MCLA, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, North Adams, MA.

"Transferring to MCLA was one of the greatest decisions I ever made. Being able to learn from and connect with the faculty and staff equipped me with greater networking capabilities/skills and the opportunity to use them outside of the institution, preparing me for the road ahead. Taking part and engaging in different clubs and organizations on campus helped to shape and guide me for countless opportunities."

Brandon Pender ’07
Research Analyst, Office of State Rep. Daniel E. Bosley ’76

Public Policy

At MCLA, you will undertake an interdisciplinary approach to the study of governments, politics and policy at the local, state, national and international level. Our faculty will assist in placing you in internships in Massachusetts, New York and Washington, D.C. where you can apply classroom knowledge and skills in professional settings. Imagine interacting with a range of policy makers and opinion leaders, including elected officials, journalists, and scholars engaged in public policy issues. Recent and upcoming speakers include Senator John Kerry, Senator Edward Kennedy, Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley, and New York Times columnist David Brooks.

Representative Bosley with MCLA Students

State Representative Daniel Bosley with MCLA students.

Why Political Science and Public Policy at MCLA?

At MCLA you will find small class sizes, your introductory courses average less than 20 students and and upper division seminars less than 15. This allows you to develop meaningful connections with faculty mentors that will prepare you to pursue graduate programs in political science, public policy and law. At MCLA, you can take advantage of our close working relationships with experts in the field. In addition, you will sharpen your intellectual and job skills in computer technology, research, analysis and writing.

Your advisor will work with you to develop a co-curricular experience tailored to your interests and career aspirations. Thise may include international experiences such as the North American Model United Nations in Toronto, travel courses in Europe, Asia and Latin American, and semesters abroad or closer to home, you may join an active campus Political Science Club that promotes discussions of contemporary issues and participation in elections. Our students have gone on to graduate programs at schools such as: Boston College, Boston University, Simmons and SUNY Universities, among others.

What are the requirements for the Major?

POSC 201 US Government and Public Policy

POSC 202 Comparative Government and Public Policy

POSC 320 International Relations

HIST 104 Modern World Civilization

HIST 203 American History I

HIST 204 American History II

Senator John Kerry Methods/Theory/Politcal Philosophy

Choose 1 of the following:- HIST 200 Research & Bibliography- MATH 232 Intro to Statistics- PHIL 360 Social & Political Philosophy- POSC 335 Poli Sci Theory & Methods (new course)

POSC 401-402 Seminar in Problems in Political Scienceor POSC 403-404 Seminar in Public Policy

POSC 540 Internship in Poli Sci/Public Policy

What minors are available?

Our department of History/Political Science and Geography offer Minors in Geography, Canadian Studies, World and American History, Public & Local History and Women's Studies.

How can I find out more?

Contact Professor Robert Bence in our Department of History/Political Science/Geography for more programatic details, or contact our Admissions office to sign up for a campus visit.
To reach Professor Bence, call 413-662-5479 or email.

“MCLA’s courses in political science and public policy will help to prepare students for graduate work as well as for careers ... I use the skills I acquired at MCLA everyday in my current job as a policy aide to Representative Bradley Jones (R), MinorityLeader of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.”—Jason Sinclair ’06