UMass

UMass, or the University of Massachusetts, is a public university system in Massachusetts comprising five campuses: Amherst, Boston, Dartmouth, Lowell, and Worcester. Established in the 1960s as a statewide public university system, UMass coordinates higher education, research, and public service across the state, while each campus retains its own degree programs and campus culture. The system is governed by a board of trustees and a president and operates under a central administration.

UMass Amherst, located in the western part of the state, is the flagship campus and the largest in enrollment. It began as Massachusetts Agricultural College in 1863 and later became part of the University of Massachusetts system. The other campuses include UMass Boston, UMass Dartmouth, UMass Lowell, and UMass Medical School in Worcester (often referred to as UMass Worcester). Together, they offer a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in fields such as engineering, the sciences, health sciences, business, education, humanities, and social sciences.

The UMass system emphasizes research and public service. Research activity spans biotechnology, energy, environmental science, data science, and the humanities. The campuses also engage in regional economic development, workforce training, and public outreach.

UMass is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. It operates as a statewide public research university system with a mission to provide accessible, high-quality education and to contribute to Massachusetts’ innovation ecosystem and civic life.