University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Overview
Like many older public universities, University of Massachusetts-Amherst (UMass) began as a largely agricultural and technical school, whose offerings expanded as the school's student body increased and diversified. From those humble beginnings in 1863, the University of Massachusetts Amherst now offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in 88 subjects. The university has a highly selective admissions process and is a major research institution.

Student Appeal
UMass is a great choice for any individuals looking for a rigorous academic environment with a lot of options. UMass Amherst has all the trappings of a large research university, and has turned out a large number of Fulbright fellows. Individual programs, such as the MBA program and computer science department, also rank highly.

Accreditation
UMass Amherst has regional accreditation through the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.

School Facts & Figures

Accreditation: Regional, NEASCCIHE
Size: Large (10,000+)
Type: Public not-for-profit
Religious Affiliation: N/A
Academic Affiliation: Part of the 5 colleges consortium

Career Services: Yes
Course Schedule: Semester, 15 weeks
Credit Options: Transfer, Military, AP, Dual, Life Experience
Scholarships Offered: Yes
Loans Offered: FSEOG, Pell, Federal Direct Loans, Work-study, Perkins, PLUS, TEACH, Massachusetts Grants

Programs Offered:

BA in EnglishBA in English
The bachelor's in English program is actually a bachelor's in liberal arts, in which students can choose two liberal arts subjects to concentrate in. Besides English, students may study art history, history, psychology, women's studies, or legal studies.
Certificate in Forensic CriminologyCertificate in Forensic Criminology
*Requires a bachelor's degree.
This certificate is aimed at current graduate students or professionals who could utilize a better understanding of forensic criminology. The certificate focuses on mental health in criminology.