B.A. in Philosophy & Public Policy

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
• PTE: Overall score of 50 or higher.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Overall score of 105.

Scholarships for International Students at the University of Massachusetts Boston

Global Excellence Scholarship: The Global Excellence Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship offered to undergraduate and graduate international students. It recognizes academic achievement and provides financial support to help cover tuition expenses. The scholarship amount may vary and is renewable for subsequent years based on academic performance.

Dean's Scholarship: The Dean's Scholarship is another merit-based scholarship available to international undergraduate students. It is awarded to high-achieving students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance. The scholarship amount varies and is renewable for subsequent years based on continued academic excellence.

Foundation Scholarships: The university offers a range of scholarships funded by foundations, organizations, and donors. These scholarships may be available to both domestic and international students based on various criteria such as academic achievement, field of study, or community involvement. International students are encouraged to explore these opportunities through the university's scholarship database.

External Scholarships: International students may also be eligible for external scholarships provided by organizations, governments, or foundations outside of the university. These scholarships are typically offered based on specific criteria, such as nationality, field of study, or leadership qualities. Students are encouraged to research and apply for external scholarships that align with their academic and personal goals.

Government Scholarships: Some international students may be eligible for government-sponsored scholarships from their home countries. UMass Boston can assist students in obtaining the necessary documentation and meeting the requirements for these scholarships.

It's important for international students to check the eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and specific application procedures for each scholarship opportunity.

Graduates with a B.A. in Philosophy & Public Policy from UMass Boston are well-prepared for a variety of career paths that leverage their interdisciplinary skills in philosophy and public policy. The program equips students with critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and policy analysis skills, making them valuable candidates for numerous roles in both public and private sectors. 

Public Policy Analyst: Public policy analysts research, evaluate, and provide recommendations on policy issues. They analyze data, assess the impacts of proposed policies, and develop strategies to address societal challenges. Analysts often work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or research institutions.

Legislative Assistant: Legislative assistants support legislators by researching policy issues, drafting legislation, and managing communications with constituents. They play a crucial role in helping lawmakers develop and implement effective policies.

Ethics Consultant: Ethics consultants advise organizations on ethical practices and decision-making. They help businesses, governments, and non-profits navigate complex ethical issues, ensuring that policies and practices align with moral and legal standards.

Advocacy Specialist: Advocacy specialists work for non-profit organizations or advocacy groups to promote policy changes and raise awareness about social issues. They develop advocacy strategies, engage with stakeholders, and mobilize public support for various causes.

Policy Researcher: Policy researchers conduct in-depth studies on specific policy issues, contributing to the development of evidence-based recommendations. They work in think tanks, academic institutions, or policy research firms, analyzing trends and evaluating the effectiveness of policies.

Non-Profit Manager: Non-profit managers oversee the operations of non-profit organizations, including program development, fundraising, and staff management. They ensure that the organization’s mission is effectively carried out and that resources are used efficiently.

Social Policy Advisor: Social policy advisors provide expertise on policies related to social welfare, education, and healthcare. They work with governmental bodies, non-profits, or advocacy groups to design and implement policies that address social issues and improve community well-being.

Human Rights Officer: Human rights officers work with organizations that focus on protecting and promoting human rights. They monitor and report on human rights violations, advocate for policy changes, and support efforts to uphold human rights standards globally.

Political Campaign Manager: Political campaign managers plan and execute campaign strategies for candidates running for office. They manage campaign operations, coordinate with volunteers, and develop messaging to engage voters and win elections.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Coordinator: CSR coordinators manage a company’s efforts to operate in socially responsible ways. They develop and implement CSR programs, ensuring that corporate activities align with ethical standards and contribute positively to society.

Academic Researcher or Professor: Some graduates choose to pursue advanced degrees and academic careers, conducting research in philosophy, public policy, or related fields. They may teach at the university level and contribute to scholarly discussions on policy and ethics.

Journalist or Media Analyst: Journalists and media analysts with a background in philosophy and public policy can provide informed commentary and analysis on policy issues and ethical concerns. They work for media outlets, writing articles, conducting interviews, and covering policy-related news.