Is UMass Global the Same as UMass?

Online learning is becoming more and more popular, especially for busy adults. As a result, online colleges and universities, such as UMass Global, are thriving.

It shares the name, but is UMass Global the same as the University of Massachusetts? The answer is…kind of, but not really. Keep reading to learn more about UMass and UMass Global.

What is the University of Massachusetts?

The University of Massachusetts, often known as UMass, is the public university system in Massachusetts.

The first university in the system was founded in 1863 as the Massachusetts Agricultural College, which would later become the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

The flagship Amherst campus remains the largest university in the system.

Today, the system has expanded to cover an additional five schools:

• University of Massachusetts Boston
• University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, which includes the UMass School of Law
• University of Massachusetts Lowell
• University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
• University of Massachusetts Global

As of the fall of 2022, the Amherst, Boston, Dartmouth, Lowell, and Medical School had a total enrollment of nearly 75,000 students.

What is UMass Global?

UMass Global is a private online university affiliated with the University of Massachusetts system. It primarily offers programs to adult, military, and non-traditional students.

UMass Global was originally founded in 1958 as Chapman College. It was developed as part of the Chapman University system and offered courses to service members on military bases in California.

The college grew and expanded, and in 2009 was renamed Brandman University. In 2021, control of the university changed hands from Chapman University to the University of Massachusetts.

The UMass system acquired Brandman University as a way to expand its online offerings. The university rebranded as UMass Global.

While Brandman University had multiple campuses across California and Washington, today it only maintains its headquarters in Irvine and a satellite campus in San Diego.

UMass Global currently enrolls about 19,000 students through its online degree and certificate programs as well as courses and bootcamps.

Most students at UMass Global are over the age of 25, with the average age being 36. 91% of students work while earning their degrees, and 52% are caring for dependants.

Is UMass Global the Same as the University of Massachusetts?

UMass Global describes itself as 'a private nonprofit affiliate' of the University of Massachusetts system. It's under the umbrella of the university system but is still a unique entity.

The University of Massachusetts system is public, meaning it is run by the state government and receives funding from the state.

UMass Global, meanwhile, is private. However, it still receives funding from the University of Massachusetts system and students are eligible for public financial aid.

The University of Massachusetts system primarily offers in-person programs, although each school offers at least a handful of online programs.

Online programs are the only type of programs offered by UMass Global. There are no on-campus programs, though some progams may have a hands-on aspect.

The UMass system is headquartered in the state of Massachusetts, while UMass Global is based in California. Both are regionally accredited but accredited by different agencies.

The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) accredits the Massachusetts locations, while the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits UMass Global.

What Programs Are Offered at UMass Global?

UMass Global offers online associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees as well as certificates, educational credentials and authorizations, and individual courses and bootcamps.

These programs are offered through UMass Global's five schools:

• College of Arts and Sciences
• College of Business and Professional Studies
• College of Education
• College of Nursing and Health Professions
• College of Extended Education

The most popular fields of study for bachelor's degree students are business, psychology, and social work.

For master's degrees, the most popular fields are business, education, marriage and family counseling, and social work.

While most programs at UMass Global are offered in a traditional, online format with eight-week courses, UMass Global offers some programs in the university's self-paced MyPath format.

The MyPath format is a competency-based format. Students take an assessment test and receive a customized curriculum.

Once a student finishes one course, they can move right on to the next. This self-paced format allows students to cruise through topics they already know and take more time on new concepts.

Tuition at UMass Global vs. UMass Online

Although UMass Global is a private university, in some cases, it offers a lower-cost tuition than programs at the public universities.

Tuition at the public University of Massachusetts schools varies depending on several factors, like the school you attend, your state of residency, and the program you choose.

Tuition at UMass Global depends on the level of program you're completing, whether you or your spouse is an active military member, and your program's format.

Undergraduate programs cost $500 per credit, but active military members and their spouses only pay $250 per credit.

MyPath programs at the undergraduate level have a flat tuition of $3,200 every six months, which includes digital textbooks and materials.

Master's programs cost $709 per credit, which drops to $400 per credit for active military members and their spouses. MyPath programs cost $3,700 every six months.

Doctoral degrees depend on the program but range from $1,051-$1,224 per credit. There is no military discount for doctoral programs, and these programs are not offered in the MyPath format.

Please note that tuition is approximate, can change at any time, and may not include additional fees and costs.

Both UMass Global and the public UMass schools offer financial aid options and students in these schools are eligible for public financial aid.

UMass Global vs UMass

So, is UMass Global the same as the UMass system? While UMass Global is affiliated with the public university system, it isn't exactly the same.

With the information above, you can determine whether UMass Global or another UMass university is right for you.