The MPPA/MPH program equips students with the skills to conduct effective health policy analysis, understand organizational processes within the health sector, develop policy-based approaches to address public health issues, and translate complex public health policies for a lay audience.
Students should begin their studies in the MPPA program and move into the MPH program in year two. Students fulfill each program's core requirements in year one and two and fulfill the remaining requirements of both programs in the third year.
In addition to the course requirements, the School of Public Policy requires students to complete a full-time 10-week internship with a public policy or management focus, and MPH students are required to complete a practicum experience. With the approval of both programs, dual-degree students may complete their internship and practicum experiences simultaneously.
Sample Program Timetable
| Season | Fall | Spring | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | MPPA curriculum | MPPA curriculum | MPPA summer internship (10 weeks, full time) |
| Year 2 | MPH curriculum | MPH curriculum | Supervised public health field training internship of 200 hours |
| Year 3 | MPPA curriculum | MPPA capstone and MPH curriculum |
To Apply
While applicants must meet both the School of Public Health & Health Sciences' and the School of Public Policy's admission standards, they only need to submit one application to the graduate admissions office. Students already enrolled in one of the programs can apply to the other program during their first year to matriculate as a dual-degree MPPA/MPH candidate.
Deadline: February 1
For More Information
- Michael Marr
Associate Director of Recruitment
School of Public Policy
mlmarr@umass.edu
(413) 577-2396 - UMass SPHHS Graduate Admissions
sphhsgradapply@umass.edu