Academic Affairs
Students are aided in their adjustment to academic life and in their decision-making processes through regular conferences with a designated advisor. Each college has an academic advising network for its students. The Student Transition and Achievement Resource (STAR) Center in the College of Arts and Sciences serves students who have not yet declared a major.
The key activities of advising are to help each student formulate academic and career goals, select courses and co-curricular activities that will meet those goals, and monitor progress toward fulfilling degree requirements. Students also consult their advisors about academic problems and concerns, to arrange special learning opportunities, or for advice about further study or careers. Students meet with their advisors at least once a semester, to review their academic progress and plan for the upcoming semester.
Academic Resource Center (ARC) and Student Support Services (SSS)
Academic Resource Center and Student Support Services (ARC/SSS)
The Academic Resource Center (ARC) is an academic support service that provides professional and peer tutoring and small group review sessions for UMass Dartmouth students. These academic support activities are funded by the university and are provided to students by the three academic area centers of the ARC described below:
- Math and Business Center, LARTS-010, 508 999-8716: Tutoring in algebra, calculus, accounting, economics, management science, elementary statistics, and other quantitative courses.
- Science and Engineering Center, SENG-217B, 508 999-8718: Tutoring in biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, nursing, and civil, electrical, computer, and mechanical engineering.
- ARC Central Office, LARTS-010, 508 999-8716: Workshops on study skills and other academic strategies. The Academic Resource Centers are open daily. Call for additional information.
Student Support Services: A grant from the United States Department of Education, the ARC Student Support Services (SSS) TRIO grant, funds the following additional academic services for first generation and/or low-income students: individualized needs assessments, assigned tutors, mentors, study groups and study partners, academic enrichment activities, cultural activities and assistance in preparing applications for graduate school.
Supplemental advising for TRIO students is available from the ARC/SSS Outreach Counselor, LARTS-010, 508 910-6866.
As mandated by the United States Congress, the ARC/SSS “fosters an improved institutional climate” for SSS students at UMass Dartmouth.
For information concerning SSS eligibility and services, contact the ARC Director in LARTS-010, 508 999-8716.
Honors College
Overview
The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Honors College, which is part of the statewide Commonwealth Honors Program, is open to qualified undergraduate students from every college and academic department in the University. The mission of the University Honors College is to promote a lifetime love of learning and creative activity, encourage the spirit of community responsibility, and to enable students to undertake original research or creative work in their chosen field. Ultimately, graduating from the Honors College will provide an opportunity to develop skills that will prepare students to be successful in graduate study and/or professional employment. Students who fulfill the requirements of the Honors College graduate as Commonwealth Scholars, a statewide recognition of exceptional academic achievement. The Commonwealth Scholar honor is bestowed at the annual Honors Convocation ceremony in April, and is noted on the student’s diploma and transcript.
Requirements
For students entering as a first-year student or as a transfer in Fall 2020 and thereafter*, the minimum requirements for graduation as a Commonwealth Scholar are:
- Complete a minimum of 21 credits of honors coursework with a grade of B or better
- The 21 credits include Honors 301: Research Across the Disciplines
- Remaining credits can include a combination of courses that are designated as Honors (e.g., an Honors section of English 101)
- Completion of the APEX (Academic Project or Experience), which is an independent project that is usually completed in the senior year and for which students typically receive 3 to 6 credits (this is in addition to the 21 credits of Honors coursework)
- Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or higher
- Remain on track to graduate as Commonwealth Scholars (see “University Honors College” in the “Interdisciplinary Programs” section of this catalog)
Honors courses are offered in a wide variety of departments. Courses taken for Honors credit may be applied to university, college, and/or departmental requirements, as appropriate, just like non-Honors courses. Students may also contract with individual instructors to enrich non-Honors courses for Honors credit.
Benefits
Joining the University Honors College has many perks beyond the obvious academic benefits, including:
- Honors housing, available to first-year students only
- Early registration for all classes, honors and non-honors
- A wide variety of extracurricular activities
- Presentation of scholarly work at on-campus and off-campus conferences
- A built-in social network of like-minded peers
- The chance to develop professional relationships with faculty and other experts
Students in the University Honors College may also participate in departmental honors programs and societies, if available. With the approval of the thesis/project evaluation committee, a single thesis or project may satisfy the requirements for both departmental honors and graduation as a Commonwealth Scholar.
