Explore Our Programs

Gain a critical understanding of the frameworks that guide business decisions at all levels, from Fortune 500 companies to small nonprofits. The Isenberg School of Management Accounting program develops highly-skilled professionals uniquely positioned to take on leadership roles in industry and academia.

Engage in deeply interdisciplinary study of the history, politics, culture, music, economics, and literature of people of African descent in the United States and across the wider African Diaspora. The W.E.B. Du Bois Department of Afro-American Studies is one of the largest such departments in the country, bringing depth and breadth to this crucial academic field.

Examine the welfare, breeding, nutrition, physiology, behavior, and other aspects of the care and research of domestic and laboratory animals. At UMass Amherst, students of animal science have the opportunity to study diverse areas of concentration within this complex field. Our leading-edge laboratories provide space for research into immunology, infectious diseases, and cancer biology. And with its rolling hills and acres of open farmland, western Massachusetts is ideal for the study of beef and dairy cattle and other domesticated animals. Students at both the graduate and undergraduate levels prepare for careers in the worlds of human and animal research, animal management, agriculture, and the veterinary sciences.

Answer some of today’s most complex questions through leading-edge education and research in four anthropological subfields: archaeology, biological, cultural, and linguistic anthropology. The Department of Anthropology at UMass Amherst is one of the largest in New England, offering unparalleled access to experiential opportunities to study the diverse ways of being human.

Study the art of the arborist in the arboriculture and community forest management program at the Stockbridge School of Agriculture. Established in 1893, this program is the oldest arboriculture program in the country, with a legacy of excellence in education. This two-year program explores the latest research through classroom instruction and outdoor field work to give you the hands-on experience needed for a successful and fulfilling career as an arborist.

Architecture is more than the design of buildings, it is the art of designing the spaces where people live, work, and play. At UMass Amherst, we take a holistic approach to architecture, understanding the ecological and political context of the built environment and encouraging students to design for sustainable communities. Our undergraduate pre-professional program prepares students for the study of architecture at the graduate level while our Master of Architecture can be the first step in a prolific architectural career.

Find comfort in the uncomfortable. Ease in the awkward. At UMass Amherst, we encourage all students of art to examine the world with an unflinching gaze. We educate artists who are intellectually curious, artistically fearless, and technically proficient. Our studio programs encompass a wide range of media and leave space for students to invent new methods. The program prepares students for careers in the fine arts with wide applications across marketing, communications, nonprofits, and studio careers, as well as careers in arts education.

Transform a passion for art into a career as a visual art teacher. The art education program at UMass Amherst is dedicated to creating inventive, passionate, and collaborative art educators who inspire creativity in their students. Through a combination of studio arts, art history, education, and field experiences, students embark on a critical examination of art education as they develop skills in research, visual arts, and professional pedagogy. The programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels prepare students for teacher licensure in the state of Massachusetts.

See: History of Art and Architecture

Study the planets, moon, stars, galaxies, even the origin of the universe itself. Astronomy is a broad and exciting field encompassing the well known use of instruments like telescopes to study the stars, as well as lesser known mathematical and computer models that ask penetrating questions about the nature of the universe. At UMass Amherst, undergraduate students can choose to study astrophysics or space science. At the graduate level, our PhD program in astrophysics gives candidates the opportunity to conduct research at some of the leading national and international facilities. Careers in astronomy range from research positions in academia, roles in public and private institutions such as NASA or Boeing, or careers in education.

Created for the modern scholar whose curiosity exceeds the bounds of traditional academic fields, the Bachelor’s Degree with Individual Concentration is a self-directed, interdisciplinary major program that empowers students to design their own course of study. BDIC students work with a faculty sponsor and BDIC faculty supervisor to design their program. BDIC concentrations are deeply interdisciplinary, drawing from at least three departments. Students are encouraged to engage with resources from across the Five College Consortium, and it is common for BDIC students to conduct their own independent research or embark on a field experience prior to graduation. Recent BDIC concentrations include Buddhist philosophy through art, international trade and foreign policy, history and racism, archaeological tourism, and nutrition and the developing world.

