University of Massachusetts Amherst Review
The University of Massachusetts-Amherst is the flagship school of the University of Massachusetts System. ''U.S. News & World Report'' ranks Amherst 46th among public universities and many of its graduate programs, such as computer systems, artificial intelligence and engineering, rank among the nation's top 50 programs.
University of Massachusetts-Amherst Overview
The University of Massachusetts-Amherst was founded as the Massachusetts Agricultural College in 1863, beginning with four faculty members and 56 students. Today, Amherst employs over 1,000 full-time faculty members and has an enrollment of more than 26,000 students. The school has expanded from its initial curriculum of liberal arts, science, farming and technology to offer six associate's, 88 bachelor's, 73 master's and 53 doctoral programs through nine schools and colleges.
In addition to traditional programs, Amherst has several special programs to enhance students' experiences. For example, the Five College Interchange allows Amherst students to take for-credit classes at one of four other colleges (Smith College, Mount Holyoke College, Amherst College and Hampshire College), while the Domestic Exchange program allows students to attend other University of Massachusetts schools, such as UMass Dartmouth or UMass Boston, for 1-2 semesters.
Admissions and Enrollment Overview
UMass Amherst offers Early Action enrollment and regular enrollment. Students accepted through Early Action have until early spring to decide whether to enroll. Some Early Action enrollees may be deferred to regular enrollment. Students are encouraged to supplement tuition by applying for outside scholarships and filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which automatically confers eligibility for over 100 university scholarships.
Campus Learning Environment and Facilities
Amherst has ten Windows and Macintosh classrooms, 130 computers in the school's Learning Commons and 200 wireless access points on campus. The W.E.B. Du Bois Library is the school's main library, housing the university's primary resources and special collections. The library also houses the Learning Commons, which provides study space for students, as well as departmental resources such as the IT helpdesk, academic advising and writing resource center.
The student-to-faculty ratio at Amherst is about 18:1. Classes are primarily comprised of lectures and labs, although some schools offer online classes. Amherst is connected to SPARK/UMass Online, which is the university's online continuing education program.
Colleges and Schools Information
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture
- College of Humanities and Fine Arts
- College of Natural Sciences
- College of Engineering
- School of Nursing
- School of Public Health and Health Sciences
- School of Education
- College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Isenberg School of Management
Contact Information
- Address: 181 Presidents Drive, Amherst, MA 01003
- Phone Number: (413) 545-0111