UMass Boston

Belong at UMass Boston

UMass Boston offers several special academic programs which have unique orientation models.  Below is information about these programs and their orientation structure.

Directions for Student Potential (DSP)

• The Directions for Student Potential (DSP) program is a free, 6-week, pre-admission summer program that guides students to improve their college reading, writing, and math skills prior to their first semester at UMass Boston. Students in the DSP program attend orientation during the first week of their summer program.  The orientation is a two day program which includes an overnight stay in our campus residence hall.

Pathway Program

• UMass Boston’s Pathway Program provides students referred to the program an opportunity to begin their college coursework as a non-degree student with the goal of enrolling as a degree seeking student in the spring semester. Students in the Pathway Program will attend a two-day, overnight orientation program unless approved for the shortened virtual option.

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)

• The Accelerated Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program at UMass Boston is designed for students with a bachelor’s degree in another field who want to become a nurse. The ABSN orientation is two-parts with an on-campus and virtual component that is offered once per admission cycle. 

Nursing for RNs to BSN (RN-BS)

• UMass Boston’s RN to BSN program prepares registered nurses (RNs) with an associates degree in nursing or a diploma from a hospital school program to earn your bachelor of science in nursing in as few as three semesters. Orientation for the RN-BS program is virtual with multiple dates to choose from.