Division of Continuing Education

The Division of Continuing Education, a University Outreach unit, provides access to the academic resources of the University to people of the Commonwealth who are not full-time degree students, to local and national business firms throughout the state, and to the general community. An administrative arm of Academic Affairs, the Division works closely with the various academic units in planning and offering credit, professional development, certificate and noncredit programs to meet the needs of nontraditional students.

The Division organizes evening courses, postbaccalaureate teacher certification, Winter Session, and Summer Session, as well as weekend and distance education courses. Academic advisers are available to help students with degree programs or courses related to their life and career objectives.

In collaboration with the University's schools and colleges, the following part-time master's degree programs are offered through the Division of Continuing Education: M.M./Music Education, M.L.I.S. (Library and Information Studies, University of Rhode Island), M.B.A., M.S. in Labor Studies, M.Ed., M.Ed. for Science Teachers, M.S. in Soil Science, M.P.A. in Public Policy and Administration, and M.S. in Nursing with a concentration in Community/School Health. In addition, a Postbaccalaureate Pre-Clinical Program in Communication Disorders is offered for those who have a bachelor's degree in a field other than Communication Disorders but who would like to pursue a graduate degree in either Speech Pathology or in Audiology.

On-line Graduate Degree Programs

Three graduate degree programs are offered on-line in Fall 2000 through the Division of Continuing Education. Courses in the on-line degree programs are taught by resident University faculty and meet the same academic requirements as traditional on-campus courses. The courses are located at the University's virtual campus: http://www.UMAmherst Online.org.

The Professional Master of Business Administration degree program is fully accredited by the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The accelerated M.B.A. program is designed for professionals who want to continue their education in the management field.

The Master of Science (Nursing) in Community/School Health prepares advanced-practice nurses as expert clinicians in the care of children, adolescents, and their families in diverse community and school health settings.

The Master of Public Health degree provides graduate education for practicing professionals with relevant experience in public health.

For further information on programs, contact the Division, tel. (413) 545-2414 or visit the Web site: http://www.umass.edu/contined.