• 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

Jeff Stupack

Alumni Profile: Jeff Stupak, MPPA 2014

"I regularly meet with Congressional staffers to discuss current public policy and potential alternatives, walking them through how those changes would impact the program and potential impacts on the economy. It is very satisfying to assist legislators in making sound public policy."

Al Roberts & Juan Jose Ibarretxe

An Interview with Juan Jose Ibarretxe, Former President of the Basque Autonomous Community

Juan Jose Ibarretxe, former president of the Basque Autonomous Community and director of the Agirre Lehendakaria Center for Social and Political Studies, sat down for a podcast with SPP Director Al Roberts during a recent visit to UMass Amherst.

Dan Desrcohers, 2018 Batten competition

School of Public Policy Student Wins Special Honor in Global Competition

Dan Desrochers, an MPPA student, was part of a team that won the Best Communications Strategy Award at the 2018 NASPAA‐Batten Student Simulation Competition.

Charlie Schweik & Pammy Eisner

World Librarians Project Brings Educational Resources to Students in Malawi

Members of the campus-wide team, which includes a School of Public Policy professor and student, recently presented the project at a United Nations conference in Paris.

State Rep Solomon Goldstein-Rose

State Legislator Offers Students Insider’s Look at Legislative Process

Massachusetts State Rep. Solomon Goldstein-Rose talked to students about a wide range of topics—from energy policy to electoral reform to the complex and sometimes frustrating process by which laws are made—during a visit to a class taught by School of Public Policy Professor Charlie Schweik.

More News

Upcoming Events

Mario Small: "Understanding Personal Networks: The Limits of Big Data and the Perils"
Wednesday, April 25, 2018 - 11:30am
Launch of the Center for Community Health Equity Research
Thursday, April 26, 2018 - 9:30am
Reducing Chemical Risks to Families: Linking the External Chemical Exposure to Biological Effect and Reduction in Adverse Health Outcomes
Thursday, April 26, 2018 - 4:00pm
All Events

Make A Gift

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.

Contribute. Make a difference.

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