Welcome to your future. Welcome to SBS.

Engaged faculty. Exciting experiences outside of the classroom. Dedicated advising. Clear pathways to your future career.

We can’t wait for you to join us. 

 

Prospective Students

In the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences at UMass Amherst, you’ll study human behavior through the lens of the social sciences, and you’ll gain deep knowledge about individuals, societies and cultures to help solve the most pressing issues of the day. The College houses thirteen majors, fifteen departments, and an Exploratory Track to help focus your interests. Whatever major you choose, you’ll become a critical thinker, challenging the status quo to impact future generations.

We know prospective students and their families want to learn about academic programs, experiential learning opportunities, pathways to a career, and more. Our SBS Pathways approach to student success offers a helpful framework to guide student development and to structure our student supports. Please take time to get to know our SBS Pathways: Academics, Experiential, Career.

Explore this website, get to know us, and reach out if you have questions. We’re here to help you as you navigate your educational experience, as you plan for your future, and as you build your place within it. The SBS Pathways Center is great place to start; please reach out with any questions by using this form.  Click the video below for a message from SBS Dean Karl Rethemeyer.

New Salary Tool for UMass SBS Students: Labor Market Insights

The SBS Pathways Center is excited to share our newest resource for students with the introduction of our Labor Market Insights module.  In our virtual career center this tool will allow you to both explore and prepare for a potential …

By Emily Schuett
Emily Schuett
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Finding Your Community at UMass Amherst

Coming to UMass Amherst as either a first time freshmen or a transfer student, walking onto this campus can be an overwhelming experience. You may find yourself traveling from across the globe, across the country, across the state, or even …

By Felicia Griffin-Fennell
Felicia Griffin-Fennell Director of the SBS RISE Program & Lecturer in Sociology
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Resource of the Week – SBS Career Outcomes

Are you interested in learning what SBS grads do after they graduate?

Check out our Outcomes data to learn the first destinations of our grads. You can sort by class year, major, and/or get the whole picture for SBS.

Check …

By Carol Sharick
Carol Sharick Exec. Director of Career and Professional Development, SBS
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Sidebar

Explore Outcomes

The SBS Office of Career & Professional Development annually surveys graduating seniors in order to provide a snapshot of their post-graduation plans.  The survey begins just prior to graduation, and continues until six months after graduation.  Our data collection process is guided by the industry standard put forth by the National Association of Colleges & Employers, and includes information collected by the SBS Office of Career & Professional Development, the Office of Institutional Research at UMass Amherst, and by various academic departments, as well as from information that is made publicly available by students.  The SBS undergraduate outcomes knowledge rate for 2022 was 70%, though knowledge rate varies among departments.

The SBS Office of Career & Professional Development annually surveys graduating seniors in order to provide a snapshot of their post-graduation plans.  The survey begins just prior to graduation, and continues until six months after graduation.  Our data collection process is guided by the industry standard put forth by the National Association of Colleges & Employers, and includes information collected by the SBS Office of Career & Professional Development, the Office of Institutional Research at UMass Amherst, and by various academic departments, as well as from information that is made publicly available by students. The SBS undergraduate outcomes knowledge rate for 2025 was 71%, though knowledge rate varies among departments.

  • First Destination
  • Top Employers
  • Starting Salary
  • Job Titles
  • Employment Locations
  • Top Universities
  • Degree Types
  • Fields of Study

First Destination

SBS graduates pursue a range of plans after graduation, including employment, continuing education, and volunteering/service, among others.  This graph depicts what recent SBS graduates tell us they are doing within six months after graduation.

Featured Resources

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SBS Pathways Center Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm