Professional Training

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

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

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

Welcome to the School of Public Policy

Formerly the Center for Public Policy and Administration

The 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!

News

Governor Charlie Baker signing the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act into law

UMass School of Public Policy alum celebrates passage of legislation that originated from her graduate studies

Laura Sylvester, MPPA/MPH ’16, traveled to the Massachusetts State House in Boston on July 27 to celebrate Governor Baker signing a bill she helped create and shape as a graduate student -- the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.

Elena Kvochko '10 climbs on Mount Everest for charity

She traveled to Kathmandu, Nepal and onward up the Nepali side of Mount Everest as part of a charity challenge to raise awareness for Refugees International

Stetson ’18 (MPP) invited to speak at Massachusetts Democratic Convention

Earlier this year Stetson ran for one of the seats in the town of Amherst’s delegation, winning the race, and securing a seat at this year’s statewide gathering of Democratic activists.

Corrado '18 Authors Post About Pollinators

SPP Keel Fellow Danielle Corrado, a summer intern at the International Food Information Council Foundation, penned a piece in @FoodInsight about the importance of pollinators to our food system. Learn more.