What Can You Do with a Major in Public Policy?
After graduation, our students will go out and make a difference, working in government and nonprofits in the U.S. and abroad. They may also choose to create or work for a social enterprise, a business that seeks both to benefit the environment and society while also making money (much of which is used to fund programs that benefit society). Some of our students will choose to pursue a graduate or doctoral degree in law, public policy and management, medicine, business, and more.
Sample Careers in Policy-Related Fields:
- Entrepreneur with a business focused on improving society
- Legislative and/or policy analyst
- Program coordinator/aide for a town, state, or Congress
- Research associate for a consulting firm or think tank
- Sustainability/legislative aide in business, non-profit, government
- Communications manager for a nonprofit or government agency
- Program coordinator for a nonprofit/NGO in the U.S. or abroad
- Law school to become a lawyer with the government or an advocacy organization
Recent Internship Placements
- U.S. Senator Ed Markey
- U.S. Department of Transportation
- MA State Representatives Mindy Domb and Dylan Fernandes
- MA State Senators Jo Comerford and Barry Feingold
- Massachusetts Office of Business Development
- Office of the MA Secretary of Education
- Town of Middleboro, MA
- Department of Public Health, Cape Cod, MA
- Baystate Hospital conducting research
- Cooley Dickinson Hospital Emergency Room, Northampton, MA
- Legislative Division of the Department of Revenue for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
- Friends of the Jones Library Capital Development Campaign, Amherst, MA
- Law firms in Massachusetts and Virginia
- Hologic, innovator in women’s health
- Northampton MA Community Center
- Pine Street Inn (nonprofit homeless shelter)
- American Trucking Association
- UMass Amherst Student Legal Services
- Metropolitan Area Planning Council
- Massachusetts Department for Office of Grants & Research
- Strategy and Innovation Department, Raleigh City Government
Recent Graduate Placements
The first cohort of public policy undergraduate majors graduates in fall 2024 and spring 2025. Stay tuned as we continue to learn of employment placement. In addition to job placements, we also have students earning their masters degrees in public policy, data analytics & computational social science, and law (J.D.).
- University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Massachusetts General Hospital
- Southeastern Regional Planning & Economic Development District
- Clinical Research Coordinator
- Program Assistant for Paris Global Launch
Professional and Career Development
Our curriculum balances academic theory with professional skills development and practical experience, preparing our students go on to become leaders in public service. The program includes:
- Professional Development Opportunities: Including an annual networking trip to Boston; a professional development seminar; and career services support
- Internships: A key component of the public policy program, allowing students to pursue their individual interests in depth while gaining invaluable professional experience
- Career and Internship Resources: The School of Public Policy's professional network and internship bulletin connect students with the latest opportunities
- Professional Development Seminar: This one-credit course provides students with the tools and support to reflect on their career interests and goals. They learn how to write resumes and cover letters, research potential careers, practice employment negotiations, and put their skills to the test through mock interviews and networking situations. They also have the opportunity to connect with alumni and other professionals.
Resources for Current Students
Searching for a career will take time and research. Some resources can be found on our Internships webpage. If you need additional support, contact the SBS Career Advisors.
If you are considering a stand-alone master’s, a UMass 4+1 accelerated master’s, or a PhD program, you will want to connect with UMass faculty and administrative staff in those programs. You will need to prepare a writing sample, letters of recommendation, and possibly the GRE (UMass 4+1 program does not require the GRE).
UMass has a designated pre-law advisor, Diane Curtis. The pre-law advising webpage has a wealth of information. Please sign up for the mailing list where you can find out about events and additional resources.