The UMass Edge
What Is The UMass Edge?
Is it our world-class academics? Our paradigm-shifting research? Our innovations in online education? Or is it our student body, those unconventional thinkers and fearless doers that make us who we are?
In truth, the UMass Edge is all of this and more. It is the balance at UMass Amherst, between pushing boundaries and valuing community. Between finding your people and stepping outside your comfort zone. Between embracing balance and pursuing change. Between our pursuit of progress, our sense of endless possibilities, and our commitment to academic excellence—this is the UMass Edge.
At UMass Amherst, we have deep roots in social change and a commitment to academic excellence. Since our founding as a land-grant university in 1863, we've challenged our faculty and students to think beyond themselves and overcome challenges in their pursuit of new possibilities. We don't just claim to be a world-class public research university, we prove it. Through our diverse academic programs, our internationally-recognized faculty, and of course, our revolutionary student body, we never falter in our pursuit of excellence.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is a world-class university that invites and propels change to improve society. Yes, we are one of the top-ranked public institutions and a research powerhouse—but we are so much more.
Here, you’ll find an open-minded, fun, and diverse community of free thinkers and world changers. Our students, faculty, and staff have empowered voices that they use to lift up those without opportunity and choice as often as they use them to cheer on the Minutemen and Minutewomen.
Your voice belongs here, too.
Innovation and entrepreneurship have long been at the core of what drives us, and our focus on excellence at every level of the university has yielded unprecedented momentum.
By never settling for ordinary, we are forging an environment that encourages scholars, innovators, and entrepreneurs to transform their own pioneering ideas into reality.
UMass Amherst prioritizes access and inclusion for all the students that make up the rich fabric of our campus community. With our curated list of antiracism resources, weekly digital events promoting inclusive thought leaders, and initiatives like the UMass ADVANCE program for gender equity and the campus climate ambassadors, we strive to provide the programming, resources, and services that make our campus a safe space for all our students to dare to be different—and dare to be themselves.
From student and faculty research that explores solutions to our planet's most pressing problems to on-campus initiatives like innovative climate resilient architecture, permaculture gardens, and sustainability-focused student organizations, the UMass Amherst community is wholeheartedly focused on practicing responsible, sustainable living in a collaborative environment.
Revolutionary Access
University Without Walls (UWW) offers learners at all stages of life a variety of high-quality educational programs with exceptional flexibility. Complete your degree or earn a new one; advance your career or explore something entirely new. UWW is breaking down barriers to make it all possible.