHS.1090First Year Seminar1
ENGL.1010 /
HONR.1100		College Writing I /
First Year Seminar in Honors: Text in the City (CW)		3
WLxx.xxxxLanguage 1 and Culture3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)13
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)1 - PSYC.1010 recommended3
Total16

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
ENGL.1020College Writing II (CW)3
POLI.1120 /
POLI.1210		Introduction to Comparative Politics /
Introduction to International Relations (DCA)		3
WLxx.xxxxLanguage 2 and Culture3
xxxx.xxxxSciences with Lab Perspective (SCL)13-4
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)13
Total15-16

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.2010Research Methods (IL)3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)13
xxxx.xxxxSciences with Lab Perspective (SCL)13-4
xxxx.xxxxLanguage 3 and Culture /
World Ready Elective2		3
xxxx.xxxxMath Perspective听(MATH) - MATH.2830 recommended3
Total15-16

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.3010Quantitative Research Methods (CTPS), (QL)3
POLI.xxxxPolitical Communication and Public Opinion Concentration Elective43
POLI.xxxxPolitical Communication and Public Opinion Concentration Elective43
xxxx.xxxxLanguage 4 and Culture /
World Ready Elective2		3
xxxx.xxxxPolitical Science / Free Elective3
Total15

Junior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.xxxxPolitical Communication and Public Opinion Concentration Elective53
POLI.xxxxPolitical Communication and Public Opinion Concentration Elective53
POLI.xxxxPolitical Science / Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxScience, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Perspective听(STEM)13
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)13
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.xxxxPolitical Communication and Public Opinion Concentration Elective53
xxxx.xxxxPolitical Science / Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)13
xxxx.xxxxWorld Ready Elective3 /
Free Elective		3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Senior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.4xxxApproved 4000-level Seminar (WOC)3/63
xxxx.xxxxPolitical Science / Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.4960 /
POLI.4970		Experiential Learning in Political Science /
Practicum in the Law (AIL)		3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Total Minimum Credits = 120

Minimum Political Science Credits: 36

Maximum Political Science Credits That Can Be Counted Toward Graduation: 45

Minimum Upper Level Credits: 18 with a minimum of 6 at 4000 level plus 12 at 3000 level or higher (POLI.3010, POLI.4960 or POLI.4970 count toward these requirements). One of these advanced courses must be a seminar, which is a small class of advanced students, focused on more intensive writing than usual classes. The topics of seminar courses will vary each semester with the interests of department faculty.

You should meet with your faculty advisor to determine how you will meet the Political Science and Core Curriculum requirements.

1No more than two Breadth of Knowledge courses can be taken with the same prefix. The Core Curriculum courses may be taken in any sequence. Refer to the Core Curriculum policy for further details.

2World Ready Language Track (WR track) requires successful completion of a two course sequence in a World Language (depending on placement) and three approved courses on the culture/history/literature/film related to that language, but taught in English. (Total of 15 credits.) For detailed information refer to Policies - Language Requirements in the undergraduate catalog.

3Political Science majors satisfy the Written and Oral Communication (WOC) ELO by taking an approved, 4000-level Political Science seminar course. See your Advisement Report or the WOC Course Listing for a current list of approved courses.

4Political Communication & Public Opinion Concentration Elective Sophomore Spring semester, course list includes:

5Political Communication & Public Opinion Concentration Elective Junior year, course list includes:

6Approved 4000-level Seminar:

Current 小猪视频 students should use their Advisement Report in SIS. Political Science majors will also be assigned to a faculty advisor who guides students through their studies. The department strongly suggests scheduling an advising meeting once per semester.

Restriction on off-campus study:

Be advised that any course taken at another institution must be formally approved prior to enrollment.

See the catalog policy for details.

Breadth of Knowledge (BOK) Glossary

  • SS - Social Sciences Perspective - 9 credits
  • AH - Arts and Humanities Perspective - 9 credits
  • SCL - Sciences with Lab Perspective - 6-8 credits
  • STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Perspective - 3 credits
  • CW - College Writing I and II - 6 credits
  • MATH - Math Perspective - 3 credits

Read more about the Breadth of Knowledge requirements.

Essential Learning Outcomes (ELO) Glossary

  • AIL - Applied and Integrative Learning
  • CTPS - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
  • DCA - Diversity and Cultural Awareness
  • IL - Information Literacy
  • QL - Quantitative Literacy
  • SRE - Social Responsibility and Ethics
  • WOC - Written and Oral Communication

Read more about the Essential Learning Outcomes.

For students who entered fall 2022 and beyond.

