UMass Amherst Career Launch
Shape Your Future with UMass Amherst Career Launch
Get a head start in your academic and professional pursuits with the UMass Amherst Career Launch program. Greater Boston’s vibrant and diverse industries—technology, finance, healthcare, biotech, and more—create the perfect environment to hone your career aspirations. Begin your UMass Amherst journey in one of the nation’s most dynamic cities, gaining experiences that will prepare you for a rewarding spring semester back in Amherst.
Information Sessions & Campus Visits for Accepted Students
Congratulations on your acceptance to UMass Amherst! We’re excited to help you explore the Career Launch program for Fall 2025.
Explore Career Launch: Upcoming Events & Info Sessions
Learn more about the UMass Amherst Career Launch program by attending an upcoming. Whether you join a live virtual session or visit Mount Ida Campus in person, you’ll get the details you need to take the next step.
Upcoming Events & Sessions
- Watch the Career Launch Info Session Recording anytime at your convenience
- Register to attend a live info session on Wednesday, April 16 | 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
- Register for the Mount Ida Campus Visit Day on Friday, April 25 | 12 PM - 2 PM (Space is limited!)
Learn More About:
- Mount Ida Campus in Newton, MA – A hub for academics, career exploration, and student life
- Campus Life & Opportunities – Free Uber rides, MBTA passes, and the #1-ranked UMass dining experience
- FLEXperience Ambassador Program – Earn money for sharing your experience
- How to Secure Your Spot for Fall 2025 – Get all the details on next steps
Space is limited for the incoming Fall 2025 class—Log in and register here!
We look forward to connecting with you and answering any questions about your next steps at UMass Amherst!
Chart Your Course to Career and Academic Success
Frequently Asked Questions
Career Launch is located at our Mount Ida Campus in Newton, Mass. (just 8 miles from downtown Boston), where students enjoy a premium living experience in air-conditioned residence halls. The campus offers a wide range of amenities, including free parking, an indoor gym, full-service dining halls operated by #1 ranked UMass Dining Services, and on-site health and counseling services. Students also have convenient access to explore Boston and attend off-campus outings with free and frequent transportation to and from the MBTA. Additionally, a free daily shuttle service with Wi-Fi connects UMass’s Mount Ida and Amherst campuses, providing seamless access to the resources and opportunities at both locations.
Career Launch offers a unique and enriching start to your college experience, combining a smaller, more intimate environment at the Mount Ida campus with close proximity to Boston, a global hub of innovation. This program provides opportunities for networking, cultural enrichment, and professional exploration while helping you discover various career paths before transitioning to the Amherst campus. Career Launch is limited to a cohort of up to 50 students, fostering strong connections and friendships, and creating a supportive and dynamic foundation for your UMass journey.
The Career Launch program costs the same as a semester on the UMass Amherst campus, and students can use all financial aid they receive to cover the cost of this program. No additional FAFSA is required if you’ve already completed one. Work-study positions are also available on the Mt. Ida campus. For more details, check out the Cost of Attendance page.
For those admitted to Career Launch, the next steps are straightforward.
- Submit the $500 nonrefundable UMass Amherst enrollment deposit and the $300 nonrefundable Career Launch program deposit by May 1st. Deposits will be applied to your first-year tuition and fees.
- Consider applying to be a FLEXperience Ambassador, with applications open now and due by May 1st.
- Attend a virtual info session:
- Watch the Career Launch Info Session Recording
- Register to attend a live info session on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 | 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM (EST)
- Plan to visit the Mount Ida campus during an upcoming Open House event
- Friday, April 25, 2025
- Once your enrollment fee is processed, the UMass Admissions team will provide important updates and deadlines for orientation, housing, and more. Remember, you’ll be billed at the standard UMass Amherst undergraduate tuition rate, including room and board, with any financial aid you receive applied to these costs.
Following these steps will ensure you’re ready to start your Career Launch experience!
Career Exploration in Greater Boston
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.
UMass Amherst Career Launch supports students in most majors within the College of Humanities & Fine Arts, College of Social & Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health & Health Sciences, Isenberg School of Management, students participating in the Interdisciplinary Exploratory Track and students interested in a general psychology degree focusing on mental health (clinical), social, developmental, or cognitive psychology.
All courses 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 students on the Mt. Ida campus in Newton, benefiting from a close-knit community while remaining connected to the vibrant city of Boston.
City Living Within Your Reach
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.
Academics
All Students enroll in:
- UNIV 150: Learning through Career Exploration (Gen Ed I, 4 credits)
- First-Year Seminar (1 credit)
*Students choose three of the following:
- ENGL 112: College Writing (Gen Ed CW, 3 credits)
- TBD Stats Course: either 111 or 240 (Gen Ed R2, 4 credits)
- HISTORY 185: Modern Boston (Gen Ed HS/DU, 4 credits)
- PHIL 160: Introduction to Ethics (Gen Ed SB/DU, 4 credits)
- *PSYCH 100: Introductory Psychology (Gen Ed SB, 4 credits)
- **HONORS 201H Ideas that Change the World (Gen Ed, 4 credits)
*For one of the three in-person courses, students may substitute the live online section of PSYCH 100 (noted above) or an asynchronous online course, the latter only with permission of their departmental advisor. Please note that course options are subject to change pending approval/faculty availability.
**Fulfills two university-wide requirements: one in U.S. Diversity and one in Interdisciplinary General Education
Cost and Admissions Timeline
Admitted first-year students are invited to the UMass Amherst Career Launch 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.
FLEXperience Ambassador Opportunity
All UMass Amherst students accepted into the Career Launch program will receive a $2,500 scholarship. Students are also eligible to apply for an on-campus FLEXperience role, earning $17/hour for up to 30 hours, while funds are available. More details about this opportunity will be shared soon.