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The University of Massachusetts Amherst has offered graduate study since 1876, awarding 13,046 doctoral and 44,603 master’s degrees. With a full-time graduate faculty of over 900, the University offers 50 programs leading to the doctorate and 2 leading toward a master’s degree. Current enrollment in all graduate programs is approximately 6,200.

The mission of the Graduate School is to insure that our six thousand graduate students have an intellectually stimulating and creative learning experience. We endeavor to create a student body that is as culturally and internationally diverse as possible. We are equally concerned with the development of improved ways of learning and the creation of new knowledge.

Each college or school of the University has developed its graduate programs in accordance with highest national professional standards within the respective fields. A wide variety of research projects, centers and institutes provide opportunities for graduate students to engage with faculty on projects in emerging fields.

Collaborations across disciplines and with faculty at the University of Massachusetts campuses at Boston, Dartmouth, Lowell and the Medical School in Worcester provide students a broad range of educational and research opportunities including degrees awarded jointly by two or more campuses. In several fields, courses are offered and degrees are awarded under the Five College Cooperative Ph.D. Program involving Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke and Smith colleges and the University.

Doctor of Philosophy degrees are awarded in 47 disciplines. The School of Education also offers the Doctor of Education. The Doctor of Audiology and Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees provide the highest level of professional training in their respective fields.

Master's degree programs in 72 fields provide academic and professional training in a broad range of fields. Most master's programs provide a strong basis for doctoral study while professional programs such as the Master of Education, Master of Business Administration and the master's programs in architecture, engineering, labor studies, landscape architecture, nursing, public policy, public health, regional planning, and sport management provide preparation for a broad range of careers. The Master of Fine Arts degree is offered in Studio Arts, Creative Writing and Theater. Many programs offer both part-time and full-time options. An increasing number of master's programs include online course options and some master's degree programs in nursing, public health, management and education are fully online.

Accelerated master's degree programs have been developed to allow students to complete requirements for a baccalaureate degree and a specific master's degree in less calendar time than would be required though normal sequential programs. The reduction in calendar time does not result from a reduction in content. The requirements for the bachelor's and master's degrees remain unchanged. Current programs include Master of Architecture, M.S. in Animal Biotechnology and Biomedical Sciences, M.S. in Biochemistry, M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, M.S. in Food Science, M.A. in Linguistics, M.S. in Mathematics, M.S. in Microbiology, M.S. in Molecular and Cellular Biology, M.S. in Neuroscience and Behavior, M.S. in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, M.S. in Plant Biology, and M.S. in Public Health.

For students who wish to receive two master’s degrees concurrently, dual degree options are available in the following fields: Master of Landscape Architecture and Master of Regional Planning; Master of Landscape Architecture and Master of Architecture; Master of Regional Planning and Master of Architecture; Master of Business Administration with Master of Science in Sport Studies, Public Policy and Administration, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Industrial Engineering. A combined Master of Regional Planning and Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree is offered in conjunction with Western New England University School of Law in Springfield.

Graduate level certificate programs are offered in a broad range of multidisciplinary areas including Advanced Feminist Studies; African Diaspora; Cellular Engineering; Cognitive Science; Film Studies; Latin American, Caribbean and Latino Studies; Native American Indian Studies; Public History; Social Justice Education/Teaching for Diversity; and Wind Power Engineering.

Holders of undergraduate degrees desiring further information may view the Graduate School Bulletin or request detailed information about graduate degree options on the web at www.umass.edu/gradschool/.