UMass Boston

This scholarship is named for David C. Knapp, a former Political Scientist and President of the University of Massachusetts who wished to promote the study of politics and public affairs. It is awarded to a student primarily on the basis of outstanding academic performance, but also considers additional factors such as public and community service, career goals, and personal background. 

David C. Knapp (1927–2010) served as President of the University of Massachusetts from 1978 to 1990 and was a transformative leader in the growth of the UMass system. In his inaugural address, he stated that the American people had created a social compact with higher education to improve the condition of society, and during his presidency he sought to renew the social purpose of the university after more than a decade of internal turmoil. After a decade as president, Knapp organized a commission on the future of the university. The Commission’s recommendations led to the consolidation of two other public universities into the UMass system, expanding the system from three to five campuses.  During his tenure, he strengthened the university's academic reputation, expanded research and economic development initiatives, advanced international partnerships, and helped lay the groundwork for the expansion of the UMass system. Following his retirement, he was named President Emeritus and continued to serve the university community. This scholarship honors his enduring commitment to public higher education and the University of Massachusetts. 

Make a gift today to support the David C. Knapp Political Science Scholarship, or contact University Advancement at 617.287.5320 or giving@umb.edu for more information about ways to give. 

The Sarah Richmond Endowed Scholarship Fund supports deserving undergraduate students in their pursuit of a liberal arts education at UMass Boston. Established to recognize academic achievement, financial responsibility, and commitment to the liberal arts, the scholarship is awarded to Massachusetts residents who have demonstrated success in their studies while actively contributing to the financing of their education. Eligible students must be enrolled full-time, have earned between 30 and 90 credits, including at least 30 credits at UMass Boston, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and major in one of the university's designated liberal arts disciplines. Through this scholarship, the fund helps students continue their academic journey and build a strong foundation for future leadership and service. 

Make a gift today to support the Sarah Richmond Endowed Scholarship Fund, or contact University Advancement at 617.287.5320 or giving@umb.edu for more information about ways to give. 

This scholarship is named for Elizabeth Bussiere, a political science professor at UMASS Boston, for her dedication and commitment to UMB students. It is awarded to political science majors on the basis of their outstanding academic performance and their interest in public policy, law, social justice and community service, broadly defined and related to U.S., comparative, or international politics. 

Professor Bussiere was the winner of the Chancellor’s Award for Distinguished Service in 2020. Elizabeth Bussiere has been a fellow at the Bunting Institute at Radcliffe College and received a grant from the American Philosophical Society for a book on jury nullification and the decline of popular justice. From this project, she has published an article in Law and History Review (2016) titled "Trial by Jury as ‘Mockery of Justice’: The Ironic Judicial Legacy of Antimasonry. Her publications include a book, (Dis)Entitling the Poor: The Warren Court, Welfare Rights, and the American Political Tradition (Penn State Press), which received an honorable mention from the American Political Science Association in 1998 for the Best Book on Women and Politics; an article on “The Failure of Constitutional Welfare Rights in the Warren Court,” published in Political Science Quarterly; a revised version of that article, which appeared in Supreme Court Decision-Making: New Institutionalist Approaches (University of Chicago Press); and the lead article, “The ‘New Property’ Theory of Welfare Rights: Promises and Pitfalls,” published by the Committee on the Good Society, a group consisting of the most prominent scholars in the social sciences, the humanities, and law. 

Make a gift today to support The Elizabeth Bussiere Scholarship, or contact University Advancement at 617.287.5320 or giving@umb.edu for more information about ways to give.  

The Jalal Alamgir Memorial Scholarship is awarded to an outstanding junior-level student in Political Science, International Relations or any other major in the university, who has demonstrated serious interest in and/or intention to pursue further study in the areas of democracy, development, and social justice. Focusing on areas of Global South is preferable but not a requirement. These issues were near and dear to the heart of UMass Boston Professor Jalal Alamgir, for whom this scholarship is named in memory. 

Make a gift today to support The Jalal Alamgir Memorial Scholarship or contact University Advancement at 617.287.5320 or giving@umb.edu for more information about ways to give.  

This scholarship is named for Arthur P. (Rusty) Simonds, an expert in political theory and member of the Political Science Department at UMB for over thirty years. Rusty was an inspiration and a beloved figure to many in the UMB community. Named in his honor, this award is given to an outstanding UMB junior or senior who demonstrates an interest in political theory and who intends to pursue an advanced degree. In rare circumstances and depending on the quality of the applicant pool, the award is given to an outstanding recent alumna or alumnus who is already in an advanced degree program 

Make a gift today to support The Rusty Simonds Award Fund, or contact University Advancement at 617.287.5320 or giving@umb.edu for more information about ways to give. 

Governor Michael Dukakis endowed a public service internship to provide students with an opportunity to gain experience in government service and to encourage them to consider a future career in public service. Dukakis served as Massachusetts' governor from 1975-1979 and 1983-1991, the longest serving governor in the state’s history. In 1988, he was the Democratic Party nominee for President of the United States. 

The endowment provides for paid internships in government service, primarily at the state and local levels within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The internship's intent is to rekindle a sense of enthusiasm, optimism, and hope about civil service and to reach out to talented students to encourage them to consider a career in public service. As the Governor has stated, “It is absolutely essential to reach out to our best young people so they can experience public service at the earliest possible age. There is nothing one can do that is more fulfilling or satisfying in a personal sense than being of service to others.” 

