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

Why take SOC BEHAV 250: College to Careers?

Published on November 17, 2021

What past students have said:
“I felt comfortable enough with myself and my goals to apply for an internship this semester, and I received the position!”
“I had no idea how to start a resume, I did not know what …

By Adrian Grace
Adrian Grace Director of Undergraduate Advising
Send Email
Read more

Connect UMass First-Generation Students and Alumni Group Launch

Published on November 1, 2021

UMass is creating a way for current first-generation students to connect with first-generation alums through Connect UMass.

Join us on Wednesday, November 10th at 4pm via Zoom to launch this project. For more information, watch this video.

 

By Adrian Grace
Adrian Grace Director of Undergraduate Advising
Send Email
Read more

Get the most out of the new SBS Pathways website by selecting your preferences!

Published on September 24, 2021

We encourage you to explore the variety of content areas on our new SBS Pathways website, whether exploring academics, checking out our various Career Communities to learn all about different industries, learning about our Signature Programs like the Academic Fellows …

By Carol Sharick
Carol Sharick Director of Career and Professional Development for Undergraduates, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
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 2023 was 80%, 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.