The polymerization of acrylamide was carried out using t-BuOK as an initiator in DMF under microwave irradiation. As a result, poly(beta-alanine) was obtained in a good yield. With 100 W, 2.45 GHz microwave irradiation, the formation of polymer was accelerated. Furthermore, the hydrolysis of poly(beta-alanine) was carried out using acids or bases under microwave irradiation. When poly(beta-alanine) was hydrolyzed at 100 degrees C for 3 h with NaOH or KOH, the degree of hydrolysis reached 68-71%. When poly(beta-alanine) was hydrolyzed at 100 degrees C for 3 h with HCl or H2SO4, the degree of hydrolysis reached 64-76%.