About Policy Studies

Why Take a Minor in Policy Studies?

A Minor in Policy Studies can be an exciting complement to the career aspirations of students majoring in any of the social sciences, business management and marketing, human resources, civil engineering, and areas of science that touch on public policy issues. A Policy Studies Minor is useful to students interested in career tracks in (1) policy analysis, program evaluation, and project management positions in government and non-profit organizations, (2) private sector employment in government relations, public affairs, survey or policy research organizations, and (3) as a special distinction in applications for admission to graduate school or law school.

Why a Master of Public Policy Degree?

The Master of Public Policy (MPP) is one of UMass Dartmouth’s signature academic programs.  UMass Dartmouth’s MPP degree is especially designed for individuals seeking employment in state, federal, and municipal governments, non-profit organizations, and business, trade, and labor associations or who are interested in career advancement, professional development, or a career change.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that overall employment of social scientists will grow by 1.4% annually through 2010. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that social science “graduates with master’s degrees in applied specialties usually have better professional opportunities outside of colleges and universities” compared to bachelor’s degree holders. By contrast, individuals with only a bachelors degree in the social sciences “have limited opportunities and in most social science occupations do not qualify for professional positions.”

Are There Special Opportunities for Students in Policy Studies?

The Department of Policy Studies at UMass Dartmouth offers several unique opportunities for students who enroll in the department's courses and programs:

• Courses where students interact with state legislators, town administrators and selectmen, economic development officials, government project managers, and public relations experts, among others,
• Courses that include field trips to city council meetings, state legislative hearings, local media outlets, and other government offices,
• Courses where students receive practical training in applied policy research, report writing, and public presentation skills,
• Internships in policy-related areas with public agencies and private firms, where students network with future employers, build their resumes, and earn non-academic letters of recommendation,
• Work for credit or pay on one or more of the numerous research projects conducted by the Center For Policy Analysis (www.umassd.edu/cfpa), which has completed more than 150 studies over the last decade. The Center's close association with the Department of Policy Studies provides students with one of many opportunities to learn while they earn.
• Students concentrate on a policy area of their choice, such as health care, economic policy, globalization, public finance, or public administration, as it relates to their Major and future career plans,
• The program awards numerous scholarships to its students,
• A Policy Studies Library is located at the Center for Policy Analysis and it is available to students enrolled in the program's courses. The library gives students an alternative study space with specialized books, journals, government documents, and consultant reports related to public policy. 

This all adds up to a rich career-enhancing experience of the highest academic and professional quality - one that is tailored to your career aspirations and academic interests, while providing an experience that adheres to the highest national standards for programs in Policy Studies.

Who Should Take Policy Studies?

Whether your major is Liberal Arts, Sociology, Economics, Political Science, Management, Finance, Engineering, Nursing, History, or English, the addition of a hands-on dimension to your education will make you a valuable resource to public agencies and private businesses that operate within the public policy process. Civil engineering firms must navigate the intricacies of local boards and commissions. Business practices and health care institutions are regulated by numerous public policies. Teaching careers and local public schools are increasingly affected by public policy decisions made in Boston or Washington, D.C.

 Last Updated On: 11/15/05