Public Affairs — Women in Politics and Public Policy Certificate (WPPP)

The program for Women in Politics and Public Policy is a two-semester graduate certificate program designed to prepare women to take on leadership roles in government and non-profit organizations, hold political office, and pursue advanced degrees, most frequently in law and public policy. The program offers a unique combination of academic work in policy studies and analytical and research skills, plus carefully supervised public policy internships, advising, and professional development activities. The role of gender in politics and policymaking is central to the program’s design, goals, and curriculum.

The program is located within the Department of Public Policy and Public Affairs at the John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy Studies and is administered by UMass Boston’s Division of Corporate, Distance, and Continuing Education. Students take all courses as a cohort over two semesters, beginning in September.

Certificate Requirements

The Program’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. The six courses (see below for full descriptions) include core seminars, public policy research methods, and the internship:

Core Seminars

These two courses (PAF G 619, 623) teach students advanced policy analysis and practical skills for politics and public policy formulation and implementation by focusing on contemporary American public policy issues and women in American politics and policymaking.

Research Methods

ining in case study methodology for policy analysis and culminates with a case study seminar. Students complete a case study as their capstone project.

Public Policy Internships

These two courses (PAF G 622, 624) are the learning environments for a deeper understanding of the political and policymaking process. Students spend 250 hours over the two semesters as interns in the offices of members of the U.S. Congress or state senators and representatives; in state or local agencies non-profit or advocacy organizations; or at prestigious research institutes. Throughout the program, faculty guide students in the process of integrating theoretical knowledge and practical skills learned in their internships.

Students are required to complete eighteen credits for the certificate: nine credits in course work, six credits in the internship, and three credits through the final case-study project (including the case study seminar).

Admissions Requirements

Please see the general statement of admission requirements for all graduate programs in the “Admissions” section of this publication. Minimum requirements include a BA/BS degree, two letters of recommendation, and a personal interview. While the courses take place two evenings per week, the program is full-time over two semesters. Students are admitted in September only for the full program.

For more information about the program or to schedule an interview, please write or call:

Women in Politics and Public Policy Program
Division of Corporate, Continuing, and Distance Education

University of Massachusetts Boston
100 Morrissey Boulevard
Boston MA 02125-3393

Phone: (617) 287-6785
Email: j.ruvidich-higgins@umb.edu