Apply

The UMass Amherst School of Public Policy seeks students of diverse backgrounds and perspectives who will contribute to the academic and public life of the program. We look for applicants with a demonstrated commitment to public service and the drive to affect social change through public policy.

Apply Now
Students talking at SPP orientation

Apply

Apply to Master of Public Affairs (MPA) Apply to Master of Public Affairs (MPA) Apply to Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) Apply to Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) Apply to MS in Data Analytics and Computational Social Science (DACSS) Apply to MS in Data Analytics and Computational Social Science (DACSS)
Lecture
Ready to be a changemaker?

Explore our 4+1 MPA and our 4+1 MS in DACSS. For students from UMass Amherst and the 5 Colleges.

students in classroom
Dedicated to Equity

SPP is recognized nationally for integrating social equity into our academic and practical work.

students at table
Professional Training

Transform your potential into policymaking, public management, social enterprise, and more.

SPP offers rolling admissions beginning October 1.

Late applications will be considered on the basis of program space. Please contact @email or @email if considering applying after the April 15 deadline.

To learn more about specific program requirements, please visit specific program pages.

All programs are open to full- and part-time students.

Application Deadlines:

For more details on application deadlines and requirements, please visit specific program pages.

In Person* and Hybrid** Programs

Programs of Study Start Date Priority Admission Deadline Regular Admission Deadline
MS DACSS** Summer/Fall February 15 April 15
4+1 MS DACSS** Summer/Fall February 15 April 15
MPA* Summer March 15 April 15
4+1 MPA* Summer March 15 April 15
MPPA* Fall March 15 April 15

MS DACSS in-person/hybrid applicants are able to choose whether they will begin their course with summer online courses or in-person in the fall. MPA applicants begin the program with summer online courses before starting in-person in the fall.

Online Programs

Programs of Study Start Date Priority Admission Deadline Regular Admission Deadline
MS DACSS Summer N/A April 15
MS DACSS Fall N/A April 15
MS DACSS Spring N/A December 1
DACSS Graduate Certificate Any Term N/A Register Through UWW


Dual Degree Programs

Programs of Study Start Date Priority Admission Deadline Regular Admission Deadline
MPPA/Master of Business Administration Fall N/A February 1
MPPA/Master of Public Health Fall N/A February 1
MPPA/Master of Regional Planning Fall N/A February 1
MPPA/Master of Higher Education Fall N/A December 1

The GRE is not required for the MS in DACSS, the MPA, the MPPA, the dual MPPA/master of education in higher education, or the dual MPPA/master of public health. It is required for the dual MPPA/master of business administration and dual MPPA/master of regional planning.

Late applications will be considered on the basis of program space. Please contact @email or @email if considering applying after the April 15 deadline.

International applicants can find detailed information on the Graduate School website.