History

UMass Amherst was born in 1863 as a land-grant agricultural college set on 310 rural acres with four faculty members, four wooden buildings, 56 students and a curriculum combining modern farming, science, technical courses, and liberal arts.

UMass Amherst entered the 21st century as the flagship campus of the state’s five-campus University system, and enrollment of nearly 24,000 students and a national and international reputation for excellence.

Green Initiatives

UMass Amherst recognizes its far-reaching impact on the environment. We are committed to becoming a \”green\” leader and striving to reduce our environmental footprint and promote environmental education for the campus community.

From its beginnings as a land grant institution, UMass Amherst has focused on stewardship of the earth. As a leading public research university, UMass has a unique opportunity and responsibility, to set an example in fostering and following best practices in sustainability.

Research

UMass Amherst has been a leader in green research and education since the 1970’s. Individually and as part of large interdisciplinary teams, campus researchers generate the foundational knowledge underpinning next-generation green technologies. In science and engineering, business and economics, the arts and culture, UMass Amherst researchers working all across campus today are laying the foundations for a greener tomorrow.

Learn more about UMass Amherst green research here.

Study at UMass

The university offers bachelor\’s degrees, master\’s degrees, and doctoral degrees in over 90 undergraduate and 65 graduate areas of study, through 9 schools and colleges. The main campus is situated north of downtown Amherst, Massachusetts. In a 2009 article for MSN.com Amherst was ranked 1st in Best College Towns in the United States.

Sustainability Studies is offered through the University Without Walls, the university\’s adult bachelor\’s degree completion program.