Master of Public Policy and Administration

In the UMass Amherst Master's of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) 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'll complete core courses in areas such as public management, economics in public policy, analysis, and statistical methods.Through electives, you can hone your degree to best suit your personal interests and professional goals. Choose from subjects like negotiations, makerspace leadership, social and environmental enterprises, public policy, racism, and patriarchy.Students also gain real-world experience through a required summer internship, senior capstone project, and a professional development seminar.You can also opt to pursue a dual degree in business administration, higher education, public health, regional planning, or build an area of specialty based on your passion.

The Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) admissions committee assesses each student's application based on academic record, letters of recommendation, work or volunteer experience, and demonstrated commitment to or passion for public service. We prefer applicants to have at least two years of work experience in a job related to public policy or administration but do admit strong students who have just completed their undergraduate degrees if they have demonstrated a commitment to public service. For those students, greater weight is given to traditional academic criteria, such as undergraduate records, than for students with professional experience.Application RequirementsCompleted application formStatement of purposeTranscripts for all undergraduate and graduate workTwo letters of recommendationInternational students should review Graduate School international applicant policies for any additional requirementsThe GRE is not required for the MPPA program, although applicants can submit their scores if they choose.