More Frequently Asked Questions
We are here to answer your questions!
If your question is not listed, please contact us with your specific inquiry.
Do I need to pay out-of-state tuition?
No, there is one tuition price regardless of where you live in the world.
Are textbooks and materials included in the tuition and fees?
No. Class materials will be specified for each course and must be purchased separately.
Do I need to be admitted to UMass to take online courses?
No. Students may take as many courses as they like; however, students must take at least 30 credits after matriculation.
How do I withdraw from a course?
Specific guidelines for online courses are listed on the Division of Continuing Education website.
The last day to withdraw is the midpoint of the course. Since course lengths vary, the midpoint is considered the exact middle of the course using the date information provided in the course syllabus.
How do I take exams? Do I need to find a test proctor?
Each faculty member makes different arrangements for exams. Information on exams will be found in the course syllabus or provided by the instructor. Some instructors request students to secure a test proctor during exams.
How many courses do I need to take to complete the program?
Students must complete a total of 120 credit hours, with a minimum of 45 taken online through the University of Massachusetts. The majority of courses are 3 credits each. Of the minimum 45 credits, at least 30 must be completed after formal acceptance into the university and into the degree program. To apply for the degree program, please contact the Admissions Office for more details.
A maximum of 75 credits may be awarded for courses completed at another institution. A student may have completed some coursework before joining the program. This will be considered for transfer credit. In addition, if a particular UMass course is not available when a student wants it, the student might find it available at another institution. This, too, could be accepted for credit. Contact the Transfer Affairs Office for further information. HTM Online program students will be extended the same services available to on-campus students where possible.
Is the complete program offered online?
The online HTM Bachelor of Science degree is a program designed for working adults who have already completed sixty credits of college level work and have completed their general education requirements, which include introductory courses (100 or 200 level) in the areas listed below:
• Literature
• Arts/Literature
• Historical Studies
• Social Behavioral Sciences
• Interdisciplinary Study
• Biological Sciences
• Physical Sciences
• Basic Math Skills
• Analytical Reasoning
• Diversity
• College Writing
Not all general education courses are available online through the University of Massachusetts. If you are missing a general education requirement not available online, you may be able to complete these courses through a community college or another online accredited university and transfer the credits to the HTM online program as you complete each course.
All HTM core classes needed to fulfill degree requirements are available online.
How do I know what transfer credits I will receive?
While we may be able to review your resume and transcript history to give you a rough estimate of what credits or course waivers you may receive, official transfer credits can only be received once your application has been processed by our admissions department. This occurs two times per year during the spring and fall enrollment periods.
As a general guide, courses may transfer if:
• offered at a school that has regional academic accreditation at the post-secondary level (consult the other school’s catalog)
• comparable in nature, content, and level to courses offered at UMass Amherst (compare course descriptions/syllabi)
• passed with a minimum grade of C- and are listed on an official transcript submitted to the Undergraduate Records Office, Whitmore Administration Building
Courses will generally not transfer if:
• taught by a school which does not have regional academic accreditation at the post secondary level
• failed, or passed with a grade of lower than C-
• remedial or development (pre-100 level, ESL, basic math, pre-composition, etc.)
• skills oriented (Lotus 1-2-3, study skills, career development, word processing, business communication, sales, etc.)
• vocational (secretarial, lab technology, real estate, electronics, paralegal, medical assistant, radiology, etc.)
• internships, co-ops, field experiences or practica sponsored by another school
• non-credit or offered through certificate programs, professional or community service seminars, etc.
• credited with Continuing Education Units (CEUs) instead of semester or quarter credits
Can I participate in graduation ceremonies on campus?
YES! All eligible students can participate in graduation ceremonies. Many of our distance education students have made only one trip to campus -- to graduate!
Where is the University of Massachusetts Amherst located?
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is in the Pioneer Valley, in a town with a population of approximately 35,000. It is situated less than two hours west of Boston and less than three hours north of New York City. UMass Amherst is a land grant institution founded in 1863. It maintains its missions of education, research, and public service to the present day.