At a Glance

  • Flexibility
    Part Time | Full Time
  • Delivery Options
    On Campus
  • Degree
    BA

As a political science major, you will gain the knowledge and skills to engage in the complex realm of national and international politics.

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

Student in the UMass Lowell political science program holds a binder

Discover how politics shapes communities and global events with the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at UMass Lowell. 

You’ll study American politics, global affairs, law and political communication. You'll also build valuable skills in research, writing, data analysis and public speaking. 

Gain hands-on experience through internships, study abroad and programs like Model United Nations, Mock Trial and the Washington Internship Program. In the final year, you will complete a practical experience in local government, law or a service organization.

You'll graduate ready to pursue graduate and law school or careers in government, law, public service, advocacy, and communications. 

Focus Your Studies

Choose a focus area based on your interests and career goals.

  • American Politics
  • International Relations and Comparative Politics
  • Law and Politics
  • Political Communication and Public Opinion
  • Sustainability and Environmental Politics

Career Outlook for Political Science Majors

  • $85,400

    Median annual salary for bachelor's degree holders in New England
    Source: Lightcast, 2025

  • +11.9%

    Projected job growth in New England (2023–2035)
    Source: Lightcast, 2025

What Can You Do with a Degree in Political Science?

With valuable skills in reading, writing, critical thinking and public speaking, our graduates thrive in diverse careers or go on to graduate school. 


political-science-students-800

Career Areas

  • Political campaigns
  • Polling organizations
  • Local, state, and federal government
  • Marketing and communications
  • Journalism
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Legal services, law and law enforcement
  • Teaching
  • Armed forces

Graduate School Placements

  • Stanford University
  • University of Massachusetts, Amherst
  • Boston University
  • Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University

What Our Students Say

Sean Simonini holds a petri dish while another person points at it in a UMass Lowell lab.
Sean Simonini '26
Political Science, Biology

From policy to research, Sean Simonini is making an impact.

UMass Lowell is about the grit, the work ethic. It’s everybody on an equal playing field. I love that mission.
Anthony Amatucci sits at a table with an open laptop and gavel during a UMass Lowell Model United Nations meeting.
Anthony Amatucci '25
Economics and Political Science

Honors College student Anthony Amatucci leads the UML Marching Band and the Model U.N. team – and still finds time for a double major, a minor and research.

I feel like the students here and the faculty here, they’re not trying to make a name for themselves: They’re trying to teach, research and make an impact.
Maxwell Aaronson shakes a man's hand while volunteering with the nonprofit Human Connection in Nayarit in Mexico
Maxwell Aaronson '21
Political Science

Maxwell Aaronson is pursuing international experiences and languages, with the goal of working in the Foreign Service.

I’ve developed this real passion for learning languages and learning about other cultures.

Courses You'll Take as a Political Science Major

Sample course topics include: 

  • American Politics
  • International Relations
  • Climate Change Communication
  • Politics of the Internet
  • Politics and Sports
  • Global Security
  • Law and the Legal System
  • View all courses

Year-by-Year Course Plan

Check out our degree pathways, which offer sample plans for completing your degree in four years.

For students who entered fall 2020 and beyond.

Freshman Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.1010Introduction to American Politics (SRE)3
FAHS.1090First Year Seminar1
ENGL.1010 /
HONR.1100		College Writing I /
First Year Seminar in Honors: Text in the City (CW)		3
WLxx.xxxxLanguage 1 and Culture3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)13
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)1 - PSYC.1010 recommended 3
Total16

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
ENGL.1020College Writing II (CW)3
POLI.1120 /
POLI.1210		Introduction to Comparative Politics /
Introduction to International Relations (DCA)		3
WLxx.xxxxLanguage 2 and Culture3
xxxx.xxxxSciences with Lab Perspective (SCL)13-4
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)13
Total15-16

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.2010Research Methods (IL)3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)13
xxxx.xxxxSciences with Lab Perspective (SCL)13-4
xxxx.xxxxLanguage 3 and Culture /
World Ready Elective2		3
xxxx.xxxxMath Perspective (MATH) - MATH.2830 recommended3
Total15-16

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.3010Quantitative Research Methods (CTPS), (QL)3
POLI.xxxxAmerican Politics Concentration Elective43
POLI.xxxxAmerican Politics Concentration Elective43
xxxx.xxxxLanguage 4 and Culture /
World Ready Elective2		3
xxxx.xxxxPolitical Science / Free Elective3
Total15

