MPPA Curriculum
The Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) program is a 2-year, 48 credit-hour program. The program's curriculum consists of 8 core courses, 8 elective courses, and a summer internship. At least 3 electives must be selected from the pool of SPP program electives, while others may be chosen from a larger pool of free electives, which are UMass courses that meet the approval of the student's adviser. Within the MPPA curriculum, students may choose a concentration that allows them to specialize in a particular policy area or focus on honing a specific skill set.
Core Courses
Our core courses are designed to provide students with a strong analytical foundation, applicable to a wide variety of policy issues. The MPPA degree requires the following eight core courses:
Elective Courses
MPPA students round out the remainder of the program by completing 8 elective courses. Electives provide students with a deeper understanding of areas that affect professionals in the public and nonprofit sectors, allow students to specialize in particular policy areas, and strengthen their methodological skillset.
In order to fulfill requirements for the MPPA, students are required to take at least three PUBPOL/SPP program electives, one from each of the following distribution areas: Policy, Management, and Methods. One class may not fulfill two distribution areas. Elective offerings change frequently; for current information, check the SPP elective course list.
Internship/Experiential Learning (250 hours)
MPPA students are required to complete an internship equivalent to a total of 250 hours. Students' interests will guide the internship placement process, and SPP staff and faculty will help students establish internships through our alumni network and through our connections via the Five Colleges.
MPPA students may choose to take a class & complete coursework to get academic credit for an internship.
MPPA Concentrations
MPPA students are able to a select a concentration. Current concentration areas include:
- Environmental and Sustainability Policy
- Public and Nonprofit Management and Leadership
- Science and Technology Policy
- Social Policy
Choosing a concentration is optional, but some students choose to focus on a particular area in order to develop specific skills and knowledge in accordance with their interests and career goals. Concentrations require taking three courses related to a particular field of interest.
Suggested Timeline
The MPPA program is typically completed as a 2 year, full-time program but can also be completed by part-time students at their own pace. Students can also take advantage of SPP's online coursework and complete the program with a mix of in-person and online classes. Review our suggested course timeline here.
Notes on MPPA requirements:
Student may fulfill the internship requirement without earning academic credit. No credit without a class.
To waive the internship/experiential learning or a core course, a student must have an approved Waiver Form.
Please note that program requirements can be waived but credit requirements cannot. Therefore, if a student waives an internship or required class, they will receive no academic credits for it and must make up those credits.
*Economics must be taken before Policy Analysis