It's About You! Fitchburg State University Undergraduate Viewbook 2023-2024

YOU! ABOUT IT’S

AMAZING. SOMETHING At the center of

POTENTIAL. BIG-TIME MAJOR OPPORTUNITIES.

At Fitchburg State, each major and minor is designed to grow your understanding of real-world challenges, so you’ll be prepared for a rewarding career.

As a freshman and sophomore, you can choose a major right away or choose to explore your options. Either way, our Career Services and Advising Center and your advisor are here to guide you from semester one...to final-exam-done.

2 Undergraduate Programs of Study

APPLIED SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Tech./Engineering, Sec. Ed. Initial Teacher Lic. (5-12)

Technology/Engineering Education Non-Licensure

BIOLOGY*

Biology

Biology, Middle/Sec. Ed. Initial Teacher Licensure (5-12)

Biotechnology

Environmental Biology

Health Sciences

Neuroscience and Behavior

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION*

Accounting

Entrepreneurship

Management

Marketing

CHEMISTRY*

Chemistry

Biochemistry

Chemistry, Middle/Sec. Ed. Initial Teacher Licensure (5-12)

COMMUNICATIONS MEDIA

Communication Studies*

Film and Video Production

Graphic Design*

Photography*

Public Relations, Social Media, and Advertising Production* Technical Theater* Theater*

COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS (CIS)

Cybersecurity

COMPUTER SCIENCE*

Game Programming

Cybersecurity

CRIMINAL JUSTICE*

Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice: Police Program (4+1 Police Program)

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION*

Early Childhood Ed. Initial Teacher Licensure (PreK-2)

Early Education and Care

ECONOMICS*

International Business and Economics

EDUCATIONAL STUDIES

ELEMENTARY EDUCATION*

Elementary Education Initial Teacher Licensure (1-6)

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

Architecture Technology

Construction Management

Electronics Engineering Technology

Energy Management Engineering Technology

Manufacturing Engineering Technology

Technology/Engineering, Middle/Sec. Ed. Initial Teacher Licensure (5-12)

ENGLISH STUDIES

English, Middle/Sec. Ed. Initial Teacher Lic. (5-12)

Literature*

Professional Writing*

ENVIRONMENTAL & EARTH SCIENCE*

EXERCISE & SPORTS SCIENCE

Clinical Exercise Physiology

Fitness and Wellness

Strength Training and Conditioning

DIGITAL MEDIA INNOVATION*

GAME DESIGN*

GEOGRAPHIC SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY*

HISTORY*

History, Middle/Sec. Ed. Initial Teacher Lic. (5-12)

HUMAN SERVICES*

INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES

Fine and Performing Arts

General Sciences Initial Teacher Licensure (5-8)

Humanities

Pre-Law

MATHEMATICS*

Mathematics

Applied Mathematics

Mathematics, Middle/Sec. Ed. Initial Teacher Lic. (5-8) (8-12)

NURSING

BS in Nursing***

LPN to BS in Nursing Bridge Program RN to BS in Nursing (100% online)

OCCUPATIONAL/VOCATIONAL EDUCATION

MINOR ONES, TOO.

COMPUTER SCIENCE

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

DEAF STUDIES

DISABILITY STUDIES

EDUCATION

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

ENVIRONMENTAL PUBLIC HEALTH

HONORS

INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

MATHEMATICS

NEUROSCIENCE, BEHAVIOR, AND COGNITION

PHOTOGRAPHY

PROFESSIONAL WRITING

PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE

POLITICAL SCIENCE*

American Government/Law

International Politics

PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS

LECOM Early Acceptance Programs**

Pre-Athletic Training

Pre-Dental

Pre-Law

Pre-Law with UMass Dartmouth (3+3 joint program)**

Pre-Medical

Pre-Occupational Therapy

Pre-Physical Therapy

Pre-Physician Assistant

Pre-Veterinarian

PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE*

PUBLIC HEALTH SCIENCE*

Environmental Public Health

Public Health Practice

SECONDARY EDUCATION (5-12)

Biology, Middle/Sec. Ed. Initial Teacher Lic.(5-12)

Chemistry, Middle/Sec. Ed. Initial Teacher Lic. (5-12)

English, Middle/Sec. Ed. Initial Teacher Lic. (5-12)

General Science, Middle Initial Teacher Lic. (5-8)

History, Middle/Sec. Ed. Initial Teacher Lic. (5-12)

Math, Middle/Sec. Ed. Initial Teacher Licensure (5-8) (8-12)

Technology/Engineering, Middle/Sec. Ed. Initial Teacher Licensure (5-12)

SOCIOLOGY*

SPECIAL EDUCATION*

Mod. Disabilities Ed. Initial Teacher Lic. (PreK-8)

Severe Disabilities Ed. Initial Teacher Lic. (All levels)

UNDECLARED/ PRE-MAJOR

* May be taken as a major or minor.

