University of Massachusetts Global
General Information
Overview
University of Massachusetts Global (UMass Global) is a private, nonprofit institution primarily serving adult learners through flexible, online education. With its roots dating back to 1958, when it began as a program for military members, the university has grown into a fully online institution headquartered in California. It offers more than 55 degree, certificate, and credential programs across all academic levels, including associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
UMass Global is structured to accommodate working students, offering eight-week term courses, self-paced competency-based education, and dedicated academic support. The university emphasizes relevance and employability, combining rigorous academics with practical application, and is regionally accredited by WASC. Its mission is to provide accessible, inclusive, and transformative education to adults seeking to balance work, life, and learning.
Contact Information
Address: Aliso Viejo, California, USA
Phone Number: (949) 325‑1800
Email Address: Prospective students typically communicate via admissions forms or request information through the university’s contact system
School Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1958 — established as a program for military personnel, later became Brandman University, then UMass Global |
| Type | Private, nonprofit online university |
| Motto / Mission | To provide accessible, inclusive, and transformative education for adult learners; support career advancement and lifelong learning |
| Accreditation | Regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) |
| Student Enrollment | About 18,880 total enrollments in 2023-2024 (13,382 academic-credit learners) |
University of Massachusetts Global Rankings
| Region | Recognition / Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | Well-known for online education; recognized by Military Friendly programs with a “Gold” ranking for its support of veteran students |
| Global | Not typically ranked in global university ranking systems due to its online, adult-learner focus and non-traditional campus model |
University of Massachusetts Global Academics
University of Massachusetts Global Faculties / Departments
UMass Global organizes its academic offerings into broad schools rather than traditional academic departments, including:
- School of Arts & Sciences
- School of Business & Professional Studies
- School of Education
- School of Extended Education
University of Massachusetts Global Courses and Programs / Majors
UMass Global provides a wide range of programs for adult learners:
- Associate Degrees (e.g., Associate of Arts)
- Bachelor’s Degrees (BA, BS) in areas such as business, psychology, cybersecurity, human services
- Master’s Degrees (e.g., MBA, MSW, MA in Counseling, MA in Organizational Leadership)
- Doctoral Programs (Professional / Practice, such as Doctor of Nursing Practice)
- Stackable Certificates and Graduate Certificates
- Teaching Credentials and Authorizations
Online Learning
UMass Global is primarily an online university: virtually all of its programs are offered through online delivery. Courses run in short terms, and some programs use self-paced, competency-based education that allows students to progress based on mastery rather than fixed schedules. This model supports working professionals and those with other life commitments.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Typical Benchmark / Requirement |
|---|---|
| SAT / ACT | Not strongly emphasized; admissions focus more on prior academic experience, work readiness, and adult learner background rather than standardized tests |
| GRE / GMAT | Requirements vary by program; many graduate programs do not require a uniform test score, especially for experienced adult learners or competency-based pathways |
Retention and Graduation Rates
UMass Global reports that 74% of full-time students graduate within eight years, while overall (including part-time) the graduation rate is lower. According to external data, the 150%-of-norm graduation rate is about 50%, and the retention rate is around 42%.
University of Massachusetts Global Admissions
GPA Range and Standardized Test Range
UMass Global’s admissions criteria are designed for adult learners, and it does not emphasize rigid GPA minimums or high standardized test scores. Instead, applicants are evaluated based on their prior college credits, work experience, and ability to succeed in an online and often accelerated or self-paced environment. This flexible admissions approach aligns with its mission to serve working adults, military members, and nontraditional students.
University of Massachusetts Global Acceptance Rate
| Category | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Admissions Selectivity | Specific published acceptance rate is not publicly reported; as an online adult learner institution, UMass Global typically has a relatively open enrollment policy compared to highly selective traditional universities |
University of Massachusetts Global Application Requirements
Prospective students apply through UMass Global’s online admissions portal. They must submit transcripts from all prior college work, a resume or summary of work experience, and a personal statement or narrative of their goals. Recommendation letters are not always required but may strengthen the application, especially for graduate programs. Military or prior-service students may also provide relevant documentation to support their application.
Application Process
- Complete and submit the online application through UMass Global’s admissions system.
- Provide official academic transcripts from all previous institutions.
- Submit a resume or summary of work experience (especially relevant for competency-based and graduate programs).
- Write a personal statement outlining educational goals, career aspirations, and how the UMass Global format fits your life.
- Admissions team reviews the application; successful applicants receive an offer and work with advisors to enroll and plan their coursework.
