University of Massachusetts Dartmouth traces its roots to 1895, when the state legislature chartered the New Bedford Textile School and the Bradford Durfee Textile School in Fall River. It distinguishes itself as a vibrant, public research university dedicated to engaged learning and innovative research resulting in personal and lifelong student success. The University serves as an intellectual catalyst for economic, social, and cultural transformation on a global, national, and regional scale. It is home to students from more than 50 countries around the world. The University welcomes applications from international students for both undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

With dozens of major subject areas leading to 80 bachelor's, 34 master’s, and 16 doctoral programs, UMass Dartmouth offers a vast and diverse array of world class educational opportunities within reach for full and part-time students. Programs offered across the region and online are designed to meet the needs and aspirations of students while engaging the students and faculty in the social and economic development of the community.

UMass Dartmouth is one of the five campuses of the University of Massachusetts system, Located on the beautiful Massachusetts South Coast, between Providence, RI and Cape Cod which is governed by a 22 member Board of Trustees with headquarters in Boston. The campus is led by Interim Chancellor Peyton Randolph Helm.