Dual MPH/MPPA Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The University of Massachusetts Amherst offers a dual Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) and Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program. This program is a collaboration between the School of Public Health and Health Sciences (specifically Health Policy and Management) and the School of Public Policy.

It aims to equip students with the skills needed for effective health policy analysis, understanding organizational processes within the health sector, developing policy-based approaches to address issues of public health importance, and translating complex public health policies for a lay audience.

A key benefit is that all programs in the School of Public Health and Health Sciences, including the MPH component of this dual degree, are fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) .

Students enrolled in the dual degree program are also required to participate in Interprofessional Education (IPE) opportunities, which involve learning with, about, and from other professions to enable effective collaboration and improve health outcomes.

Delivery Modes

The program structure, designed to be completed in three years with sequential focus on each degree's core requirements, suggests a full-time, on-campus delivery format.

Curriculum Overview

The dual degree option allows students to earn both the MPPA and MPH degrees in three years. Students may begin their studies in either program, and it is recommended to complete a full year in one program before beginning the second.

In the second year, students typically fulfill the core requirements of the other program. The third year of study is dedicated to fulfilling the remaining requirements of both programs. An Interprofessional Education (IPE) component is a required part of the curriculum. A featured class relevant to the policy aspect is SPP 603 Public Policy Analysis, which integrates material from core courses and applies it to policy issues.

Admissions Requirements

Prospective students apply for the MPPA/MPH dual degree program through the UMass Graduate School . The application deadline is February 1st for fall admission.

Career & Practical Experience

Graduates of the dual degree program are equipped with skills for careers involving health policy analysis, understanding and navigating organizational processes within the health sector, and developing and communicating policy-based solutions to public health challenges.