Junior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.xxxxAmerican Politics Concentration Elective53
POLI.xxxxAmerican Politics Concentration Elective53
POLI.xxxxPolitical Science / Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxScience, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Perspective (STEM)13
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)13
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.xxxxAmerican Politics Concentration Elective53
xxxx.xxxxPolitical Science / Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)13
xxxx.xxxxWorld Ready Elective3 / Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Senior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.4xxxApproved 4000-level Seminar (WOC)3/63
xxxx.xxxxPolitical Science / Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.4960 /
POLI.4970		Experiential Learning in Political Science /
Practicum in the Law (AIL)		3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Total Minimum Credits = 120

Minimum Political Science Credits: 36

Maximum Political Science Credits That Can Be Counted Toward Graduation: 45

Minimum Upper Level Credits: 18 with a minimum of 6 at 4000 level plus 12 at 3000 level or higher (POLI.3010, POLI.4960 or POLI.4970 count toward these requirements). One of these advanced courses must be a seminar, which is a small class of advanced students, focused on more intensive writing than usual classes. The topics of seminar courses will vary each semester with the interests of department faculty.

You should meet with your faculty advisor to determine how you will meet the Political Science and Core Curriculum requirements.

1No more than two Breadth of Knowledge courses can be taken with the same prefix. The Core Curriculum courses may be taken in any sequence. Refer to the Core Curriculum policy for further details.

2World Ready Language Track (WR track) requires successful completion of a two course sequence in a World Language (depending on placement) and three approved courses on the culture/history/literature/film related to that language, but taught in English. (Total of 15 credits.) For detailed information refer to Policies - Language Requirements in the undergraduate catalog.

3Political Science majors satisfy the Written and Oral Communication (WOC) ELO by taking an approved, 4000-level Political Science seminar course. See your Advisement Report or the WOC Course Listing for a current list of approved courses.

4American Politics Concentration Electives (Sophomore Year):

5American Politics Concentration Electives (Junior Year):

6Approved 4000-level Seminar:

Current UMass Lowell students should use their Advisement Report in SIS. Political Science majors will also be assigned to a faculty advisor who guides students through their studies. The department strongly suggests scheduling an advising meeting once per semester.

Restriction on off-campus study:

Be advised that any course taken at another institution must be formally approved prior to enrollment.

See the catalog policy for details.

Breadth of Knowledge (BOK) Glossary

  • SS - Social Sciences Perspective - 9 credits
  • AH - Arts and Humanities Perspective - 9 credits
  • SCL - Sciences with Lab Perspective - 6 credits
  • STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Perspective - 3 credits
  • CW - College Writing I and II - 6 credits
  • MATH - Math Perspective - 3 credits

Read more about the Breadth of Knowledge requirements.

Essential Learning Outcomes (ELO) Glossary

  • AIL - Applied and Integrative Learning
  • CTPS - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
  • DCA - Diversity and Cultural Awareness
  • IL - Information Literacy
  • QL - Quantitative Literacy
  • SRE - Social Responsibility and Ethics
  • WOC - Written and Oral Communication

Read more about the Essential Learning Outcomes.

For students who entered fall 2020 and beyond.

Freshman Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.1010Introduction to American Politics (SRE)3
FAHS.1090First Year Seminar1
ENGL.1010 /
HONR.1100		College Writing I /
First Year Seminar in Honors: Text in the City (CW)		3
WLxx.xxxxLanguage 1 and Culture3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)13
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)1 - PSYC.1010 recommended3
Total16

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
ENGL.1020College Writing II (CW)3
POLI.1120 /
POLI.1210		Introduction to Comparative Politics /
Introduction to International Relations (DCA)		3
WLxx.xxxxLanguage 2 and Culture3
xxxx.xxxxSciences with Lab Perspective (SCL)13-4
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)13
Total15-16

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.2010Research Methods (IL)3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)13
xxxx.xxxxSciences with Lab Perspective (SCL)13-4
xxxx.xxxxLanguage 3 and Culture /
World Ready Elective2		3
xxxx.xxxxMath Perspective (MATH) - MATH.2830 recommended3
Total15-16

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.3010Quantitative Research Methods (CTPS), (QL)3
POLI.xxxxInternational Relations and Comparative Politics Concentration Elective43
POLI.xxxxInternational Relations and Comparative Politics Concentration Elective43
xxxx.xxxxLanguage 4 and Culture /
World Ready Elective2		3
xxxx.xxxxPolitical Science / Free Elective3
Total15

