Graduate Programs – Concentrations
American National Government and Politics
The study of American politics at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst entails learning about U.S. political institutions and processes, including Congress, the Presidency and executive branch, the judicial system, political parties and interest groups, elections and civic participation, state and local government, and race and ethnicity. The program strives to offer a balanced approach in teaching theories and methods that scholars use to understand politics and governing. Such methods include political history and development, institutional and behavioral analysis, and rational choice. Graduate students and faculty in American politics come from diverse backgrounds, but share an interest in using the techniques of professional political scientists to further our understanding of practical, real-world politics. Students join in the research of the faculty and have flexibility to pursue their own interests. Students concentrating in American politics also benefit from the activities of the Civic Initiative at the Donahue Institute, as well as the many opportunities provided by the Center for Public Policy and Administration.
