FAQs

Which program—the MPP or the MPPA—is right for me?

In our Master of Public Policy 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. Our MPP is one of the most affordable public policy degrees in the region.

We offer two paths to the Master of Public Policy degree: The One-Year MPP is open to any applicant who has completed a bachelor's degree, in any field, by the time they begin courses in the summer. The 4+1 MPP is open to outstanding Five College students. Current juniors at UMass Amherst or Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, or Smith colleges are invited to apply.

The MPP is open to full- and part-time students. The GRE is not required to apply to the MPP program.

In our 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 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.

The MPPA is open to full- and part-time students.

When is the application deadline?

We will review applications on a rolling basis beginning September 1. Priority consideration will be given to applications submitted by March 15. After that date, applications will be considered as space is available.

Can I defer my admission?

Applicants who wish to defer acceptance for one year must submit a written request to do so.

Is there a minimum GPA requirement?

Because applicants to our programs come from a wide variety of academic backgrounds and have taken courses that vary in difficulty and level, we do not have a minimum GPA requirement. The admissions committee will consider these factors when evaluating the candidate’s GPA, along with all of the other admissions criteria.

Is the GRE required?

Applicants to the Master of Public Policy & Administration program are required to take the GRE and submit scores directly to the university.

The GRE is not required to apply to the Master of Public Policy program.

Does SPP require an interview as part of the application process?

An interview is encouraged for all applicants. To arrange an interview, email Satu Zoller or call her at 413-545-2714.

We also recommend that applicants visit UMass Amherst and meet faculty and students. If a campus visit is not possible, applicants can arrange to speak with alumni in their area. To arrange a campus visit or to speak with an alum, contact Kathy Colón at 413-545-3940 or kcolon@pubpol.umass.edu.

Can I transfer credits from another college or university toward my degree?

Students can transfer up to six graduate credits into the One-Year Master of Public Policy or the Master of Public Policy & Administration. Transfer credits must meet these guidelines.

Can I complete my degree by attending part-time?

Both the Master of Public Policy and the Master of Public Policy & Administration programs are open to full- and part-time students.

What is the cost of tuition and health insurance plan?

The tuition and fee schedule may be found on the UMass Amherst bursar’s website.

Does SPP offer financial aid?

The UMass Amherst financial aid office provides detailed information on the options available to all prospective UMass graduate students. Applicants are strongly encouraged to research all areas of financial aid that may be available to them, including fellowship opportunities for international and domestic students.

SPP offers grants of up to $25,000, including Commonwealth Policy Fellowships, which recognize academic excellence and leadership potential.

Where do SPP students intern?

SPP students intern at a wide variety of organizations, from nonprofits to government agencies to NGOs. In recent years, students have interned at the United Nations, the World Bank, the US Government Accountability Office, Tapestry Health, the National Labor Relations Board, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and Save the Children, to name a few.

SPP has a well-established internship network with many alumni and organizational contacts that students may access in their internship search. Our associate director also provides guidance to help students find an internship that aligns with their specific areas of interest.

What do SPP graduates do with their degrees?

Alumni of the School of Public Policy at UMass Amherst pursue a diverse range of career paths, serving as leaders in the government, nonprofit, and private sectors and creating meaningful social change. Visit our Alumni Profiles section to read some of their stories.

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Learn more about our one- and two-year graduate degree programs for full- and part-time students.

We offer generous grants to both in- and out-of-state students, making our program one of the most affordable in the region.

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