Department of Political Science and International Relations
Do you want to change the world? If that sounds ambitious, good. Our students and alumnae are leaders on campus, in their communities and out in the world. So if you're passionate about tackling issues — big and small — and transforming society you've come to the right place.
Studying Political Science and International Relations at Simmons University
The field of political science is divided into four subfields: American politics, comparative politics, international politics, and political theory. Collectively, courses in these areas introduce students to the study of the institutions of government, the processes of decision-making (domestic and international), the content of these decisions (public policy), and their impact on society. The field of political science is also concerned with questions of how governments should be constituted and how politics should be carried out.
The interdisciplinary major in international relations seeks to understand the political, economic, social, and cultural relations among states as well as the transnational roles of non-state actors. Such an understanding is critical in today's world and can support a variety of career options.
The study of political science and international relations has traditionally provided a solid foundation for careers in government (national, state, and local), diplomacy, law, and business, as well as in teaching and journalism. Recent Simmons alumna currently work in the Massachusetts State House, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the American Cancer Society, CENTRA Technology, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United Nations, Dewey Square political consultancy, the Washington Institute for Near Eastern Affairs, Physicians for Social Responsibility, as well as the United States armed forces. In the past few years, alumna have been accepted at leading law schools, including, BU, BC, George Mason, Notre Dame, George Washington, Suffolk, and University of Southern Maine. Simmons students have also attended the leading Master's programs in International Relations, including the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), and Columbia University's School of Public and International Affairs (SIPA). Other programs grads have gone on to attend include Columbia University's School of Journalism and other graduate programs such as Simmons SLIS, the University of Belfast, and the University of Texas at Austin.
Learn More About The Department of Political Science and International Relations
Lena Zuckerwise
Associate Professor and Chair of Political Science and International Relations