Uncover the chemical and physical principles underlying life as we know it. At UMass Amherst, students of biochemistry and molecular biology examine biological processes from physical, chemical, and genetic perspectives to better understand how biochemical reactions are integrated and regulated, and how genetic information is expressed. The study of biochemistry and molecular biology opens the door to a wealth of careers and graduate opportunities in the sciences. This program can also lead to a high chance of acceptance into medical and dental schools.

Discover the science of life. At UMass Amherst, biology is a diverse field of study encompassing everything from the planetary to the microscopic. Students have the opportunity to study genetics, anatomy, physiology, neurobiology, botany, and paleontology, among others. Research is conducted in laboratories and in the field. For many students, an undergraduate biology program paves the way for further graduate study and careers in medicine or academia. A bachelor’s degree in biology can also pave the way for careers in education, and in public or private industry.

Make a difference in the world working at the intersection of biology, medicine, and engineering. By looking at the human body through the lens of engineering, biomedical engineers are able to use concepts of design, optimization, and programming to detect, repair, and treat diseases. This deeply cross-disciplinary field is focused on improving human health globally and solving problems in healthcare delivery. The study of biomedical engineering can lead to careers in medical equipment design, scientific research, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and other work related to the medical field.

The study of building and construction technology is aimed at maximizing the economic and environmental performance of the built environment. At UMass Amherst, students are transformed into leaders in the field of sustainable design and construction through comprehensive coursework on virtually every aspect of the field, from construction management to sustainable building planning. With our emphasis on sustainability, our graduates use green building as a tool to address climate change, enhance urban biodiversity, and conserve natural resources. Graduates of this program are in high demand across both residential and commercial building industries.

Transform conceptual laboratory discoveries into new products and processes. Chemical engineering sits at the crossroads of chemistry, physics, and mathematics, working to bring about chemical and physical changes in materials. Traditionally utilized in industries such as petroleum refining and petrochemicals, the program at UMass Amherst prepares students for the future of the field through studies in biochemical engineering and advanced materials. Students at the graduate and undergraduate level are trained for careers across industries through research and coursework in our state-of-the-art facilities.

The field of chemistry touches nearly every other scientific discipline. Most of the phenomena in the biological and physical sciences can also be broken down into the processes of molecules and atoms. As such, the field of chemistry is uncommonly broad, and at UMass Amherst, we encourage students to embrace this diversity and explore the areas of chemistry which they find most engaging. With opportunities to study and conduct research in organic and inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and biochemistry, students at UMass Amherst are uniquely positioned to take on leadership roles across scientific industries or pursue further study.

Chinese culture is one of the oldest and most well-documented in the world, with traditions that extend back thousands of years. Chinese civilization has provided exceptional literature and arts, political thought, historical documentation, philosophy, and religion. Today, China is a culture and commercial center of Asia, with influence extending around the globe. At UMass Amherst, students immerse themselves in Chinese culture of the past, present, and future, through coursework ranging from Chinese business to Chinese pop culture. Studies are deepened through study abroad opportunities in the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

Civil engineers build the environments of our lives. From roadways and subways to landfills, water treatment plants, even ski lifts, civil engineering touches every aspect of our world. At UMass Amherst, students are exposed to disciplines across the breadth of civil engineering including environmental and water resource engineering, geotechnical engineering, structural, mechanical, and transportation engineering. This field of study leads directly to relevant careers in engineering the built environment. UMass Amherst is dedicated to training engineers with both the technical expertise and sense of responsibility needed to excel in the field.

