Department of Public Policy and Public Affairs

The Department of Public Policy and Public Affairs offers a comprehensive range of graduate programs and degrees, from a full-time Ph.D. program in Public Policy to a one-year graduate certificate in Women in Politics and Public Policy. Our programs appeal to students interested in pursuing careers in research or teaching or who wish to develop their skills and knowledge as practitioners.

The PhD Program in Public Policy at UMass Boston is a full-time day program for the first two years of study. Students typically complete their coursework and dissertation research in five to seven years. A part-time program for state employees is also available.

To enable students to focus their research in specific areas, concentrations are offered in the following areas:

  • Concentration in Special Education and Disability Policy
  • Concentration in Regional Development
  • Concentration in Dispute Resolution

The Masters of Science in Public Affairs (MSPA) program is a two-year professional degree program that offers two distinct tracts. All classes meet in the evenings or on weekends to accommodate working professionals. The MSPA prepares students for careers in public service and enhances the skills of those already employed in the public sector. The International Relations track, MSPA-IR, prepares students for a more global perspective based on international relations theory in an historical and contemporary context.

The Graduate Certificate Program in Women in Politics and Public Policy is a one-year graduate certificate program that prepares students to serve at all levels of government, take on leadership roles in non-profit organizations, hold elected office, and pursue advanced degrees, most frequently in law and public policy.

Whether you are a graduating college senior, a professional seeking to change careers, a student with ambitions for a master's or PhD level degree, or are returning to academia after some years, the Department of Public Policy and Public Affairs has a program to help you meet your goals.

"I tend to take a big picture view of the world, which feeds my interest in the different fields that comprise public policy in theory and in practice. In this program, I can explore ways in which we can better integrate the worlds of direct service and public policy to help ensure that each is actively and purposefully complimenting the other while working to protect people in need."


Barbara Hamilton, post-resident student