Future Students
Why Humanities & Fine Arts?
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.
With 38 majors and 26 minors, the College of Humanities & Fine Arts is the creative and cultural heart of UMass Amherst.
World-Class Faculty
Marianna Ritchey
Marianna Ritchey, assistant professor of music history in the Department of Music & Dance, discovered a deep interest in music as an undergraduate at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Ore. Ritchey currently focuses her research on young American composers in the contemporary capitalist landscape. With roots as an indie-rock musician, Ritchey approaches a diverse array of musical styles in her teaching and writing as culturally important and significant.
About Us
The College of Humanities and Fine Arts at UMass Amherst offers students the rigor and individual attention of a liberal arts college with the vibrant curricular range of a major university.
We prepare students to be citizens in a rapidly changing world by challenging them to create, express themselves, engage with others, and, most importantly, to think.
Our students work closely with faculty mentors to explore human knowledge, experience world cultures, make art, and master important disciplines. Their ability to process, analyze, reflect, and bring their creative spirits to bear, ensure that today's humanities and arts students become tomorrow's leaders.
Departments & Centers
The College of Humanities & Fine Arts is the creative and cultural heart of UMass Amherst. With 14 academic departments and 12 world-class research centers, institutes, and interdisciplinary program, our students — undergraduate and graduate — have the opportunity to study with the best scholars, thinkers, and artists.
News
Aug 29, 2019
The Western Massachusetts Writing Project at UMass Amherst (WMWP) is one of 15 organizations being honored by the Library of Congress for their implementation of best practices in literacy promotion. WMWP is among the organizations working to expand literacy and promote reading in the United States and worldwide that will be awarded the 2019 Library of Congress Literacy Awards at the National Book Festival gala, Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden announced today.
Aug 23, 2019
The first book by Marianna Ritchey, assistant professor of music history, has just been published by the University of Chicago Press.
Events
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find out more on the University of Massachusetts Amherst undergraduate admissions website.
Next Steps
Choosing the right college is all about finding the right fit. The best way to experience UMass Amherst is to visit our campus.