Discover the oldest discipline within the liberal arts. Classics is the study of ancient Greece and Rome, from their languages to their architecture, their art to their political thought. At UMass Amherst, classics scholars delve deep into these ancient societies to understand them in their own context and discover the ways in which these societies continue to shape our world. Essential to an education in the classics is a knowledge of the original language, either Greek or Latin. After graduation, classics majors are well placed to continue to graduate level education or step into any career requiring analytical and verbal skills. Additionally, there is currently a shortage of qualified Latin teachers at the secondary level, and a degree in classics from UMass Amherst is the first step toward this highly-valued profession.

Examine the deeper impact of social media on our interpersonal relationships. Take a closer look at the importance of media literacy. The study of communications is centered on the ways we communicate in social, cultural, and political life. At UMass Amherst, students apply critical thought and systematic analysis to the field of communications to understand the many ways it impacts our lives at the societal and personal levels. Offered at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, a degree in communication can lead to careers in print or digital media, politics, and advertising, among others.

Pursue a career that makes the world a more inclusive place. Professionals in the field of speech-language pathology and audiology are responsible for the evaluation and treatment of individuals with disorders affecting speech, language, hearing, swallowing, and balance. At UMass Amherst, we develop compassionate and skilled professionals who work in research and clinical settings through a comprehensive undergraduate education in the building blocks of the field, and in-depth graduate study in a clinical setting.

Understand the cultural, national, and global context of literature through time. Comparative literature is a deeply interdisciplinary field that examines literary works from across human societies and examines their meaning in different contexts. Drawing from philosophy, history, linguistics, sociology, and the media, comparative literature asks what literature can tell us about our society and human society more broadly. At UMass Amherst, students of comparative literature have opportunities to focus on the impact of translation, comparative literature theory and media, or the future of national literature in the era of globalization. A degree in comparative literature can lead to careers in academia, as well as in education, business, and any field requiring critical thought and effective communication.

Discover a field on the frontlines of the world’s most pressing issues. From conquering disease to protecting the environment, the solutions to our problems rely on computer systems. At UMass Amherst, computer science is a collaborative field of study, focused on developing the hard skills and capacity for creative problem solving necessary to develop the innovative solutions for the future. Students at both the graduate and undergraduate levels have access to our internationally recognized research opportunities. A degree in computer science opens the door to careers across industries including economics, software development, computational medicine, and more.

Explore the art of dance with inquiry, rigor, and risk. At UMass Amherst, the dance program integrates the physicality of dance with creative and theoretical scholarship. Students study ballet, modern dance, jazz, and contemporary techniques, as well as courses in dance theory. Offering through the Five College Dance Consortium, students have a wealth of opportunities to develop their abilities as a performer and a scholar of dance. By graduation, students of the BFA program are prepared for careers in performance and choreography, while BA students are prepared to step into graduate study and careers in dance education, therapy, criticism, or journalism.

What causes inflation or inequality? How do governments affect the economy? How do families choose to allocate financial resources? Economics is the study of the theories, principles, and methodologies that affect the way the economy operates at both the micro and macro levels. At UMass Amherst, our renowned economy faculty represent a wide range of specialities and approaches to this complex and intriguing field. Students at the undergraduate and graduate level have access to internationally known scholars as they conduct their studies and research.

The education programs at UMass Amherst are fundamentally shaped by a commitment to social justice and diversity. The mission of the College of Education is equally diverse and multifaceted, training educators to be adaptive to modern challenges and innovative in the face of adversity. Our graduates work within public and private schools, social service agencies, after school programs, nonprofits, and shape public policy. Our curriculum is both global and local in scale, preparing graduates to take on vital roles as educators in Massachusetts and around the world.

Discover the field that is shaping the technology of the future. From the Internet of Things to nanometer-scaled transistors, electrical and computer engineering is at the forefront of the technological revolution. At its core, electrical and computer engineering (ECE) employs principles of physics, mathematics, and computer science to engineer solutions that could change the world. The Electrical and Computer Engineering Department offers two undergraduate degree programs accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET: Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (BS-CSEng) and the Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BS-EE). Graduates of the electrical and computer engineering programs at UMass Amherst have gone on to work for Amazon, Apple, BAE, Google, and more.

