Teaching the Tools of Democracy

Politics is the process of making decisions for groups. It is the way in which people who hold opposing beliefs work out their differences. When politics fails, violence often follows. The undergraduate Government major offers a liberal arts education with a focus on the institutions, ideas and processes of community, national, and international decision-making. Students choose one of four tracks, which are described below.

All tracks involve a one-year introductory sequence, which consists of two courses, plus specific track requirements.

Undergraduate – BA or BS in four tracks

• Political Science
• American Politics and Government
• Politics, Law, and the Courts
• International Affairs (BA degree only)

A Minor is also available in each of the above tracks.

The Government Department also offers both undergraduate and graduate students an opportunity to enter into the political profession by gaining expertise through a wide range of courses, faculty and student research, and public service.

Our one-year Master’s degree has a professional focus. It combines a hands-on approach with academic rigor to prepare students for careers in professional politics or international relations.  We also offer a dual degree program whereby students can earn both a Master of Public Administration and a Master of Science in Political Science degree with a reduced total number of credits.

Graduate – Master of Science in Political Science (MSPS) in two tracks

• Professional Politics
• International Relations

• Joint degree program, MPA/MSPS in Professional Politics and International Relations
• Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in Professional Politics or International Relations
• MSPS in Caribbean Politics, offered jointly with the University of the West Indies-St. Augustine

Career paths

Our alumni work in government, politics, journalism, business, and many other fields. Many pursue further education, particularly in political science, public administration and law.

Unique offerings

Suffolk University’s urban campus is just a few blocks from the Massachusetts State House and city and federal government offices. We offer our students a wealth of practica, internship placements, and research opportunities. We frequently invite guest speakers to campus who engage students in political discussion.

We are home to the Suffolk University Political Research Center (SUPRC), one of the leading political polling centers in New England. Participation in SUPR offers students a chance to become involved personally in polling and leading political research.

As one of the major financial and research centers of the world, Boston plays an important role in international relations.  Suffolk University offers two international campuses and students can obtain international internships in Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Students also have access to the extensive programs offered by WorldBoston, a private, non-profit, non-partisan forum for educating the public about matters of national and international significance. Other opportunities are available with NGOs based in Boston and elsewhere.