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Academics FAQ

How many students attend UMass Amherst?

Undergraduates: 18,720
Graduate Students: 5,592
More UMass Amherst Facts

How large are the classes?

68% of all classes at UMass Amherst have 30 or fewer students enrolled. A full 29% have 11-20 people in the class, 15% have 10 or fewer, and only 8% have more than 100 students. Students will encounter the full range of class sizes while at the UMass Amherst. Of course, if it were not for our size, UMass Amherst would not have the wide range of academic and social opportunities available to our students.
More at Fast Facts

I’ve heard that I can take classes at Amherst College. Is that true? What is the Five College Consortium?

After their first semester, all students in the Five College Consortium (Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, Smith, and UMass Amherst) may take up to three classes per semester at no extra cost at any of the other campuses. The Five College advisor on each campus handles registration. This is a great way to take advantage of the benefits of a small, private, traditional, nontraditional, or women’s liberal arts college while attending a large public university.
More on the Five Colleges

Does UMass Amherst have an honors program?

UMass Amherst has an outstanding honors program—the Commonwealth College. Visit the Commonwealth College section for the full story.

Do you have _________ major?

We have nearly 90 academic majors at UMass Amherst and a program that allows you to design your own major. This is known as the Bachelor’s Degree with Individual Concentration (BDIC). Students may elect this option during their sophomore year. Among the majors we do not have: Architecture and Physical Therapy.
Majors, Minors, and Certificate Programs at UMass Amherst

Do any majors have prerequisites?

Yes. Some majors at UMass Amherst require you to successfully complete specific courses. Others are more selective for freshmen admission because students who apply are often high achieving with credentials such as honors courses and Advance Placement credits.
Details at Choosing a Major

May I double-major?

Yes. Though not for everyone, this can be a great way to enrich your college work. Go to Enhancing Your Major to find out more.

What can I do with my major?

We suggest that you meet with a career counselor to help you understand the opportunities that may be available to you. Start at Career Services to find out how they can help with this process.

Can I see what classes are available?

Of course! Thorough the UMass Amherst website, you have access to the Guide to Undergraduate Programs (listing all of the courses taught at UMass Amherst), the UMass Course Schedule (to search all courses taught this semester), and the Five College Course Guide (to search all courses currently taught at the Five Colleges). Go to the section on the On-line Course Catalog for more.

Will I have access to libraries outside of UMass Amherst?

At UMass Amherst you’ll have access not only to the UMass Amherst libraries, but those of Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, and Smith Colleges, and other institutions throughout New England. Visit the Libraries section for complete information.

Is tutoring available?

UMass Amherst has extensive resources to help you meet academic challenges, including tutoring, mentoring, help with study skills, and writing support. The section on Academic Support Services will tell you more.

Will I have opportunities for experiential education?

At UMass Amherst, there are enormous opportunities for experiential education—internships, co-ops, community service, on and off-campus jobs, and involvement with campus activities will help you carve out your place in the world. Start with Career Services, and then move on to the Student Life section for more details and ideas.