Women in Politics and Public Policy
Make a Change. Make a Difference.
Join other women from around Massachusetts, the nation, and the world in a challenging and exciting learning environment designed for women who want to make a change - and make a difference! Discover your public passion, develop your intellectual capacity and leadership skills, and meet women from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds in an environment that features both academic excellence and professional development.
Whether you are a graduating college senior, a professional seeking to change careers, a woman with ambitions for a master's or PhD level degree, or are returning to academia after some years, the Graduate Certificate Program for Women in Politics and Public Policy may be right for you.
"The Women in Politics and Public Policy Program has given me the opportunity to discover the intricacies of Massachusetts politics. It has encouraged me to continue with my educational goals. As an activist, this program pulls together all information from the State House to the federal level. And as the only program in this area offering a comprehensive graduate certificate about women and politics, I am proud to be a part of the 2006 graduating class."
- Erin Bradley, Mass NOW Co-President, Class of '06
Graduate Certificate Program
The Graduate Certificate Program in Women in Politics and Public Policy's academic focus is on the careful study of governmental structures and political processes, the effects of public policies on women, and the roles women have played in politics, policy formulation and implementation. The role of gender in politics and policymaking is central to the program's design, goals, and curriculum.
To earn the certificate, students must complete six courses, including two core seminars, two courses on public policy research methods, and a two-semester internship.
Graduate Certificate Program Curriculum
Financial Assistance
Over 50% of the women who enter the Program work full-time to support themselves and their families. For some, completing the 200-hour internship component of the Program means losing income. Women from disadvantaged backgrounds and under-represented groups frequently need tuition assistance in order to participate in the Program.
Established in 1992, the Betty Taymor Fund has provided scholarships each academic year to women in the Program who have demonstrated academic excellence and a commitment to public service, as well as financial need.
Apply now for Sept. 2009
To find out if the program is right for you, contact Donna Stewartson, Associate Program Director, at 617.287.6785 or Donna.Stewartson@ umb.edu.
News about our recent graduates
Dalié Jiménez, Class of 2006, is now in her third year at Harvard Law School.
Find out more about what our graduates have accomplished!
History of the Program
• The first-in-the-nation Program for Women in Politics and Public Policy was founded by Betty Taymor in 1968 as a demonstration project at Simmons College. At that time it was called the Program for Women in Politics and Government as it was developed to provide opportunities for women in government at a time when such opportunities were few and far between. After a two year hiatus, the Program then moved to Boston College, where it remained for 20 years.
• In 1992, with support from the Chancellor and women faculty, the Program moved to the University of Massachusetts Boston where it became full-time. It also began to attract a more diverse student body and now boasts one of the highest levels of diversity of any graduate program on campus.
• There are now over 650 women in Massachusetts, across the nation, and around the world who were trained in the Program for leadership roles in politics, government, and public policy. They are a great source of information, connections, and mentoring for new students.
Visit the Center for Women in Politics & Public Policy
The Graduate Program is part of the Center for Women in Politics & Public Policy, which also offers exciting opportunities for research in women's issues and connections for current and future female leaders.