B.A. in Political Science

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
• PTE: Overall score of 50 or higher.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Overall score of 105.

Scholarships for International Students at the University of Massachusetts Boston

Global Excellence Scholarship: The Global Excellence Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship offered to undergraduate and graduate international students. It recognizes academic achievement and provides financial support to help cover tuition expenses. The scholarship amount may vary and is renewable for subsequent years based on academic performance.

Dean's Scholarship: The Dean's Scholarship is another merit-based scholarship available to international undergraduate students. It is awarded to high-achieving students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance. The scholarship amount varies and is renewable for subsequent years based on continued academic excellence.

Foundation Scholarships: The university offers a range of scholarships funded by foundations, organizations, and donors. These scholarships may be available to both domestic and international students based on various criteria such as academic achievement, field of study, or community involvement. International students are encouraged to explore these opportunities through the university's scholarship database.

External Scholarships: International students may also be eligible for external scholarships provided by organizations, governments, or foundations outside of the university. These scholarships are typically offered based on specific criteria, such as nationality, field of study, or leadership qualities. Students are encouraged to research and apply for external scholarships that align with their academic and personal goals.

Government Scholarships: Some international students may be eligible for government-sponsored scholarships from their home countries. UMass Boston can assist students in obtaining the necessary documentation and meeting the requirements for these scholarships.

It's important for international students to check the eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and specific application procedures for each scholarship opportunity.

Graduates of the B.A. in Political Science program at UMass Boston are well-prepared to enter a diverse array of career paths thanks to their comprehensive understanding of political systems, analytical skills, and practical experience. 

Public Policy Analyst: Political Science graduates often work as public policy analysts, researching and analyzing policies to provide recommendations for government and non-profit organizations. They evaluate the impacts of policies, conduct data analysis, and prepare reports to support decision-making processes.

Legislative Assistant: Many graduates find opportunities as legislative assistants, working directly with elected officials to support their legislative agendas. They assist with research, drafting legislation, and managing constituent communications, gaining valuable experience in the legislative process.

Political Consultant: Graduates may work as political consultants, providing strategic advice to political candidates, parties, or advocacy groups. They help develop campaign strategies, conduct opposition research, and analyze voter data to shape effective political campaigns.

Public Relations Specialist: The skills in communication and strategic thinking developed in the Political Science program are highly applicable to public relations. Graduates can work as public relations specialists, managing an organization's image, crafting press releases, and handling media relations.

International Relations Specialist: For those interested in global politics, working as an international relations specialist can be a rewarding career. This role involves analyzing international issues, advising on foreign policy, and working with international organizations to address global challenges.

Non-Profit Sector Professional: Many Political Science graduates pursue careers in the non-profit sector, focusing on advocacy, program management, or fundraising. They work for organizations dedicated to social change, human rights, environmental issues, and other causes.

Government Administrator: Graduates may work in various administrative roles within government agencies, where they manage programs, oversee budgets, and ensure the implementation of public policies. These roles can be found at local, state, and federal levels.

Intelligence Analyst: With a strong foundation in political analysis, some graduates pursue careers as intelligence analysts, working for government agencies or private sector firms to assess and interpret information related to national security and international relations.

Lawyer: The analytical skills and understanding of legal and political systems gained from a Political Science degree provide a solid foundation for law school. Many graduates go on to become lawyers, specializing in areas such as criminal law, civil rights, or corporate law.

Journalist: Graduates interested in media and communication may pursue careers in journalism, focusing on political reporting. They investigate and report on political events, public policies, and governmental issues, providing insightful analysis to the public.

Academic and Research Roles: Some graduates choose to continue their education and pursue advanced degrees in political science, law, or related fields. They may then work in academia or research institutions, contributing to scholarly research and teaching the next generation of political scientists.