The Philosophy & Public Policy BA at the University of Massachusetts Boston is crafted for students eager to bridge the gap between abstract thought and tangible societal impact. You will explore the foundational ethical theories, political philosophies, and social problems that underpin public policy, developing a critical lens to analyse complex challenges. This undergraduate degree is ideal if you are passionate about justice, human rights, and the mechanisms of governance, and aim to contribute meaningfully to public discourse and policy-making through rigorous philosophical inquiry.
This full-time, on-campus program is studied over four years, guiding you through a curriculum that includes core philosophy courses, applied ethics, and cognate public policy subjects from other departments. You will engage with texts on moral and social problems, philosophical foundations of public policy, and major social and political thinkers, culminating in a Senior Directed Study featuring an independent research project. You will graduate with advanced analytical skills, a deep understanding of policy implications, and the capacity to pursue careers in government, non-profits, advocacy, or further academic study.