Review of University of Massachusetts Online

University of Massachusetts is recognized as a premier institution of higher learning. The legacy of top-notch education is further enhanced by a very reputable online program. Its distance education courses are considered highly selective and on par with the traditional on-campus learning environment. Almost 3.5 million students are currently taking part in online courses, which include a variety of coursework in management, health sciences, information technology and education. Overall, there are more than 100 degree programs comprising approximately 1,500 courses.

Blended EducationUniversity of Massachusetts online programs were among the first in the world to provide a blended learning experience. Blended education option offers the flexibility of combining online courses and on-campus study. Based on availability, most students enrolled in online courses are allowed to take courses in any of the four campuses located at Amherst, Boston, Dartmouth, and Lowell. Medical students can utilize the facilities at medical school located in Worcester. As of 2010, the blended option is available on all five campuses, but it is limited to programs in healthcare.Course Demand

All online degrees are accredited by New England Association of Schools and Colleges. This also means that credits gained by studying at the University are accepted by most institutions, worldwide. The admission requirements at the University may not be as strict as other comparable institutions, but the coursework is very demanding. The school administration reports that online classes can be more demanding than on-campus studies. Students enrolled in distance education undertake same assignments, research, and related studies. The study overload can come from participating in online discussions and group planning activities.

Employment Prospects

Taking a University of Massachusetts online course means a lot to the potential employees in New England region. due to the quality of online education, sixty percent of the employers polled by National Survey of Students Engagement suggest that online education is better or is as good as campus based study. Similarly, they also believe that online education at superior universities is equal or better than face-to-face instructions.

Admission, Fees & Financial Aid

Students can only enroll during standard academic calendar in early fall, spring and summer. The tuition fee for non-credit and undergraduate courses vary from $125 to $1980. For graduate courses, the fee is usually high ranging between $1230 and $2250. Regardless of the residency, all students pay the same tuition fee. The institution collaborates with Sloan Consortium to deliver financial aid to deserving students. International students can also call their respective program administrator to learn about their options. For residents of the United States, extensive federal aid and tuition reimbursement is available.

University of Massachusetts Review

Main mode of communication with staff is email and online discussions. The courses are taught by the same professors who teach on-campus. The faculty includes recipients of distinguished awards including Nobel Prize. It is important to note that the degree certificate will not mention the mode of education. Therefore, students are assured that potential employers are unable to distinguish between a traditional or an online degree program. Furthermore, institutional policy does not allow administration to reveal any information that may expose students to bias. Also, online students who need to take two distinct courses in separate campuses must meet separate admission criteria. Every campus has different admission criteria, policies, admission calendar, fees, and degree programs. Due to the design of coursework, not all course credits can be transferred from one campus to another.