Joining the Honors College
First-year applicants to UMass Dartmouth are invited to join the Honors College on the basis of standardized test scores (if available) and high school records that predict university performance at the Honors level. There is no separate application process. Transfer students who successfully participated in the Commonwealth Honors Program (CHP) at other colleges and universities in the Massachusetts public system of higher education are automatically eligible for membership in the UMass Dartmouth Honors College. The University Honors College accepts up to 12 honors transfer credits from other institutions participating in the Commonwealth Honors Program. Transfer students who did not previously participate in a Commonwealth Honors Program may also apply to join the UMass Dartmouth Honors College. Admission into the Honors College is normally limited to students who have 60 or fewer university credits, including advanced placement test credits. The 60-credit limit does not apply to transfer students who successfully participated in the Commonwealth Honors Program at other Massachusetts institutions of public higher education.
Students already studying at UMass Dartmouth may apply to join on the basis of their academic performance at UMass Dartmouth. Admission into the Honors College is normally limited to those students who have 60 or fewer university credits, including transfer and advanced placement test credits.
*For students who entered the Honors College prior to Fall 2020:
The minimum requirements for graduation as a Commonwealth Scholar are:
- A minimum of 15 credits of honors coursework completed with a grade of B or better, in addition to the honors thesis or project;
- The 15 credits include completion of Honors 301: Research Across the Disciplines;
- An independent honors research thesis or creative project, usually completed in the senior year, for which students typically receive 3 to 6 credits; and
- A cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or higher
Departmental Honors
Several departments offer to qualified students a special curriculum leading to honors in the major field. Students satisfactorily completing the departmental requirements for honors in the major will, upon graduation, have their diplomas so inscribed, and their honors status will be so designated on the graduation program. Departments will notify all eligible candidates by the end of their junior year. Potential participants shall follow departmental guidelines for entry into the honors program.
Participants shall have a minimum GPA of 3.000 for all course work. Departments may require higher minima and, in addition, may set minimum GPAs in the majors. The GPA will normally be determined after the fifth semester.
Departmental honors programs will include an appropriate end product, normally a project or thesis. A maximum of six credit hours may be awarded for completion of the project/thesis. Departments shall develop procedures for approval of participants’ proposals. A faculty sponsor or honors advisor shall advise an honors candidate, according to departmental or program guidelines. An evaluation committee, which shall be multidisciplinary in nature, shall be established according to departmental or program guidelines. This committee shall evaluate the completed honors project/thesis and determine if the work meets standards for honors.
Institutional Research and Assessment
The Office of Institutional Research and Assessment designs and manages the programs and processes that enable UMass Dartmouth to self-evaluate if it is fulfilling its mission. The office researches data and produces information and analyses; does strategic planning, with a focus on outcomes assessment; studies specific issues and implements the recommended course of action; conceptualizes and manages data systems; analyzes and recommends on program and policy issues; and advises on planning and management of resources.
The office oversees preparation of the many reports which the UMass system, state and federal governments, and public and private groups require. It works with the academic community on evaluating and implementing actions that aim to enhance students’ education and university experience. It also offers consultation and implementation assistance on institutional surveys. For further information on learning outcomes assessment, call 508.999.8486. The Office of Institutional Research and Assessment is located on the second floor of the Foster Administration Building.
Sponsored Projects Administration
This office helps the university realize one of its key goals: supporting and fostering research, scholarship, and creative productions by faculty and staff. It does so by providing:
- Assistance in identifying funding opportunities; maintaining up-to-date information on sources likely to be most responsive to the university’s needs
- Assistance and guidance in all aspects of development and submission of a proposal
- Negotiation and administration of contracts for awards, on behalf of the university
- Assistance and guidance in post-award management
The Office of Sponsored Projects Administration is located in the Foster Administration Building, 508.999.8953.
