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 90 areas, associate's degrees in six, master's degrees in 68, and the doctorate in 50. Ninety-four percent of the 1,150 full-time faculty hold the highest degree in their fields. There are approximately 23,900 students: 18,300 undergraduates, 5,300 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.