FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can take UMassOnline courses?

UMassOnline is ideal for working professionals, military personnel, stay-at-home parents, people with disabilities, human resources managers looking for new opportunities for employees, and, of course, UMass alumni. Any person with a high school diploma or its equivalent (GED) may register for noncredit, undergraduate, or graduate courses. However, you must have a bachelor's degree to be admitted to a graduate degree program. Some courses may require prerequisite college-level work. You may enroll in courses before being formally admitted to a degree program. Enrollment does not imply acceptance into a degree program. Massachusetts residency is not a requirement.

Will someone be available to answer my questions in Chinese?

We are working on providing technical support in Chinese. At this moment, please use email or text chat, in English, to contact technical support if you need help.

If you have general questions about the course, please contact your program advisor or instructor and responses will be made in English.

Will my degree credits be transferable to a Chinese university? Other U.S. or international universities?

Questions regarding transferability of courses to Chinese universities are probably best answered by the Chinese universities themselves.

Credit earned by successfully completing UMass courses can, in most cases, be transferred to other campuses, colleges, and universities in the United States. However, course credits are not automatically transferable from one campus to another. The transferability of the course is at the discretion of the accepting school. It is your responsibility to confirm whether your school will accept the transferred credits.

How is online studying different?

The major difference is your location. You do not have to travel to the campus. You can participate in your course from your home, office, or while traveling. You do, however, have the same access to the excellence of UMass professors/instructors as do those physically on campus. Courses on UMassOnline include exercises, projects, and collaborative assignments. The rich learning environment features tutorials and courses with audio lectures, photo materials, discussions, chat rooms, readings, illustrations, and video.

What do you mean by "anytime, anywhere?"

"Anytime, anywhere" education means that you do not have to be at a specific location at a specific time or date. Online learning takes place, for the most part, where and when you choose. This could be early in the morning or late at night at home, during your lunch break at work, when the kids are finally sleeping, or when you are traveling. UMass courses are rigorous and require you and your classmates to complete work by set deadlines, but you get to choose the times and location that suit your schedule.

Which government authorities in the U.S. and China recognize my credits?

Both the U.S. and China government authorities recognize credits you earn by successfully completing UMass courses.

Will UMass accept transfer credits from my current Chinese university?

The transferability of the credits you earned from your Chinese university will depend on the UMassOnline program you are enrolled in. Your program advisor will review your transcript and make corresponding decisions.

How much time does an online course require?

Although in most cases an online course mirrors its on-campus counterpart in terms of subject matter covered, homework, and research, studies have indicated that online students do spend more time on their coursework. This is due in part to students' enthusiasm for participating in class discussions.

Am I required to take a TOEFL or IELTS examination to prove my English ability for this program? If so, what is the minimum score for admission?

Admissions criteria depends on the UMassOnline program you are applying for. Please contact your program advisor for more information on language requirements.

Does acceptance into the program guarantee a visa to travel to the United States?

No. Acceptance into the program does not guarantee a visa to travel to the United States.

Do I need to be a computer whiz?

No. If you've ever sent or received e-mail or surfed the Web, you have the basic skills needed to successfully participate in an online course.

Are these "real" classes?

They sure are. Courses at UMassOnline are taught by resident UMass faculty, adjunct professors, and experienced real-world professionals. The courses meet the same stringent academic requirements as traditional on-campus courses.

How do I interact with my professor?

Instructors answer e-mail questions, participate in online discussions, and personally evaluate assignments. Instructors also update course content to insure that courses stay on the cutting edge. Instructors keep scheduled "office hours" each week. Interaction with the instructor is an important aspect of a quality online education.

How do I interact with the other students in my class?

You will be able to communicate with other students and with your instructor through e-mail. You will also be able to post questions and comments to your course's threaded discussions. This forum allows you to hold virtual conversations with other classmates and your instructor, without having to be online at the same time.

How much does it cost?

Each campus has its own fee structure, and fees vary by program depending on whether the course offered is noncredit or for credit and the level of that credit - undergraduate or graduate. Fees for each course are listed with the course description. Residency (in state or out of state) does not affect the fee structure for students enrolling in courses and degree programs offered through UMassOnline.

Does UMassOnline grant degrees? Where will my degree come from?

UMassOnline brings together all the online academic resources of the campuses in the University of Massachusetts system, but doesn't grant degrees. Degrees are awarded from the campus at which you were admitted to a degree program.

How do I register for a course?

Each campus has its own registration process. For details, please click on our Courses page.

What student services are available?

Academic advising, library facilities, textbooks, and more are available to online students. For details, please click on our Resources page.

Does my computer meet the minimum requirements to take an online course?

Please check the Technical Requirements to make sure you have the hardware and software items you need in order to participate.

Is UMass fully accredited?

UMassOnline is an outreach effort of the University of Massachusetts campuses, which are fully accredited. Click here for accreditation information.

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