** Special circumstances apply. Contact Admissions.

*** Not accepting transfer students

Undergraduate Programs of Study

FOR AN ENTIRE LIST OF MINORS SCAN THE QR CODE.

DeMisty Bellinger-Delfeld ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR English Studies School of Arts and Sciences

Robin Chataut, Ph.D. ASSISTANT PROFESSOR Computer Science School of Health and Natural Sciences

Lyndsey Benharris ASSISTANT PROFESSOR/DEPARTMENT CHAIR/GRADUATE PROGRAM CHAIR Education School of Education

Denise Simion ASSISTANT PROFESSOR Business Administration School of Business

CLASSES with PROFESSORS WHO GET IT.

A Fitchburg State University professor is a professor with experience in their field.

Unlike professors at large research universities, who may leave the instruction to teaching assistants, Fitchburg State professors are here to change lives.

In the real world, anything can happen on any given day. With their help, you’ll be ready.

MAKE IT.

The raw materials are right here, so you can learn by doing...and do what you learn.

THINK IT.

It could be a single line in a book. It might be something a professor says in class.

Fitchburg State gets you thinking in a whole new way. It sets you on a path of growth until, four years later, you leave with a better understanding of the world around you — and how to make a difference in it.

FIGURE IT OUT.

Every problem has a solution.

Every conflict has a peaceful resolution. Every disease has a cure waiting to be found.

There are stories waiting to be told, new business ideas ready to take hold, and communities yearning to grow.

Whatever it is, Fitchburg State will help you figure it out, and that’s a big deal to employers. (According to LinkedIn, 85% want recent graduates with excellent problem-solving skills.)

HELP OUT. GIVE BACK.

The world needs you.

Children need teachers and counselors. Patients need nurses, mental health professionals, and scientific advances. Consumers want the best products, the most informative and entertaining media, and tech that makes their lives better and easier. Communities need leaders in criminal justice, politics, public health, business, the environment, human rights, and — well, you name it.

What do you need?

A passion for making a difference and the knowledge and experience Fitchburg State will help you acquire.

ACTIVISM & ENGAGEMENT

Fitchburg gives back on campus and off.

The Falcon Community Outreach Center was established to help organizational charities empower people to build a better community and maximize collaboration between Fitchburg State, the surrounding community, and its constituents.

At the Falcon Bazaar Necessity & Food Pantry, located in Hammond Hall, students, staff, and faculty donate food and items like toothpaste and shaving cream so that every member of our community can thrive.

You can even donate a dining hall meal as part of the Falcon Swipe It Forward initiative.

We travel to help others too. Students who participate in Alternative Spring Break work with Habitat for Humanity to build homes for people in need.

Make a Difference

HAVE FUN WITH IT.

Come here for the classes. Fall in love with campus and community.

Join a club, play intramural sports, or check out events like on-campus movies, concerts, and art gallery openings.

There’s something to do every day, everywhere on campus.

Clubs, Activities & Events

Alpha Phi Delta

Alpha Sigma Tau

ASEZ

Associated General Contractors (AGC)

Basketball Club

Billiards Club

Biology & Chemistry Club

Black Student Union (BSU)

Campus Ambassadors Christian Fellowship (CACF)

Card and Board Game Club

Cheerleaders Coed Ice Hockey Club

Computer Science Club

Criminal Justice Club

Dance Club

Education Club

Falcon Friends

Feminist Conversations

Filmmakers Society

First Love

Fitchburg Activities Board (FAB)

Fitchburg Anti Violence Education (FAVE)

Fitchburg Finches

Fitchburg Smash Club

Fitchburg State Choirs

Gamer’s Arts & Anime Club (GAA Club)

Gay Straight Alliance (GSA)

Greek Council

Habitat for Humanity

Harry Potter Alliance

Improv Club

Kappa Delta Pi (Education Honors Society)

Lambda Pi Eta (Communications Honor Society)

Latin American Student Organization (LASO)

Media Content Creators Club (MCCC)

Minecraft Club

Model UN

Musical Theater Club

Order of Omega

Outdoor Adventure Club

Panhellenic

Phi Sigma Sigma

Pokemon Society

Rescue Squad

Role Playing Guild

Sigma Beta Delta (Business Honors Society)

Sigma Pi

Sigma Sigma Sigma

Sigma Tau Gamma

Student Government Association (SGA)

Student Nurses Association (SNA)

Tau Upsilon Alpha (Human Services Honor Society)

WXPL

TO SEE ALL OF OUR CURRENT CLUBS, SCAN THE QR CODE.

