***As of 2022, the Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree program is becoming the Master of Public Affairs (MPA). This change has been made to better align with national trends and standards with small changes made to program requirements.
Current MPP students are still able to receive an MPP but can opt to change their degree path to an MPA.
If you are a current MPP student and have any questions, please contact Recruitment and Admissions Manager Michael Marr.***
In the UMass Amherst School of Public Policy’s 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 with the skills you need to fuel your success. Internships and client projects will provide you with invaluable real-world experience.
Our MPP 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 Policy is structured as a one-year program, we also welcome part-time students.
The GRE is not required to apply to the Master of Public Policy program.
We offer two paths to the MPP degree:
• The One-Year Master of Public Policy
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 Policy Course Timeline and One-Year Master of Public Policy Requirements.
• The 4+1 Master of Public Policy
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 MPP program allows students to double-count twelve credits taken during their undergraduate year that can be applied to the MPP.
Download the 4+1 Master of Public Policy Course Timeline and 4+1 Master of Public Policy Requirements.
