Simmons College Department of Political Science and International Relations

Undergraduate Major in Political Science and International Relations

The field of political science is divided into four subfields: American politics, comparative politics, international politics, and political theory. Collectively, courses in these areas introduce students to the study of the institutions of government, the processes of decision-making (domestic and international), the content of these decisions (public policy), and their impact on society. The field of political science is also concerned with questions of how governments should be constituted and how politics should be carried out.

The interdisciplinary major in international relations seeks to understand the political, economic, social, and cultural relations among states as well as the transnational roles of non-state actors. Such an understanding is critical in today's world and can support a variety of career options.

The study of political science and international relations has traditionally provided a solid foundation for careers in government (national, state, and local), diplomacy, law, and business, as well as in teaching and journalism. Recent Simmons alumna currently work in the Massachusetts State House, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Office of Senator Kennedy, the American Cancer Society, CENTRA Technology, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United Nations, Dewey Square political consultancy, the Washington Institute for Near Eastern Affairs, Physicians for Social Responsibility, as well as the United States armed forces. In the past few years, alumna have been accepted at leading law schools, including, BU, BC, George Mason, Notre Dame, George Washington, Suffolk, and University of Southern Maine. Simmons students have also attended the leading Master's programs in International Relations, including the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, the Johns Hophins School of Advanced International Sutdies (SAIS), and Columbia University's School of Public and International Affairs (SIPA). Other programs grads have gone on to attend include Columbia University's School of Journalism and other graduate programs such as Simmons GSLIS, the University of Belfast, and the University of Texas at Austin.

Master in Public Policy

The Simmons Master in Public Policy is designed to meet the needs of students interested in the action of governments and the objectives that guide those actions. Students may currently work for, or hope to work for, local, state, or national government, non-profit organizations, or areas of the private sector heavily influenced by governmental acts. The Simmons MPP will reflect the college's unique commitment to public service and interdisciplinary exploration. The 36 credit degree will include six required courses in areas of policy analysis and research methods, an internship component, and five electives. The elective courses will be offered throughout the college's five graduate divisions: Arts and Sciences, Library and Information Science, Management, Social Work, and Health Sciences.