Freshman Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
ENGL.1010 /
HONR.1100		College Writing I /
First Year Seminar in Honors: Text in the City (CW)		3
FAHS.1090First Year Experience Seminar1
POLI.1010Introduction to American Politics3
WLxx.xxxxLanguage 1 and Culture3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Science Perspective听(SS)13
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)13
Total16

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
ENGL.1020College Writing II (CW)3
POLI.1120 /
POLI.1210		Introduction to Comparative Politics /
International Relations		3
WLxx.xxxxLanguage 2 and Culture3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)13
xxxx.xxxxScience with Lab Perspective听(SCL)4
Total16

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.2010Research Methods in Political Science (IL)3
xxxx.xxxxLanguage 3 and Culture /
World Ready Elective2		3
xxxx.xxxxMath Perspective听(MATH) - MATH.2830 recommended3
xxxx.xxxxScience with Lab Perspective听(SCL)4
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)13
Total16

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.3010Quantitative Research Methods (CTPS), (QL)3
POLI.xxxxSustainability and Environmental Politics Elective43
POLI.xxxxSustainability and Environmental Politics Elective43
xxxx.xxxxLanguage 4 and Culture /
World Ready Elective2		3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Junior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.xxxxSustainability and Environmental Politics Elective53
POLI.xxxxSustainability and Environmental Politics Elective53
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)13
xxxx.xxxScience, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Perspective听听(STEM)3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.xxxxSustainability and Environmental Politics Elective53
xxxx.xxxxWorld Ready Elective3 /
Free Elective		3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)13
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Senior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.4xxxApproved 4000-level Seminar (WOC)3/63
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.4960 /
POLI.4970		Experiential Learning in Political Science /
Practicum in Law		3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Total Minimum Credits = 120

Minimum Political Science credits: 40

Maximum Political Science credits that can be counted toward graduation: 45

Minimum upper level credits: 18 with a minimum of 6 at 4000 level plus 12 at 3000 level or higher (POLI.3010, POLI.4960 or POLI.4970 count toward these requirements). One of these advanced courses must be a seminar, which is a small class of advanced students, focused on more intensive writing than usual classes. The topics of seminar courses will vary each semester with the interests of department faculty.

You should meet with your faculty advisor to determine how you will meet the Political Science and Core Curriculum requirements.

1No more than two Breadth of Knowledge courses can be taken with the same prefix. The Core Curriculum courses may be taken in any sequence. Refer to the Core Curriculum policy for further details.

2World Ready Language Track (WR track) requires successful completion of a two course sequence in a World Language (depending on placement) and three approved courses on the culture/history/literature/film related to that language, but taught in English. (Total of 15 credits.) For detailed information refer to Policies - Language Requirements in the undergraduate catalog.

3Political Science majors satisfy the Written and Oral Communication (WOC) ELO by taking an approved, 4000-level Political Science seminar course. See your Advisement Report or the WOC Course Listing for a current list of approved courses.

4Sustainability and Environmental Politics Electives (Sophomore):

5Sustainability and Environmental Politics Electives (Junior):

6Approved 4000-level Seminar:

Current 小猪视频 students should use their Advisement Report in SIS. Political Science majors will also be assigned to a faculty advisor who guides students through their studies. The department strongly suggests scheduling an advising meeting once per semester.

Restriction on off-campus study:

Be advised that any course taken at another institution must be formally approved prior to enrollment.

See the catalog policy for details.

Breadth of Knowledge (BOK) Glossary

  • SS - Social Sciences Perspective - 9 credits
  • AH - Arts and Humanities Perspective - 9 credits
  • SCL - Sciences with Lab Perspective - 6-8 credits
  • STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Perspective - 3 credits
  • CW - College Writing I and II - 6 credits
  • MATH - Math Perspective - 3 credits

Read more about the Breadth of Knowledge requirements.

Essential Learning Outcomes (ELO) Glossary

  • AIL - Applied and Integrative Learning
  • CTPS - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
  • DCA - Diversity and Cultural Awareness
  • IL - Information Literacy
  • QL - Quantitative Literacy
  • SRE - Social Responsibility and Ethics
  • WOC - Written and Oral Communication

Read more about the Essential Learning Outcomes.

Why Study Political Science at 小猪视频?

小猪视频 political science student participates as a panelist in a debate among the Democratic primary candidates for Niki Tsongas鈥 seat in Congress

Experiential Learning

Build practical skills and knowledge through:听

小猪视频 political science students in the United Nations group stand outside a gate in Belgium

International Experience

Expand your horizons through international study and travel, aided by our political science faculty with expertise in:听

  • Europe
  • The Middle East
  • Southeast Asia
  • Latin America
小猪视频 political science student stands next to Joseph Kennedy III

Student Organizations

Put your learning into practice by joining student-run , including:

  • Pre-Law Society听
  • The Connector (Newspaper)
Student in the 小猪视频 political science program

Career Connected Experience: The 小猪视频 Guarantee

Every first-time, first-year 小猪视频 student will have the opportunity to pursue at least one Career Connected Experience (internships, co-ops, clinical placements, service learning, study abroad and more) during their undergraduate career 鈥 earning pay, credits or both before they graduate.

Take the Next Step

Visit 小猪视频

Visit campus, meet our people and picture yourself here. Find in-person and virtual tours and events.

Life on Campus and Beyond

  • male-student-in-room-at-desk
    Residence Halls

    Take a virtual tour to see where you could live.
  • Students take a selfie with Rowdy, 小猪视频's mascot.
    Choose among 200+ clubs, intramural sports, outdoor adventures and events.
  • A group of 小猪视频 design students in front of Tower Bridge in London.
    Study Abroad
    Travel, experience another culture and meet people from around the world.

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