University of Massachusetts Global Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Deadline | Event |
|---|---|
| Rolling Admission | Many programs have multiple start dates per year, making enrollment flexible for working adults |
| Term Start Dates | Courses are structured in 8-week sessions; students can begin in many of these terms throughout the year depending on program |
Essay Prompt
Applicants are typically asked to provide a personal statement or narrative rather than a formal essay prompt. They should discuss their motivation for returning to or continuing education, how their professional and personal experiences inform their academic goals, and how UMass Global’s online format supports their life circumstances.
University of Massachusetts Global Scholarships
UMass Global provides financial aid to eligible students through federal grants, loans, and institutional assistance. There are scholarships targeted at adult learners, military-affiliated students, and returning students. The university’s financial aid team often works closely with students to identify grants and scholarships suitable for nontraditional learners, and advisors help estimate the cost of attendance based on part-time or accelerated enrollment.
University of Massachusetts Global Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Program Type | Estimated Cost / Tuition |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate (per credit) | Tuition varies by program; cost structure depends on enrollment pattern and whether students are in competency-based or term-based programs |
| Graduate (per credit) | Graduate tuition similarly varies by program; students in degree programs should refer to UMass Global’s published tuition schedules for their program |
| Cost of Attendance (2025–2026 estimate) | Includes books, supplies, housing, food, transportation, and personal expenses based on average student budgeting |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
UMass Global has a total enrollment of 9,069 students, with 5,511 undergraduates and 3,558 graduate students. Among them, approximately 2,636 are male and 6,433 are female, indicating a female-majority student body. Many students are working adults, with a large proportion enrolled part-time, aligning with UMass Global’s mission to serve nontraditional learners.
Low‑Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Specific publicly available data on low-income or disabled students at UMass Global is limited. However, as a university committed to adult learners and military students, UMass Global provides comprehensive financial aid, scholarship opportunities, and student support services that help reduce financial barriers. The flexible program structure also supports students with varying life circumstances, which can be particularly important for those facing economic or accessibility challenges.
Student Body Breakdown
| Category | Number / Percentage |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | 9,069 students |
| Male Students | ~2,636 (29%) |
| Female Students | ~6,433 (71%) |
| Fully Online Students | ~9,050 students (nearly all students) |
| Military‑Affiliated Students | Over 1,400 (≈15%) |
University Diversity
UMass Global’s student population is highly diverse in terms of age, geographic location, and life experience. As an online-focused university serving adult learners, it attracts students from across the United States and includes a significant number of military-affiliated students. This diversity is reflected in student life, where learners balance employment, family obligations, and academics, enriching peer-to-peer interactions with real-world perspectives. The institution’s inclusive mission supports learners who may not thrive in traditional campus settings, making higher education accessible to a broad spectrum of individuals seeking career advancement, personal growth, or flexibility in learning.
Average Earnings
Alumni of UMass Global report that their degrees often lead to meaningful career advancement, particularly in business, education, social work, and counseling. Because many students enroll while working, they may earn promotions, take on leadership roles, or shift into more stable or fulfilling careers during or soon after their studies. While specific average salary figures vary widely depending on the program, the university emphasizes the value of practical, workplace-aligned education — many graduates see return on investment through increased earning potential, reduced student debt risk, and improved career trajectories.
University of Massachusetts Global Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
UMass Global’s faculty comprises a mix of full-time, part-time, and adjunct professors. Many instructors bring professional experience in their fields, particularly in business, education, social work, and counseling. In addition to academic faculty, UMass Global employs a robust administrative team, including academic advisors, student success coaches, enrollment specialists, and support staff who guide students through program planning, financial aid, and career services.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty at UMass Global are carefully selected for both their academic credentials and relevant real-world experience. Many hold terminal degrees (PhDs or professional doctorates) and have worked in their fields before joining academia. Their expertise ranges from organizational leadership to mental health counseling, education policy, and social work. Because the university is focused on adult, online learners, faculty often integrate practical applications, case studies, and career-focused teaching into their coursework. This ensures that students not only gain theoretical knowledge but also learn how to apply it to their professions.
University of Massachusetts Global Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
UMass Global is primarily an online university and does not operate a traditional residential campus for most of its students. Instead, campus life is largely virtual, with students engaging in coursework, discussions, and group projects through online platforms. For those local to California, there may be limited in-person events or regional campus resources, but housing is typically not part of the student experience due to the university’s online-centric model.
Transportation
Because UMass Global is mainly online, daily campus commuting is not a central part of student life. Students access their classes, advisors, and resources virtually, eliminating the need for regular transportation. For occasional in-person events, students may need to travel to regional centers, but most of the academic experience is designed to accommodate remote participation and flexibility.