Political Science

Students talking together

Shape your political passions into informed purpose

Politics affects all aspects of our daily lives — from schools and hospitals to farms and environmental management. As a political science major at Simmons, you'll learn about political theory, government institutions, and decision-making processes. You’ll find your voice on a campus committed to social justice, political awareness, and activism at Simmons.

Simmons’ prestigious Gwen Ifill School of Media, Humanities, and Social Sciences offers our unique political science major. Our Bachelor of Arts program provides an intellectually rigorous curriculum with real-world, on-the-ground experience. You'll gain a rich understanding of the political landscape, both globally and locally. The program will prepare you to thrive in careers in activism, advocacy, business, education, government, policy, and nonprofits, among others.

With a BA in political science, you'll have a foundational knowledge of the United States and the global political landscape. You’ll have the confidence to speak up for what you believe in, striving to make the world a better place.

You may take advantage of our 3+1 Public Policy Program. This accelerated option enables you to earn your master's degree in politics from Simmons in just four years. 

What Will You Study as a Political Science Major?

You'll have the option to choose from a wide variety of courses on politics and government, and social science. They range from American political institutions to international affairs to the politics of race and gender. 

The wide breadth of faculty expertise in the field of political science accommodates your diverse array of interests. Professors will guide you in developing critical thinking, writing, and public speaking skills — crucial for today’s careers. 

Outside the classroom, faculty members will serve as your mentors. You may co-author papers and present with them at regional academic conferences. They will involve you in their research, and advise you closely on graduate school and career prospects.

In the classroom, you’ll have the chance to learn from experts like our Warburg Chair in International Relations. Outside the classroom, you'll have the opportunity to gain real-world experience. You can intern for local and national politicians, government agencies, and advocacy groups in Boston. They are all a short walk or T ride from campus. 

Our students have completed internships at: Commonwealth Corporation, Higher Heights for America, NFI Massachusetts, and Rank the Vote. 

What Can You Do with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science?

Many of our graduates become political scientists or work in public administration. These professionals study the origins and structure of government and political systems and seek pragmatic and theoretical solutions to political challenges. 

Other career paths our degree holders include:

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

Major requires 36-40 credit hours.

Recommended Courses

ECON 100 Principles of Microeconomics

4

ECON 101 Principles of Macroeconomics

4

Plus one/or both
STAT 118 Introductory Statistics

4

STAT 227 Intermediate Statistics: Design & Analysis

4

A student who has received a 4 or 5 on AP exams in American Government and/or Comparative Politics has fulfilled the introductory course requirement for POLS 101 and/or POLS 104, respectively. Transferred AP credits on either, or both, exam(s) may be counted toward a Political Science major.

All majors are required to take introductory courses in each of the four subfields of Political Science:

 
POLS101 Introduction to American Politics 4
POLS102 Introduction to International Politics 4
POLS103 Introduction to Political Theory 4
POLS104 Introduction to Comparative Politics 4

Students must also take Four Electives in Political Science.

 

Capstone

Capstone is required in the Political Science major, even if double-majoring. It is typically taken in the junior or senior year. Capstones do not count as an elective. The major is eight courses, plus Capstone.

There are three options to fulfill the Capstone Requirement:

  • One POLS 300-level course in a subfield of Political Science (junior or senior year)
  • Complete a Senior Honors Thesis
  • Complete the Barbara Lee Family Foundation Internship Program. No other internship or fieldwork fulfills capstone requirement.

A political science minor consists of three 100-level courses and two courses at the 200 level or above.

Internships are a key component of the political science program. In Boston, there are countless opportunities to build your skills, resume and networking relationships with organizations in the city and beyond. Many of our students take advantage of the Barbara Lee Family Foundation Intern Fellowship Program, whose mission is to move women into the political sphere.

Spotlight on Political Science Students and Alums

An aerial view of sidewalks on the Simmons University campus

Honoring the National Day of Racial Healing

January 21, 2025 — the day after Martin Luther King Jr. Day — is the ninth annual National Day of Racial Healing (NDORH). Created by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, NDORH "is an opportunity to engage in collective action to create a more just and equitable world."


Reham Zeroual Photo

Merging a Scholarly Stance with Lived Experience

Africana Studies and Political Science double major Reham Zeroual ’24 discusses her engagement with Student Senate, her favorite courses and professors, as well as her experience as a first-generation college student.


Hannah Ibañez ’13

Advocating for Fallen Angels in the City of Angels

Hannah Ibañez ’13 is a Level 2 Public Defender in Los Angeles who was appointed to the United States Access Board by President Joe Biden. She spoke with us about her passion for social justice, her love of philosophy, and her fondest memories of Simmons.


Estela Raya-Fouts Profile Photo

Enjoying the Opportunities at Simmons: From Studying Abroad to Internships to Research

Political Science and Spanish double major Estela Raya-Fouts ’24 discusses impactful internships, catching the travel bug, her favorite course and more Simmons memories.


Gia Lebrun ’24

Reflecting on Community Service, Friendship, and Fun at Simmons

First-generation student Gia Elie ’24 has engaged in community service in the Boston area as part of the Alpha Kappa sorority. She has also been involved with the Black Student Organization and has completed two internships. She counts the friendships she has made at Simmons as one of her most transformative experiences.


Headshots of the 2024 Senior Scholar Award winners

Congratulations to the 2024 Senior Scholars

The annual Senior Scholar Award is sponsored by the Provost's Office and the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships. The award recognizes six graduating seniors for their outstanding scholarship and contribution to a field of study.


Bart Brown ’24, Gia Elie ’24, Sunei Clarke ’24, and Sunday Ntoto ’24 of the Black Student Organization host the Cupcake Tabling event at Common Grounds on February 1, 2023

Black Student Organization Honors Black History Month with Food, Festivities, and Intergenerational Community

Throughout Black History Month, all students are welcome to express their solidarity with Simmons’ Black community over cupcakes, soul food, music, and dancing. We spoke with BSO’s Soul President Gia Elie ’24, Soul Vice President Sunei Clarke ’24, and Soul of Communications Bartianna Brown ’24 about their passion for Black history and co-curating events that celebrate their culture.


A photo composite of the nine students in the Passionate Leaders Project 2023 cohort

Simmons Announces Passionate Leaders Project Scholars for Fall 2023

The Passionate Leaders Project supports Simmons undergraduates by enriching their academic & professional interests beyond the classroom. Students may request up to $4,000 to support their research, internships, and creative endeavors. This semester’s students produced research related to human rights, documentary film, healthcare access, therapeutic care databases, the neurodevelopment of fruit flies, Muslims’ experiences with healthcare in Boston, and software that supports Simmons’ food pantry.