In the UMass Amherst School of Public Policy’s Master of Public Affairs program, you’ll gain the knowledge, skills, and practical experience to become a leader in the nonprofit, public, or private sector while creating meaningful social change.
Our mix of online and in-person classes will allow you to move quickly toward pursuing your professional goals with the skills you need to fuel your success. Internships and client projects will provide you with invaluable real-world experience. With an average enrollment of around 45 students in the MPA program, students benefit from an engaged cohort of peers and a small student-to-faculty ratio.
Our MPA is one of the most affordable public policy degrees in the region. Our goal is to make the program financially accessible to all students, whether in state, out of state, or international.
While the Master of Public Affairs is structured as a one-year program, we also welcome part-time students. SPP faculty and staff work with students to craft a plan that is feasible for each student and to ensure successful program completion. On average 71% of students complete the degree in one year, 86% graduate within 2 years, and 94% graduate within four years. Review MPA curriculum and the program mission statement here.
The GRE is not required to apply to the Master of Public Affairs program.
We offer two paths to the MPA degree:
• The One-Year Master of Public Affairs
In this 37-credit program, you’ll complete the degree in one year by taking up to twelve online credits in the first summer (which may include the three-credit internship requirement), then finishing the remainder of credits during two semesters in residence.
Open to any applicant who has completed a bachelor's degree, in any field, by the time they begin courses in the summer.
Download the One-Year Master of Public Affairs Course Timeline and One-Year Master of Public Affairs Requirements.
Apply to the One-Year Master of Public Affairs.
• The 4+1 Master of Public Affairs
Open to outstanding Five College students. Current juniors at UMass Amherst or Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, or Smith colleges are invited to apply.
The 4+1 MPA program allows students to double-count twelve credits taken during their undergraduate year that can be applied to the MPA.
Download the 4+1 Master of Public Affairs Course Timeline and 4+1 Master of Public Affairs Requirements.
Apply to the 4+1 Master of Public Affairs.
