About the College
The College for People Who Want to Make a Difference
The College of Public and Community Service (CPCS) is an innovative college with a dynamic faculty, motivated students, and distinguished alumni, including Boston mayor Tom Menino (Class of 1998) and Citizens Energy Corporation president and former congressman Joseph P. Kennedy (Class of 1976).
For nearly 40 years our college has been a recognized leader in education for social change, providing effective and empowering educational opportunities for students who are committed to working for positive development in their communities, workplaces, and professions. CPCS is a college for people who want to make a real difference.
Throughout our history, our student body has been highly diverse. CPCS students range in age from 18 to 80-plus years. They come from a wide range of economic backgrounds and confirm UMass Boston’s reputation as the most ethnically varied university campus in New England. We are justifiably proud of this great diversity of outlook, perspective, and opinion, and of the abundance of cultural experiences it provides for our students.
Academic Offerings at the College of Public and Community Service include:
Four undergraduate majors, one minor, and a graduate program
Several professional development certificate programs
- Labor Leadership (Certificate)
- Gerontological Social Policy (Certificate)
- The Frank J. Manning (Certificate)
The CPCS Curriculum
With its unique blend of programs based on the study and active experience of communities and positive social change, our curriculum helps you deepen your understanding of the types of issues affecting today’s urbanized society while supporting you in your efforts to become effective professionals who can make a difference in your life and your communities.
Theory learned in the classroom is applied through our service-learning courses, internships, or field placements. When you graduate from CPCS, you leave with professional work experience, a resume, a network, and your degree.
