Master of Public Affairs Degree Program
The Master of Public Affairs (MPA) program at UMass Amherst integrates theoretical learning with opportunities to apply that knowledge in real-world settings. The program prepares students to be leaders in the public and nonprofit sectors and effective advocates for social change.
Students earn a Master of Public Affairs (MPA) upon completion of a 37-credit program that includes the policy seminar; six core courses; a summer internship or experiential learning; and four electives, two of which must come from the pool of SPP program electives.
Degree Requirements:
- Policy seminar (3 credits)
- Six graduate-level core courses (3 credits each, except 1-credit professional development seminar; 16 credits total)
- Summer internship or other applied/integrative experience (3 credits)
- Three program electives, one from each of these three sections: policy, management and methods (3 credits each; 9 credits total)
- Two additional electives (6 credits total)
The policy seminar brings MPA students together to apply interdisciplinary tools to analyze possible solutions to a broad contemporary challenge in public policy, such as climate change.
The School of Public Policy offers two paths to the Master of Public Affairs degree:
One-Year Master of Public Affairs
The thirty-seven-credit interdisciplinary MPA is one of the most affordable master’s degrees in public policy in New England. The program allows students to 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.
The one-year MPA is open to any applicant who has completed a bachelor's degree, in any field, by the time they begin courses in the summer (including current seniors).
Accelerated Master of Public Policy
The accelerated, or 4 + 1, MPA option 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 accelerated MPA program allows students to earn credits as an undergraduate that count simultaneously toward their bachelor's degree and a master of public policy—making it a less expensive option than earning separate undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Students in the accelerated program may apply twelve graduate credits earned as undergraduates toward their MPA. Students complete a three-credit internship during the summer after completing their undergraduate degree, then return to campus for two semesters of full-time studies.
Admissions
Application for graduate study should be made directly through the Dean of the Graduate School, as described elsewhere in this Bulletin.
The School of Public Policy aims to recruit students of diverse backgrounds and perspectives who will contribute to the academic and public life of the program. Admission to the Masters programs is for the summer and fall semesters only.
The Master of Public Affairs (MPA) admissions committee assesses each student's application based on academic record, letters of recommendation and work or volunteer experience. All applicants must have a strong cumulative grade point average and two letters of recommendation. Applicants will also be expected to have demonstrated a strong commitment to public service through internships, research, employment or volunteer experience with policy-oriented organizations. Applicants to the Accelerated 4 + 1 option of the MPP must be a junior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst or at Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke or Smith college at the time of application. No GRE required.
SPP’s Commonwealth Policy Fellowships offer substantial grants to students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential. Our goal is to make the program financially accessible to all students, whether in state, out of state, or international. Students can also pursue other funding opportunities, including graduate assistantships across campus.
Priority Application Deadline: April 1. Applications received after April 1 will be considered on a space available basis.
To apply for the MPA program, students must submit:
- Completed application form
- Statement of purpose
- Transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate work
- Two letters of recommendation
- Interview optional, but recommended
While there are no prerequisites required in order to be accepted, recommended preparatory courses include classes in economics, political science, statistics, computer science, accounting, writing and communication.