UMass Dartmouth
Overview
UMass Dartmouth is best known for its programs in engineering, nursing, marine science, business, visual and performing arts, and also its Portuguese studies programs. UMass Dartmouth is host to one of the nation’s most extensive undergraduate and graduate programs in Portuguese language and literary studies, offering both a BA and an MA in Portuguese studies, as well as a Ph.D. program in Luso-Afro-Brazilian studies and theory. The campus also has the Center for Portuguese Studies and Culture which sponsors numerous publication series, as well as international conferences in Portuguese and Portuguese-American studies. The university is home to the Ferreira-Mendes Portuguese-American Archives, located in a special section of the Claire T. Carney Library, and the UMass-Dartmouth Summer Program in Portuguese.
Why choose UMass Dartmouth?
For programs requiring a deposit, please telephone the UMass Dartmouth Enrollment Center with a credit card number to make payment. All Faculty-led and Exchange programs (including Hessen) require a non-refundable deposit of $250 to confirm participation. Deposit becomes due immediately upon notice of eligibility from the IPO (this goes towards the overall price of the program.)
- Ranked as one of the top New England public regional universities by U.S. News & World Report
- Online bachelor’s programs listed as #1 in Massachusetts, #2 in New England, and #55 nationwide, by U.S. News & World Report
Ranked #2 out of 86 public universities in Massachusetts, according to GoLocal
- Listed #4 of 50 U.S. Colleges Where Art Programs Abound by College Database
- Ranked #6 out of 50 most affordable public schools for in-state students, by Affordable Colleges.
- Recognized for affordability of online programs: #7 of 33 Massachusetts schools
- Ranked in the top 3% on the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll: one of 16 finalists for community service, with distinction in economic development and interfaith initiatives
- UMassD alumni are ranked in the top 17% of colleges and universities for average salary by PayScale
- Among the top twenty Massachusetts schools for return on investment, according to Affordable Colleges Online
- Ranked #17 out of 50 most affordable public schools for out-of-state students, according to AffordableColleges
- Ranked #25 out of 684 U.S. master’s universities, in Washington Monthly’s ranking of universities “acting on behalf of the true public interest”
- The UMass system ranks #42 among the world’s top universities, according to The Times of London’s worldwide rankings
- UMassD ranks in the top 15 schools nationwide for master’s degrees in physics among institutions granting the MS—and is the only such schoool in the Northeast—as noted by the American Physical Society
- Animation Career Review ranks CVPA’s digital media programs in the top twenty on the East Coast
- Ranked #45 of the top 100 grad schools for nurses by Scrubs Magazine’s Guide to Nursing Schools
- Ranked #47 of 194 schools in the U.S. for “best in undergraduate engineering” by U.S. News & World Report.
- Recognized for “Best Online Programs,” #69 out of nearly 1,000 programs surveyed by U.S. News & World Report
- Listed among the “Best Graduate Schools” in the U.S., #79 of 1,000, by U.S. News & World Report
Study Abroad Application Cutoff
Winter and Spring Programs: October 15
Summer and Fall Programs: March 15
Begin now! Many programs are competitive and priority will be given to completed applications received first. Also note that many programs and/or scholarships have earlier deadlines.
Online Application Process: Easy as 1-2-3!
**** There is a new study abroad application process as of September 2014. The database is shared with UMass Boston and Lowell hence providing access to more program choices, including some programs at the other campuses. When completing an application be sure to read questions carefully as some of them are campus specific. ****
- Find your program in the online database.
- Log-in using your UMass Dartmouth username and password. IMPORTANT: the username must read as your full email address – include the “@umassd.edu”
- Complete the pre-acceptance portion of the online application, then contact the IPO for an advising appointment.
- IPO will review your application and confirm you are accepted to participate in study abroad. You will be notifed by email from IPO within one week of your eligibility status. Provider programs and exchange programs require an application to that program; the email will include information on next steps. **Note that all Faculty-led and Exchange programs require a non-refundable deposit of $250 upon confirmation of eligibility (this goes towards the posted program price.)**
- Consult the “Once Accepted” for additional required items.