The Barron Congressional Internship program will provide students with the opportunity to work alongside some of the most influential politicians in the nation’s capital. Students selected for the program, called Barron Interns, will spend the duration of their internship learning about the inner workings of government and how policies are developed and implemented—all without being hindered by financial constraints. Interns will receive a stipend to help cover living expenses while completing their internship.   

The program is open to all political science students who wish to gain hands-on experience while learning about the country’s legislative system. Barron believes that students from all backgrounds can benefit from the experience of working in politics and hopes to attract a diverse group of applicants. It is through this program that he hopes to shape the next generation of political leaders and ensure that UMass Boston remains a hub of political activity for years to come. 

The Office of Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata, graduate of the Political Science Program at UMass Boston, is looking for enthusiastic, dependable, and driven policy interns. As an intern, undergraduate and graduate students will have the opportunity to get involved in the ins and outs of municipal government work, attend Council meetings, and assist with researching policy issues pertinent to the day to day work of the Councilor. Duties may also include attending community and city departmental meetings, attending city council hearings, and supporting the Councilor and Chief of Staff on the development policy solutions. 

In addition to gaining research, legislative, and administrative knowledge and experience, students will have the opportunity to build relationships with City officials and learn the function of many key City Departments. 

Position: Fall, Spring, or Summer Internship. 

Duration: This internship will be 8-10 weeks. Start dates, end dates, and work schedule can be finalized with the office. 

Qualifications and Experience: 

Students should be familiar with Microsoft Office products and proficient in Google Apps for Work, have exceptional written and oral communication skills, be able to conduct independent research, and have an expressed interest in developing policy writing skills. Interest in issues relevant to the Councilor’s policy portfolio and/or familiarity with District 1 (East Boston, Charlestown, North End, and the Downtown Wharf District is a plus. 

To Apply: 

Please be sure to answer the questions below and provide a reference. Submit your application to Ellie Sanchez, Chief of Staff at elizabeth.sanchez@boston.gov. 

1. How did you find out about this internship and what drew you to apply for Councilor Coletta Zapata’s office? 

1. What would you like to learn about city government from this internship? 

1. What do you feel is the biggest issue the City faces and how do you think we could do better? 

1. What experience or interest do you have conducting policy research or writing policy?  Please provide examples. 

1. Are you passionate about any societal issues? It could be at a national, state, or local level. 

1. Please include the name, role, organization, email address, and phone number of at least one (1) reference. 

Note: 

The Political Science Department is not involved in the application review or selection process for this internship opportunity. All application and award decisions are made by the sponsoring organization. For more information, please visit the City Council website. 

Political science majors should consult their faculty advisors about career options. Your advisor can help you evaluate your choices in a variety of fields, from graduate study to government/civil service, to the business world. Please ask for our APSA Career Booklet.

In addition, each Spring the department holds an alumni career information session, when UMass Boston graduates come to campus to give advice to current students on thinking through their career possibilities and on maximizing their chances for admission to law school or graduate school or for entering the job market immediately following graduation from the university.

Political science majors gain a good background in knowledge of politics and current affairs, as well as critical, logical, and analytical skills that help them evaluate constraints and opportunities in many situations.

Political science is not a static discipline; political circumstances are often in flux around the world. Political science majors are well-prepared to write and communicate well, while understanding the pressures of change.

For the reasons noted above, a degree in political science is valued in many fields. It can lead to exciting careers in government, law, policymaking, research, consulting, business, nonprofit administration, academia, and more.

We take a critical look at politics, government, and the systems and structures that shape the world of public affairs. Our graduates succeed in obtaining the careers they desire, in a myriad of disciplines and roles such as: 

• Activist, Advocate/Organizer
• Administration, Corporate, Government, Nonprofit, etc.
• Archivist, Online Political Data
• Budget Examiner or Analyst
• Attorney
• Banking Analyst or Executive
• Campaign Operative
• Career Counselor
• CIA Analyst or Agent
• City Planner
• City Housing Administrator
• Congressional Office/Committee Staffer
• Coordinator of Federal or State Aid
• Communications Director
• Corporate Analyst
• Corporate Public Affairs Advisor
• Corporate Economist
• Corporate Manager
• Corporate Information Analyst
• Corporate Adviser for Government. Relations
• Corporate Executive
• Corporation Legislative Issues Manager
• Customs Officer
• Editor, Online Political Journal
• Entrepreneur
• Federal Government Analyst
• Financial Consultant
• Foreign Service Officer
• Foundation President
• Free-lance writer
• High School Government Teacher
• Immigration Officer
• Information Manager
• Intelligence Officer
• International Agency Officer
• International Research Specialist
• Issues Analyst, Corporate Social Policy Div.
• Journalist
• Juvenile Justice Specialist
• Labor Relations Specialist
• Legislative Analyst / Coordinator
• Lobbyist
• Management Analyst
• Mediator
• Plans and Review Officer, USIA
• Policy Analyst
• Political Commentator
• Pollster
• Public Affairs Research Analyst
• Public Opinion Analyst
• Publisher
• Research Analyst
• State Legislator
• Survey Analyst
• Systems Analyst
• Teacher
• University Administrator
• University Professor
• Urban Policy Planner