Junior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.xxxxInternational Relations and Comparative Politics Concentration Elective53
POLI.xxxxInternational Relations and Comparative Politics Concentration Elective53
POLI.xxxxPolitical Science / Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxScience, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Perspective (STEM)13
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)13
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.xxxxInternational Relations and Comparative Politics Concentration Elective53
xxxx.xxxxPolitical Science / Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)13
xxxx.xxxxWorld Ready Elective3 / Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Senior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.4xxxApproved 4000-level Seminar (WOC)3/63
xxxx.xxxxPolitical Science / Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.4960 /
POLI.4970		Experiential Learning in Political Science /
Practicum in the Law (AIL)		3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Total Minimum Credits = 120

Minimum Political Science Credits: 36

Maximum Political Science Credits That Can Be Counted Toward Graduation: 45

Minimum Upper Level Credits: 18 with a minimum of 6 at 4000 level plus 12 at 3000 level or higher (POLI.3010, POLI.4960 or POLI.4970 count toward these requirements). One of these advanced courses must be a seminar, which is a small class of advanced students, focused on more intensive writing than usual classes. The topics of seminar courses will vary each semester with the interests of department faculty.

You should meet with your faculty advisor to determine how you will meet the Political Science and Core Curriculum requirements.

1No more than two Breadth of Knowledge courses can be taken with the same prefix. The Core Curriculum courses may be taken in any sequence. Refer to the Core Curriculum policy for further details.

2World Ready Language Track (WR track) requires successful completion of a two course sequence in a World Language (depending on placement) and three approved courses on the culture/history/literature/film related to that language, but taught in English. (Total of 15 credits.) For detailed information refer to Policies - Language Requirements in the undergraduate catalog.

3Political Science majors satisfy the Written and Oral Communication (WOC) ELO by taking an approved, 4000-level Political Science seminar course. See your Advisement Report or the WOC Course Listing for a current list of approved courses.

4International Relations and Comparative Politics Concentration Electives (Sophomore Year):

5International Relations and Comparative Politics Concentration Electives (Junior Year):

6Approved 4000-level Seminar:

Current UMass Lowell students should use their Advisement Report in SIS. Political Science majors will also be assigned to a faculty advisor who guides students through their studies. The department strongly suggests scheduling an advising meeting once per semester.

Restriction on off-campus study:

Be advised that any course taken at another institution must be formally approved prior to enrollment.

See the catalog policy for details.

Breadth of Knowledge (BOK) Glossary

  • SS - Social Sciences Perspective - 9 credits
  • AH - Arts and Humanities Perspective - 9 credits
  • SCL - Sciences with Lab Perspective - 6 credits
  • STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Perspective - 3 credits
  • CW - College Writing I and II - 6 credits
  • MATH - Math Perspective - 3 credits

Read more about the Breadth of Knowledge requirements.

Essential Learning Outcomes (ELO) Glossary

  • AIL - Applied and Integrative Learning
  • CTPS - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
  • DCA - Diversity and Cultural Awareness
  • IL - Information Literacy
  • QL - Quantitative Literacy
  • SRE - Social Responsibility and Ethics
  • WOC - Written and Oral Communication

Read more about the Essential Learning Outcomes.

For students who entered fall 2026 and beyond.

Freshman Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.1010Introduction to American Politics (SRE)3
FAHS.1090First Year Seminar1
ENGL.1010 /
HONR.1100		College Writing I /
First Year Seminar in Honors: Text in the City (CW)		3
WLxx.xxxxLanguage 1 and Culture3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)13
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)13
Total16

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
ENGL.1020College Writing II (CW)3
POLI.1120 /
POLI.1210		Introduction to Comparative Politics /
Introduction to International Relations (DCA)		3
WLxx.xxxxLanguage 2 and Culture3
xxxx.xxxxSciences with Lab Perspective (SCL)13-4
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)13
Total15-16

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.2010Research Methods (IL)3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)13
xxxx.xxxxSciences with Lab Perspective (SCL)13-4
xxxx.xxxxLanguage 3 and Culture /
World Ready Elective2		3
xxxx.xxxxMath Perspective (MATH) - MATH.2830 recommended3
Total15-16

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.3010Quantitative Research Methods (CTPS), (QL)3
POLI.xxxx
LGST.xxxx		Law and Politics Concentration Elective4/53
POLI.xxxx
LGST.xxxx		Law and Politics Concentration Elective4/53
xxxx.xxxxLanguage 4 and Culture /
World Ready Elective2		3
xxxx.xxxxPolitical Science / Free Elective3
Total15

