The University of Massachusetts Amherst

Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA)

Students talking in classroom

In the UMass Amherst School of Public Policy’s Master of Public Policy and Administration 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.

The in-person MPPA curriculum will provide you with a strong analytical foundation that can be applied to a wide variety of policy issues. You can also opt to pursue a dual degree in Business Administration, Higher Education, Public Health, or Regional Planning or build an area of specialty based on your interests. Reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of SPP, MPPA students come from a variety of different academic and professional backgrounds, and our average enrollment is around 40 students.

Our goal is to make the program financially accessible to all students, whether in state, out of state, or international.

Students typically complete the 48-credit MPPA in two years. We also welcome part-time students. On average, 73% of students complete the degree in two years, 83% graduate within 3 years, and 96% graduate within four years. Recent MPPA graduates have taken a variety of career paths; 39% are in government, 42% in nonprofit organizations, and 20% are in the private sector, pursuing further educational training, or in other paths. Review our MPPA curriculum and the mission statement here.

Download the Master of Public Policy & Administration Course Timeline and Master of Public Policy & Administration Requirements.

The GRE is not required to apply to the MPPA.

Learn more and apply.

For More Information

Contact Kristi Mientka
Graduate Admissions Counselor
kmientka@umass.edu