Public Interest Programs

The strength of a public service-oriented institution lies in its ability not only to educate students about responsibility and privilege but also to expose students and graduates to opportunities. By making avenues to public service both explicit and accessible, Amherst College can help to increase the likelihood that students will channel their values, politics, beliefs and ideas into meaningful societal contributions.

In this section of our website, we will focus on several examples of fields that fall within the realm of public interest careers.

Government
Public Health
Environment
Social Services
Social Activism
Education

Although we have separated the above fields into distinct sections, in many ways these fields overlap. There are many other fields that could fall within the arena of public interest work that have not been included here.