Handbook | INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
On behalf of the Graduate School, welcome to the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and congratulations on choosing one of today's leading centers in public higher education. The
University of Massachusetts (UMass) has established excellent programs in a wide range of disciplines, offering degrees at the master's level in 68 major areas and doctoral degrees in 50 major areas. In addition to its academic excellence, the University's location in the historic and scenic Pioneer Valley provides a rich cultural environment in a rural setting.
As a UMass graduate student, you will be a vital part of a graduate student body representing students from all over the world. About a third of enrolled graduate students are international students from a variety of countries ranging alphabetically from Albania through Malaysia to Zimbabwe. The graduate student population is roughly half male and half female. Out of the total of 24,000 students enrolled at the University, there are 5,600 graduate students . For more detailed information on graduate student statistics, please see the graduate factbook at http://www.umass.edu/gradschool/factbook.htm.
In this handbook, you will find information to help you not only in your first weeks at UMass but also throughout your association with the University. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Graduate School staff or your departmental staff, who will be more than happy to help.
So, once again, welcome to the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The Graduate School looks forward to working with you. We hope that you will have a rewarding experience at UMass and that you retain your links with the University after graduation.
