Political Science
Students earning their Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at Simmons develop a keen understanding of government institutions, the processes of decision making, and public policy.
Political Science students have many opportunities to learn from experts in the classroom—like our Warburg Chair in International Relations—and to attend leadership-focused events with visionaries like Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Gloria Steinem. Students also intern for local and national politicians, government agencies, and advocacy groups here in Boston—all just a short walk or T ride from campus.
Successful Political Science students are analytical, passionate, and determined. Many take advantage of our 3+1 Public Policy Program—combining a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a Master of Arts in Public Policy—enabling them to earn their undergraduate and graduate degree from Simmons in just 4 years. Graduates of our Political Science program go on to rewarding careers in government, business, teaching, journalism, and diplomacy.
Political Science is also available as a minor.
Why study Political Science?
Politics implicitly affect every aspect of our daily lives. If you’re interested in international affairs, public policy, terrorism, the environment, and/or civil rights, studying political science will quench your thirst for information. Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science program at Simmons have the breadth and depth of knowledge required to analyze what shapes the political landscape in the United States and around the globe—yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Best of all? They have the confidence to speak up for what they believe in, striving to make changes to make the world a better place.
What will you learn?
The BA in Political Science program consists of thirty-six (36) credit hours plus eight (8) hours of independent study. Courses in the political science major include:
Politics in the Republic: Congress and the Presidency
This course examines decision-making in American politics at the national level, focusing on the internal operational dynamics and structural environment of the Congress, patterns of presidential decision-making and leadership, and the relationship between the legislative and executive branches of the government.
Comparative Foreign Policy
In this course, foreign policy of various countries in Asia, Europe, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and North America is discussed. The class focuses on leaders and their world views; bureaucracies, size of a state, national culture, and type of regime; rising significance of NGOs, and International Organizations.
Feminism and Capitalism
This class delves into the connections between feminism and capitalism. Students ask and answer questions like: in what ways do feminist politics perpetuate capitalism, and how do they offer possibilities for critical resistance to it?
View all the Political Science course descriptions. See below for more information on program requirements.
What can you do with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science?
The most obvious career choice for graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science is to become a political scientist. These professionals study the origins and structure of government and political systems and seek pragmatic and theoretical solutions to political quandaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for political scientists was $115,110 in May 2017.
Other career paths for BA in Political Science degree holders include:
- Policy Analyst
- Legislative Assistant
- Public Relations Specialist
- Political Consultant
- Government Affairs Directors
Find out more about our Bachelor of Arts in Political Science program!
When you pursue your Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at Simmons, you find your political voice on a campus committed to social justice, political awareness, and activism at Simmons. Visit the Political Science & International Relations Department page to learn more. You can also request more information, schedule a campus tour, or find out how to apply today!;
Our Faculty
Abel Djassi Amado
Associate Professor
Leanne Doherty
Associate Provost, Academic and Faculty Affairs
Kristina Pechulis
Adjunct Faculty
Lena Zuckerwise
Associate Professor and Department Chair
Spotlight on Political Science Students and Alums
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Gia Lebrun ’24 Shares her Perspective as a First-Generation Student at Simmons
We asked first-generation student Gia Lebrun ’24 about her perspective on the college experience and what advice she would give to prospective first-generation students.