UMass Academics
The University of Massachusetts appears in our ranking of the 20 Best Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering. Approximately 74,000 students attend the University of Massachusetts system every year. From 2017 to 2018, the University of Massachusetts awarded over 17,000 degrees, which includes about 13,000 bachelor’s degrees and almost 4,000 master’s degrees. UMassOnline, their distance education program, offers over 150 degree and 60 certificate programs through over 1,500 online classes. Altogether, the university offers over 3,000 academic programs. They offer over:
- 100 bachelor’s programs
- 77 master’s programs
- 48 doctoral degree programs.
Some of the diverse undergraduate degree programs include:
- construction technology
- communication disorders
- equine management
- Scandinavian studies
- sustainable farming
- electronic engineering technology
- landscape architecture
- natural resource conservation
Some of the unique graduate programs include:
- soil sciences
- marine science
- resource economics
- organismic biology
- environmental engineering
- community health education
There are doctoral degrees available in both common and specialized subject areas. UMassOnline offers interesting and advanced degree programs for students around the world. This includes associate’s degrees and certificates related to:
- autism
- applied linguistics
- applied behavioral analysis
There are bachelor’s degrees in:
- writing
- human services
- social justice
- sustainable food
- business administration
- tourism management
There are master’s degrees in:
- finance
- security studies
- creative thinking
- reading education
- rehabilitation counseling
157 of the online degrees are 100 percent distance learning. 13 of them are blended programs. There are a few Professional Development programs offered.
About University of Massachusetts
The University of Massachusetts is the primary educational institution in the state of Massachusetts. It is comprised of:
- four campuses
- a medical school
- a satellite campus
As a result, UMass Amherst, Boston, Lowell, Dartmouth, and the Medical School each offer unique academic experiences and educational opportunities. All four of the main undergraduate campuses consistently rank high together, which is a rare occurrence in university systems across the country. The purpose of the University of Massachusetts is to help students access quality and affordable educational programs. Many of these are related to research and public service that contribute to:
- world advancement
- knowledge
- life improvement
As a result, pedagogical instruction, community service, and public research are closely intertwined. The educational experience is enhanced through the diversity of:
- students
- teachers
- concepts
- world views
The University of Massachusetts is a national leader in:
- science
- research
- discovery
- development
This is accomplished through:
- faculty mentorship
- research collaboration
- professional presentations
- peer-reviewed publications
Over 90 percent of the 1,100 plus professors hold the highest degree in their respective fields. The average SAT score was 1226 and the average GPA was 3.8 in 2015. In order to attract the best and brightest students and faculty, the University of Massachusetts invests a great deal of money in:
- IT
- labs
- libraries
- facilities
- equipment
The library system is the largest in the New England area. This state-supported library contains more than six million items.
University of Massachusetts Accreditation Details
The University of Massachusetts is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Many of the internal schools and colleges are accredited by industry organizations and national agencies. These include the following accrediting bodies:
- National League for Nursing
- Computing Sciences Accreditation Board
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- National Association of Schools of Art and Design
- Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
- National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
University of Massachusetts Application Requirements
Admission into the University of Massachusetts is based on guidelines established by the state’s Department of Higher Education. Due to the fact that competition is high, admission decisions are based on a diverse set of factors. The application process requires the completion of:
- the Common Application
- an essay
- a high school transcript
- a letter of recommendation
- SAT or ACT scores
Note that standardized test scores are not required for those who graduated high school over five years ago. The University of Massachusetts requires proof of completing specific high school units. These include:
- four units of math
- four of English
- three of natural sciences
- two of social sciences
- two of the same foreign language
Students around the world and across the country apply for admission, so there are no GPA and test score cutoffs. The qualifications that matter for admission counselors include personal qualities that are demonstrated through choices and activities. These include:
- curiosity
- character
- maturity
- altruism
- intellect
- leadership
When it comes to extracurricular activities and achievements, quantity is more important than quality. This means that long-term commitment and involvement are more important than limited, impressive achievements. Admissions counselors also consider the student’s:
- life experience
- background
- life situations
The University of Massachusetts Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition rates are calculated per campus, so this can get complex and confusing. For example, annual in-state undergraduate tuition:
- at Amherst is $15,406
- at Boston is $13,841
- at Dartmouth is $13,496
- at Lowell is $14,710
Regional students at Amherst will pay $27,152. But if they attend Boston campus they will only pay $18,428. Nonresident students will pay anywhere from $28,716 to $34,089. Out-of-state graduate students will pay $28,716 to $34,932 per year. UMassOnline students will pay the same tuition regardless of residency. This equates to $1250 to $1980 for undergraduate courses and $1230 to $2250 for graduate courses. The University of Massachusetts maintains specific guidelines for financial aid qualifications. Students must be either citizens or eligible noncitizens who have a valid social security number. Grants are on the student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) that is calculated through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal Pell Grants are available to undergrads who are applying for their first bachelor’s degree. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is only for undergrads who have a low EFC and serious financial need. The
University of Massachusetts is the perfect academic choices for students who want a research, science or technology-based degree.
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