University of Massachusetts-Amherst Top Questions

Again, the classes can be huge, which can be an advantage for some and a disadvantage for many. the way the school is set up makes it very easy to be individualistic. a lot of people have a problem with that - so keep it in mind. extra help and guidance from teachers isn't readily available. there's always the ta's, but most of the time they know as much about what's being taught as we do. so if you don't mind being on your own and fending for yourself academically, it works out wonderfully. i'm sure it depends on the department as well, there are obviously some where there is a greater focus on each person. i guess the best academic opportunity is the bdic program, where you essentially build your own major. it allows for a lot of freedom, and it gives you a chance to do make something of what you're really interested in, instead of just settling for something else. it is a bit labor intensive, and you need a bit of self direction, but i think it's worth it.

Most of my professors in my major know my name. The Gen Ed classes tend to be a lot larger, therefore the professors never get a chance to get to know their students. The classes I have taken and I am currently taking are extremely hard as I am in the science field (Animal Science). I study more than the average student, and I still don't always get the grades I deserve.

My professors over here know my name and are accessible during office hours. I love my marketing class because I learn about certain things that can be applied to the real world. The distribution requirements enable me to learn about a wide range of disciplines, which allows me to discover what I like or dislike. Furthermore, it helped me pick my major. Education is what you make of it; some may here to learn for the sake of learning, others are here to in order to get a good job. I am here for both reasons.

I'm a Kinesiology student. I absolutely love it. I switched from Geology to Kinesiology. One great thing about UMass is its wide array of majors to choose from. My major is the study of human movement and how the body moves. It focuses on biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, and motor learning. Several kinesiology students work/intern during the school year as athletic trainers for the UMass sports teams.

The Academic aspect of UMass is one that is extremely overlooked in light of the school's image as a "party" school. The professors and teaching assistants are as integral to the students' success inside the classroom as they are for shaping their lives when they leave. Professors are never hesitant to meet with students, discuss things with which the student may have trouble with, and always give a wave and a smile should they recognize you outside the room. More-so, they all have a unique teaching style that suits their course to a tee.

For most classes, I make it a point to know the professors, and have them know me. In particular, professors in my major (psychology) recognize me when I am cycling by on campus. However, I find it a much more rewarding experience if you and your professor know one another. The smaller seminar-style of the ComCol classes affords this opportunity. I suggest every student make themselves known to their professors--It's makes class much more worthwhile and personal--even a 400 person lecture.

Your professors won't know your name unless you take the initiative to show up to office hours. Classes and majors vary a lot. I wouldn't come here unless you are entering a credible major that requires you to do internships. I know people who have left with business degrees that are doing great things and others who left with communications degrees that are doing a whole lot of nothing.

U mass provides a great education, but, one of the downfalls are the gen. ed requirements. I understand that these are necessary, however, I am not a science person, and forcing me to take 3 science classes brought down my GPA a little bit. At U mass, alot of the classes are huge lectures, but, as you get further into your major, class sizes dwindle down. How much work you do depends on the type of student you are. You could get by with doing the bare minimum, however, if you want to get the best possible GPA, you need to put in some work.

Geared towards job education for sure, and too many students are ok with that. The professors seem to have been dulled by this and, while they are are very open outside of class and are genuinely excited when it happens, many have seemed to given up hope on this being a common action.

Most of the time I would have to say that professors do not know your name. But it small classes they make an effort to learn. My most favorite class was EDUC293A Love and Work, least favorite was GEO104 Volcanoes. Students study everyday all the time 24-7. Class participation is very common. Not usually do students have intellectual conversations after class, thats free time. I don't believe that students are competitive, they just want to do well. Again the Most unique class is the EDUC293A Love and Work. I am a communications major. I love it the department is amazing and the options for internship experience is out of this world. The professors are the best and the classes are very interesting. The only time I may see a professor outside of class is if I need help. The academic requirements are fine, I just think 120 credits to graduate is alot, because I have all of my requirements accomplished and I just have to take random classes to fill credits. I believe that learning, and getting a job as well as graduating in 4 yrs. is very important.