The Department of English at UMass Amherst offers a critical approach to the study of English language and literature, encompassing reading, writing, and theory. Through the study of English, students develop both their capacity for empathy and critical thought, building a skillset that will serve them throughout their lives. At the graduate level, the Department of English offers opportunities to conduct research in American Studies, Composition, or Rhetoric, as well as a renowned creative writing program for poets and prose writers.

Explore sustainable solutions to some of the most pressing issues facing our planet. Environmental science is the interdisciplinary study of the scientific and socioeconomic factors implicated in the biggest challenges facing our global environment. At UMass Amherst the environmental science program (ENVIRSCI) capitalizes on the diverse expertise of faculty from across three cooperating departments that administer this major: the Department of Environmental Conservation, the Department of Geosciences, and the Stockbridge School of Agriculture. A degree in environmental science can lead to a wide array of environmental employment opportunities ranging from regulation and enforcement to conservation and education.

Acquire a broad and global education in Film Studies through this interdepartmental program. Learn from energetic and enthusiastic professors from 15 different departments while gaining exposure to a vast array of approaches, angles, and experiences in diverse topics, such as film theory, film criticism, the history of cinema, screen writing, cinematography, and more. Choose to study in-person, online, or a blend, and take advantage of the state-of-the-art new Integrative Learning Center, the Five College Consortium, and sponsored study abroad programs all over the world. Even engage with leaders in the world cinema through the Filmmakers of the 21st Century series.

Finance students don’t just study money, they study how money interacts with risk and time. At the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst, students prepare for careers in finance through diverse curricular specialities in corporate finance, financial analysis, financial risk management, and alternative investments. Courses emphasize hands-on problem solving and collaboration to foster personal growth and prepare students for careers in any industry. At all levels, graduates of Isenberg have access to our vast network of alumni.

How do science and technology interact with our food supply? The Department of Food Science at UMass Amherst explores this question and more through the study of the chemical, biological, and physical nature of food. Food science is a truly interdisciplinary field focused on providing nutritious, safe, and wholesome food for populations around the world. With access to state-of-the-art labs and technology, students have opportunities to study and conduct research in food technology development, sustainable food solutions, culinary science and more. Food scientists are in high demand across many industries including product development, sales, quality assurance, international development, and food company management.

Gain a broad appreciation for one of the world’s most dynamic cultural traditions. The French and Francophone Studies program at UMass Amherst offers a rigorous academic experience at the undergraduate and graduate levels. With rich opportunities to study abroad in Paris or Montpellier, courses that span the breadth of the field from linguistics to literature, and a faculty that hails from across the Francophone world, graduates with a degree in French and Francophone Studies are well suited for careers in translation, education, diplomacy, and more.

Investigate the myriad ways that humans interact with our planet. An inherently interdisciplinary field, geography studies the dynamics of global change and places local experiences within their global context. At UMass Amherst, geography students have the opportunity to integrate the social and natural sciences through research and coursework that address critical environmental and social issues, from climate change to urbanization. At the graduate level, students narrow their focus into a more specific subfield of geography such as political ecology, sustainability, or environmental history. Geography opens the door to a wide variety of careers from environmental and regional planning to education or academia.

Delve into the very origins of the Earth itself. Explore processes that shape the Earth and other terrestrial planets from the time of the origin of the solar system to the present day. At UMass Amherst, the undergraduate geology program offers several tracks depending on the student’s personal and professional goals. The BA program offers flexibility while the BS concentrations in geology or earth science allow students to choose between careers in geology or education. Every track prepares students for continuing education at the graduate level or for careers as educators, as scientists working within private industries such as engineering geology and hydrogeology, and within government agencies and academia.

