The Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree is designed for individuals seeking employment in state, federal, or municipal government, non-profit organizations, and business, trade, or labor associations. The MPP degree is a great option for students who want to continue their education at the graduate level or for fully-employed individuals interested in career advancement, professional development, or a career change.
The program's graduates will:
Gain a knowledge of the policy process, public management, and public finance with analytical and research skills in applied policy analysis and specialized knowledge in a "concentration area" such as public management or environmental policy;
Develop the ability to reason and analyze from both a normative and problem-solving perspective;
Develop technical methodological skills; and,
Develop substantive policy or management expertise in one concentration area.
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth has earned several awards for its online programs including:
First UMass approved as a SARA Institution in Massachusetts – September 12, 2018
UMass Dartmouth is ranked as a Tier 1 National Research University - U.S. News & World Report
Ranked 3rd for best online colleges in Massachusetts - College Choice, Affordable Colleges Online
The College of Nursing is listed among the "Best Graduate Schools" in the U.S., 98th of 1,000 - U.S. News & World Report
Ranked 10th in the nation for best online bachelor's degree in accounting - College Choice
Ranked 11th for online MBA in healthcare management programs - The Best Schools
Ranked 6th of 33 Massachusetts schools for affordability of online programs - College Choice
Ranked 26th nationally for the MS in Healthcare Management offered by Charlton College of Business - Master's Program Guide
Excellence in Online Teaching - Sloan-C Excellence Awards
Ranked 7th nationally for most affordable online colleges for bachelor's degrees - College Choice
Ranked 10th for best online master's programs in public policy nationwide - Best Colleges
Ranked in the top 11% nationally for best value college, based on return on investment. - Payscale
In the top 10 for undergraduate accounting programs inMassachusetts - Accounting Degree Review
Online MBA program ranked in the top 33% nationwide - U.S. News & World Report
Designated a Military Friendly School ® with leading practices in the recruitment and retention of students with military experience - Military Friendly
Admissions:
1. Earned Baccalaureate Degree- All applicants to the Master of Public Policy (MPP) must have an earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited 4-year college or university in the United States or comparable non-U.S. degree/diploma from a recognized foreign institution of higher education at the time of matriculation. Undergraduate seniors may apply in their final semester with expectation that they will have graduated prior to enrolling in MPP courses.
2. Graduate School Application for US Citizens/International Applicants - All applicants to the Master's of Public Policy must complete and submit UMass Dartmouth's Graduate School Application electronically or by mail.
3. Statement of Purpose (Essay) - The MPP at UMass Dartmouth requires an essay of 600-900 words explaining the applicant's interest in the program and purpose for applying to the program. Graduate study objectives, previous policy-related or public management experience, and undergraduate preparation for the course of study. The applicants should also submit resumes or a curriculum vita.
4. Other Materials Required for Application to the Master of Public Policy
a: Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT): Applicants to the Master of Public Policy must submit GRE (general test), or GMAT scores taken within 5 years of the application. Official score reports must come directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). [UMass Dartmouth's GRE Code for reporting scores is 3786].
b: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth does not require a TOEFL from U.S. citizens or citizens of countries where English is the official language (i.e., Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa). Applicants whose native language in not English must demonstrate that they are proficient in English. English proficiency can be demonstrated by taking the TOEFL, which is administered worldwide.
A $60.00 application fee is needed at the time of processing. You will not be able to submit your application without credit card payment of the non-refundable application fee at the time of submission. We currently accept Visa and MasterCard. The process should take approximately 10 minutes.
Financial Aid:
Your UMass Dartmouth education is an investment in your future. There are a number of ways to finance your education including grants, scholarships, and loans. Your workplace may offer reimbursement for education if you check with the Human Resources Department where you work.
To be eligible for grants and loans, students must be enrolled in a degree or certificate program, and be taking at least 6 credits per semester.
FAFSA application
You must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year to receive UMassD need-based education loans and grants. You must be enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program, and taking at least 6 credits per semester.
By submitting your completed FAFSA, you may be eligible for a number of need-based grants or loans. Learn more about need-based aid
Testimonials:
Professor and Student Research
UMass Dartmouth Public Policy Professor and online graduate student collaborate to publish peer-reviewed article
Chad J. McGuire, an Assistant Professor of Public Policy and Director of the Graduate Online Environmental Policy Certificate Program (EPCP); and Helen Perivier, an online graduate student currently enrolled in the EPCP, have successfully collaborated on a research article to be published in the February 2011 issue of the International Journal of Sustainable Development. Click to read a preview of the article.
Just to be safe. Your info is safe with us. We do not sell nor share your information
with anyone other than our great support team from UMass. By clicking "SUBMIT",
I agree to receive emails, phone calls, and SMS/Text Messages from the University of
Massachusetts at the numbers I provided (land and/or wireless), including calls or
texts made using automated technology or prerecorded voice messages.
This consent is not required to purchase services, you may also call UMass at 877-698-6277.
Chad J. McGuire, an Assistant Professor of Public Policy and Director of the Graduate Online Environmental Policy Certificate Program (EPCP); and Helen Perivier, an online graduate student currently enrolled in the EPCP, have successfully collaborated on a research article to be published in the February 2011 issue of the International Journal of Sustainable Development. Click to read a preview of the article.
