• In 2018, the University of Massachusetts School of Public Policy (SPP) will launch a one-year degree option for students interested in earning a master’s in public policy.

    Fast, Affordable, & Progressive

    A Master's in Public Policy (MPP) is in your reach.

  • University of Massachusetts School of Public Policy students at the Annual Washington DC Networking Trip

    Professional Training

    Transform your potential into engaged policymaking, effective public management and creative social enterprise.

  • University of Massachusetts School of Public Policy alum Kyle Wedberg

    Engage

    Your education and your impact extend far beyond our classroom walls.

  • University of Massachusetts students meeting with former Chair of the Federal Reserve Board Janet Yellen

    Dedicated to Equity

    SPP is recognized nationally for integrating social equity into our academic and practical work.

Welcome to the UMass School of Public Policy

The University of Massachusetts School of Public Policy (SPP) is the hub of interdisciplinary public policy research, teaching and engagement at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, dedicated to realizing social change and solving problems for the common good.

In 2015, our program was named among the most innovative public service programs in the United States by the independent group Best Value Schools. In 2011, we received NASPAA's inaugural social equity award for teaching, research and service aimed at advancing social justice and social change.

Are you a student interested in our graduate programs? Our classes are small, and the impact our students have on the world is big, so apply here!

* Attention, current students: when registering for classes, you'll find School of Public Policy classes under "SPP" in the SPIRE system. *

News

Joya Misra

Misra Elected VP of American Sociological Association

Misra, whose research focuses on gender, race, and class inequalities, will serve three years.

David Mednicoff

Mednicoff Examines Definition of "Rule of Law" in New Article

The article, published at The Conversation, considers how the Trump administration's definition of the concept appears to vary from that of the Founding Fathers.

Jonathan Ward

Alumni Profile: Jonathan Ward, MPPA/MBA 2014

"I didn’t come into the School of Public Policy with strict goals; I just knew I wanted to make the world a better place, and the program was able to support that. My MPPA prepared me to be a successful professional in the social-change field."

Al Roberts Spotlight Scholar

Roberts Named "Spotlight Scholar"

The School of Public Policy director talks about his most recent book, and about SPP's role preparing a new generation of public service leaders.

UMass Amherst School of Public Policy Leaps 22 Spots in U.S. News & World Report Ranking

SPP’s standing in the report’s Public Affairs category moved up 22 spots since the last review of graduate programs.

More News

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We invite our alums and friends to show support for SPP. From a monetary donation to volunteering your time to help a student, every contribution is vital to our future.

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