Political Science

Political Science students have many opportunities to learn from experts in the classroom—like our Warburg Chair in International Relations—and to attend leadership-focused events with visionaries like Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Gloria Steinem. Students also intern for local and national politicians, government agencies, and advocacy groups here in Boston—all just a short walk or T ride from campus.

Successful Political Science students are analytical, passionate, and determined. Many take advantage of our 3+1 Public Policy Program—combining a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a Master of Arts in Public Policy—enabling them to earn their undergraduate and graduate degree from Simmons in just 4 years. Graduates of our Political Science program go on to rewarding careers in government, business, teaching, journalism, and diplomacy.

Political Science is also available as a minor.

Why study Political Science?

Politics implicitly affect every aspect of our daily lives. If you’re interested in international affairs, public policy, terrorism, the environment, and/or civil rights, studying political science will quench your thirst for information. Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science program at Simmons have the breadth and depth of knowledge required to analyze what shapes the political landscape in the United States and around the globe—yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Best of all? They have the confidence to speak up for what they believe in, striving to make changes to make the world a better place.

What will you learn?

The BA in Political Science program consists of thirty-six (36) credit hours plus eight (8) hours of independent study. Courses in the political science major include:

Politics in the Republic: Congress and the Presidency

This course examines decision-making in American politics at the national level, focusing on the internal operational dynamics and structural environment of the Congress, patterns of presidential decision-making and leadership, and the relationship between the legislative and executive branches of the government.

Comparative Foreign Policy

In this course, foreign policy of various countries in Asia, Europe, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and North America is discussed. The class focuses on leaders and their world views; bureaucracies, size of a state, national culture, and type of regime; rising significance of NGOs, and International Organizations.

Feminism and Capitalism

This class delves into the connections between feminism and capitalism. Students ask and answer questions like: in what ways do feminist politics perpetuate capitalism, and how do they offer possibilities for critical resistance to it?

View all the Political Science course descriptions. See below for more information on program requirements.

What can you do with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science?

The most obvious career choice for graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science is to become a political scientist. These professionals study the origins and structure of government and political systems and seek pragmatic and theoretical solutions to political quandaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for political scientists was $115,110 in May 2017.

Other career paths for BA in Political Science degree holders include:

• Policy Analyst
• Legislative Assistant
• Public Relations Specialist
• Political Consultant
• Government Affairs Directors

Find out more about our Bachelor of Arts in Political Science program!

When you pursue your Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at Simmons, you find your political voice on a campus committed to social justice, political awareness, and activism at Simmons. Visit the Political Science & International Relations Department page to learn more. You can also request more information, schedule a campus tour, or find out how to apply today!;