School of Public Policy at UMass Amherst

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School of Public Policy at UMass Amherst

The UMass Amherst School of Public Policy prepares students to solve problems for the common good and become leaders in public service.

The UMass Amherst School of Public Policy offers one- and two-year graduate degrees in public policy and administration, as well as dual-degree programs in higher education, regional planning, public health, and business administration.

09/04/2026

Yesterday we welcomed our newest MS in DACSS, MPP, and MPPA students to campus! During our tour, led by the amazing School of Public Policy’s Graduate Student Council, we stopped by the always helpful UMass Amherst Libraries to meet with some of the librarians who are always doing their best to help students be successful no matter how big the challenge.

So, to summarize:
1) Welcome to SPP, students! Whether you’re in-person, online, brand new or returning, we’re so happy that you’re here!
2) Libraries are great and anyone who says otherwise needs to cool right out.

09/02/2026

With the new academic year approaching fast, there's no better time to take a look at what our faculty have been up to this August.

Check out these articles and more at https://www.umass.edu/public-policy/news

08/24/2026

Congratulations to Michael Borowski, Public Policy '28, on his election to the role of Segmental Advisor to the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education! In the role, he will advocate on behalf of students across the entire UMass system.

When asked what he hoped to accomplish during his time serving, Borowski said that, "I would like to expand student protections like the Wellman Document, which enshrine students’ right to self-governance and collaborative campus policy at other public institutions in Massachusetts, as well as advocate for student-first issues like the cost, accessibility, and importance of higher education."

Congrats, Michael!

08/14/2026

We're feeling a little nostalgic this with fall classes still a month away, so we decided to take a trip down memory lane through the UMass Library's historic image collection! Take a look at some familiar (and maybe not so familiar) pictures of places where the SPP community has spent quite a bit of time over the years!

08/05/2026

This summer, School of Public Policy graduate students Diego Nieto, Mia Galvam, Bisma Nawaz Tarar, and Gregory Boisvert participated in ten week fellowships paired with hands-on training through the The Civic Action Project (CAP). A huge congratulations to the students and a huge thank you to their hosts, including the Amherst Survival Center, the Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA), the office of MA State Senator Liz Miranda, and the MA Broadband Institute (part of Massachusetts Technology Collaborative)!

08/03/2026

Carolina Rossini, Director for Programs at the Public Interest Technology (PIT), was recently featured in the Leadership Perspectives section of Education Technology Insights. Her piece, "AI in Higher Education: Coredesign Before You Employ," provides insight on AI adoption in the higher education space and recommendations for institutions incorporating AI in faculty, staff, and student work on campus.

Read the piece here: https://www.educationtechnologyinsights.com/leadership-perspective/carolina-rossini-nid-3877.html

07/22/2026

We hope that you are enjoying your summer, the lovely weather, and maybe a couple of days at the beach, but we have a confession. A terrible, heart-wrenching confession....

We secretly can't wait for the cooler temps, the changing foliage on campus, and most importantly, our students! Also, maybe a pumpkin spice.

Have a terrific summer, and see you soon! Don't forget: Classes start September 8!

07/10/2026

Summer may be here, but there's still plenty going on at SPP! Take a look at what our faculty have been up to since the end of last semester, and read these articles and more at https://www.umass.edu/public-policy/news.

06/02/2026

Students from the School of Public Policy's graduate and undergrad public policy programs recently presented proposals to the Town of Amherst advocating for increased lighting in parts of downtown Amherst. Their proposals were part of a capstone project overseen by Assistant Professor Bridgette Davis.

Learn more at the Daily Hampshire Gazette article here: https://gazettenet.com/2026/05/29/around-amherst-umass-students-propose-downtown-lighting-upgrades/

05/20/2026

SPP recently held our annual celebration of graduates and awards ceremony for the MS in DACSS, MPP, and MPPA programs. With the state of the world today, it gives us all so much hope and happiness to celebrate such brilliant and passionate leaders as they begin the next phase of their careers and education!

We also want to highlight the fantastic award winners across our programs:
MS in Data Analytics and Computational Social Science:
Outstanding Student Award:
Jocelyn Canton
Venkat Dasari

Doing Good with Data Award:
Niranjan Prakash
Sumedha

Master of Public Policy and Master of Public Policy and Administration:

M.V. Lee Badgett Social Justice Award:
Nurah Jaradat
Anaamika Nair

Phillip Hertz Award:
Dinda Rolobessy
Ellisha Walker

Congratulations to the SPP class of 2026!

Address

Thompson Hall, 200 Hicks Way
Amherst, MA
01003

Website

http://umass.edu/spp

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