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.

For those eager to work in the cutting-edge world of hedge funds, venture capital, sustainable finance and beyond, the one-year Master of Finance in Alternative Investments dives deep into the fastest growing sector in finance. Prepare for a fast-paced career with a comprehensive degree program and build a network of peers and professionals from across the industry.

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.

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.

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.

Offered through the School of Public Health and Health Sciences, the concentration in biostatistics at UMass Amherst provides students with the strong analytical and quantitative skills necessary to push the boundaries of public health research. By integrating traditional biostatistics with more modern, innovative research, students gain a thorough understanding of the complex statistical and biological forces influencing human life across the globe.

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.

In today’s world, business leaders must be data-driven. Sound business decisions, strategic thinking, and leadership are all based on data. The business analytics certificate from Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst develops a deep understanding of data sourcing, data visualization, and data-driven strategic decision making. For those considering an MBA or seeking to take on greater leadership roles within an organization, the business analytics certificate proves your dedication and commitment.

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.