University of Massachusetts - Amherst Reviews

  • 128 Reviews
  • Amherst (MA)
  • Annual Tuition: $38,171
94% of 128 students said this degree improved their career prospects
98% of 128 students said they would recommend this school to others
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Student & Graduate Reviews

Anonymous
  • Reviewed: 7/20/2013
  • Degree: English
"Tell us about your college experience.Educationally it was the perfect fit. Socially it was not. I went to an out of state flagship school. I perhaps should have gone to an in-state university.Would you get the same degree if you could start over?I would choose the same degree because I love editing and writing, and the degree qualified me to do the work.What advice can you offer other students?Finish your degree. Don't just attend classes aimlessly or without an end in sight. You might drift forever."
Ailia Hopkins
  • Reviewed: 7/14/2013
  • Degree: English
"Pros include quality professional development and community of like-minded peers. Cons might be the opportunities lacking in a smaller community versus city."
Thomas Regan
  • Reviewed: 6/9/2013
  • Degree: Liberal Studies
"The school's environment (social and professional), both on campus and off campus is one of the greatest assets to the University of Massachusetts- Amherst. The faculty is committed to their students, creating a good place of learning. Class workload can change depending on the class and professor; for each has a variable level of work."
Danielle Gagne
  • Reviewed: 6/3/2013
  • Degree: Art & Design
"This program provides an in-depth overview of art history. The Teacher Assistant program has been invaluable. However, there is a lack of transparency as to why certain TAships are given to students and not to others. There is solidarity among the students. However, the program is entrenched in an academic mind-set that is out dated. One of the worst aspects of this program is that graduate students take their lecture classes with undergraduates; I've taken undergraduate art history courses before, I should not have to sit through them again. Instead of a thesis, the program requires the student to take a general image exam and an essay exam on the student's major and minor. The thesis, in my opinion, is far more useful. It teaches scholarly research techniques, how to think up, organize, and develop an original piece of academic writing, which can later be adapted for PhD program applications. Tests have fewer applications in the art historian's life outside of the program and are over in a day and require a certain amount of memorization and regurgitation rather than the development of an original argument."
Corianne Oliver
  • Reviewed: 4/23/2013
  • Degree: Liberal Studies
"The faculty are all leaders in their respective fields, so you are learning from the best. While many schools make you pay for your graduate degree, acceptance into this program only occurs if there is a biweekly stipend that will be given to you, which really helps with tuition and fees as well as living expenses."
Lauren Pleveich
  • Reviewed: 3/20/2013
  • Degree: Art & Design
"There are gems in the faculty. It takes you a little while to find them though. Expect the faculty you really want to work with to be on sabbatical for a semester or two. It took me a while to come around to the program."
Glendaly Pena
  • Reviewed: 3/6/2013
  • Degree: Healthcare Management
"I loved coming here as an undergrad looking forward for graduate school!"
Roger Patrick Boundja
  • Reviewed: 3/4/2013
  • Degree: Environmental Science
"pros: - Great location to study; - High standard teaching environment and performance; - Good communication among staff. cons: - Few funding opportunities for students; - Social events to allow interactions among students and faculties very rare."
Thomas Regan
  • Reviewed: 3/1/2013
  • Degree: Environmental Science
"The faculty accessibility and the education quality are the pros of this school; if the student is willing to step up and talk to the faculty or to do more work then normally asked."
Corianne Oliver
  • Reviewed: 2/25/2013
  • Degree: Liberal Studies
"This is one of the top 5 Kinesiology/Exercise Science programs in the COUNTRY. You work up close and personal with researchers that are in the top of their fields of study - biomechanics, physical activity, muscle physiology, energy metabolism. The faculty is great, and they prepare graduate students extremely well for success after graduation. The campus is large, and you must be proactive and approach other students or faculty if you have concerns or questions. The technology is - lacking."
Sally Miller
  • Reviewed: 2/12/2013
  • Degree: Social Sciences
"The UMass Regional Planning program is increasingly interdisciplinary and is the only regionally focused planning program (accredited by the PAB) in Massachusetts. It is part of the Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning Department which means there's some inherent crossover in courses. There are also now dual degree programs between the Regional Planning program and Law, Landscape Architecture, or Public Policy. It's easy to tailor the program to suit your needs - if you wanted to take a class in another department, or even a different school, it would be easy to get the department to approve it. The program requires you to complete a course in GIS while you're there, something only about 15% of planning programs require, which definitely increases your employability. Another strength of UMass is the Graduate Employee Organization, which is an active union branch that covers research and teaching assistants. The benefits and pay are great if you have an assistantship. The department just appointed a new Department Head from within the faculty pool and it's safe to assume that some forward-thinking growth will come from this shift. The department will also be housed in a brand new building in the next couple of years - wish it was happening while I'll still be there!"
Ohilda Difo
  • Reviewed: 2/6/2013
  • Degree: Mathematics
"There wasn't much diversity in the program. The minorities make themselves available for group study and the faculty is supportive. Classes are not crowded in the upper level classes making them more one-on-one than early years. It's a small college town with not much to do in the surrounding area but there are great little shops and restaurants. The dining commons are very diverse and offer healthy alternatives."
Rukshan Thantirige
  • Reviewed: 2/6/2013
  • Degree: Physics
"Its a good program with outstanding faculty, however Amherst is pretty boring and very expensive. If you're a married then living in this area is a nightmare with skyrocketing apartment prices."
Sandeep Ashwini
  • Reviewed: 1/23/2013
  • Degree: Computer Science
"Its a very good school. Amazingly qualified faculty and very nice facilities, and well structured courses."
Grace Pold
  • Reviewed: 12/2/2012
  • Degree: Liberal Studies
"The major pro of the microbiology program is the opportunity to work with absolutely outstanding faculty who, through their students, are completing cutting edge all the time. I never cease to be amazed by how great my peers are. The Pioneer Valley is also really pretty, and has good transportation for being in the sticks. The only major downside to the program is lack of guidance as to what happens after school, including which classes should be taken. I feel as though some of my peers are graduating without a firm grasp of concepts vital to their future success. Furthermore, the career planning and grant-writing workshops which are offered are filled within 10 minutes of opening, and if you are not an advanced PhD student, you will be dumped from the workshop."
Shiri Dori-Hacohen
  • Reviewed: 11/26/2012
  • Degree: Liberal Studies
"It's a great program, time to complete is long (in my department)"
Wanette Vargas
  • Reviewed: 11/15/2012
  • Degree: Liberal Studies
"Pros: Strong program, many good faculty, many resources, very good community with lots of networking. Cons: can't think of any..."
Laura Kurdziel
  • Reviewed: 11/15/2012
  • Degree: Biology
"The Neuroscience and Behavior Program at UMass, Amherst is the BEST! I love the people, I love my work and I love the area!"
Kristen McCurley
  • Reviewed: 9/29/2012
  • Degree: Social Sciences
"Faculty support is widely varied and could use some improvement."
Sandra Perot
  • Reviewed: 9/29/2012
  • Degree: Liberal Arts
"UMass Amherst offers an excellent, affordable education with top quality faculty in a beautiful location."