Public Policy

The goal of the undergraduate major in Public Policy at UMass Amherst is to teach students about the values and perspectives that shape policy problems and the way in which policies are designed and implemented to address those problems. At the core of this undertaking is the development of students’ ability to make a positive impact on the greatest number of people. The curriculum and all other aspects of the major integrate international and domestic policy, are highly experiential in nature, and develop individuals imbued with a deep sense of responsible citizenship, able to understand and make a positive impact on some of the world’s most challenging problems.

Undergraduate program options include a Bachelor’s degree and certificate

The BA in Public Policy is a liberal arts degree, based in the social sciences, that provides a multidisciplinary lens through which to understand, analyze, and craft solutions to public problems. Our undergraduate program builds on the strengths of UMass, specifically its excellence in interdisciplinary social sciences combined with a strong history of student engagement. This major will produce students with a deep appreciation for complexity in policy-making contexts in the U.S. and abroad, equip them with the analytical skills to tackle those problems, and mentor them to become leaders and change agents in local, national, and international arenas.

The program’s introductory 100-level courses ask big questions that engage students in important current debates. Required 200-level courses provide the foundation knowledge base of the policy process, economics, and statistics. At the upper division, our courses train students in diverse methods to explore policy and management topics with topical depth. During the senior year, our majors integrate their coursework to craft policy solutions, recommend management strategies, and develop social enterprises. The senior year “capstone” projects focus on real­world issues and are action-oriented, meaning that they engage with government and nonprofit stakeholders relevant to each project.

New Leadership Opportunity – SBS Ambassador Program

The Pathways Center is excited to launch a new Ambassador Pilot Program to help develop new SBS student leaders. These leaders will work with the Assistant Dean and Executive Director of the Pathways Center and the Director of Student Success …

By Koni Denham
Koni Denham Director of Student Success - SBS
Send Email
Read more »

SBS Internship & Study Abroad Scholarships – Opening Soon!

Mark your calendars for upcoming scholarship opportunities! The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) offers scholarships to support your career and study abroad interests. Soon we will be opening scholarships for spring opportunities. Please check out the dates below, …

By Koni Denham
Koni Denham Director of Student Success - SBS
Send Email
Read more »

The Key to Academic Excellence: YOU!

Dr. Saundra Yancy McGuire, author of Teach Students How to Learn, describes metacognition as the process of thinking about your own thinking and being consciously aware of yourself as a problem solver. We all struggle with procrastination, and she suggests …

By Koni Denham
Koni Denham Director of Student Success - SBS
Send Email
Read more »

Sidebar

Featured Resources

View More

Relevant Courses

SBS College to Careers – SOCBEHAV 250

SOCBEHAV 250: College to Careers This class is all about YOU. • One credit, highly-participatory course • Learn about yourself…
Learn More
View All Courses

Research Opportunities

View More

Explore Outcomes

The SBS Office of Career & Professional Development annually surveys graduating seniors in order to provide a snapshot of their post-graduation plans.  The survey begins just prior to graduation, and continues until six months after graduation.  Our data collection process is guided by the industry standard put forth by the National Association of Colleges & Employers, and includes information collected by the SBS Office of Career & Professional Development, the Office of Institutional Research at UMass Amherst, and by various academic departments, as well as from information that is made publicly available by students.  The SBS undergraduate outcomes knowledge rate for 2022 was 70%, though knowledge rate varies among departments.

The SBS Office of Career & Professional Development annually surveys graduating seniors in order to provide a snapshot of their post-graduation plans.  The survey begins just prior to graduation, and continues until six months after graduation.  Our data collection process is guided by the industry standard put forth by the National Association of Colleges & Employers, and includes information collected by the SBS Office of Career & Professional Development, the Office of Institutional Research at UMass Amherst, and by various academic departments, as well as from information that is made publicly available by students.  The SBS undergraduate outcomes knowledge rate for 2022 was 70%, though knowledge rate varies among departments.

  • First Destination
  • Top Employers
  • Starting Salary
  • Job Titles
  • Employment Locations
  • Top Universities
  • Degree Types
  • Fields of Study

First Destination

SBS graduates pursue a range of plans after graduation, including employment, continuing education, and volunteering/service, among others.  This graph depicts what recent SBS graduates tell us they are doing within six months after graduation.