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The University
One of today's leading centers of public higher education in the Northeast,
the University of Massachusetts Amherst was established in 1863 under
the original Land Grant Act. In recent decades it has achieved a growing
reputation for excellence in an increasing number of disciplines, for
the breadth of its academic offerings, and for the expansion of its historic
roles in education, research, and public service. External funding for
University research comes from a variety of sources, including the federal
government, private industry, the state, and private foundations. Over 300 faculty members actively engage in
sponsored research activities, and last year sponsored activities on the
Amherst campus totalled over $75 million.
Within its ten
schools and colleges, the University offers bachelor's degrees
in 91 areas, associate's degrees in six, master's degrees in 68, and the
doctorate in 50. Ninety-four percent of the 1,161 full-time faculty hold
the highest degree in their fields. There are approximately 24,100 students:
18,200 undergraduates, 5,600 graduate students, and 300 students at the
Stockbridge School. The University prides itself on the diversity of its
student body, and is committed to the principles of affirmative action,
civility, equal opportunity, and the free exchange of ideas.
Located in the historic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts,
the 1,450-acre campus provides a rich cultural environment in a rural
setting. The University is one of the founding members of the Five College
cooperative program, offering reciprocal student access among the University
and Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, and Smith colleges.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is the flagship
campus of the Commonwealth's university system. There are three other
undergraduate campuses, at Boston, Dartmouth and Lowell. The University's
Worcester Medical Center includes the medical school and teaching hospital.
Activities at the five University campuses are complemented
by outreach education, research, and service programs at sites throughout
the Commonwealth, ranging from the Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural
Center in East Wareham to the Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield and
the Small Business Development Center in Springfield.
For more information about the University of Massachusetts
Amherst, read the general information prospectus available from the Admissions
Office.
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