MPPA Frequently Asked Questions
- The 48-credit MPPA program is typically completed in 2 years at full-time student status. We welcome part-time students, who are able to complete the program at their own pace. You can review our suggested course timeline here.
- While MPPA students may choose to complete some courses online, the program cannot be completed entirely online. If you are only interested in online programming, you may be interested in our online MPP program.
- Our Master of Public Policy is a program of online and in-person classes that can be completed in just one year and allows you to move quickly and affordably toward pursuing your professional goals with the skills you need. You’ll take courses in policy analysis, research methods, economics, and other subjects. Electives include policy, management, and methods courses.
- We offer three paths to the MPP: the on-campus MPP and online part-time MPP, both open to all applicants who hold a bachelor's degree. The 4+1 MPP is open to outstanding current juniors at UMass Amherst or Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, or Smith colleges, which allows you to begin earning credits toward your graduate degree while an undergrad.
- The MPP program is ideal for mid-career professionals due to its flexible structure and online format options
- Our Master of Public Policy and Administration is a two-year program that allows students to take more elective courses at SPP and other UMass departments while developing an area of concentration. Concentration options include Environmental & Sustainability Policy, Non-Profit Management & Leadership, Social Policy, and Science & Technology Policy. You’ll take elective courses and complete a capstone — a culminating project in which you apply what you’ve learned in your core courses — either as an individual research project or as a team workshop project.
- MPPA students can also opt to pursue a dual degree in Business Administration, Higher Education, Public Health, or Regional Planning.
- The MPPA program is ideal for students with specific policy areas on interest or those who are looking to gain a deeper understanding of policy and administration.
- Both the One-Year MPP and the MPPA are open to full- and part-time students. The GRE is not required for any of our graduate programs.
- Internships are a required part of the MPPA curriculum. MPPA students are expected to complete a 250 hour internship. The internship requirement may be waived for mid-career students with full-time jobs, but we highly recommend pursuing an internship for all students.
- Many internships are paid, but MPPA students whose internships do not offer funding can request financial support from the School.
- Not only do internships prepare students with real world experiences before completing the program, but many students also secure jobs in the organizations they interned with.
- Our academic and career advisors send our monthly newsletters with internship and job opportunities. Students are welcome to secure internships through their own networks, as well.
- Our Professional Development course guides students through the entire internship and job search process, from identifying opportunities to preparing applications and practicing interviews. Our advisors work with students from day one to prepare them for competitive internship placements.
- Internships are typically completed in the summer but can be completed at any time during the year. Our advisors work with our students to ensure they are completing internships in policy areas of interest at times that work for our students' schedules.
- The School of Public Policy has an incredibly strong alumni network that spans the globe. We frequently host events with alumni so our students have the opportunity to form connections, learn about potential career options, and network. Our alumni are a crucial pillar of the School!
- We take regular trips to Boston, New York, and Washington DC so students have the opportunity to network with alumni and other professionals in the field.
- The MPPA program allows students to tailor their coursework around their policy areas of interest. MPPA students may choose to develop an area of concentration. Formal concentration areas include: Environmental and Sustainability Policy, Non-Profit Management and Leadership, Science and Technology Policy, and Social Policy. Concentration is not a requirement. You can find more information on concentrations here.
- The MPPA program, in partnership with other programs on campus, has dual-degree opportunities available. Dual degree options include Business Administration, Higher Education, Public Health, or Regional Planning. You can find more information on dual degrees here.
- A highlight of the MPPA program is the capstone experience. The capstone project is a culminating project at the end of the program where students choose a policy problem, complete quantitative or qualitative research (including the creation of original policy instruments), analyze various outcomes, and provide original policy recommendations on that policy problem. It summarizes their focus throughout the program and gives MPPA students the chance to make real suggestions for policy change.
- SPP students, including MPPA students, are more than welcome to complete elective courses in other departments around campus, as long as they are graduate-level and approved by our advisors.
- According to the Postsecondary Education & Economics Research Center at American University based on data from the Yale Tobin Center for Economic Policy, students who completed a degree in public administration saw a 21% return in earnings after receiving the degree.
- Around 92% of SPP graduates secure a job within 6 months of graduating. Be sure to check out our alumni profiles here.
- Our Professional Development course makes career readiness foundational to your education. You'll develop critical job search skills including writing cover letters, resume building, interview practice, and professional relationship-building. From the first day, we guide students through the internship and job search process to ensure they're competitive candidates.
Admissions FAQs
For more information on admissions, check out our Admissions FAQs page.