Group of students standing in front of the capitol building
Giving Opportunities

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences is committed to understanding how human behavior and decision-making shape the social, political, economic, and cultural contexts of our world.

Furthering the cause of democracy and human understanding

At a critical moment in U.S. history, the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences’ research and teaching illuminate critical pathways to improving our democracy.

Our faculty and students address complex social problems through the lens of multiple social sciences. Your support will expand UMass Amherst’s impact on strengthening civil society.

Our vision

Equipping the rising generation for engaged citizenship

The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences contributes to informed policymaking and economic development across the commonwealth and the nation. Your investment can help the college foster informed social change and prepare graduates for public and private sector leadership.

21%
College of Social and Behavioral Science majors identify as first-generation students
45%
of SBS undergraduate students served by the Remedying Inequity through Student Engagement (RISE) program
100+
Students who have participated in the SBS in DC internship program since 2018

Initiatives for the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Scholarships for high-need students

More than 70% of the SBS student body seeks some form of financial assistance to complete their education. Donor support will help us reduce this need, enabling students from all walks of life to benefit from a UMass Amherst education.

Remedying Inequity through Student Engagement (RISE)

This program offers first-generation, BIPOC, and low-income students specialized programming to help them navigate their university experience and funding to engage in service or research projects.

High-impact experiential learning opportunities

SBS wants all students, regardless of background or financial constraints, to participate in high-impact experiential activities, including internships, study abroad, and undergraduate research.

Endowed professorships

Endowed faculty positions will help SBS recruit and retain exceptional educators who are drawn to the college’s focus on social justice and public good.

Graduate fellowships

Fellowship funding for the first two years of graduate study will enable aspiring teachers and scholars to accelerate their contributions to the SBS community.

Endowed support for multidisciplinary partnerships

With donor support, SBS can expand multidisciplinary initiatives like the Democracy and Governance program, the Technology and Society initiative and the Energy and Environmental Sustainability initiative.

“My UMass SBS education gave me a great foundation to build on. I was equipped with tools and knowledge that can be applied to any industry.”

Sybelle Etienne ’21
Grants and Fiscal Compliance Officer at the Massachusetts Service Alliance
Sybelle Etienne ’21

Campaign Progress: $25,600,000

Goal: $32M
80%
Kate Walsh, Secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services, speaks at the 2024 UWiL Fireside Chat
Spotlight UMass Women into Leadership

A decade of leadership training

UMass Women into Leadership, a professional development program housed in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, celebrated its 10th anniversary in March 2024. The program offers undergraduates interested in public leadership, policy, or government career-building opportunities and one-on-one mentoring women leaders and elected public officials.

UMass Amherst students in front of the Capitol in Washington D.C.
Spotlight on SBS in DC program

A new generation of changemakers

Through a specialized internship program in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, UMass Amherst students bring their revolutionary spirit to the nation's capital, working with alumni and exploring careers. The program has proven to be an effective professional launchpad for students interested in public policy, government, non-profits, international development, and more.

Ready to learn more about the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences?