University of Massachusetts Amherst

University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass) - public higher education institution in United States.

University of Massachusetts Amherst - Description

A leading center for public higher education in the Northeast, the University of Massachusetts Amherst has gained a reputation for excellence in a growing number of fields, for its wide and varied academic offerings, and for its expanding historic roles in education, research, and public service. The flagship campus of the Commonwealth?s University system, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a major research university enrolling 24,000 students, from all 50 United States and over 100 countries. Its 10 schools and colleges offer over 95 undergraduate majors, 74 master's and 47 doctoral programs. Sponsored research activities total more than $100 million a year. Located on 1,460-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, the campus provides a rich cultural environment in a rural setting close to major urban centers. As a member of the Five College consortium, the university shares a mutually rewarding relationship with students from Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, and Smith colleges. A leading center for public higher education in the Northeast, the University of Massachusetts Amherst has gained a reputation for excellence in a growing number of fields, for its wide and varied academic offerings, and for its expanding historic roles in education, research, and public service. The flagship campus of the Commonwealth's University system, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a major research university enrolling more than 28,000 students, from all 50 United States and over 100 countries. Its 10 schools and colleges offer over 95 undergraduate majors, 74 master's and 47 doctoral programs. Sponsored research activities total more than $100 million a year. Located on 1,460-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, the campus provides a rich cultural environment in a rural setting close to major urban centers. As a member of the Five College consortium, the university shares a mutually rewarding relationship with students from Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, and Smith colleges. As the flagship campus of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst combines the academic resources of a nationally ranked research university with the support and individualized attention usually reserved for a small college. Students come from every state and over 100 countries, making this New England campus a national and international center for intellectual and cultural activity. With over 95 majors, the university offers its students a wide array of academic disciplines and nationally known programs of study, including the Bachelor's Degree with Individual Concentration (BDIC), which allows students to create their own major. Undeclared first-year students have the opportunity to join the Exploratory Track Program designed to help them find the best major for their interest by placing them in one of eight academic advising tracks. Students are matched with a track based on a review of their university admissions application focusing on interest, eligibility and academic proficiency. The outstanding full-time faculty of over 1,200 are the best in their fields and they take teaching seriously. Students complement their classroom work with internships, co-ops, and research, working side-by-side with their faculty. Students take what they learn in the classroom, and apply it in the studio, the lab, the concert hall, and the field. With this intersection of learning and doing, students find their intellectual voice and independence. The Commonwealth Honors College Residential Complex is a national model and welcomes students who seek additional academic challenge and meet the requirements for acceptance. The extensive library system is the largest at any public institution in the Northeast, and offers students a state-of-the-art learning environment through the Learning Commons, a place that fosters academic collaboration. New facilities give students access to cutting edge classrooms, labs, and other state-of-the-art learning resources. UMass Amherst is also ranked one of the most sustainable “green” campuses in the country, with students recently invited to the White House to receive an award for their efforts. Through the Five College Interchange, students enroll in classes at nearby Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, and Smith Colleges at no extra charge. A free bus system connects these five campuses, allowing students to participate in a wide array of social and cultural events. Through the Residential First-Year Experience (RFYE), first-year students live with other peers who share common interests and experiences. Other opportunities for personal development are found through the Center for Student Development, which brings together more than 300 clubs and organizations; groups include community service organizations, student government, ethnic and cultural groups, religious and spiritual organizations, fraternity and sororities, student-run businesses, media-related groups, groups that grow from academic interests, and groups dedicated to athletics and recreation, socializing, arts and entertainment, and politics. UMass Amherst competes in NCAA Division I Intercollegiate Athletics. Students attend every home game free in regular season, and wear their Minutemen and Minutewomen maroon proudly. All students can work out at the immensely popular Recreation Center, and any student who enjoys athletic competition can participate in an extensive intramural sports program. UMass Dining Services is consistently ranked top in the country with students and families raving about the food. Just off campus, the picturesque town of Amherst offers scores of shops and restaurants from Mexican or Thai, to pizza, burgers, and Indian. Appearing on 'the top ten' lists for college towns, Amherst has a truly unusual combination of New England charm, international sophistication, and natural beauty.