BA in Political Science
A Political Science degree from Emmanuel College will give you the skills and clout you need to start a change-making career
Of 2023 graduates found a job within one year
Of 2023 graduates who applied to graduate school were accepted
Of undergraduates complete an internship as part of the core curriculum
Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from a highly respected college
Understand, research and assess the intricate relationships between peoples and their governmental and political systems, nationally and internationally. Develop the skills you’ll need to work in politics and shape the future at a local, national, or international level.
Through Emmanuel’s major in Political Science, you will study such topics as peace and war, the making of public and international policy, the values held by people in particular political systems, political participation, and the political roles of special interests, the media and public opinion and more.
The political landscape may seem particularly divisive, given the current state of our democracy and the partisan gridlock that seems to have a stranglehold on the federal government. For me, it has been a particularly exciting time to study and intern in Boston since the city has seen a steady rise in citizen engagement over the past four years.
— Jake Hill ’20, Major: Political Science; Intern: Office of U.S. Senator Edward Markey
Program Highlights
Unbeatable location: A city with a robust local government and an eye toward the national state, Boston is the ideal setting from which to launch a career in political science. Opportunities abound for students and graduates to engage in careers around public and international policy, and political campaigning.
Focus Your Studies: In addition to a broad Political Science major, the department offers a concentration in American Politics & Government or in International Relations & Comparative Politics.
A Glimpse into the Curriculum: Courses include Politics and the Media, Food Policy and Social Justice, Street Democracy, and Statecraft and Globalization, which includes a travel component to Crete, Greece.
Internships and Capstone Experiences: All Political Science majors complete an internship prior to graduation, which provides networking opportunities and the chance to apply your skills in the real world. The capstone experience for this major is the senior seminar, which incorporates in-depth, independent research with practical experience gained during the internship.
Where can I work with a Political Science degree?
Pol Sci graduates who can understand the nature of the political system and changing political values are in demand from:
Campaign groups, both governmental and
- NGO
- Lobbyists and think-tanks
- News and analysis outlets.
(617) 735-9715Outcomes & Outlook
What you can do with a BA in Political Science from Emmanuel College:
- Policy Analyst: Develops and evaluates government policies at the local, state, or federal level.
- Campaign Manager: Plans and manages political campaigns for candidates or causes.
- Lawyer: Uses analytical and critical thinking skills to represent clients in legal matters.
- Foreign Service Officer: Represents national interests abroad by working in diplomacy and international relations.
- International Organization Professional: Works for organizations like the United Nations to address global issues.
- Media Analyst: Interprets political trends and public sentiment for media organizations or think tanks.
Program Goals
At the completion of Political Science degree, you will:
- Understand the basic tools and concepts of the discipline of political science and each of its subfields: American Government, Comparative Politics, International Relations and Political Theory
- Understand how the various subfields interact
- Demonstrate a practical application of concepts and theories of the discipline
- Be able to orally communicate effectively
- Develop an understanding of non-Western governments
- Develop an understanding of the interactions in the international arena
(617) 735-9715
The Curriculum
Major Requirements
Requirements for Departmental Major
- POLSC1201 Introduction to American Politics and Government (SA) (SS) (SJ)
- POLSC1301 Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics (SA) (SS)
- POLSC1401 Introduction to International Relations (SA) (SS)
- POLSC1501 Political Theory and Analysis
- POLSC2701 Research Methods in Political Science (SS)(WI)
- POLSC4100 Senior Seminar and Internship in Political Science
- Electives: Five additional Political Science courses exclusive of internships or directed studies. At least two electives must be at the 3000-level.
Minor Requirements
Requirements for Departmental Minor
- POLSC1201 Introduction to American Politics and Government (SA) (SS) (SJ) AND POLSC1301 Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics (SA) (SS) OR POLSC1401 Introduction to International Relations (SA) (SS)
- Four additional POLSC courses
Learning Goals & Outcomes
- Understand the basic tools and concepts of the discipline of political science and each of its subfields: American Government, Comparative Politics, International Relations and Political Theory
- Understand how the various subfields interact
- Demonstrate a practical application of concepts and theories of the discipline
- Be able to orally communicate effectively
- Develop an understanding of non-Western governments
- Develop an understanding of the interactions in the international arena
Why Emmanuel?
Small Classes
You’ll be guided by the engaged and accessible faculty in small classes that ensure you receive the attention you need to succeed; the small-college environment of Emmanuel supports your personal success.
Leverage Boston
Find yourself at the center of Boston, the top city for entrepreneurial growth and innovation, and take advantage of world-class internship opportunities, cultural experiences, entertainment, recreation and more.
Live in Fenway
Catch the Sox at Fenway Park. Intern at a world-renowned organization steps from campus. That’s just a taste of what awaits you in the Fenway community—your home and extended classroom!
College Consortium
The Colleges of the Fenway (COF) consortium, lets you access the resources of five area colleges: Emmanuel College, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, MCPHS University, Simmons University and Wentworth Institute of Technology.
Internships
100% of our undergraduates participate in an internship prior to graduation, gaining critical hands-on skills and experience that employers are looking for.
Close Community
Central to an Emmanuel education is a commitment to the growth of the whole student: mind, body and spirit. Explore our robust campus life and student-centered services focused on your success.
Your Future Starts Now
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