University of Massachusetts Global
| Company type | Private university |
|---|---|
| Industry | Higher education |
| Predecessor | Brandman University |
| Founded | 1958 |
| Headquarters | Aliso Viejo , United States |
Area served | Primarily West Coast, United States; online |
| Products | Degree programs, certificates, credentials, professional offerings |
Number of employees | 1289 (2023–2024) |
| Website | www |
University of Massachusetts Global (UMass Global, formerly known as Brandman University) is a private online institution based in Aliso Viejo, California. It provides more than 55 degree programs, certificates, credentials, and professional offerings designed primarily for working adults.
Initially established as part of the Chapman University system with regional accreditation, Brandman separated in September 2021 to join the University of Massachusetts network, adopting the name UMass Global. The university holds accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
By fall 2024, UMass Global enrolls around 19,000 students annually, including 7,819 undergraduates and 6,278 graduate students (2023–2024 data). Its academic staff consists of 828 full-time and part-time faculty members, supported by 461 administrative personnel. The institution’s online delivery model emphasizes flexible education tailored to professionals, utilizing strategic leadership to enhance its position within the competitive online higher education market.
Chapman University Origins
The roots of UMass Global date to 1958 when faculty from what was then Chapman College began offering courses on military bases such as Marine Corps Air Station El Toro in Orange County, California. This initiative expanded to multiple military locations, leading to the creation of the Division of Residence Education Centers. This division evolved into the College of Lifelong Learning and was later renamed Chapman University College in 2001. The entity was incorporated in 2008 and rebranded as Brandman University in 2009 following a significant contribution from the Joyce and Saul Brandman Foundation.
Transition to University of Massachusetts
In September 2021, Brandman University entered into a change of control agreement affiliating with the University of Massachusetts, resulting in its rebranding as UMass Global. This strategic partnership aligned with UMass’s broader initiative to grow its online education presence. As part of the agreement, Chapman University received $96 million paid over ten years, while UMass Global acquired the Irvine campus property for $37 million. Governance responsibilities are shared between the UMass Board of Regents and UMass Global’s own board.
Prior to this transition, Brandman University was acknowledged by Military Times as one of the nation’s "Best for Vets" institutions in 2021.
As of September 2021, UMass Global served roughly 23,000 students through both online and campus-based programs mainly focused on the West Coast. Enrollment figures for the 2022–2023 academic year included approximately 19,000 students—over 13,000 enrolled in credit-bearing courses and nearly 5,500 participating in non-credit extended education offerings.
Academics
Degree programs at the university are provided through four distinct schools: the School of Education; the School of Business and Professional Studies; the School of Arts and Sciences; and the School of Extended Education.
UMass Global utilizes the iDEAL (Instructional Design for Engaged Adult Learning) framework for its curriculum, and all teaching staff hold non-tenured faculty roles.
The institution holds accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission and is affiliated with the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL). Within the School of Education, teacher preparation programs have received accreditation from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC), while the undergraduate social work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).