The Department of Geosciences at UMass Amherst is concerned with the research and study of geology, geography, and the earth sciences. With a focus on sustainability and environmental consideration, the department encourages students to examine the systems and forces which have shaped our planet from its earliest moment through the present day. Our faculty conduct research into climate change, arctic science, watershed quality and more. Students at the undergraduate and graduate levels have the opportunity to be involved in internationally recognized research on earth processes, global change, and human geography.

Dive into the Germanic and Scandinavian worlds from the middle ages to the present day. UMass Amherst is the only public university in the eastern United States to offer an undergraduate major in Scandinavian studies. The program focuses on the cultures of Denmark, Norway, Iceland, and Sweden, offering students the chance to explore these dynamic cultures through coursework on trolls, giants, and dwarves; Hans Christian Andersen; Scandinavian mythology; and language classes in Swedish. German studies offer the opportunity to study the culture, society, film, literature, history, and politics of Germany through its past and present, with options for students to focus on German language or to prepare for careers in the sciences in Germany.

Explore the past in order to shine a light on the present. At UMass Amherst, we study history to better understand our current context. As a discipline, the study of history relies on finding, evaluating, and interpreting recorded evidence in order to paint a picture of a particular historical period, place, or theme such as modern American cultural history. An undergraduate degree in history can open doors to a variety of careers and academic pathways including law, journalism, diplomacy, and work in the nonprofit sector. At the graduate level, students deepen their expertise in a given historical context such as women’s history or Latin American history through comprehensive research.

The history of art and architecture is the study of visual culture and the built environment within their social and historical contexts. At UMass Amherst, students gain a solid foundation in western art and architecture with opportunities to study art of the Americas, Islamic art, East Asian art, and contemporary art. With internship opportunities available at museums and historical societies, research possibilities with leading faculty, the undergraduate and graduate programs in the history of art and architecture can lead to a broad range of careers that demand critical thinking, written communication, and an understanding of visual culture in a broad sense.

Horticultural Science provides students with the tools and knowledge to work in the horticultural field. Students receive scientific training in the production of herbaceous ornamentals, fruits, and vegetables. Students in this major have the option of selecting a science or business management option. The program stresses the concepts and practices vital to the preservation of natural resources in managed plant systems. University-operated greenhouses, vegetable farm, and orchard are used as laboratory spaces to provide hands-on experience related to knowledge acquired in the classroom. Successful graduates of this program find employment in plant conservatories and arboreta, as well as in businesses such as direct-market farms, greenhouse operations, landscaping firms, seed companies, and nurseries, or they continue to graduate school for advanced degrees.

Gain the cutting-edge skills necessary to launch a career in the world’s largest industry: hospitality and tourism. Offered through the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst, the hospitality and tourism management program transforms today’s students into tomorrow’s leaders. Students have access to our network of outstanding students, faculty experts, and alumni leaders. With coursework that delves into marketing, information management, finance, and more, graduates of the hospitality and tourism management program are uniquely positioned to become leaders in this exciting field.

Make the world a more efficient place. Industrial engineers are systems thinkers who combine math, data science, engineering, economics, social science, and business methods to help organizations improve their products, mitigate risks, and make better business decisions. At UMass Amherst, students of industrial engineering develop a deep understanding of logistics coordination, quality control, simulation, human factors, and economics in the business and manufacturing contexts. With its wide applications across industries, governments, health care, transportation, and service industries, graduates of the industrial engineering program are well-positioned for diverse career paths.

Apply the computational lens to fields as diverse as economics, health, advertising, communication, biology, finance, or environmental science. Informatics works at the intersection of people, data, and technologies to find new ways to use computing to help solve some of the world’s most pressing problems. At UMass Amherst, the College of Information and Computer Sciences offers the informatics program for undergraduates interested in utilizing computing to address the spread of disease, discover new treatments, understand social phenomena, and more. Graduates of the program have gone on to work in finance, health care, nonprofits and many other sectors. The program is also excellent preparation for further graduate study.

