UMass Global Online Degrees Brand Review

Each program features career-relevant curriculum, faculty who are scholar-practitioners providing real-world insight, and exceptional student support throughout the entire educational journey.

Overview

UMass Global is a private non-profit affiliate of the University of Massachusetts. It was founded in 1958 to serve adult students. The college is ranked #8 in Niche.com’s Best Colleges for Business list in California 2023. It has also received the receipt of a “Gold” ranking as a 2024-2025 Military Friendly® School from VIQTORY, an organization that connects the military community with opportunities in the civilian sphere.

UMass Global offers 55+ online programs, with certificate courses and bachelor’s, master's, associate’s, and doctoral degrees available. Some courses are self-paced, giving you flexibility around your work schedule. 

What is UMass Global?

UMass Global’s courses suit working adults with busy lives, helping them balance their studies with work and family responsibilities. If you want to change careers or get promoted, UMass Global’s up-to-date courses align with industry standards to help you become workforce-ready.

UMass Global’s programs cover:

• Arts and Sciences

• Business and Professional Studies

• Education 

• Extended Education

UMG Visit Site

Is UMass Global Credible and Reliable?

UMass Global has accreditation for all its programs from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Moreover, it has professional accreditations like the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC), showing that the school provides quality education for various professions. UMass Global features high graduation rates, low student loan default rates, and exceptional student and alumni satisfaction levels. This is proof that students enjoy their programs and benefit from successful future outcomes.

Flexible Learning With Two Online Formats

To mesh with the busy lives of its adult students, over 90 percent of whom work while completing their program, UMass Global offers its online coursework in two flexible formats to suit the schedule and learning style of the individual.

Instructor-Led, Session-Based Coursework

These courses offer a mix of online instructor-led lectures and group sessions, as well as additional coursework that needs to be delivered by fixed dates set by the instructor.

This format is great for students who prefer a more traditional learning approach with fixed milestones. Discussion boards and group projects provide interaction with classmates. Eight-week sessions with six yearly starts allow students to fully focus on one topic at a time and instantly apply their learning in their career.

Self-Paced Coursework

UMass Global’s School of Business & Professional Studies has several programs offered in UMass Global MyPath. These courses are "competency-based education." They are completely self-paced so you can work through them on your own time and without any set deadlines. While you’ll need to stay disciplined, they’re perfect if you have a changing work schedule or lifestyle.

How to Get Started with UMass Global / How to Sign Up for UMass Global

Getting started with UMass Global is straightforward. From the Homepage, click “Apply,” which directs you to the UMass Global Online Application System. Here, choose “New User” and complete the required details. Hit “Submit” to create an account. Check your email inbox or spam folder for an email from UMass Global that lets you set your password.

Log in to your account and start a new application. Fill in the required information, authorize UMass Global to access your previous transcripts, and submit your application.

Admission requirements include: 

• High school completion e.g. a General Education Development (GED) certificate

• Official transcripts from accredited universities you’ve attended

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 if you’ve been to college

The university accepts all transfer credits deemed equivalent to its degree credits, and enrollment coaches will help you transfer as many as possible. Alternative degree credits include relevant military coursework or work and professional skills. You can also earn degree credits by passing certain tests, such as the Advanced Placement (AP) examination. 

While there’s no application fee, you may need to pay for your transcripts’ shipping costs. Admission evaluators will finalize the process within 3-10 days. 

UMG Visit Site

Terms and fees

The university charges the following per-credit unit fees:

• Bachelor’s and associate’s degrees: $500

• Credential and master’s programs: $730

• Doctorate of Education: $1,080

The UMass Global website has a useful tool that will calculate your overall expected tuition costs for your degree. For example, for a BBA in Business Admin (Accounting) the calculator gave an estimated figure of $60,000 for 120 credits. 

UMass Global offers financial aid through scholarships, grants, employer disbursement, military and veteran benefits, and federal loans. 

UMass Global Student Resources

Coaching for Future Students

Our support begins when prospective students are considering enrolling at UMass Global. Every potential student is paired with an enrollment coach who provides guidance and personalized support through the admissions process. Your enrollment coach details programs that match your interests and goals, explains timelines, what you can expect financially, and more. They even check back in before your first session begins to ensure you get off to a great start.

Enrollment coaches are available weekdays during working hours at 800.746.0082. If it's after hours, you can fill out an inquiry form and we will call you back the next work day.

Here’s what to expect at each stage of your UMass Global experience: 

Pre-admission

UMass Global will connect you to an enrollment coach to guide you through admissions. An online course demo video will familiarize you with the online classes, and a financial advisor will also show you the funding options available.  

During the course

An academic advisor will help you design your educational plan. Tutoring sessions and technology, multimedia, and design support are offered through the Center for Instructional Innovation.  

Post-graduation

Students and alumni can access UMass Global’s Career Development Center for guidance such as interview training. You’ll also have lifelong access to alumni mentoring and networking events.

UMass Global Alternatives

How UMass Global compares with other online universities

UMass Global vs Liberty University

Like UMass Global, Liberty University is a top-notch college offering good student support options like academic coaching. However, Liberty is a Christian university, whereas UMass Global isn’t religion-oriented.  

UMass Global vs Wake Forest University

Unlike UMass Global, Wake Forest University (WFU) focuses on graduate degrees. WFU offers only 15 courses compared to UMass Global’s 55+ degrees. It also charges a higher tuition price of $1,610 per credit compared to UMass Global’s minimum of $500.

UMass Global vs Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU) offers more courses than UMass Global, with 300+ versus 55+ degrees. However, ASU only has 13 years of online experience compared to UMass Global’s 16 years. Moreover, ASU’s application process takes longer to get through.

Bottom Line

UMass Global is an accredited online university affiliated with the flagship school of the state of Massachusetts. Its 55+ online degrees, certificates, and credentials are carefully crafted to offer adult learners the freedom to meet their educational goals while balancing work and personal commitments.

The online application process is straightforward, and eligible students can benefit from financial aid through scholarships, grants, student loans, and military benefits. As you work through your program, you can access the university's career services to land your dream job. This benefit continues even after graduation.