The Major
Requirements
Public policy majors must complete a total of 44 credits for the major, and complete all General Education requirements.
Required Introductory Courses
One 100-level Gateway Course. This must be completed by the end of the second semester in the major.
Options:
- SPP181: Controversies in Public Policy
- SPP101: Public Policy in a Global Perspective
- nother SPP 100-level course
Three 200-level courses. It’s recommended that these be completed by the end of the fourth semester in the major.
Options:
- SPP203: Economics for Public Policy
- SPP297S: Statistical Models for Public Policy
- SPP280: Public Policy
Students must achieve a cumulative average of 2.0 across the four introductory courses described above.
Upper-level Requirements
Students must also complete:
- SPP301: Junior Writing Seminar: Communicating Public Policy (3 credits)
- SPP302: SPP Practicum: Contemplating Your Career (1 credit)
- SPP400-level: Capstone for Public Policy Majors (Honors students may substitute SPP499)
Electives
In addition to the required courses, students will select elective courses that allow them to explore different interests, acquire additional skills and proficiencies, and develop a policy focus.
At least 5 elective courses are required, for a minimum of 20 credits. At least 12 of those credits must be from 300-level or above courses.
Eligible elective courses include all School of Public Policy courses as well as courses taught by SPP faculty in other departments. Students also may choose elective courses from departments across the Five Colleges, with approval. AY 22-23 electives include:
SPP 297 The Digital Public Sphere
SPP397E U.S. Education Policy
SPP397 Media & Public Policy
SPP 397M Making a Difference: Policies and Strategies for Social Change
SPP 397U Undergraduate Research Experience Program
SPP597GC Governing the Commons
SPP597NP Nonprofit Law and Management
SPP597ST Sustainability Transformations: Science, Technology, and Policy
SPP597DP Disability Policy
Honors Program
The Public Policy Major welcomes all Commonwealth Honors College students. For detailed information on the diploma and transcript recognitions, and for criteria required to graduate with Latin honors, see the “University Graduate Requirements” section of the Guide. Enrollment preference in Honors courses is given to Commonwealth College and Public Policy students. Contact the Undergraduate Program Director for more information.
Education Abroad and Exchanges
Numerous opportunities are available for study at other institutions. Students can take classes at Smith, Amherst, Holyoke, and Hampshire college is part of the five College Consortium. Our domestic Exchange program allows individuals to choose from over 170 institutions in the US and continue UMass degree programs while on another campus. Our study abroad program provides the opportunity to attend a variety of foreign universities.
Questions about the applicability of exchange credits to the major should be directed to the School of Public Policy Undergraduate Program Director. Up to 5 public policy courses may be taken in this manner. Students must consult with a School of Public Policy advisor on course selection before starting the exchange.
Internships
The School of Public Policy Career and Internship Office assists students to connect with internships. Internships allow students to gain professional experience and make valuable connections while pursuing their individual interests. School of Public Policy students intern a wide range of places – government offices, nonprofits, think tanks, private organizations – where they expand on what they have learned in the classroom, develop new skills for their future careers, and begin building a professional network.
Undergraduate Research
The School of Public Policy requires a senior Capstone Lab course that offers a variety of opportunities for our majors to engage in research. We also offer several additional opportunities for undergraduates to become involved in research through the Undergraduate Research Engagement Program which pairs Majors with faculty for one-on-one experience conducting research. Independent study courses offer students opportunities to explore areas of personal interest with the structured guidance of a faculty member. Similarly, students in the Commonwealth Honors College can conduct and write original research through honor theses and capstone projects.
Master's Programs
At the graduate level, we offer a one-year Master’s in Public Policy, including a 4+1 option open to outstanding Five College students; a two-year Master’s in Public Policy and Administration; and dual degrees in Business Administration, Higher Education, Public Health, and Regional Planning. Social justice in teaching and research is integrated into all SPP degree programs, to facilitate a deeper understanding of the role that public policy plays in the lives of each member of society and to prepare graduates for careers at the forefront of social change.