Engage with Italian language and culture in new and innovative ways through the study of Italy’s visual and graphic art, architecture and design, economy, geography, history, politics, and thought. Inherently interdisciplinary, the world of Italian studies touches everything from the classics to modern day. Students are encouraged to spend time abroad through one of several programs in Sienna, Forli, or in postgraduate teaching positions in Milan. A degree in Italian studies can lead the way to a variety of careers in art and architecture, museums, publishing, or tourism. At the graduate level, UMass Amherst’s Italian Studies program prepares exceptional secondary school teachers.

Discover the language of the world’s third largest economy. Explore the literature of a tradition where many of the most important works were authored by women. The study of Japanese language and literature is diverse and exciting, with a rich tradition that has spurred innovation in literature, engineering, chemistry, linguistics, and more. At UMass Amherst the Japanese language and literature programs give students a sound command of the language and a solid background in the significance and context of the literature, culture, and civilization. Undergraduate students often study abroad in Japan to deepen their appreciation of their studies. At the graduate level, students hone their skills and narrow their academic focus to prepare for careers in academia or industry.

Cultivate a razor-sharp awareness of the ins and outs of journalism in a program taught by Pulitzer Prize and Freedom Forum Journalism Teacher of the Year award winners. The journalism program at UMass Amherst emphasizes both the theory and practice of journalism. By graduation, students have a thorough understanding of the ethics and traditions of the field, along with the nuts and bolts of the practice of journalism in today’s fast-paced environment. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in journalism, although the curriculum is widely applicable to any career where written and editorial skills are an advantage. Alumni of the program have gone on to work at the New York Times, Boston Globe, National Public Radio, Dateline NBC, the Associated Press, and other media outlets around the world.

Cultivate a deep appreciation of the central role Jewish culture has played and continues to play in the development of human civilization. Students in the Judaic studies program are exposed to an interdisciplinary array of themes and topics, from Jewish history and thought to Hebrew and Yiddish language courses. Students are strongly encouraged to embark on study abroad opportunities at several universities in Israel. A degree in Judaic studies is a strong platform for any career that requires critical thinking skills, communication skills, and collaboration. Many alumni have gone on to further graduate study at schools such as Brandeis, Harvard, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and Yeshiva School of Social Work.

Uncover the limitations of human performance and develop methods for human optimization. Investigate how physical activity can slow the process of aging or manage chronic disease and disability. Kinesiology is concerned with the mechanical, neurological, biochemical, physiological, and behavioral components of human movement. From sport medicine to health and disease prevention, kinesiologists work to improve the lives of human beings through the study of movement. The Department of Kinesiology in the University of Massachusetts School of Public Health and Health Sciences offers an interdisciplinary approach to this increasingly relevant field and, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, prepares students for professional lives in the service of human health and well-being.

Integrate a passion for visual arts and a love for the beauty of the natural world through the study of landscape architecture. Landscape architects design spaces that respond to human activity in its environmental context. At UMass Amherst, the landscape architecture program emphasizes landscape stewardship and seeks to create sustainable patterns of development that mitigate environmental impacts while maximizing benefits to individuals and society. Career opportunities for landscape architects have increased as the public becomes more concerned with the environmental impact of the built environment. Graduates of the program are employed in large, multidisciplinary firms, small sole-proprietor design offices, design/build companies, and government agencies. They work with land trusts and environmental organizations, historic preservation, coastal facilities, regional planning offices, urban design, and park and recreational design.

Develop the necessary skills for a lifelong career as a crew leader, project supervisor, or other managerial role in the world of landscape contracting. This two-year program offered through the Department of Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning within the Stockbridge School of Agriculture provides hands-on learning experience with field surveys, design studios, and construction labs. Students learn design, estimating, installation, and management in order to fully prepare for a successful career.

