Focus your studies on international affairs. Our BA in political science with a concentration in international politics promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity with respect to international politics, enabling students to address global issues and contribute to the public good.
Building on a strong foundation of American and comparative politics, international relations, and political theory, the international politics concentration provides you with the knowledge and analytical skills to understand politics within other countries and politics among countries.
Through experiences in and out of the classroom, you’ll learn to address critical global issues and contribute to the public good. You’ll acquire proficiency in writing, communication, advocacy, and comparative analysis: all vital skills in today’s global workplace.
You’ll be prepared for careers in international business, development, and diplomacy, and to continue your education at the graduate level.
The curriculum centers around four subfields of political science: American politics/policy, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory. In your concentration, you’ll study topics such as political Islam, global environmental politics, international human rights policies, and the politics of places like China and the Middle East.
Our professors are accomplished scholars in their fields, committed to teaching and to research. You'll work with them to:
- Understand of the concepts, theories, and empirical findings in politics, government, and administration
- Discover the impact of factors such as employment, environment, and gender on politics
- Consider the theories and practices of governments on both the domestic and international levels
As an international politics student, you’ll complete the same requirements as all political science majors, with the addition of a four-week minimum study abroad experience or internationally-oriented internship.
Course descriptions, schedules and requirements
- Study abroad and/or complete an internationally-oriented internship
- Participate in student government, community service, and the Pi Sigma Alpha honor society
- 3+3 Law degree: UMass Law’s accelerated program allows you to receive both an undergraduate degree and a law degree in six rather than seven years. In your fourth year, you would matriculate at UMass Law as a first-year law student.