The School of Behavioral Sciences (SBS) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst offers a wide range of academic programs that cater to the diverse interests and career goals of its students. As of the 2025 catalog, the SBS UMass Amherst academic programs include undergraduate and graduate degrees in various fields, including anthropology, communication, economics, journalism, landscape architecture and regional planning, legal studies, political science, psychology, public health, resource economics, and sociology.
Undergraduate Programs
The SBS offers several undergraduate programs that provide students with a strong foundation in the social sciences and prepare them for careers in their chosen fields. Some of the undergraduate programs offered by the SBS include:
- Anthropology: The anthropology program at UMass Amherst offers a Bachelor of Arts degree that focuses on the study of human cultures, behaviors, and biological characteristics.
- Communication: The communication program offers a Bachelor of Arts degree that explores the ways in which people create, negotiate, and interpret meaning in various contexts.
- Economics: The economics program offers a Bachelor of Arts degree that provides students with a solid understanding of economic theory, policy, and practice.
- Journalism: The journalism program offers a Bachelor of Arts degree that prepares students for careers in journalism, media, and related fields.
- Landscape Architecture: The landscape architecture program offers a Bachelor of Science degree that focuses on the design and planning of outdoor spaces and environments.
- Legal Studies: The legal studies program offers a Bachelor of Arts degree that explores the role of law in society and prepares students for careers in law, policy, and related fields.
- Political Science: The political science program offers a Bachelor of Arts degree that focuses on the study of government, politics, and policy.
- Psychology: The psychology program offers a Bachelor of Arts degree that explores the study of human behavior and mental processes.
- Public Health: The public health program offers a Bachelor of Science degree that prepares students for careers in public health, healthcare, and related fields.
- Resource Economics: The resource economics program offers a Bachelor of Science degree that focuses on the study of natural resource management and environmental economics.
- Sociology: The sociology program offers a Bachelor of Arts degree that explores the study of human social relationships, institutions, and cultures.
Graduate Programs
The SBS also offers several graduate programs that provide advanced training and education in various fields. Some of the graduate programs offered by the SBS include:
- Master of Arts in Anthropology: The Master of Arts in Anthropology program provides advanced training in anthropological theory, methods, and research.
- Master of Science in Communication: The Master of Science in Communication program offers advanced training in communication theory, research, and practice.
- Master of Arts in Economics: The Master of Arts in Economics program provides advanced training in economic theory, policy, and practice.
- Master of Science in Environmental Conservation: The Master of Science in Environmental Conservation program offers advanced training in environmental conservation and sustainability.
- Master of Landscape Architecture: The Master of Landscape Architecture program provides advanced training in landscape architecture and design.
- Master of Public Health: The Master of Public Health program offers advanced training in public health, healthcare, and related fields.
- Master of Public Policy: The Master of Public Policy program provides advanced training in public policy, governance, and administration.
- Master of Science in Psychology: The Master of Science in Psychology program offers advanced training in psychological theory, research, and practice.
- Master of Science in Resource Economics: The Master of Science in Resource Economics program provides advanced training in natural resource management and environmental economics.
- Master of Arts in Sociology: The Master of Arts in Sociology program offers advanced training in sociological theory, research, and practice.
| Program | Degree | Department |
|---|---|---|
| Anthropology | BA, MA, PhD | Anthropology |
| Communication | BA, MS | Communication |
| Economics | BA, MA, PhD | Economics |
| Journalism | BA | Journalism |
| Landscape Architecture | BS, MLA | Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning |
| Legal Studies | BA | Legal Studies |
| Political Science | BA, MA, PhD | Political Science |
| Psychology | BA, MS, PhD | Psychology |
| Public Health | BS, MPH | Public Health |
| Resource Economics | BS, MS | Resource Economics |
| Sociology | BA, MA, PhD | Sociology |
What are the admission requirements for the SBS UMass Amherst academic programs?
+The admission requirements for the SBS UMass Amherst academic programs vary depending on the program and degree level. Generally, applicants must submit official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and standardized test scores, such as the SAT or GRE. Some programs may also require additional materials, such as a personal statement or writing sample.
What are the career opportunities for graduates of the SBS UMass Amherst academic programs?
+Graduates of the SBS UMass Amherst academic programs have a wide range of career opportunities in fields such as government, non-profit, private sector, healthcare, education, and research. Some examples of career paths include policy analyst, journalist, economist, landscape architect, public health professional, and social scientist.
What is the cost of tuition for the SBS UMass Amherst academic programs?
+The cost of tuition for the SBS UMass Amherst academic programs varies depending on the program and degree level. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the estimated tuition rates are as follows: undergraduate tuition is 15,642 per year for in-state students and 34,570 per year for out-of-state students; graduate tuition is 14,348 per year for in-state students and 26,658 per year for out-of-state students.
