The Department of Political Science and International Relations at Simmons College
Programs in our Department:
Major in Political Science
Major in International Relations
Minor in Public Policy
3 + 1 accelerated Political Science (BA)/ Public Policy (MA)
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 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 Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (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 SLIS, the University of Belfast, and the University of Texas at Austin. Master in Public Policy (MPP)
The Master in Public Policy (MPP) provides an interdisciplinary understanding of societal problems and their potential solutions. Our students gain a command of public policy analysis and an applied understanding of the various institutional contexts in which public policy is developed and implemented. Drawing on expertise and courses in the School of Management, College of Arts & Sciences, Library Sciences, Social Work, and Nursing and Health Sciences, you'll develop a well-rounded view on public policy in the United States. You'll refine your focus and sharpen your skills through independent research and an internship in the field. Alumni of our program go on to rewarding careers as policy analysts for government or the private sector, legislative aides to national, state and local policymakers, budget analysts, research associates at think tanks and policy institutes, policy specialists at advocacy organizations and direct services agencies and work on public policy creation and implementation. They're also well-prepared for law school and PhD programs in public policy, political science, economics and sociology.
