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Political Science Online
BA

Complete your degree at UMassD

The UMass Dartmouth Bachelor of Political Science degree provides students the opportunity to develop an understanding of political institutions and processes in a global community. This program prepares students for careers in law, business, international associations, government, and non-profit organizations.

Transferring to UMassD

With our generous transfer policy, students with existing credits may transfer up to 90 credits from a regionally accredited institution.

UMass Dartmouth Bachelor of Political Science students must complete 120 credits to graduate.

Students must complete a 3-credit internship as part of the course work. The internship institution/location may be selected by the student and must be approved by the political science department.

Political Science degree students:

  • Develop research skills
  • Access, understand and synthesize professional and popular writing on public affairs
  • Formulate and analyze arguments
  • Assess the relevance and weight of evidence
  • Organize their ideas into focused papers and presentations

Through this course of study, students learn to read critically, write clearly, and communicate effectively through argument, analysis, exposition, and oral presentation.

Pre-Law Concentration

We offer a concentration within our major geared towards preparing you for law school. You'll focus on courses with an emphasis on law and the courts, in both the U.S. political system and international political systems.

For the concentration, you'll complete 39 credit hours, and 120 credit hours overall.

Sample Course Offerings

Examples of Political Science degree courses offered include (course offerings subject to change):

  • Public Policy in America
  • Constitutional Law
  • Civil Liberties and Rights
  • Political Parties and Interest Groups
  • Women and Public Policy
  • Public Administration

Course descriptions, schedules and requirements

Student success

Career Opportunities

Graduates have a solid foundation for pursuing a variety of careers or advanced degrees in fields including:

  • Law
  • Business
  • Government
  • Non-profit organizations
  • International associations

UMassD advantages

Customize your education and receive the help and guidance to finish as planned:

  • UMassD online bachelor’s degree program ranked #7 in the nation by College Choice for most affordable online colleges
  • Value and affordability of a UMass education
  • Generous transfer policy
  • One-on-one personal advising from enrollment through graduation
  • Free online and in-person tutoring and writing center

Expand your opportunities

UMass Dartmouth advanced degrees

  • JD
  • MBA
  • JD/MBA

Political Science faculty

Dilshod Achilov
Dilshod Achilov, PhD
David Prentiss, JD
Doug Roscoe
Douglas Roscoe, PhD
faculty image berggren
Heidi Berggren, PhD
faculty image fobanjong
John Fobanjong, PhD
Kenneth Manning
Kenneth Manning, PhD
Kristen McHenry
Kristen McHenry, PhD
Kristen McHenry
Kristen McHenry, PhD
Peter Sandby-Thomas
Peter Sandby-Thomas, PhD
Robert Darst
Robert Darst, PhD
Shannon Jenkins
Shannon Jenkins, PhD

Learning style: online

Online courses are taught by UMass Dartmouth faculty to provide high quality instruction and personal attention. Students have the flexibility to accommodate work and home responsibilities within the structure of defined assignment due dates. The majority of our online courses are taught asynchronously.

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Course descriptions, schedules and requirements

UMassD's undergraduate experiences

Honors College student
Honors College

Take advanced courses, pursue research, and be part of a community of scholars.

Study abroad student
Study Abroad

Earn academic credits and gain a global perspective on your field.

Bhen with his art students at Talibon Elementary School in Bohol, Philippines.
Undergraduate Research

Faculty work with students on cutting-edge research projects.

Student studying at Claire T. Carney Library
University Studies

Gain the benefit of a broad university education to enhance your knowledge and skills.

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