The University of Massachusetts Amherst

Undergraduate Programs

students walking across the UMass campus

Major in making positive change.

As a public policy student, you’ll develop the skills and knowledge you need to understand complex issues like climate change, policing, technology, immigration and more. You will learn policy making, economics, writing, leadership, and statistics, so you have the toolbox of skills needed to help shape solutions to pressing problems. You will be equipped to make a difference in the world, whatever your particular passion. 

Our bachelor’s in public policy will give you a multidisciplinary lens for understanding and addressing complex policy issues, in the U.S. and around the world. Public policy majors go onto careers in government, nonprofit organizations, social enterprises, and the private sector, in the U.S. and abroad.

The School of Public Policy also offers an undergraduate certificate in public policy and administration, a mix of required and elective interdisciplinary courses that will allow you to develop a specialty in areas including environmental, health, and social policy. The certificate program is open to all UMass Amherst undergraduates.

How will you make a difference? 

Environment | Healthcare | Education | Policing | Immigration | Equity and Social Justice | Technology | Sustainable Development

Public policy alumni will lead nonprofit organizations, build social enterprises, and manage change at all levels of government.