In a Nutshell

Created for working adult learners looking to change their lives through education, UMass Global is a nonprofit, accredited, private affiliate of the University of Massachusetts offering over 55 degrees, credentials, and certificates in two online formats — instructor-led or self-paced.

Each program features career-relevant curriculum, faculty who are scholar-practitioners providing real-world insight, and exceptional student support throughout the entire educational journey.

UMass Global at a Glance

Why UMass Global?

UMass Global is fully accredited and affiliated with the University of Massachusetts, giving it a reputation that employers trust. Here’s why UMass Global could be the right online university for you.

Flexible learning with two online formats

To mesh with the busy lives of its adult students, over 90 percent of whom work while completing their program, UMass Global offers its online coursework in two flexible formats to suit the schedule and learning style of the individual.

Instructor-led, session-based coursework

These courses offer a mix of online instructor-led lectures and group sessions, as well as additional coursework that needs to be delivered by fixed dates set by the instructor.

This format is great for students who prefer a more traditional learning approach with fixed milestones. Discussion boards and group projects provide interaction with classmates. Eight-week sessions with six yearly starts allow students to fully focus on one topic at a time and instantly apply their learning in their career.

Self-paced coursework

UMass Global’s School of Business & Professional Studies has several programs offered in UMass Global MyPath. These courses are "competency-based education." They are completely self-paced so you can work through them on your own time and without any set deadlines. While you’ll need to stay disciplined, they’re perfect if you have a changing work schedule or lifestyle.

Highly relevant curriculum

Most of UMass Global's adult learners are seeking knowledge and skills to advance their careers. To that end, all coursework is created by business and industry experts using "backwards course design." The first step is to gauge industry and employment trends. Coursework is then reverse-engineered to cover that content, providing immediate, real-life value to the student's career.

Expert faculty

UMass Global’s faculty comprises professionals who work in their field of expertise in addition to teaching. They’re well-positioned to provide you with industry insights, academic support, and career mentorship that’s relevant to your professional goals.

Plenty of degrees and courses

Whether you’re just starting your degree or advancing your education, you can find a suitable program at UMass Global to match your goals. Programs offered run the education spectrum: associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, along with credentials, certificates, and authorizations.You can pick from 55+ degree programs from the below UMass Global schools.

• Arts & Sciences
• Business & Professional Studies
• Education
• Extended Education

Proven success

UMass Global features high graduation rates, low student loan default rates, and exceptional student and alumni satisfaction levels. This is proof that students enjoy their programs and benefit from successful future outcomes.

UMass Global Special Features

Here’s how UMass Global goes above and beyond to support you in your educational journey.

Credit transfers for previous educational, work, military, and life experiences

UMass Global recognizes the importance of your prior experience. You can speak to an enrollment coach to discuss credit transfers for the following:

• College credits earned elsewhere
• Alternative credits for online courses and distance learning programs
• Exam credits
• Using ACE guidelines, you can turn your military coursework, training, and service into credits towards your degree
• Work experience credits through learning assessments and more

Financial aid

Some organizations partner with UMass Global to offer tuition reimbursement or discounts. Others may offer their own education funding. To supplement those sources, there are many options for financial aid:

• UMass Global scholarships
• Federal aid such as the Pell Grant, TEACH Grant, and Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant
• California state aids including the Cal Grant, Chafee Grant, Golden State Teacher Grant, and California National Guard Education Assistance Award Program
• State financial aid through NASFAA (National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators)
• United States Department of Education student loans
• Private student loans
• Tuition assistance for active or veteran military personnel and their families

How It Works

UMass Global has a user-friendly website that’s easy to navigate and a straightforward application process. Here’s how it works:

1. Visit the UMass Global website where you can find plenty of relevant information about the university, programs offered, tuition and aid, and more.
2. Click on "Academic Programs" and select either your degree type (i.e. bachelor's or master's) or the school (i.e. Business & Professional Studies). Or from the pulldown menu below, select your area of interest (i.e. Information Systems). Then browse through your options.
3. Click on your chosen program and scroll down to read more about the curriculum, admission requirements, start dates, and more. Then, click “Apply” at the top of the page, which directs you to the UMass Global Online Application System.
4. Here, choose “New User” and complete the required details. Hit “Submit” to create an account. Check your email inbox or spam folder for an email from UMass Global that lets you set your password.
5. Log in to your account and start a new application. Fill in the required information, authorize UMass Global to access your previous transcripts, and submit your application.
6. You can complete the entire process in a few hours if you have your chosen degree and required information ready.

UMass Global Accreditation & Certification

All UMass Global programs are regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). They meet the rules and standards established by the US Department of Education. Some UMass Global courses also have professional accreditations endorsed by relevant regulatory bodies.

What Former UMass Global Students Have to Say

Here’s what some former UMass Global students said about their experience.

• “It was very easy to follow and I never felt like I had to take a class that wouldn’t count towards my end goal." — Lindsay Baston, an administrative assistant who graduated with a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling.

• “UMass Global clearly understands and serves adults and the unique needs of working professionals.” — Marc Posner, working dad who finally got his bachelor’s degree.

• “All through the program I was never in it alone. My cohort became my extended family.” — Andrea Hemphill, full-time IT administrator who got her Doctorate in Organizational Leadership whilst caring for her family and grandchildren.

UMass Global Support Center

UMass Global offers extensive support at each stage of your journey with UMass Global, and after.

You’ll be paired with an enrollment coach during your admissions process. These coaches provide guidance on the application process, courses and programs, and timelines. There will also be a dedicated “one-stop specialist” to help you with questions about financial aid for courses and textbooks, tuition assistance, and the FAFSA application.

Once admitted, you'll be paired with an academic advisor who will help you create an education plan based on your education and career goals. Your academic advisor will stay with you from your first class all the way through graduation.

Finally, current and former students can access UMass Global’s career services for career coaching, interview assistance, mentorship opportunities, and more.

Bottom Line

UMass Global is an accredited online university affiliated with the flagship school of the state of Massachusetts. Its 55+ online degrees, certificates, and credentials are carefully crafted to offer adult learners the freedom to meet their educational goals while balancing work and personal commitments.

The online application process is straightforward, and eligible students can benefit from financial aid through scholarships, grants, student loans, and military benefits. As you work through your program, you can access the university's career services to land your dream job. This benefit continues even after graduation.