Junior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.xxxx
LGST.xxxx		Law and Politics Concentration Elective4/63
POLI.xxxx
LGST.xxxx		Law and Politics Concentration Elective4/63
POLI.xxxxPolitical Science / Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxScience, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Perspective (STEM)13
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)13
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.xxxxLaw and Politics Concentration Elective53
xxxx.xxxxPolitical Science / Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)13
xxxx.xxxxWorld Ready Elective3 /
Free Elective		3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Senior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.4xxxApproved 4000-level Seminar (WOC)3/73
xxxx.xxxxPolitical Science / Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.4960 /
POLI.4970		Experiential Learning in Political Science /
Practicum in the Law (AIL)		3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Total Minimum Credits = 120

Minimum Political Science Credits: 36

Maximum Political Science Credits That Can Be Counted Toward Graduation: 45

Minimum Upper Level Credits: 18 with a minimum of 6 at 4000 level plus 12 at 3000 level or higher (POLI.3010, POLI.4960 or POLI.4970 count toward these requirements). One of these advanced courses must be a seminar, which is a small class of advanced students, focused on more intensive writing than usual classes. The topics of seminar courses will vary each semester with the interests of department faculty.

You should meet with your faculty advisor to determine how you will meet the Political Science and Core Curriculum requirements.

1No more than two Breadth of Knowledge courses can be taken with the same prefix. The Core Curriculum courses may be taken in any sequence. Refer to the Core Curriculum policy for further details.

2World Ready Language Track (WR track) requires successful completion of a two course sequence in a World Language (depending on placement) and three approved courses on the culture/history/literature/film related to that language, but taught in English. (Total of 15 credits.) For detailed information refer to Policies - Language Requirements in the undergraduate catalog.

3Political Science majors satisfy the Written and Oral Communication (WOC) ELO by taking an approved, 4000-level Political Science seminar course. See your Advisement Report or the WOC Course Listing for a current list of approved courses.

4Up to 2 classes (6 credits) from approved LGST electives may be used to fulfill concentration requirements in POLI-Law & Politics. Up to 2 classes (6 credits) may be shared between the POLI-Law & Politics Major and the Legal Studies Minor.

5Law and Politics Concentration Electives (Sophomore Year):

6Law and Politics Concentration Electives (Junior Year):

7Approved 4000-level Seminar:

Current UMass Lowell students should use their Advisement Report in SIS. Political Science majors will also be assigned to a faculty advisor who guides students through their studies. The department strongly suggests scheduling an advising meeting once per semester.

Restriction on off-campus study:

Be advised that any course taken at another institution must be formally approved prior to enrollment.

See the catalog policy for details.

Breadth of Knowledge (BOK) Glossary

  • SS - Social Sciences Perspective - 9 credits
  • AH - Arts and Humanities Perspective - 9 credits
  • SCL - Sciences with Lab Perspective - 6 credits
  • STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Perspective - 3 credits
  • CW - College Writing I and II - 6 credits
  • MATH - Math Perspective - 3 credits

Read more about the Breadth of Knowledge requirements.

Essential Learning Outcomes (ELO) Glossary

  • AIL - Applied and Integrative Learning
  • CTPS - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
  • DCA - Diversity and Cultural Awareness
  • IL - Information Literacy
  • QL - Quantitative Literacy
  • SRE - Social Responsibility and Ethics
  • WOC - Written and Oral Communication

Read more about the Essential Learning Outcomes.

For students who entered fall 2020 and beyond.

Freshman Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.1010Introduction to American Politics (SRE)3
FAHS.1090First Year Seminar1
ENGL.1010 /
HONR.1100		College Writing I /
First Year Seminar in Honors: Text in the City (CW)		3
WLxx.xxxxLanguage 1 and Culture3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)13
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)1 - PSYC.1010 recommended3
Total16

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
ENGL.1020College Writing II (CW)3
POLI.1120 /
POLI.1210		Introduction to Comparative Politics /
Introduction to International Relations (DCA)		3
WLxx.xxxxLanguage 2 and Culture3
xxxx.xxxxSciences with Lab Perspective (SCL)13-4
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)13
Total15-16

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.2010Research Methods (IL)3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)13
xxxx.xxxxSciences with Lab Perspective (SCL)13-4
xxxx.xxxxLanguage 3 and Culture /
World Ready Elective2		3
xxxx.xxxxMath Perspective (MATH) - MATH.2830 recommended3
Total15-16

