Brandeis University

What you'll study

The programme combines core public administration and social service topics with applied methods and an emphasis on social justice and equity. Core coursework typically covers public management, organisational behaviour, nonprofit management, public budgeting and financial management, and policy analysis. Research and quantitative modules focus on statistics for policy, programme evaluation and qualitative methods to equip students to measure outcomes and assess interventions.

Students also study areas specific to social service professions, such as human service administration, case management systems, social welfare policy, ethics in human services and community-based practice. Electives allow specialisation in themes like health policy, homelessness and housing policy, child and family services, immigration and refugee services, or international development.

The curriculum is practice-oriented: many students complete a practicum or field placement with a public or nonprofit partner and undertake a capstone project or policy-practice internship that applies classroom learning to real organisational challenges. Courses are offered in formats that support full-time and part-time study, with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across Brandeis faculties.

Entry requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (or equivalent). Transcripts demonstrating academic preparation are required.
• Statement of purpose outlining professional goals, interest in public administration/social services and how the programme will support career aims.
• Curriculum vitae or résumé documenting work, volunteer or practicum experience relevant to public service or social-sector work.
• Letters of recommendation (usually two or three) from academic or professional referees who can speak to the applicant’s readiness for graduate study and leadership potential.
• Some programmes accept standardised test scores (GRE/GMAT) as optional or on a case-by-case basis; applicants should check current admissions guidance. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency if their prior education was not in English.
• Relevant professional experience is often beneficial and may strengthen an application, particularly for part-time or mid-career applicants.

Career prospects

Graduates move into leadership and analytical roles across public, nonprofit and health and human service sectors. Typical career paths include policy analyst, programme manager, nonprofit executive or director, city or state government manager, community development specialist, social service administrator and advocacy or policy consultant. Others leverage the practicum experience to transition into frontline social service roles or to pursue doctoral study in social policy, public administration or related disciplines.

Skill areas emphasised in the programme—budgeting and finance, programme evaluation, grant writing, strategic planning and organisational leadership—are directly applicable to managing programmes, securing funding, measuring impact and improving service delivery in diverse organisations.

Why study at Brandeis University

• Heller School strengths: Brandeis’s social policy and management programmes are built around an explicit commitment to social justice, combining rigorous policy analysis with practical management training and a focus on improving human welfare.
• Hands-on learning: the curriculum integrates practicum placements, policy labs and capstone projects that connect students with government agencies, community organisations and nonprofits in the Boston area and beyond.
• Interdisciplinary environment: students benefit from access to faculty and courses across Brandeis, fostering interdisciplinary approaches to complex social problems such as health disparities, poverty and migration.
• Location and networks: Brandeis’s location near Boston provides proximity to a dense ecosystem of public agencies, nonprofits, think tanks and hospitals, offering internship and employment opportunities and a strong alumni network in the social sector.
• Small cohort and faculty engagement: programmes are designed to support close faculty mentoring, collaborative learning and leadership development through seminars, practicum supervision and professional development resources.