First-Year Career Pathways
Shape Your Future at UMass Amherst with First-Year Career Pathways
Get a head start in your academic and professional pursuits with the UMass Amherst First-Year Career Pathways program. Greater Boston's vibrant and diverse industries—technology, finance, healthcare, biotech, and more—create the perfect environment to hone your career aspirations. Start your UMass Amherst journey and gain experience in one of the nation's most dynamic cities.
Connect With UMass Amherst
Personalized Career Exploration in Greater Boston
Begin your college experience by exploring diverse career paths and defining your academic and career goals.
Engage in a hands-on project that pairs student teams with professional partners in the community, providing you with practical experience in researching and solving real-world problems.
Seamless Academic Progress
Stay on track with your major and coursework, supported by regular in-person and virtual meetings with your dedicated UMass Amherst academic advisor.
Curriculum designed for students in most majors within the College of Humanities and Fine Arts, the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, The School of Public Health and Health Sciences, and the Isenberg School of Management.
All courses in the program are taught by UMass Amherst instructors and meet core requirements.
Intimate Learning Environment
Participating students will have the opportunity to join a select cohort of 50-100 students on the Greater Boston Campus in Newton, benefiting from a close-knit community while staying near the vibrant city of Boston.
Experience premium, air-conditioned residence halls at our Newton campus (formerly Mount Ida College), featuring free adjacent parking and a full-service dining hall operated by the award-winning UMass Dining Services. Benefit from dedicated academic support, as well as in-person health and counseling services.
City Living Within Your Reach
Experience dynamic city life with endless opportunities for cultural enrichment and business connections at your doorstep.
Free and convenient transportation to and from the MBTA for quick access in and around Boston. Join off-campus outings to local sports events, museums, restaurants and more.
Dual-Campus Experience
Enjoy the best of both worlds with convenient access to the Amherst campus to immerse yourself in the full UMass Amherst experience.
Free shuttle to and from the Amherst campus with air conditioning and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Participate in extra curricular activities
Cost and Admissions Timeline
Admitted first-year students are invited to the Career Pathways Program based on academic qualifications as well as a noted interest in career exploration. Invitations to learn more in a live webinar will be sent to selected students after admissions decisions.
Students who attend an info session may also be invited to apply for the program. Enrollment offers will be made on a rolling basis, beginning March 1. Admitted students are encouraged to make their UMass Amherst $500 nonrefundable enrollment deposit and a nonrefundable $300 program deposit to secure their spot as soon as possible, and no later than May 1.
Students are billed at the standard undergraduate UMass Amherst tuition rate, plus room and board. Any financial aid package received will be applied to these costs.
Scholarship Opportunity
All accepted UMass Amherst students participating in the First-Year Career Pathways Program on the Mt. Ida Campus of UMass Amherst in Greater Boston are eligible to apply for the UMass Flex Ambassador Fellowship for financial assistance.