Academics

About the Department

Programs

Our  programs provide interdisciplinary study of a wide range of political and economic philosophies and theories of public policy and  public affairs, with a particular focus on state and local policy issues.

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Small Classes 

Our department is dedicated to the personal and intellectual growth of each of our students, and maintains cohorts of small size for a more intimate course of study.   A maximum of ten to twelve students are enrolled per year in our PhD program, and a maximum of 20-25 students per year in our master's and certificate programs. 

Faculty

Our faculty are committed to ensuring an enlightening and informative course of study for each student.  Our small cohort sizes allow faculty to work closely and individually with students, providing a strong network of support and lasting professional relationships.

Read our faculty profiles

Students standing outside the Campus Center

Visit UMass Boston

Come spend an hour or two exploring the campus and talking with UMass Boston students and admissions counselors. Read More 


Why UMass Boston?

Bob Chen speaks with his colleagues as three sensor buoys are readied for the spring.

Bob Chen

Professor of Environmental, Earth, and Ocean Sciences; BA Chemistry and Physics, Harvard University; PhD Marine Chemistry, Scripps Institute of Oceanography, UC San Diego

“They call me an urban oceanographer because I study the ocean water right off Morrissey Boulevard.”

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Giving to UMass Boston

Your gift to the Public Policy and Public Affairs Department will help prepare a new generation of skilled policy leaders who will shape our increasingly diverse urban communities.


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