Public Policy and Administration Certificate Program

Contact: Satu Zoller
School of Public Policy
Office: 234 Thompson Hall
Phone: (413) 545-2714
Email: szoller@pubpol.umass.edu
Website: http://www.umass.edu/spp/academics/undergraduate-certificate

The School of Public Policy's undergraduate certificate in public policy allows UMass Amherst undergraduate students to complement their majors with an 8-course sequence in public policy and administration. Up to two of the certificate elective courses can also be used toward the student's major or distributional requirements.

What is public policy?

Public policy refers to the work of both government and also the broader structure--including non-profits, community members, the press, business interests -- involved in how community (or "public") decisions are made. For example, in a government, who decides which actions are taken or not taken? Who designs the actions (or "policies") that will be implemented? Who monitors the expected change? Who is or should be involved in the process? A certificate in public policy and administration positions undergraduates to pursue graduate education in a policy-related field (public policy, public health, government administration, law, sociology and others). It also positions undergraduates to pursue careers in the public and policy sectors both in the US and internationally and that include government, public services, consulting and non-profits.

What are the certificate's requirements?

Students pursuing a certificate in public policy can be from any major. The certificate requires one course in economics, one course in public policy and administration and one statistics course. It also requires five elective courses that can be from any UMass department as long as they are formed around a specific policy area and are approved by a faculty advisor. As stated above, up to two of the elective courses selected can also be used toward the student's major or distributional requirements. Working with a faculty advisor, students custom design a course sequence to focus on their specific interests. Examples of certificate policy concentrations include education, health, environment, social welfare, international development, science and technology, or another area of student interest. More details on certificate requirements can be found on our website.