jmcomicÂþ»­

UMASS is consistently ranked around 75th, which I accepted for their MPH program even though I was more accustomed to much more highly ranked schools. My experience was the quality was extremely low, certainly the lowest that I've encountered in 20 years of higher education. First, the positives, the program chairperson was an unusually kind and thoughtful man; however, it appeared he had created neither quality nor consistency standards for the other instructors nor reviewed their work or qualifications.... Read More Half of my instructors were academically well qualified but either completely disinterested in teaching, incompetent at teaching or both. The courses were designed and delivered in ways that were completely inconsistent with graduate education in anyone of half-a-dozen other schools where I've completed classes or worked. The staff member managing the program when I was there had never been to a school other than UMASS (a large public state university) but claimed her courses were the same quality as the Ivy Leagues. Having studied at numerous Ivy Leagues, this statement and perception was extraordinarily incorrect and ill-informed. They were allergic to feedback, extremely defensive, unprofessional, and rude. Moreover, looking around online at the various sites that allow students to rate their professors with specific scoring rubrics and explanations, it appears no one at UMASS ever checked these before hiring their instructors because some of those UMASS has even put into leadership positions have specific, factual, horrific reviews over years -- one case an instructor leading one program has ONLY ever received negative reviews. I don't know how competitive UMASS was to get into; however, my feedback would be that until the whole curricula, personnel, and pedagogy is over-hauled and organized, I would only attend UMASS if you have no other choice.

The MPH program at UMass Amherst is a wonderful program if you select the right concentration. The Community Health Education department is very strong, with robust faculty. The Health Policy and Management department is lacking the faculty and resources to make this concentration comparable to other universities. And Epidemiology, Environmental Health, and Biostatistics are small departments, which come with pros and cons. Most people picture UMass to be a huge school with large classes, but in... Read More the Master's programs you really can get individualized education, with classes no larger than 30 students (oftentimes, less). You cannot beat the financial aid at UMass and assistantships are available, but you really have to actively seek those opportunities. Overall, I am satisfied with my education from UMass, but definitely could have had a better experience.