UMass Global FAQ's

Yes. University of Massachusetts Global (UMass Global) remains the institution the Brandman community knows and loves. It has the same chancellors, academic and student support leaders, faculty, and staff. As UMass Global, the university extends Brandman's best-in-class programs to nontraditional students who live in California, Washington, Massachusetts, and elsewhere.

UMass Global will retain Brandman's campuses, on-base sites, and offices in California, Oregon, and Washington. Locations are subject to change based on student needs and other considerations.

Brandman University is now University of Massachusetts Global, a nonprofit affiliate of the University of Massachusetts. The name change from Brandman University to University of Massachusetts Global (UMass Global) took effect September 1, 2021.

Yes. As UMass Global, the institution remains a WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)-accredited nonprofit institution headquartered in Irvine, California. On Nov. 12, 2020, the WSCUC approved the details of the name change and the election of a new Board of Regents.

No, UMass Global (University of Massachusetts Global) is a private, nonprofit affiliate of the University of Massachusetts system unlike UMass Amherst, UMass Boston, UMass Dartmouth, UMass Lowell, UMass Medical School, and UMass Law School which are public institutions and part of the University of Massachusetts system.

Yes. The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing took action on Feb. 12, 2021 to grant its continued approval for the School of Education’s credentialing programs. As UMass Global, credentialing programs will be provided seamlessly after the name change. The commission’s action includes credentialing programs for candidates preparing to serve as California school teachers, administrators, counselors, and psychologists, as well as programs for educators pursuing authorizations to teach students who are English learners, on the autism spectrum, or in special education programs. The university’s credentialing programs exclusively prepare candidates for employment in California schools. More information on School of Education programs is available from the 2021-22 Academic Catalog.

Yes. Brandman/UMass Global remains the institution students know and love with the same chancellors, academic and student support leaders, faculty, and staff. This transition does not change the fundamental experience that Brandman students previously enjoyed.

Brandman students will automatically become UMass Global students. Currently-enrolled Brandman students would not need to reapply to UMass Global.

As UMass Global, the university will offer the same online and blended programs currently provided. Please see the 2021-22 Academic Catalog for more information. The university may alter its future program offerings in response to changes in student and labor market demands.

UMass Global also continues to offer competency-based programs delivered under the MyPath banner. The MyPath name would be subject to change.

The transition to UMass Global will not affect admissions requirements and tuition. The university may alter its admissions requirements and tuition rates in response to changes in student and labor market demands. Please see the 2021-22 Academic Catalog for more information.

Admission to UMass Global does not confer admission to a UMass system campus (Amherst, Boston, Dartmouth, or Lowell).

Brandman has traditionally hosted ceremonies in Central, Northern and Southern California, as well as in Washington State. As UMass Global, the university will continue to host ceremonies in these regions. Students looking forward to ceremonies taking place in California or Washington will not be asked to travel to Massachusetts for commencement.

Due to health and safety concerns related to COVID-19, the university in 2021 has planned a modified schedule of celebrations. Additional information is available on the university’s commencement website.

Students who enrolled under a Brandman University course catalog (Academic Year 2020-21 or earlier) may request either a Brandman University or University of Massachusetts Global diploma after receiving notification of degree conferral. University of Massachusetts Global diplomas are expected to be available in early 2022.

Graduates who already hold a Brandman University diploma may request a University of Massachusetts Global diploma. UMass Global is developing a process for managing requests for new diplomas. As of this writing, UMass Global is still reviewing whether there will be any fee associated with requests for new diplomas. Graduates who are interested in obtaining a University of Massachusetts Global diploma may check this page in early 2022 for updated information.

No. This process will not result in changes to Brandman University partnerships. Partnership agreements will remain intact, including but not limited to those with Guild Education and U.S. employers providing tuition assistance; transfer agreements with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and other colleges; arrangements with school districts, hospitals, and public agencies supporting students’ fieldwork assignments.