Massachusetts Institute of Technology

What you'll study

The undergraduate programme integrates traditional subfields of political science with a strong emphasis on empirical methods and quantitative analysis. Core areas of study include political theory, American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and public policy. Students take a sequence in research methods and statistics designed to develop skills in causal inference, research design and data analysis. Coursework commonly covers topics such as political behaviour, institutions, electoral systems, civil conflict, international political economy, political philosophy, and public choice.

The degree typically combines:

• Introductory surveys in the major subfields (e.g. American Politics; Comparative Politics; International Relations; Political Theory)
• A methods core including statistics, formal modelling or computational approaches, and a course in research design
• Advanced seminars allowing focused study in areas such as political violence, social policy, urban politics, or global governance
• A capstone, independent research project or thesis option supervised by faculty
• Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) requirements and Institute-wide general subjects that broaden perspective and quantitative competence

Students are encouraged to take elective courses and modules from related departments and centres — for example economics, computer science, data science, urban studies, or international relations — to build interdisciplinary expertise. Research opportunities with faculty and centres such as the Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS) and the Election Data and Science Lab allow undergraduates to engage in empirical projects and fieldwork. Internships, practicum courses and study-abroad options are commonly used to gain practical experience.

Entry requirements

Admission to MIT is highly selective and holistic. Successful applicants typically demonstrate excellence across a rigorous secondary-school programme, strong performance in quantitative and writing-based subjects, and evidence of extracurricular engagement or research. For this programme, strengths in mathematics (calculus or equivalent) and coursework that develops analytical writing are particularly valuable.

• A competitive academic record in a challenging curriculum (for example A-levels, IB, or equivalent national qualifications)
• Preparation in mathematics and statistics; additional coursework in social sciences or history is advantageous
• Demonstrated ability to undertake independent research or sustained projects, such as extended essays, capstone projects, or substantial extracurricular work
• Letters of recommendation and a personal statement that articulate intellectual interests, motivations for studying political science, and examples of initiative or leadership

MIT looks for applicants who will make use of the Institute's quantitative and interdisciplinary resources, so candidates who combine analytical skill with engagement in public affairs or policy-related work are especially well suited.

Career prospects

Graduates with a degree in Political Science and Government from MIT pursue a wide range of careers. Common destinations include public service, public policy analysis, and international organisations; many alumni work in government agencies, legislative offices, and diplomacy. The strong quantitative training also prepares graduates for careers in data analytics, consulting, technology firms focused on public policy or civic data, and political risk analysis.

Other typical paths include law and legal practice (many students go on to law school), academic careers in political science or related fields, nonprofit and advocacy work, and roles in finance or business where policy knowledge and analytical skills are valued. The programme’s emphasis on empirical methods and interdisciplinary collaboration makes graduates competitive for research positions, think tanks, and fellowships.

Why study at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MIT’s Political Science Department combines deep expertise in political theory and institutions with leading strengths in quantitative methods, computational social science and empirical research. The Institute’s interdisciplinary culture provides access to data science, economics, computer science and engineering resources, enabling students to approach political questions with a broad toolkit.

• Access to research centres and labs such as the Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS) and the Election Data and Science Lab
• Opportunities for undergraduate research, close faculty supervision and practicum-style courses that connect theory to real-world policy problems
• An environment that supports cross-disciplinary study and collaboration with other departments, enhancing prospects in both academic and applied settings
• Strong career support and networks that help students secure internships, research placements and post-graduate opportunities in government, non-profit, private sector and graduate study

Overall, the programme is suited to students who want rigorous analytical training in political science combined with practical experience and interdisciplinary options that expand professional and academic pathways.