Our Story: Where Legacy Meets What’s Next

University of Massachusetts Global is a private, nonprofit affiliate of the University of Massachusetts, created to help working adults change their lives through flexible, high-quality education built for real life. Regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and recognized by U.S. News & World Report among the Best Online Programs for 13 consecutive years (2013–2025), the university has a long track record of online innovation. Students across 49 states and internationally can upskill, reskill, and move forward without putting life on hold through technology-enabled, real-world learning.​ With more than 55 fully online, career-focused programs designed around the realities of work, family, and constant change, we remain ever-focused on developing future-ready learners who can thrive in a rapidly shifting world.

UMass Global continues the University of Massachusetts tradition of excellence in serving nontraditional students, adding a distinctive focus on busy adults who are balancing education with jobs, families, and other responsibilities. As part of a broader UMass alumni family, our graduates join a powerful network while benefiting from supportive faculty, generous transfer pathways, and outcomes that reflect high graduation and alumni satisfaction rates.​

Our roots trace back more than six decades to Chapman College, which began offering on-base classes for service members at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro in 1958. Those programs evolved into Chapman University College, then Brandman University, and ultimately into today’s University of Massachusetts Global, carrying forward a longstanding commitment to military, veteran, and working adult learners while continuously innovating in online education.​

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Overview

Accredited by WSCUC, University of Massachusetts Global is a private, nonprofit affiliate of the University of Massachusetts system, committed to helping adult learners change their lives through education. We offer over 55 online programs tailored for workplace relevance — associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, along with teaching credentials, stackable certificates, and authorizations. All UMass Global coursework is 100 percent online, which meshes with the busy lives of our non-traditional students. We are committed to adult learners with attentive student support, high graduation rates and alumni satisfaction, and credit opportunities for transfers or prior training.

Vision

We will be the visionary, worldwide leader in higher education, equipping students to achieve personal growth and success.

Mission

The mission of UMass Global is to provide students with an accessible, inclusive, and transformative education based on excellence and flexibility, creating lasting value and relevance for a dynamic world.

Our Values

Innovation

We actively pursue and advance pioneering and creative ideas.

Service

We vigorously strive to serve the needs of our university community and put others before ourselves.

Integrity

We consistently demonstrate honesty, ethics, and respect in our personal and professional lives.

Diversity

We consciously embrace the strength in our unique attributes and cultural experiences.

Equity & Inclusivity

We commit to providing an equitable and inclusive university community environment.

Collaboration

We accomplish more than what is individually possible through partnerships and teamwork.

Respect

We consciously treat one another with civility, empathy and understanding.

Top Questions About UMass Global

General

Yes, University of Massachusetts Global is fully accredited. Accreditation is a key indicator of academic quality and integrity, and we take it seriously. We hold both regional and program-specific accreditation, which means our programs meet rigorous standards set by recognized accrediting bodies. Here is a list of our key accreditations and what each covers:

  • WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
    This is our regional accreditation body, which accredits the entire university. It ensures that UMass Global meets high standards for academic quality and institutional integrity across all programs.
  • California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)
    This accreditation covers our teacher training and service credential programs, authorizing us to prepare educators for California’s K-12 schools.
  • Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP)
    This accredits our School of Education’s teacher preparation programs, ensuring they meet rigorous standards for educator quality and effectiveness.
  • Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
    This accredits our Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and Master of Social Work programs, ensuring they meet professional standards for social work education.

Top Questions About UMass Global

Start date depends on your preferred program and learning style. Most classes for our term-based degrees begin six times a year on a trimester basis. Alternatively, students can begin UMass Global MyPath, self-paced programs, throughout the year upon admission and enrollment. Find your program and explore our admissions FAQs.

Yes! Students who enroll in an undergraduate or graduate degree program may apply for financial aid to help finance their education. Explore a variety of financial aid options including frequently asked questions and learn how University of Massachusetts Global will help support you through the process. Your best resource for financial aid answers are the UMass Global one-stop specialists.

Yes. At UMass Global, we focus on students first. An academic advisor will stay with you throughout your degree program and a one-stop Specialist will be there to help you finance your education. Our helpful career coaches can also work with you to align your studies with your career goals. Learn more about our dedicated student services:

At UMass Global, two classes per eight-week session is a full-time schedule, with one being part-time for term-based programs. Self-paced degrees are also available for those who want to take as many credits as they want within a six month billing period. Your advisor can help determine a workload that fits your life.

Academic Facts

UMass Global offers undergraduate, graduate, credential, and certificate programs across its four schools — Arts & Sciences, Business & Professional Studies, Education, and Extended Education.

55+
degrees and certificates
95%
of students work while completing a program
20k
students
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Accreditations

All University of Massachusetts Global programs are accredited by WSCUC, assuring that the University meets quality standards established by the U.S. Department of Education. Explore the additional program and professional accreditations UMass Global holds.

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Our People

From your first inquiry through graduation and beyond, the people of UMass Global are committed to your support and ultimate success.

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Chancellor's Channel

Chancellor Andrews takes pride in UMass Global's innovative and renowned education practices. Yet he knows there is always more we can do. Your input is welcome, so stay in touch and check back often to learn about the existing and upcoming university priorities.

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Ways to Get Started

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