The UMass iCons Program is a unique cohort-based certificate program whose mission is to inspire a diverse generation of innovators in science, technology, policy, and business with the attitudes, knowledge, and skills needed to solve the inherently multi-faceted problems facing our world. The iCons program is open to first and second-year students in business, policy, and those with STEM-focused majors. If you have questions about your eligibility, please contact icons@cns.umass.edu.
iCons accepts 108 new students per cohort, which includes first and second-year students, and keeps a wait-list of applicants. Admission decisions are based primarily on answers to the essay questions on the application and a phone interview with a member of the volunteer iCons alumni recruitment team. Should you need accommodations for any part of the application or recruitment process, please contact iCons at icons@cns.umass.edu or 413.545.3674.
- Application deadline for Fall 2025: Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 11:59 pm EST
- Acceptance notifications sent: Mid-November, 2025
- New Cohort Launch for newly admitted cohort: Saturday, December 6, 2025