Academics

Our programs in public affairs, public policy and administration, and data analytics balance academic theory with professional skills development and practical experience, preparing students for a range of careers in the nonprofit, public, and private sectors.

Students posing at UMass Amherst during the Summer Philosophy Program

Become a changemaker.

At the School of Public Policy, you will develop the skills and knowledge you need to understand complex issues like climate change, policing, technology, immigration, and much more. Our programs teach policymaking, data analysis and visualization, economics, writing, leadership, and more, giving you the toolbox of skills needed to help shape solutions to pressing problems. You will be equipped to make a difference in the world, whatever your particular passion.

Undergraduate Programs

As a public policy major, you’ll explore the big problems facing our world and learn how to take actions to solve them.

Learn about Undergraduate Programs
Bachelor’s in Public Policy Bachelor’s in Public Policy Minor in Public Policy Minor in Public Policy

Public Policy Graduate Programs

Our comprehensive approach to integrating social justice into our research, teaching, and hands-on work has received national recognition.

Learn about Public Policy Graduate Programs
Master of Public Affairs (MPA) Master of Public Affairs (MPA) 4+1 Accelerated Master of Public Affairs 4+1 Accelerated Master of Public Affairs Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA)

DACSS Graduate Programs

The data analytics and computational social science (DACSS) program at UMass Amherst will help you manage complex information and learn to tell compelling stories with data.

Learn about DACSS Graduate Programs
4+1 Accelerated Master of Science in Data Analytics and Computational Social Science 4+1 Accelerated Master of Science in Data Analytics and Computational Social Science Certificate and Advanced Certificate in Data Analytics and Computational Social Science Certificate and Advanced Certificate in Data Analytics and Computational Social Science Master of Science in Data Analytics and Computational Social Science Master of Science in Data Analytics and Computational Social Science Online Master of Science in Data Analytics and Computational Social Science Online Master of Science in Data Analytics and Computational Social Science

Dual-Degree Graduate Programs

The School of Public Policy offers several dual-degree programs to complement our master's in public policy and administration (MPPA), in cooperation with other departments and schools at the university.

Learn about Dual Degrees
MPPA/Master of Business Administration MPPA/Master of Business Administration MPPA/Master of Education in Higher Education MPPA/Master of Education in Higher Education MPPA/Master of Public Health MPPA/Master of Public Health MPPA/Master of Regional Planning MPPA/Master of Regional Planning

Certificates

Our DACSS online graduate certificates allow students to explore the field of data analytics and computational social science without committing to a full master's program. 

Certificates
Certificate and Advanced Certificate in Data Analytics and Computational Social Science Certificate and Advanced Certificate in Data Analytics and Computational Social Science