Changing the world, one child at a time.
You have dedicated your life to the health and wellbeing of children. You, your colleagues and the families you work with are the village that helps hold our communities together.
At UMass UWW we recognize and respect your dedication and are committed to helping you finish your bachelor's degree 100% online with a focus in children's learning and development.
Designed for adults interested in or working for agencies and programs serving children, youth and families, this degree will help you develop the knowledge and enhance the skills you need to advance your career in the fields of child advocacy, child protection, and program development and administration.
A great education. Credit for experience. Support you deserve.
For 40 years the UMass Amherst University Without Walls (UWW) has been helping adults just like you complete your first bachelor's degree at a world-class public university. At UMass UWW, you can design your own program of study in children’s learning and development, earn up to 30 credits for the learning you've gained from your experience, and finish your degree 100% online without ever having to come to campus.
We understand the daily challenges you face balancing work, family and community responsibilities, and are committed to providing flexible options and outstanding one-on-one support from your first class through graduation.
Learn more about this program:
To receive more information and connect with the program manager, please click on inquire now to the right.
Sample a Course
Visit the UMass UWW website to learn more about our BA, Children's Learning and Development Concentrations.
As part of a public state university, UMass Amherst University Without Walls (UWW) is committed to providing you with a great education at an affordable cost. By awarding academic credit for life and work experience, UWW helps you accelerate your degree and save money.
| Type of Fee |
Amount |
Fee per credit |
$385 (some variation in cost per credit is possible) |
Program Fee |
$150 per fall and spring semesters |
| Registration Fee |
$45 per semester (winter, spring, summer, fall) |
| Course Total |
$1350 (approximately 385 x 3 credits {for a 3 credit course}, $45 registration fee and $150 program fee) |
Click here to browse our course listings.
The University of Massachusetts is accredited by the
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
Did you know?
University of Massachusetts has earned several awards for its distance learning programs, faculty and technology including:
- University of Massachusetts Lowell’s B.S. in Information Technology Ranked Among Top Affordable Online IT Degrees by Get Educated in 2011
- UMass Ranked Among Top 10 Best Colleges in Online Education in Communication & Public Relations Degrees, 2011 by The Best Colleges
- UMass Ranked 2nd Among Top 10 Online Bachelor of Business Administration Degrees, 2011 by The Best Colleges
- UMass ranks 19th highest-rated university in the world by the Times of London.
- UMass ranked 56th in the Times of London's Top 200
- UMassOnline, UMass Boston President's Special Achievement Award, Valerie C. Haven, Sloan-C 2010 Awards
- University of Massachusetts Ranked Among Top 28 Best Value in Online Education for Human Services & Psychology Professionals, 2009 by Get Educated
- Ranked Top 10 Online Degrees Colleges- September 2009 (Online Degree Reviews.com)
- UMassOnline Awarded Public Sector of the Year by Mass Technology Leadership Council , 2008
- Most Outstanding Online Teaching and Learning Program, UMass Lowell's Online Graduate Behavioral Intervention in Autism Program, Sloan Consortium Excellence Awards, 2008
- 'Excellence in Online Teaching' Award, Dr. Jeannette E. Riley, Sloan Consortium Excellence Awards, 2008
- 21st Century Best Practices Award, United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
- Program of Excellence, University Continuing Education Association (UCEA)-Journalism Certificate
- Excellence in Faculty Development, Sloan-C Excellence Awards
- Excellence in Online Programming, Sloan-C Excellence Awards
- Excellence in Online Teaching, Sloan-C Excellence Awards
- UMass Amherst Isenberg MBA, Top 10 national rankings, #4 Best Professors (2005, 2006, 2007 Princeton Review: Best Business Schools rankings)
- 4th in Primary Care Education, U.S. World Reports
- Excellence in Distance Teaching Education
It's easy to get started...
The UMass University Without Walls (UWW) seeks to admit adults who are determined to finish their bachelor's degrees and ready to work hard to complete a rigorous program of study.
Admissions Requirements
To be considered for admission, you must meet the following minimum requirements:
• A minimum of 12 college credits
• A minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
• You have not already earned a bachelor's degree from a U.S. college or university.
Admissions Deadlines
April 15 to start in September.
October 1 to start in January.
Applying is simple.
We’re glad you found us and look forward to receiving your application.
Are you eligible for grant funding?
If you are a Massachusetts resident you may be eligible for funding through the Massachusetts Board of Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA). Details at OSFA's website: www.osfa.mass.edu or 617.727.9420.
Federal funding through the TEACH grant is available through colleges and universities across the United States for those seeking licensure through graduate studies in areas of high need such as math, science, special education, reading specialist, and foreign language. For further details on the TEACH grant call 1.800.433.3243 or visit online at studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/TEACH.jsp
Financial Aid
Financial Aid Services at UMass Amherst is committed to helping you meet the cost of your college education. Most UMass UWW students receive financial aid. You may be eligible for grants, scholarships, loans, work-study, military benefits or employer reimbursement. Learn more about
financial aid at UMass Amherst UWW.
Cost for Credits Awarded for Life and Work Experience
Credit for Experience - Because what you've done in life matters.
UMass UWW gives you the opportunity to:
- earn up to 30 academic credits for your life and work experience
- convert your professional and military training into academic credit.
You've seen a lot. You know a lot. You've done a lot. You may not have a college degree (yet), but we bet you could teach a course on life. At UMass UWW, we respect the life and work experience you bring into our program. We believe the experiences you have had, and the skills and wisdom you have gained over the years matter and are worthy of academic credit.
Credit for life and work experience
As a UMass UWW student, you will be supported in writing a portfolio of essays about what you have learned through your life and work experiences. This portfolio is then evaluated for academic credit. You will be eligible to receive up to 30 credits towards your degree.
Credit for professional and military trainings
As a UMass UWW student you will have the opportunity to earn credit for your professional and military training and certifications. And the best part is there is no per-credit cost for the credits you earn this way which can mean huge savings for you- savings of time and money.
Graduate in less time. Save money.
By granting credit for experience, UMass UWW helps you accelerate your degree and saves you money. For example, let's say you earned 15 credits for experience. That's 5 courses you don't have to take at 1/5 the cost. Cost of credits awarded for life and work experience
| Up to 15 credits |
$1,185 |
| 16-18 credits |
$1,485 |
| 19-21 credits |
$1,785 |
| 22-25 credits |
$2,085 |
| 26-29 credits |
$2,385 |
| 30 credits |
$2,585 |
Special transcript evaluation fee
|
$75 if applicable to convert professional and military trainings to academic credit. |
As you can see, through granting credit for experience, we're steadfast in our commitment to helping you graduate as quickly and affordably as possible with a great education from a world class university.
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