Master of Public Affairs

Preparing leaders for effective governance and societal impact.

Close up of the US Capitol

In the UMass Amherst Master of Public Affairs (MPA) program, you will gain the knowledge, skills, and practical experience required to become a leader in the policy sector while creating meaningful social change. 

Our mix of online and in-person classes allows you to move quickly towards pursuing your professional goals. With an average enrollment of around 45 students, those in the MPA program benefit from an engaged cohort of peers and a small student-to-faculty ratio. Internships and client projects provide invaluable real-world experience and networking opportunities. 

We strive to make the MPA program financially accessible to all students, which is why it's one of the most affordable public policy degrees in the region. While the program is structured for full-time completion in a year, we also welcome part-time students. The program is open to any applicant with a bachelor's degree. No GRE score is required to apply. 

Have Admissions Questions? Tess Bartman Has Answers.

Meet Tess Bartman, your guide to learning more about the UMass Amherst Master's of Public Affairs program.