UMass Amherst

The Academic Experience

Academic Aim

Commonwealth College aims to provide an innovative interdisciplinary curriculum in a learning environment that promotes active student involvement and advances the principles of social justice essential to a diverse democracy.

Finding Connections, Making a Difference

UMass honors students are intensively engaged in their major fields of study and, indeed, make excellent use of the University's departmental offerings. As a "Commonwealth College Scholar," however, you will be expected to reach beyond the boundaries of your academic major and join in scholarly conversation with students and faculty from disciplines other than your own.

You will choose from among a variety of enriched departmental and Commonwealth College honors courses, practice essential communication and research skills in the interdisciplinary Dean's Book Course, and be encouraged to apply your academic studies to practical situations through community-service learning. Finally, as the Capstone Experience of your undergraduate career, you'll build on past work while exploring a current interest in depth through an honors thesis or project, directed by faculty mentors.

To find connections between academic disciplines, between theory and practice, between yourself and the people around you; to make a difference in the world through personal achievement and active engagement in society: this is the challenge set before you by Commonwealth College.