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.3010Quantitative Research Methods (CTPS), (QL)3
POLI.xxxxPolitical Communication and Public Opinion Concentration Elective43
POLI.xxxxPolitical Communication and Public Opinion Concentration Elective43
xxxx.xxxxLanguage 4 and Culture /
World Ready Elective2		3
xxxx.xxxxPolitical Science / Free Elective3
Total15

Junior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.xxxxPolitical Communication and Public Opinion Concentration Elective53
POLI.xxxxPolitical Communication and Public Opinion Concentration Elective53
POLI.xxxxPolitical Science / Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxScience, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Perspective (STEM)13
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)13
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.xxxxPolitical Communication and Public Opinion Concentration Elective53
xxxx.xxxxPolitical Science / Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)13
xxxx.xxxxWorld Ready Elective3 /
Free Elective		3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Senior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.4xxxApproved 4000-level Seminar (WOC)3/63
xxxx.xxxxPolitical Science / Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.4960 /
POLI.4970		Experiential Learning in Political Science /
Practicum in the Law (AIL)		3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Total Minimum Credits = 120

Minimum Political Science Credits: 36

Maximum Political Science Credits That Can Be Counted Toward Graduation: 45

Minimum Upper Level Credits: 18 with a minimum of 6 at 4000 level plus 12 at 3000 level or higher (POLI.3010, POLI.4960 or POLI.4970 count toward these requirements). One of these advanced courses must be a seminar, which is a small class of advanced students, focused on more intensive writing than usual classes. The topics of seminar courses will vary each semester with the interests of department faculty.

You should meet with your faculty advisor to determine how you will meet the Political Science and Core Curriculum requirements.

1No more than two Breadth of Knowledge courses can be taken with the same prefix. The Core Curriculum courses may be taken in any sequence. Refer to the Core Curriculum policy for further details.

2World Ready Language Track (WR track) requires successful completion of a two course sequence in a World Language (depending on placement) and three approved courses on the culture/history/literature/film related to that language, but taught in English. (Total of 15 credits.) For detailed information refer to Policies - Language Requirements in the undergraduate catalog.

3Political Science majors satisfy the Written and Oral Communication (WOC) ELO by taking an approved, 4000-level Political Science seminar course. See your Advisement Report or the WOC Course Listing for a current list of approved courses.

4Political Communication & Public Opinion Concentration Elective Sophomore Spring semester, course list includes:

5Political Communication & Public Opinion Concentration Elective Junior year, course list includes:

6Approved 4000-level Seminar:

Current UMass Lowell students should use their Advisement Report in SIS. Political Science majors will also be assigned to a faculty advisor who guides students through their studies. The department strongly suggests scheduling an advising meeting once per semester.

Restriction on off-campus study:

Be advised that any course taken at another institution must be formally approved prior to enrollment.

See the catalog policy for details.

Breadth of Knowledge (BOK) Glossary

  • SS - Social Sciences Perspective - 9 credits
  • AH - Arts and Humanities Perspective - 9 credits
  • SCL - Sciences with Lab Perspective - 6 credits
  • STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Perspective - 3 credits
  • CW - College Writing I and II - 6 credits
  • MATH - Math Perspective - 3 credits

Read more about the Breadth of Knowledge requirements.

Essential Learning Outcomes (ELO) Glossary

  • AIL - Applied and Integrative Learning
  • CTPS - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
  • DCA - Diversity and Cultural Awareness
  • IL - Information Literacy
  • QL - Quantitative Literacy
  • SRE - Social Responsibility and Ethics
  • WOC - Written and Oral Communication

Read more about the Essential Learning Outcomes.

For students who entered fall 2022 and beyond.

Freshman Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
ENGL.1010 /
HONR.1100		College Writing I /
First Year Seminar in Honors: Text in the City (CW)		3
FAHS.1090First Year Experience Seminar1
POLI.1010Introduction to American Politics3
WLxx.xxxxLanguage 1 and Culture3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Science Perspective (SS)13
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)13
Total16

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
ENGL.1020College Writing II (CW)3
POLI.1120 /
POLI.1210		Introduction to Comparative Politics /
International Relations		3
WLxx.xxxxLanguage 2 and Culture3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)13
xxxx.xxxxScience with Lab Perspective (SCL)4
Total16

