Future Students

Why Humanities & Fine Arts?

Find your balance.

Find Your Balance

Today’s students are increasingly pressured to major in “practical” fields of study in order to improve their chances of finding a job after graduation. What could be more practical than superior writing and communication skills, strong critical abilities, a facility for language, and the ability to connect ideas across fields of study and inquiry?

While also pursuing their passions, students in HFA develop useful and transferable skills that are invaluable to employers. Striking this unique balance allows today's students of humanities and fine arts to develop into tomorrow's artists, teachers, pioneers, inventors, and leaders.

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World-Class Faculty

Gretchen Gerzina

Professor of English, former dean of the Commonwealth Honors College, and Paul Murray Kendall Chair in Biography at UMass Amherst, Gretchen Holbrook Gerzina is a prolific author and media host. She has written or edited nine books. From 1997 to 2012 she hosted the nationally-syndicated public radio program "The Book Show," and interviewed guests like Toni Morrison, Julian Barnes, Kazuo Ishiguro, A.S. Byatt, Salman Rushdie, Tracy Chevalier, Maya Angelou, and Philip Roth. In 2020, she has experienced heightened interest in her work as writer specializing in Black British Studies.

Read Professor Gerzina’s full profile

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Shazeb Meraj looking at works by Avital.

First Year Experience

Exploratory Track

Upon first entering UMass Amherst, many students are not ready to choose a specific major or want to find out more about the many majors offered. First-year students who are undeclared or undecided on their major are placed in the Exploratory Track program. This program allows students to explore majors and enables them to take advantage of the advising and support programs embedded within schools and colleges.

The Humanities and Fine Arts Exploratory Track encourages students to discover a major that allows them to pursue their passions—in art, literature, design, music, language, history, and many other areas of study—while gaining valuable skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it cost to attend UMass?

A: Please check our Bursar’s Office website for the current tuition and fee schedule. For an estimation of the tuition and fees, please see our Financial Aid Services website.

Q: When will I find out if I am being offered a scholarship or need-based aid?

A: Your application for admission is used to determine your eligibility for all merit-based scholarships awarded by UMass Amherst. If you have been awarded a scholarship then you will see a Financial Award link when viewing your Admissions Decisions on your personal Admissions Center in SPIRE. Questions about merit scholarships should be addressed to the Admissions Office. Scholarship assistance to transfer students is more limited.

Need-based aid requires submission of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form. The priority filing date for the FAFSA is March 1. The Financial Aid Office recommends that it be filed by February 15. Financial Aid Services begins emailing award information to admitted students in late December. Awards are viewed in SPIRE. Transfer students must request that a copy of their FAFSA report be sent to UMass Amherst. The FAFSA code for UMass Amherst is 002221.

Q: What does it mean to be admitted to my second-choice major (or to the Exploratory Track Program)? Can I eventually enter my first-choice major?

A: Certain majors are highly competitive and the university is not able to admit every applicant. If you wish to transfer to your original first-choice major or another program after enrolling, we recommend that you work with your academic advisor to learn the requirements for admission. (Please note that it is not possible to transfer into the Nursing major.) In Fall 2015, the university implemented an Exploratory Track Program for all first-year students who have been accepted for admission as an Undeclared major.

Q: Where do I send my Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or A level exams to receive credit?

A: Students can receive credit through Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program, College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), Dantes Subject Standardized Tests (DSST), and International A Level examinations. Strong scores may allow for a course waiver or course credit. All scores MUST be sent to the Office of Admissions directly from the testing agency. It is also helpful to have a copy of your test scores on hand when first meeting with an academic advisor. This will let academic advisors know what credits you have earned.

Q: Can I double major and/or add a minor?

A: If you would like to double major or add a minor you will need to speak with your advisor at New Students Orientation, or in the HFA Advising and Career Center. He or she will be able to instruct you on how to proceed.

Q: When is the deadline for accepting my offer of admission?

A: You should accept your offer of admission online by May 1 (June 1 for transfers) or within two weeks if you receive your Notice of Admission packet after April 15 (May 15 for transfers). The sooner you accept your offer of admission, the sooner you may sign up for summer orientation, submit your housing request, etc.

Q: What do I need to do if I’m an international student?

A: Welcome! Each year we admit students from over 70 countries around the world. Please see our checklist for admitted international students. Also, our International Programs Office works with international students throughout their academic careers, assisting with initial immigration advising and documentation, orientation, and ongoing advising and counseling.

Find out more on the University of Massachusetts Amherst undergraduate admissions website.

Do you have further questions? Reach out to our departments.

Departmental Contacts

Next Steps

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Students walk across campus in the autumn

Choosing the right college is all about finding the right fit. The best way to experience UMass Amherst is to discover our campus.

Plan A Visit

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Sam the Minuteman rides the trolley into Downtown Amherst.

About Amherst

Amherst has long been recognized as one of America’s best college towns, and the University of Massachusetts is proud to be part of this exciting and vibrant community. The university is dedicated to being a good neighbor and committed to developing and maintaining community partnerships that support area citizens, businesses, and organizations. We invite you to explore the Amherst area, learn about its history and traditions, and discover its attractions. From restaurants to shops to museums, there is plenty to see and do.

Learn more about Amherst

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