Began as two local textile schools
UMass Dartmouth traces its roots to 1895, when the state legislature chartered the New Bedford Textile School and the Bradford Durfee Textile School in Fall River.
Modernized into multi-purpose institutions
As the region’s economic base shifted from textiles to more diverse manufacturing and service industries, the colleges changed, too. They diversified their curricula, responding to the needs of new generations of students.
By the middle of the 20th century, the colleges were growing rapidly, spurred by such forces as the GI Bill and the clear economic and social advantages of a well-educated citizenry. They had become multipurpose institutions, preparing engineers, health care workers, teachers, and business leaders—and had forged new identities: New Bedford Institute of Technology and Bradford Durfee College of Technology.
Established a dramatic new campus
In 1960, the state legislature created Southeastern Massachusetts Technological Institute (SMTI) by merging the New Bedford Institute of Technology and the Bradford Durfee College of Technology. The 710 acre campus in North Dartmouth, part way between New Bedford and Fall River, was established in 1964. The dramatic campus design was the work of architect Paul Rudolph, then dean of Yale’s school of Art and Architecture.
Developed a comprehensive university
There was a clear public demand for a comprehensive university, and in 1969 SMTI became Southeastern Massachusetts University (SMU). The university continued to grow through the 1970s, when its first residence halls were finished and through the ’80s, as research and studio facilities came into being.
Expanded science, engineering, and art
In 1988, the Dion Science and Engineering Building was opened, as was the Cedar Dell Townhouse Complex.
Also in 1988, the Swain School of Design in New Bedford merged with the university’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, strengthening programs in art and artisanry. The Swain merger brought additional art facilities in New Bedford to the university.
Joined the UMass system
In 1991, a new University of Massachusetts structure combined the Amherst, Boston, and Worcester campuses with Southeastern Massachusetts University and the University of Lowell (now UMass Lowell). Thus Southeastern Massachusetts University became the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.
Expanded academics and research
In 1994, UMass Dartmouth received approval to offer its first PhD degree, in Electrical Engineering. It also offers several joint doctoral programs with other UMass campuses.
In 1997, construction was completed for the School for Marine Science and Technology (SMAST), located on 2.6 acres in New Bedford near Buzzards Bay. A full program of research and development is now supported in this new facility.
And starting in 1997, student/faculty teams have engaged in landscaping beautification projects across campus.
Created a vibrant arts center
In 2001, the university opened the Star Store campus in downtown New Bedford, a structure transformed from a landmark department store into a vibrant arts center located in the city’s historic district.
Supported new technology, manufacturing, and start-up companies
The university opened a new $14 million Advanced Technology and Manufacturing Center in Fall River, also in 2001. The 60,000 square foot research and development center features conference space, specialty labs in acoustics, optics, telecommunications, materials, textiles and environmental engineering, as well as incubator space for start-up companies.
Increased continuing education
In 2002, the university opened the Professional and Continuing Education Center in Fall River in the fully renovated Cherry and Webb building. A second centrally located Center for Professional and Continuing Education opened in New Bedford in 2004.
Two new student residence buildings, Oak Glen Hall and Pine Dale Hall, were also completed in 2002.
Opened a new building for the Charlton College of Business
In fall 2004, the university opened a new building for the Charlton College of Business on the Dartmouth campus.
It also broke ground for another two new student residence buildings, to meet the increasing demand for on-campus housing.
Introduced the Woodlands community
Six new residence halls, part of the Woodlands Community, opened its doors to upperclassmen in 2005, offering fully furnished, apartment-style living for the 21+ student population. Located near the Tripp Athletic Center, Woodlands Community also has a commons building that offers a 3,000 square foot function room that can seat up to 300 people, six smaller meeting rooms and a café.
Strengthened focus on science, research, and innovation
In 2007, the university opened a 22,000 square foot Research Building that focuses on science and houses the Botulinum Research Center. The building, the first at UMass Dartmouth devoted entirely to research, strengthens an “Innovation Triangle” in southeastern Massachusetts that includes major research and development centers in New Bedford and Fall River.
Academics
- Charlton College of Business
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Engineering
- College of Nursing
- College of Visual and Performing Arts
- School of Law
- School for Marine Science and Technology