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.2010Research Methods in Political Science (IL)3
xxxx.xxxxLanguage 3 and Culture /
World Ready Elective2		3
xxxx.xxxxMath Perspective (MATH) - MATH.2830 recommended3
xxxx.xxxxScience with Lab Perspective (SCL)4
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)13
Total16

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.3010Quantitative Research Methods (CTPS), (QL)3
POLI.xxxxSustainability and Environmental Politics Elective43
POLI.xxxxSustainability and Environmental Politics Elective43
xxxx.xxxxLanguage 4 and Culture /
World Ready Elective2		3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Junior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.xxxxSustainability and Environmental Politics Elective53
POLI.xxxxSustainability and Environmental Politics Elective53
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)13
xxxx.xxxScience, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Perspective  (STEM)3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.xxxxSustainability and Environmental Politics Elective53
xxxx.xxxxWorld Ready Elective3 /
Free Elective		3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)13
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Senior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.4xxxApproved 4000-level Seminar (WOC)3/63
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
POLI.4960 /
POLI.4970		Experiential Learning in Political Science /
Practicum in Law		3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Total Minimum Credits = 120

Minimum Political Science credits: 40

Maximum Political Science credits that can be counted toward graduation: 45

Minimum upper level credits: 18 with a minimum of 6 at 4000 level plus 12 at 3000 level or higher (POLI.3010, POLI.4960 or POLI.4970 count toward these requirements). One of these advanced courses must be a seminar, which is a small class of advanced students, focused on more intensive writing than usual classes. The topics of seminar courses will vary each semester with the interests of department faculty.

You should meet with your faculty advisor to determine how you will meet the Political Science and Core Curriculum requirements.

1No more than two Breadth of Knowledge courses can be taken with the same prefix. The Core Curriculum courses may be taken in any sequence. Refer to the Core Curriculum policy for further details.

2World Ready Language Track (WR track) requires successful completion of a two course sequence in a World Language (depending on placement) and three approved courses on the culture/history/literature/film related to that language, but taught in English. (Total of 15 credits.) For detailed information refer to Policies - Language Requirements in the undergraduate catalog.

3Political Science majors satisfy the Written and Oral Communication (WOC) ELO by taking an approved, 4000-level Political Science seminar course. See your Advisement Report or the WOC Course Listing for a current list of approved courses.

4Sustainability and Environmental Politics Electives (Sophomore):

5Sustainability and Environmental Politics Electives (Junior):

6Approved 4000-level Seminar:

Current UMass Lowell students should use their Advisement Report in SIS. Political Science majors will also be assigned to a faculty advisor who guides students through their studies. The department strongly suggests scheduling an advising meeting once per semester.

Restriction on off-campus study:

Be advised that any course taken at another institution must be formally approved prior to enrollment.

See the catalog policy for details.

Breadth of Knowledge (BOK) Glossary

  • SS - Social Sciences Perspective - 9 credits
  • AH - Arts and Humanities Perspective - 9 credits
  • SCL - Sciences with Lab Perspective - 6 credits
  • STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Perspective - 3 credits
  • CW - College Writing I and II - 6 credits
  • MATH - Math Perspective - 3 credits

Read more about the Breadth of Knowledge requirements.

Essential Learning Outcomes (ELO) Glossary

  • AIL - Applied and Integrative Learning
  • CTPS - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
  • DCA - Diversity and Cultural Awareness
  • IL - Information Literacy
  • QL - Quantitative Literacy
  • SRE - Social Responsibility and Ethics
  • WOC - Written and Oral Communication

Read more about the Essential Learning Outcomes.

Why Study Political Science at UMass Lowell?

UMass Lowell political science student participates as a panelist in a debate among the Democratic primary candidates for Niki Tsongas’ seat in Congress

Experiential Learning

Build practical skills and knowledge through: 

UMass Lowell political science students in the United Nations group stand outside a gate in Belgium

International Experience

Expand your horizons through international study and travel, aided by our political science faculty with expertise in: 

  • Europe
  • The Middle East
  • Southeast Asia
  • Latin America
UMass Lowell political science student stands next to Joseph Kennedy III

Student Organizations

Put your learning into practice by joining student-run clubs and organizations, including:

  • Pre-Law Society 
  • The Connector (Newspaper)
Student in the UMass Lowell political science program

Career Connected Experience: The UMass Lowell Guarantee

Every first-time, first-year UMass Lowell student will have the opportunity to pursue at least one Career Connected Experience (internships, co-ops, clinical placements, service learning, study abroad and more) during their undergraduate career — earning pay, credits or both before they graduate.

Take the Next Step

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