Online & Continuing Education
Online & Continuing Education provides access to degree programs and academic support services for online and continuing education students and is committed to helping these students achieve their academic goals. Support services are structured with an understanding of the responsibilities and challenges many adults experience in their quest to complete a college degree. Online & Continuing Education offers undergraduate and graduate certificates and degree programs online and in a hybrid format. Most programs are designed for part-time students with opportunities to get ahead by taking additional courses when available and during winter and summer sessions. Courses are conveniently scheduled throughout the calendar year to best meet the needs of online and continuing education students.
Degree & Application Information
UMass Dartmouth offers an open, rolling admissions policy and program for online and adult students. This provides degree candidates with an ongoing and user-friendly process for initiating degree candidacy.
Hallmarks of Online & Continuing Education are its access to:
- Online and conveniently scheduled degree programs
- Flexible learning format, tailored to the needs of adult students
- Generous transfer credit policy
- Year round scheduling of courses
- Friendly and experienced support services
To learn more, go to http://www.umassd.edu/online. Contact online@admissions.umassd.edu or call 508.999.9202.
Academic Programs
The following are undergraduate degree programs supported by Online & Continuing Education:
Online Undergraduate Degree Programs & Certificates:
- BS in Accounting
- BA in Crime and Justice Studies
- BA in Economics
- BS in Economics
- BA in English Literature & Criticism
- BS in Finance
- BS in General Business Administration
- BS in Healthcare Administration
- BA in History
- BA in Liberal Arts with concentrations in Economics, English Literature & Criticism, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology and Anthropology, Urban Studies, and Women’s and Gender Studies
- BS in Management-General Management
- BS in Management Information Systems - E-Commerce/Digital Business
- BS in Management Information Systems - Technology & Management
- BS in Marketing
- BS in Medical Laboratory Science (MLT-MLS)
- Nursing RN to BS
- BS in Operations Management-Business Analytics
- BA in Political Science with an optional concentration in Pre-Law
- BA in Public Administration
- BS in Public Administration
- BA in Sociology and Anthropology
- BA in Women’s and Gender Studies
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Accounting
- Certificate in Portuguese Language and Cultures
- Certificate in Women’s and Gender Studies
Hybrid Degree Programs
(Courses offered primarily online, with some face to face courses or labs, simulations and tests on-campus)
- BS in Nursing - Second Degree (17 month accelerated format)
See www.umassd.edu/online for more information.
Pre-Professional Programs
UMass Dartmouth offers pre-professional programs for all undergraduate UMassD students interested in continuing their studies in the areas of law, medical and health, and teaching. Students in any UMassD undergraduate major are eligible to work with pre-professional advisors on exploring specific concentrations, activities, and pathways. The Pre-Law and Pre-Med/Pre-Health programs can help support applications for further study in the respective programs.
Pre-Law
The pre-law advising program prepares undergraduate students to apply to law school and graduate programs in legal studies under the 3+3 or the traditional pathway. UMassD alumni are also eligible for Pre-Law support. Pre-Law advising includes exploring law school, and support with LSAT preparation, admissions, internships, and related activities. Pre-Law also includes connection to the Pre-Law Society student organization. Students in any UMassD undergraduate major are eligible for pre-law advising.
Pre-Med/Pre-Health
The pre-med/pre-health advising program supports undergraduate students with preparation to apply to medical school, veterinary school, chiropractic school, PA, and other health or medical-related graduate programs. Pre-Med also includes connection to the UMass Chan BaccMD pathway program, the Pre-Health Professions certificate, and the Pre-Health Society student organization. Students in any UMassD undergraduate major are eligible for Pre-Med/Pre-Health advising.
Teaching
Our Teacher Preparation program offers undergraduate students and graduates holding bachelor’s degrees from accredited institutions several opportunities to participate in teacher participation. These tracks include the 4+1 MAT fast track program for current undergraduates who have earned at least 30 undergraduate credits. Half of the master’s degree is completed as an undergraduate, significantly reducing the time and costs associated with earning a graduate degree. Students graduate with a bachelor’s degree in the major, a master’s degree in teaching, and a Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) endorsement. Students are advised by our engaging team of faculty and staff to choose the best pathway to earn your teaching credentials.
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