Program Overview
The MPPA program uniquely prepares students for careers in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors through a curriculum focused on critical analytical skills, data-driven analysis, and real-world experiential learning. The in-person curriculum will provide you with a strong analytical foundation that can be applied to a wide variety of policy issues. You can also opt to pursue a dual degree in business administration, higher education, public health, or regional planning or build an area of specialty based on your interests. With more than 20 faculty teaching in the program, students have the opportunity to learn from and work with world-class professors who are experts in their fields.
Our goal is to make the program financially accessible to all students, whether in-state, out-of-state, or international.
Students typically complete the 48-credit MPPA in two years. We also welcome part-time students. On average, 73 percent of students complete the degree in two years, 83 percent graduate within three years, and 96 percent graduate within four years. Reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of SPP, MPPA students come from a variety of different academic and professional backgrounds, and our average enrollment is around 40 students. Recent MPPA graduates have taken a variety of career paths; 39 percent are in government, 42 percent in nonprofit organizations, and 20 percent are in the private sector, pursuing further educational training, or in other paths.
City of Worcester, MA
"My time at SPP helped to define the way I think, helped me to differentiate symptoms from problems and helped me develop the ability to effectively lay out alternatives. Being able to concisely describe the problem, and ways to solve it, have made all the difference in effectively working with leadership and being given opportunities to make a difference."
MPPA Curriculum and Advising
The MPPA program is a 2-year, 48-credit degree program consisting of 8 core course, 8 elective courses, and a full-time summer internship. This rigorous curriculum is designed to provide students with the practical and philosophical frameworks as well as the methodological tools needed for a successful career in public policy, affairs, and administration.
Review the Master of Public Policy and Administration Suggested Course Timeline and Master of Public Policy and Administration Requirements.
MPPA students work with our professional academic advisors to plan their academic plan to fit their schedule, interests, and needs. Our advisors are here to support your success during your time at SPP.
MPPA Concentrations
MPPA students are able to select from several concentration areas to build valuable, specialized expertise in specific policy areas. Current concentration areas include Social Policy, Environmental and Sustainability Policy, Public and Nonprofit Management and Leadership, and Science and Technology Policy.
Dual Degrees
MPPA students may also choose to pursue a dual degree program. Dual degrees allow students to receive two master's degrees in significantly less time and cost. They are ideal for students interested in gaining additional knowledge and skills for careers at the intersection of public policy and administration and another specialized area of interest. The MPPA program has dual degree programs with business administration, higher education, public health, and regional planning.
Application and Admissions
The MPPA program begins in the fall semester of each academic year. The deadline for priority admissions is March 15 and the deadline for regular admission is April 15.
Tuition and Finance
A the UMass Amherst School of Public Policy, you'll receive a world-class degree at an affordable rate, all while graduating with the skills and capacities needed to immediately enter the workforce.
Mission Statement
The Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) degree is for students seeking an in-depth understanding of policy analysis and administration in order to prepare for careers in government, nonprofit organizations, socially oriented businesses, and social movements. Our graduates will address complex policy and administrative issues in ways that uphold democratic principles and further social justice and sustainability. Students learn data analysis, policy methods, and administrative skills through a comprehensive core curriculum. They have the opportunity in their elective courses to focus on specific policy areas and skill sets. Students can also engage in research with top-tier faculty researchers and participate in the community change efforts of local, regional, national, and international organizations. These courses provide them with essential leadership, communication, research, and analytical skills to become effective and ethical leaders.
Contact Us
Have admissions questions about the MPPA? Fill out the following form or email us directly at @email.