Understand the role of law in society. At UMass Amherst, legal studies is an education about law, whereas law school is education in law. Students in the legal studies program have the opportunity to specialize in international law, conflict resolution, constitutional law, data analytics for politics, policy, or law and social justice. The opportunity is also available to conduct hands-on, one-on-one research with leading faculty, which can be an invaluable asset in their future career search. Graduates of the legal studies program go on to law school, and also to careers in government and nonprofit agencies, as mental health advocates, legislative aides, mediators, and teachers.

Linguistics is the study of human language: its structure, use in communication, and role in our psychology. The field has evolved dramatically over the last 30 years and UMass Amherst faculty members are at the forefront of that change. The study of linguistics theory is grounded in both mathematics and qualitative research. At the graduate level, candidates explore questions around syntax, semantics, phonology, phonetics, psycholinguistics, language acquisition, morphology, computational linguistics and more. A degree in linguistics prepares the graduate for a career in academia, but can also be an invaluable asset in any career demanding research skills, theoretical and observational powers, and various techniques of analysis.

Prepare to stand at the helm of organizations facing great change. At the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst, management students investigate the dynamic changes that impact and are impacted by organizations. The program groups these ideas of change into four major categories: social, political, and economic change; transformational change; workplace change; and finally, global change and the consequences of globalization. Alumni of this program hold a firm understanding of the many factors that can influence how an organization responds to change, and how to integrate new and innovative approaches to improve organizational and human outcomes.

Dive into a field that is disruptive, innovative, and relentlessly fast-paced. Marketing touches every aspect of a business, from product development to sales. At UMass Amherst, the marketing experience within the Isenberg School of Management is designed to meet the needs of the modern and rapidly changing world of marketing in the 21st century. Combining rich hands-on experiences with coursework taught by leading faculty, the marketing program produces professionals who are well-versed in the complexities of marketing within many different contexts, making them ideal for careers in organizations and industries of all sizes, from small nonprofits to Fortune 500 companies.

Discover the language of science—a field that builds the bridge between experimental observation and scientific theory. In today’s world, our rapidly improving technology drives the development of new and innovative mathematics. Sophisticated math is involved in the process of aircraft design, weather forecasting, understanding the spread of disease, image processing, and more. At UMass Amherst, students of mathematics have the flexibility to design a course of study that meets their specific interests, while developing mathematical expertise that will serve them in careers ranging from academia to private industry. In recent years, alumni have taken jobs at Raytheon, Microsoft, and MassMutual.

Design the products and processes that make human life more cost-effective and efficient. At UMass Amherst, mechanical engineering students design, analyze, develop, and test engineering systems and their components in best-in-class facilities. With access to the leading technology and dedicated faculty, graduates of the mechanical engineering program go on to work in a variety of industries as engineering professionals as well as technical and corporate managers.

Concentrate on the study of viruses, bacteria, and the immune system in a field working tirelessly to improve human health. At UMass Amherst, the microbiology program prepares students for careers in medical laboratories, biotechnology research, and pharmaceutical development. The recent explosive growth of biotechnology over the last decades have created a large demand for highly-trained personnel from the bachelor's and graduate levels. As such, a degree in microbiology from UMass Amherst, with its proximity to Boston and the biotech boom in the region, is a solid launchpad for an exciting career.

Study the history and impact of the Middle East and North Africa in an interdisciplinary program that draws from multiple academic departments. Cultivate an appreciation of the influence that the Middle East has had on human society throughout the ages. Develop skills in Arabic and Hebrew. Study abroad in Jordan, Morocco, Oman, Abu Dhabi, or Lebanon. Alumni of the Middle Eastern studies program have gone on to work in a range of fields and have won prestigious competitive fellowships such as the Fulbright and Boren.

Amplify your love for music and intensify your technical skill as you pursue performance, composition, or music education. The Department of Music at UMass Amherst offers degrees in music performance and music study at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The department also offers extracurricular courses in music theory, jazz history, African American music, and American popular music. With programs in classical and jazz performance, music education, music composition, music history, and more alumni of these programs have the opportunity to pursue careers across the field of music, from teaching to performance.