Isenberg Online | Undergraduate Tips and Tricks

Tips & Tricks

Psst… we’ve got a tip for you: Use this list to find answers to your questions.

You’re certainly unique, but your questions might not be. We’ve compiled a helpful list of answers to frequently asked questions about Isenberg Online, as well as advice and suggestions that will simplify your student experience.

Click the Current Student or Prospective Student checkbox in the Toolkit on the right to see the tips that are most helpful for you.

Tips

UMass Amherst has a dedicated Veteran Services Office to assist you with your military benefits and available tuition assistance.

You do not need to have prior business education to be admitted.

Tricks

What courses can I transfer to UMass?

As a general guide, a course will transfer if:

The course was offered at a school that has regional academic accreditation at the post-secondary level (consult the other school’s catalog), and was comparable in content and scope to a course offered at UMass Amherst (Check for UMA course descriptions).
You passed the course with a minimum grade of C-.

Courses will generally not transfer if it was:

Taught by a school which does not have regional academic accreditation at the post-secondary level.
A remedial or development course (pre-100 level, ESL, basic math, pre-composition, etc.).
A skills-oriented course (Lotus 1-2-3, study skills, career development, word processing, business communication, sales, etc.).
A vocational course (secretarial, lab technology, real estate, electronics, paralegal, medical assistant, radiology, etc.).
An internship, co-op, field experiences or practicum sponsored by another school.
A non-credit course
Credited with Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
A first year/college prep course.

What should I include in my personal statement? How long should it be?

Your personal statement should be 2-3 pages long, discussing how your experiences led to your decision to apply for a UMass Amherst degree program. Describe your educational goals, including the focus of your academic interests, as well as how you think UMass Amherst can help you meet these goals.

Will my military credits transfer?

UMass Amherst applies the same standards to credits for military education as those applied to coursework from accredited colleges and universities. The AARTS military transcript is available in electronic format only and may be requested via the Army/American Council on Education Registry Transcript System (AARTS) website.

Can I get a transcript review to see if I am a good fit and which classes might transfer?

Yes! Our Advising Center offers a preliminary review of your application before you apply. Our advisors will evaluate your unofficial transcripts to help you decide if Isenberg is the right fit for you. Advisors will also tell you which courses will most likely transfer, and what requirements you still need to fulfill. The preliminary transcript review does not guarantee admission, but is a good indication of your standing.

To request a preliminary review, email your unofficial transcript(s) and a very brief description of your work experience, including military experience.

Am I eligible for tuition remission?

Full-time state employees, their spouses and unmarried dependent children (through age 25) who meet eligibility and admission requirements will receive 50% tuition remission for online courses.