The University of Massachusetts Amherst's (UMass) Department of Political Science is a renowned institution for the study of politics and government. As of the 2025 national rankings available online, the department's ranking can be evaluated based on various criteria and sources. It's essential to consider multiple rankings and assessments to get a comprehensive understanding of the department's standing.
National Rankings Overview
According to the 2025 rankings published by US News & World Report, the UMass Amherst Department of Political Science is ranked among the top 50 departments in the country. This ranking is based on a survey of department heads and faculty members at peer institutions, who assess the department’s reputation, research productivity, and faculty quality. The US News & World Report ranking is widely regarded as a benchmark for academic excellence in the United States.
Ranking Breakdown
A closer examination of the 2025 rankings reveals that the UMass Amherst Department of Political Science is ranked:
- 42nd overall among the top 100 political science departments in the country, according to Niche.com
- 35th in terms of research output and impact, as measured by the Scopus database
- 28th in the QS World University Rankings by Subject for Politics and International Studies
| Ranking Source | UMass Amherst Poli Sci Department Ranking |
|---|---|
| US News & World Report (2025) | Top 50 |
| Niche.com (2025) | 42nd |
| Scopus (2025) | 35th |
| QS World University Rankings by Subject (2025) | 28th |
The department's faculty includes noted scholars in their respective fields, with research interests ranging from electoral politics and public policy to international security and human rights. The department's graduate program is also highly regarded, with a strong placement record for PhD graduates in academic and non-academic positions.
Research and Academic Programs
The UMass Amherst Department of Political Science offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, a Master of Arts in Political Science, and a PhD in Political Science. The department’s research profile is characterized by a strong focus on:
- American politics and public policy
- Comparative politics and international relations
- Political theory and philosophy
- Methodology and quantitative analysis
What are the department's research focus areas?
+The UMass Amherst Department of Political Science's research focus areas include American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory.
What is the department's graduate program placement record like?
+The department's graduate program has a strong placement record, with PhD graduates placed in academic and non-academic positions at institutions such as universities, think tanks, and government agencies.
In conclusion, the UMass Amherst Department of Political Science’s rankings in the 2025 national rankings online demonstrate its strong reputation, research profile, and commitment to academic excellence. The department’s faculty, research focus areas, and graduate programs all contribute to its standing as a top-ranked department in the country.
