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UMass Amherst Career Launch
Shape Your Future with UMass Amherst Career Launch
Begin your UMass journey with a dynamic fall semester based at the Charles River Campus in Newton, MA. This program offers first-year students an early start on academic success and career exploration in the Greater Boston region.
Students take courses that fulfill general education requirements while working on employer-driven experiential learning projects and building connections with peers and faculty. In the spring, you will transition to the Amherst campus with a strong foundation for success.
Why Choose Career Launch?
- Live and study near Boston with access to diverse professional fields
- Complete a project-based career course supported by faculty and local partners
- Build close relationships in a small learning community
- Fulfill core degree requirements with UMass Amherst instructors
- Receive dedicated advising throughout the semester
Who is Eligible
The Career Launch program is open to admitted first-year students in the following areas:
- College of Humanities and Fine Arts
- College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
- School of Public Health and Health Sciences
- Isenberg School of Management
- Interdisciplinary Exploratory Track
- Psychology (BA)
Academics and Career Exploration
Courses are taught by UMass Amherst faculty and fulfill graduation requirements. Advisors provide individualized support. Students also participate in a hands-on project that connects classroom learning with local career pathways.
The program is aligned with the NACE Career Competencies, helping students build the skills employers consistently seek, such as communication, teamwork, professionalism, and critical thinking.
All students take:
- UNIV 150: Learning Through Career Exploration (4 credits)
- First-Year Seminar (1 credit)
Choose three Gen Ed courses such as:
- ENGL 112: College Writing
- STAT 111 or 240
- HIST 185: Modern Boston
- PHIL 160: Introduction to Ethics
- PSYCH 100: Introductory Psychology
- HONORS 201H: Ideas That Change the World
Life at Charles River Campus
Live and learn in a close-knit community with all the amenities of a full campus:
- Premium air-conditioned residence halls
- Full-service dining by UMass Dining
- On-site gym, health, and counseling services
- Academic support and social activities
- Free MBTA and Uber rides
- Weekend outings to Boston museums, restaurants, and sporting events
Spring Transition to Amherst
In the spring semester, students move to the main Amherst campus to complete their first year.
UMass Amherst staff support the transition by assisting with:
- Housing assignment
- Course registration
- Orientation programming
- Continued advising
A free Wi-Fi-enabled shuttle connects Newton and Amherst.
More Information
Everything you need to know about joining and preparing for Career Launch.