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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

SBS LEAD (Linking Employment to Academic Development) Internship Programs at Charles River

STUDY IN BOSTON SPRING 2027: APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN! 

Want to jump start your career in law, government, advocacy, social work, or community organizing?

Apply to the SBS Linking Employment to Academic Development (LEAD) Programs at the …

By Carol Sharick
Carol Sharick Exec. Director of Career and Professional Development, SBS
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SBS Ambassador Application Now Open

Looking for a leadership opportunity? Want to help students build community in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences? Become an SBS Ambassador for the Pathways Center!!

We want you as student leaders, using a holistic view of your college …

By Koni Denham
Koni Denham Director of Student Success & Dir. of First Year Seminars - SBS
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SBS Award for Fall Internships – Now Open

Are you exploring or have you been hired for unpaid or underpaid internship for the Fall 2026 semester? Don’t let that stop you from engaging in that important and exciting professional development opportunity. SBS is offering scholarship awards to help …

By Koni Denham
Koni Denham Director of Student Success & Dir. of First Year Seminars - SBS
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Explore occupations by career categories and pathways and use real time labor market data to power your decision making.

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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 2025 was 71%, 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 2025 was 71%, 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.

Featured Resources

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Relevant Courses

SBS Pathways Careers Courses

SBS Pathways Careers Courses SOC BEHAV 250: College to CareersSOC BEHAV 490C: Pathways to Career Success SOC BEHAV 490C: Pathways…
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Research Opportunities

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