What Degree Programs Does UMass Lowell Offer?
Updated
UMass Lowell offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs, with full-time and part-time study options available both online and on campus. The university lists 200+ degree programs across its colleges, so the practical answer to "what can I study" depends on which credential level and format you need. Prospective students can confirm current program availability and admission requirements through the university's How to Apply pages and individual department listings.
Degree Levels at a Glance
| Level | What it means | Format options |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's | Undergraduate degree, typically the first four-year credential | Full-time or part-time; online or on campus |
| Master's | Graduate degree, often pursued after a bachelor's | Full-time or part-time; online or on campus |
| Doctoral | Terminal research or professional degree | Full-time or part-time; online or on campus |
The university describes itself as a midsized public research university located north of Boston, and its programs are taught by internationally recognized faculty. As a Research 1 public university, it emphasizes experience-based programs, which is relevant if you are choosing between a research-intensive path and a more purely classroom-based one.
How Study Format Affects Your Choice
The same degree level can be delivered differently, and that changes the day-to-day experience:
- On campus — suited to students who want lab access, in-person faculty contact, athletics, and campus housing. UMass Lowell fields 14 Division 1 athletic teams and maintains residence halls.
- Online — suited to students balancing work or location constraints, since the university states that programs are offered online as well as on campus.
- Full-time vs. part-time — the university explicitly serves both full- and part-time students, so part-time enrollment is a supported path rather than an exception.
If your decision hinges on a specific format, verify it at the program level rather than the university level — not every program is necessarily offered in every format.
Quick Facts That Shape the Decision
- 200+ degree programs — the breadth means you can likely find a related field even if your first-choice major is not listed.
- 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio — a mid-sized ratio that sits between large lecture-heavy publics and small colleges.
- $211M in financial aid awarded annually — relevant if cost is a deciding factor; aid is awarded, so eligibility and amounts vary by student.
- Research 1 classification — signals substantial research activity, which matters most if you want undergraduate research or a doctoral research path.
A Concrete Example
Suppose you want a master's degree while continuing to work. The university's stated structure — master's programs available part-time and online — means this is a supported combination in principle. Your next step would be to open the specific department's page for that master's program and check whether the online part-time track exists for that field, then follow the How to Apply process for graduate admission.
How to Move From Interest to Application
- Identify your degree level (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral).
- Decide your format constraints (online vs. on campus, full-time vs. part-time).
- Check the specific program page for availability in that combination.
- Review admission requirements and deadlines for that program.
- Use the university's How to Apply route to submit.
A visit can help before you commit: the university's Open House is described as its biggest event of the year, with current students, faculty, campus tours, and residence hall access. The page notes that attendees receive a $1,000 Visit Award toward Fall 2027 enrollment — confirm current terms and eligibility directly with the university, since event details and award conditions can change.
Common Sticking Points
- Assuming every program is available online. The university offers online and on-campus options, but availability is program-specific.
- Confusing degree level with format. "Master's" tells you the credential; it does not tell you whether it is online, part-time, or both.
- Treating the 200+ figure as a list. It is a count, not a catalog — use department pages to see actual offerings.
- Skipping the aid question. With $211M awarded annually, financial aid is a real part of the cost picture, but awards are not automatic.