University of Massachusetts
Amherst, Massachusetts
Distance Learning Program
The Division of Continuing Education, in partnership with the University's schools and colleges, began offering distance education courses in 1995. Online courses have the same rigorous academic requirements as on-campus courses.
The UMass Amherst Division of Continuing Education utilizes the Internet to deliver Web-based courses. Students interact with instructors via e-mail, chat rooms, telephone, fax, and mail.
The distance education courses are taught by UMass Amherst faculty members who hold doctorates or terminal degrees in their respective fields, or by qualified adjunct faculty members or graduate teaching assistants.
Academic advisers are available by phone, e-mail, fax, and in person to assist students in course selection and academic matters. Continuing Education has its own registration and business offices, which can provide assistance in registration, transcripts, financial aid, and billings.
Programs of Study
In addition to online credit courses in accounting, English, journalism, management, marketing, philosophy, psychology, sociology, and wildlife and fisheries conservation, seven online degree programs are offered.
The Master of Science (M.S.) degree program in nursing prepares advanced-practice nurses as expert clinicians in the care of children, adolescents, and their families in diverse community and school health settings. The School of Nursing is accredited by the National League for Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
The Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) degree program offers a broad-based, comprehensive, graduate-level public health curriculum designed for health professionals currently working in the field. Working health professionals may expand their knowledge base in public health, extend and sharpen their professional skills, broaden their perspective of public health problems, and prepare to assume greater professional responsibility.
The Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Public Health dual degree program builds on previous nursing education and clinical experience, and prepares graduates for leadership positions in public health. The 60-credit program includes 30 credits in nursing and 30 credits in public health; it integrates nursing science, public health science, administration, and leadership.
The RN to Bachelor of Science degree program is designed to meet the educational goals of Massachusetts registered nurses. Under faculty guidance, students provide nursing care to clients of all ages and develop skills in critical thinking, leadership, and research utilization.
The Professional M.B.A. program is an accelerated program for professionals who want to continue their education in the management field but cannot attend traditional classes because of full-time career commitments. The program is fully accredited by AACSB International-The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
The Bachelor of Business Administration is geared toward individuals who are working full time and need flexibility in completing the degree; the curriculum is delivered in an asynchronous format, allowing courses to be taken anytime and anywhere. The program is offered by the Isenberg School of Management and is accredited by AACSB International.
The Bachelor of Science degree in hospitality and tourism management is for working adults, both international and domestic, who are unable to pursue a residential degree program on the Amherst campus. The program integrates a variety of courses in the humanities and social and physical sciences, with a heavy concentration of business and hospitality/tourism courses.
The Certificate of Business Studies is a credit-based program intended for students who want to broaden their academic background with business courses without completing a bachelor's degree program. It is ideal for students who intend to pursue graduate-level work in business or for those who are looking to further their professional goals.
The Certificate of Online Journalism Program equips students with skills in reporting, writing, and online research. The program welcomes students from any discipline who wish to gain an understanding of this exciting new area of journalism. It provides assessments of the current state of online journalism as well as the future of information technology.
The Criminal Justice Studies Certificate Program is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the field of criminal justice and is intended to attract those planning or developing careers ranging from law enforcement to probation, and from the courts to corrections.
The Basics in Exercise and Nutrition for Health and Human Performance Program is a collaboration between the Departments of Exercise Science and Nutrition and the School of Public Health and Health Services. It is designed to meet the needs of individuals with degrees in such fields as exercise physiology, nutrition, athletic training, and other health-related disciplines.
The Certificate of Individual Study in Arts Management is a valuable professional development opportunity for arts managers as well as people employed by nonprofit organizations or agencies. Courses teach strategic planning, board development, fundraising, marketing, and arts programming and may also be taken for University of Massachusetts undergraduate credit.
Applying for Distance Education
The UMass Amherst Division of Continuing Education allows any person with a high school diploma or its equivalent to register for courses. Some courses require prerequisite college-level work. Enrollment does not imply acceptance into a degree program. For both graduate and undergraduate degree programs, students must apply to the University for admission. Students can find information regarding application and registration procedures for degree programs and individual courses on the UMass Amherst Division of Continuing Education web site.
Costs
Fees vary depending on whether the course offered is noncredit or for credit and whether the level of that credit is undergraduate or graduate. Generally, a noncredit course costs from $200 to $390, while an undergraduate course costs from $220 to $450 per credit; graduate-level courses vary in cost from $250 to $600 per credit. All students, regardless of location, pay the same tuition.
Financial Aid
Availability of financial aid varies depending on course status and matriculation. Financial assistance may be available from employers, The Education Resources Institute (TERI) Continuing Education loans, and for eligible military personnel under the G.I. Bill.
For Additional Information
Director, Division of Continuing Education
University of Massachusetts Amherst
358 North Pleasant Street
Amherst, Massachusetts 01003-9296
413-545-2111
E-mail: info@contined.umass.edu