Political Science, B.A.

A student smiling and looking off to the side while standing in front of a microphone.

Study how government functions and how policies are made in government to reallocate resources in society.

As a political science major at Westfield State University, you’ll study the complex world of politics and decision-making in government with guidance from accomplished faculty. You’ll examine scholarly papers and research political institutions in depth, and have the opportunity to participate in an internship in Washington, D.C.

Gain the foundation of knowledge you need for a career in law, government, politics, media, private sector, non-profit, and more with a political science degree from Westfield State.

Choose from five concentrations with two additional interdisciplinary options:

American Politics 
The American Politics concentration mainly looks into American political institutions and processes at the federal, state, and local levels. Political participation, interest groups, mass media, Congress and the presidency are also examined. 

International Studies 
The International Studies concentration focuses on social, political, and economic forces that shape interactions among states and/or non-state actors. Students may choose to study political systems, economies, and cultures of the world; international relations and world politics; and international norms and organization in many different parts of the world.

International Studies, Interdisciplinary Option 
The interdisciplinary option builds on the International Studies concentration with two additional courses from other programs, including Criminal Justice, Economics, History, Sociology, and others.

Law 
The Law concentration introduces students to a broad understanding of the legal system in the United State, so that they prepare for law school and careers in law as well as graduate study in Political Science with a focus in public law. 

Law, Interdisciplinary Option 
The interdisciplinary option builds on the Law concentration with two additional courses from other programs, including Biology, Communication, Criminal Justice, Management, Sociology, and others.

Political Studies
The Political Studies concentration introduces students to a broad philosophical and practical understanding of political science and ­­its application to contemporary political issues. 

Public Administration 
The Public Administration concentration provides the opportunity to explore how public policies are made and implemented in the United States, and how government agencies and regulatory bodies function.

Program Highlights

  • 3+3 with UMass Law School
  • Accelerated BA and MPA
  • Model United Nations
  • Peace Corps Preparation Certificate
  • Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honor Society
  • Washington Center and local internships

Gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the role of politics.

Are you ready to start earning your Bachelor of Arts in Political Science?

A political science bachelor's degree that prepares you for graduate school or to start a career in government, law, education, and business.

  • Westfield State students in discussion while studying

    A robust education 

    You will have the option to choose from one of four subfields to dig deeper into your area of interest. Interdisciplinary options allow you to take courses outside Political Science that complement your concentration. Additionally, the Political Science Club, Law Club, and International Relations Club allow you to connect with other students and faculty outside of the classroom for a different learning and networking experience.

  • SGA Executive Council featuring 8 students with Student Government banner behind them.

    Active learning 

    Students will participate in class discussions, group presentations, mock congress simulations, Model UN conferences and other kinds of experience-based approaches. Students will also benefit from classes that incorporate recent technologies and teaching methods. Class sizes are capped at 25 for upper-level courses and 30 for introductory-level courses, so you'll get the personal interaction with faculty you need.

  • Students walk past the Campus Globe sculpture on the Westfield State University campus.

    Curriculum that evolves with the field 

    The political science department routinely updates the curricula for all concentrations to keep up to date with current trends in the discipline, so that you know what you learn in the classroom today will be applicable in your career tomorrow. 

Program Details

Program Mission

The Department of Political Science seeks to educate students to think critically and analytically and apply a broad understanding of the nature of politics to the important questions of our time. We help students discern how policies implemented distribute resources and affect access to opportunities and privileges within society. We provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage in political discourse as informed citizens. We also prepare students for graduate education in various fields as well as for careers in government, politics, law, and a wide range of other professional and managerial fields. 

Program Vision

The Department of Political Science takes pride in providing a comprehensive political science degree for students from all walks of life in and outside the Commonwealth. We offer quality education that helps students better understand important historical questions and policy issues of our time and acquire expertise to tackle challenges of the ever-changing world.

Learning Outcomes

Through the process of earning their political science bachelor’s degree, students will be able to: 

  • Demonstrate critical political thinking, reading, writing, and oral communication skills. 
  • Identify and articulate an ideological stance.  
  • Demonstrate the ability to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative political research of others and conduct their own political research.

Earn two degrees in less time

Accelerate your academic path! Westfield State University offers an Early Entry Master of Public Administration, Policy, and Civic Engagement program for outstanding undergraduates. Earn your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just 5 years! Enroll in graduate-level courses during your senior year, with 6 credits counting toward both degrees. Develop essential skills in Public Administration and choose from concentrations like Criminal Justice Administration, Non-Profit Management, Public Healthcare Administration, and Public Management. Become a leader in government and non-profit organizations with an MPA from WSU.

The Political Science Department also offers pre-law advising for those interested in attending law school. One of our department’s faculty serves as advisor to Westfield States’ 3+3 program with UMass Law School. Once enrolled in this program, students may complete a BA and JD degrees in six years, instead of seven years needed when following a regular path of college and law school.

Majoring in political science creates many avenues for a promising career ... I am not a lawyer, but am currently involved in the operations of a law firm, and use regularly the tools I was taught at [Westfield State] in the political science program.

Alumni currently employed at CMBG3 Law LLC in Boston as Financial & Client Services Manager.

Unlock diverse career paths with a political science major!

Beyond enriching your civic knowledge, this degree opens doors to impactful roles in:

  • Business 
  • Education 
  • Government 
  • Journalism 
  • Law 
  • Non-profit organizations
Newly inducted members of Westfield State University’s Mu Nu chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha Pi Sigma.

Ready to learn more?

Get big school features with small school advantages. 

We offer high-quality academics, unique learning opportunities, and a gorgeous campus—and we have small classes, accessible faculty, and one-on-one support. 

You'll join fellow motivated students ready to make the most of the college experience through active participation. Become part of a caring and committed community that understands and embraces the bridge between academic study and civic responsibility.

  • 92%+

    of faculty hold doctorates

  • 300+

    service projects

  • Study abroad

    in 35+ countries 

Learn from experienced faculty in small classes

Students in Westfield State University’s political science major program are led by a group of accomplished faculty with diverse backgrounds in law, public administration, international relations, political theory, and more. Each faculty member is dedicated to keeping up to date with current trends in the discipline through active participation in professional development, publication, and conference attendance and presentations. And, with small class sizes, students in the Political Science BA program will be able to interact closely with and learn from these experienced faculty. 

Faculty directory 

Poli-Sci Professor Marsha Marotta smiles while posing for a photo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Westfield State University accredited?   

Westfield State University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Our educator preparation programs are also approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). 

Do I have to submit SAT/ACT scores or an essay when I apply?

Westfield State University does not require an application essay, SAT and/or ACT scores, or letters of recommendation (except for special program admissions).   

All first-year applicants are reviewed for admission based on their high school record. First-year applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements established by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) in order to qualify for admission to a state university. 

Learn more about the application process and admissions here.

How much does Westfield State University cost?

Westfield State University offers a comprehensive university experience at an affordable cost—with many options for financial aid. Visit our Cost and Aid page to learn more. 

Will I receive academic support?

We’re invested in your success. Whether you need a little help adjusting to college, study strategies, tutoring, or disability services, the team at the Academic Achievement Department is ready to help. Our mission is to provide you with the tools to explore academic opportunities as well as to plot strategies for continued growth. 

Learn more about our student support services here.

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Political Science, B.A.