Public Policy and Administration
Take me to the Center for Public Policy and Administration Undergraduate Certificate website.
The Field
The Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Certificate in Public Policy and Administration is available to all University of Massachusetts Amherst undergraduate students prior to their senior year, regardless of their major, as an opportunity to supplement their disciplinary studies. Students in this certificate program can develop a comprehensive understanding of public policy and administration issues from multiple perspectives and such disciplines as economics, sociology, political science, anthropology, communication, regional planning, and history. Students can also master skills relevant to professional careers in public policy and administration including management, survey research, computer applications, technical writing, and public presentations. Working with their faculty adviser, students choose concentrations that match their interests with available courses related to public policy and administration.
Requirements
The Certificate requires successful completion of eight courses (24 credits), with an average grade of B or better. These consist of three required courses and five electives to be chosen by the student with the approval of a faculty adviser. Prior to the senior year, the student must submit a one-page proposal to a faculty adviser outlining both the desired policy concentration and how the five elective policy courses will meet this objective. The complete set of forms and a list of faculty advisers are available on the website.
Contact: Center for Public Policy and Administration Office, 340 Thompson
Hall; 413.545.1453; email contact
Website: Center for Public Policy and Administration Undergraduate Certificate
