Future Students
Why Humanities & Fine Arts?
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find out more on the University of Massachusetts Amherst undergraduate admissions website.
Do you have further questions? Reach out to our departments.
Next Steps
Choosing the right college is all about finding the right fit. The best way to experience UMass Amherst is to discover our campus.
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.