UMass Amherst is one of the major public research universities in America. Nestled in idyllic Amherst, Massachusetts, the campus is consistently ranked among the top public research universities in the nation, and offers a rich cultural environment in a rural setting close to major urban centers.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is one of the nation’s top public universities. We currently rank among the top 30 in a field of more than 700 public, four-year colleges and universities in the United States in the U.S. News & World Report’s annual college guide.
UMass Amherst is the flagship public higher education campus in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, making a profound, transformative impact to the common good. Founded in 1863, we are the largest public research university in New England, distinguished by the excellence and breadth of our academic, research, and community outreach programs.
Our students are bright, bold, unconventional thinkers. About 41,800 students applied for 4,700 seats in the Class of 2021. Academic quality remains excellent with combined average SATs at 1268/1600 and average GPAs at 3.89.Our research expenditures in fiscal 2017 totaled $219.9 million. Among Massachusetts colleges and universities, UMass Amherst ranks fourth in research grants from the National Science Foundation, behind only MIT, Harvard, and Boston University.
For the ninth consecutive year, UMass Amherst is among the 100 “Best College Values” in public colleges compiled by Kiplinger’s Personal Financemagazine. Money magazine ranks us among the nation’s best colleges based on the most bang for the tuition buck.
UMass Amherst has several core values articulated in the Joint Task Force for Strategic Oversight's Phase I Report, Innovation and Impact: Renewing the Promise of the Public Research University (2014). These values speak to the campus’s enduring commitment to forming and strengthening “socially just learning and working environments that foster a culture of excellence through diverse people, ideas, and perspectives.
As the flagship campus of the commonwealth, UMass Amherst has been a leader in agricultural research and green education since our founding as a land grant institution in 1863.With over 100 major subject areas leading to bachelor's degrees, 77 master’s and 48 doctoral programs, UMass Amherst offers a vast array of educational opportunities for full and part-time students, both on and off-campus. Interdisciplinary majors, online learning, the Five College Interchange and internships and international study add to the opportunities.
The College of Education offers doctoral, master’s and bachelor’s degree programs and certificates that prepare leaders in education theory, policy, research and practice. High quality, nationally and internationally recognized programs of study delivered through on-campus, blended and on-line classes; award-winning outreach initiatives; 68 full-time faculty; and five research centers. A top-ranked college that prepares students for industrial, research and leadership opportunities in Chemical, Civil and Environmental, Electrical and Computer, and Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, students are engaged in emerging areas such as bioengineering, nanocomputing, water resources and off-shore wind energy. As the creative and cultural heart of the campus, the College of Humanities and Fine Arts (HFA) explores the ways people have sought to express themselves and the world around them through classical humanities disciplines of literature, history, and philosophy to a world-renowned Department of Linguistics; exceptional programs in the performing and visual arts; and interdisciplinary departments considering language, identity, and biology.
The College of Information and Computer Sciences (CICS) offers a world-class curriculum in support of BA, BS, MS, and PhD degrees. CICS is internationally recognized for its research activities and has one of the highest ranked and most competitive graduate programs in the nation. The College is distinguished by its culture of collaboration and leadership in multi-disciplinary research. CNS unites the life, environmental, computational, and physical sciences, and mathematics on campus. CNS strengths include cutting-edge research, top-ranked academic programs, award-winning and internationally recognized faculty. CNS also serves the university’s land grant mission for Massachusetts.
The College of Nursing prepares candidates to enter the nursing profession at the baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral levels while developing vital nurse educators and researchers who will inform and educate future generations of nursing students. The online graduate program has been ranked among the top 25 in the country by U.S. News & World Report. Central to the university’s academic heart, SBS bridges the sciences and liberal arts. Each year SBS educates thousands of students in the areas of culture, society, and individual behavior, while promoting citizenship and global understanding.
Commonwealth Honors College is a community of scholars that offers the advantages of a small college plus access to the opportunities and resources of a nationally recognized research university. Isenberg is accredited at the highest level by the AACSB and is ranked 20th among public universities by BusinessWeek. The school offers seven undergraduate majors as well as rigorous MBA and PhD programs. Isenberg's world-class research strengths include alternative investments, quality management, large-scale networks, organizational change and culture, and behavioral accounting.The SPHHS is the only state-supported CEPH-accredited school of public health in New England. It offers BS, MA, MS, MPH, AuD, and PhD degrees in Communication Disorders, Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Public Health. It addresses pressing cross-cutting issues such as obesity, diabetes prevention, women’s health, global health, aging, environmental exposures, and autism spectrum disorders. The historic Stockbridge School of Agriculture offers hands-on, intensive AS, BS, and graduate education in fields relating to agriculture and landscapes, and a vibrant spectrum of teaching, research, and outreach programs. It resides within the College of Natural Sciences.
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The support I received as a grad student in Communication Disorders was truly exceptional. I consider myself lucky to have been accepted and attending this program. I also attended UMass as an undergraduate so I knew what to expect from te campy in general. The school is large but there was a strong sense of familiarity and comfort within the program that offset any negatives from attending such a large institution.
I still work as a Speech Pathologist and even own my own business. After finishing my degree I felt that I had the confidence and knowledge base to accomplish whatever I set my mind to. I would recommend the University of Massaxhusetts-Amherst to anyone who can handle the being one person in a sea of students without losing sight of your priorities.
By Trisha U. (Mar, 2012) |
I loved my Umass exerience but wished I had taken advantage of it more (clubs, sports, etc). I was a transfer student and spent most of my weekends partying with friend in the dorms or off campus. Never had any trouble making friends and still keep in touch with many of my college friends. Animal Science department was great...science core was very challenging for me because the classes are large and there is little extra attention unless you seek it out. Umass is what you make of it. I've been happy in the working world having a degree from a well known University. A big school is not for everyone but if you want some anonymity and more choices than you'll know what to do with then UMass might be a good choice. I think the value is great for in-state tuition. Also it's worth noting that the surounding area is a great place to live...lots of interesting people, nice places to eat, shopping, and hiking.
By Alexandra L. (Oct, 2011) |
My experience at UMass Amherst could not be better. I love the Amherst area. My courses are challenging and I have learned a lot. I know I will be prepared when I get out in the working world or if I go to grad school. This school is the best kept secret around.
By Dave Perez (Feb, 2010) |
Fantastic school! Studied Microbiology, did fantastic research, going to graduate school at Harvard. Best 4 years ever. I recommend UMass to anyone.
By Felix P. (Jan, 2008) |
I couldn't be any happier with my choice of UMass. I came here for two reasons, the Engineering Program, and to be in the Marching Band. Unfortunately, I had to leave the band after two years to focus on my coursework, but being part of such a great group was incredible. I found the coursework challenging but doable, and there are enough electives to choose from that you aren't forced to take something you absolutely hate. I'd go back in a heartbeat if I had it to do all over again.
By Miller M. (Nov, 2005) |
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At the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, my daughter has not only received a top-notch education but has also flourished personally, all thanks to the dedicated staff who truly care about student success.
By G.P. (Aug, 2024) |