RALLY AROUND IT.

We stand up for each other and the causes we believe in.

We make our voices heard for the environment, social justice, diversity, and freedom of expression.

LIVE IT.

Fitchburg State Residence Halls put you steps away from classes and everything else campus has to offer, like the library, the Athletic and Recreation Center, on-campus employment opportunities, and special events.

Plus, your friends are right there with you.

Some halls offer Residential Learning Communities which bring people together based on their lifestyle or major — like the Sustainability, E-Sports, Nursing, and Academic Success Residential Learning Communities.

For students that choose to commute, campus life provides you with many opportunities.

WHAT’S IT ALL ADD UP TO?

Students who live on campus complete more credit hours and earn a higher grade point average. They also report higher satisfaction with their college experience.

COMPETE

Fitchburg State Falcons are very active, with 17 NCAA Division III varsity teams competing in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference and beyond.

But that’s not all.

Falcons are cheerleaders, mascots, Recreation and Athletics student employees, gym rats, yogis, pickup soccer players, and members of groups like the Billiards, Chess, and Basketball Clubs.

COMPETE FOR IT.

EXPERIENCE

Picture this: you’re throwing your graduation cap in the air on graduation day — and you already have real world experience. Score one for you and your career!

Your advisor can match you with internship opportunities in your field at proven companies and organizations. Current and recent Fitchburg State students have interned at places like ESPN, the Boston Celtics, Bruins, and Red Sox, Mass State Police, Silver Lining Entertainment, and WWLP Springfield.

You could be next!

IT.

INTERNSHIPS

Abington Theatre Company (NY)

Anderson Ranch (Snowmass, CO)

Austin Film Society (Austin, TX)

BBC (London and NY)

MA State House

MA State Police

MA Trial Courts

Michael Indresano Photography

The Mill (New York)

Mill Valley Film Group (Sausalito, CA)

Myriad Pictures

Nantucket Police Dept. (Community Service Officer)

National Geographic (TV)

Circle of Confusion Films (Los Angeles, CA)

NBC Marketing (New York, NY)

New City Theater (NY)

New England Aquarium

Dr. Franklin Perkins School

ESPN (New Britain, CT)

Explore Tikizia (Costa Rica)

FableVision Studios (Boston and Dedham, MA)

Federal Probation/U.S. Courts

NFL Films

Nickerson PR

Panavision

PARMA Recordings

Portland Conv. and Visitors Bureau (Portland, ME)

Princess Cruise Lines

PUMA

Gloucester Stage Company

Habitat for Humanity

Hill Holliday Advertising (Boston, MA)

Indika Entertainment Advertising (NY)

International Fund for Animal Welfare

Jabil Healthcare (formerly Nypro)

Koda Creative Group

Lois Greenfield Photography (NY)

Lucky Strike Entertainment

Madison Square Garden

Mantoani Photography (San Diego)

MA Dept. of Children and Families

MA Dept. of Correction

MA Dept. of Mental Health

MA Executive Office of Public Safety and Security

MA Office of Travel & Tourism

PURE Theatre (Charleston, SC)

Radical Media (Los Angeles, CA)

Sesame Street Workshop (New York, NY)

Seven Hills

Silver Lining Entertainment (Los Angeles, CA)

Skydance Films (Hollywood, CA)

SONY Music

Sterilite Corporation

Tricky Fast Studios

Turner Broadcasting

United Way Youth Venture

VOX Media

Warner Bros. Games (Boston, MA)

The Washington Center (Washington, DC)

WCVB-TV Chronicle

WGBH/PRI's The World

WWLP-Springfield

COSTA RICA

IRELAND GREECE

College is all about expanding your horizons. No wonder so many students study abroad through university exchange programs in Italy, Germany, China, or Japan and provider-led programs in dozens of other countries.

TRAVEL FOR IT. SPAIN

Some Fitchburg State courses even include travel abroad as part of class instruction, with scholarships available for students. In 2023, students in the Luxury Brand Management course traveled with Professor Scapparone to Milan, Italy to study marketing and production of major luxury brands like Prada, Lamborghini, etc. Other class groups went to Peru for Geological Sciences, Japan for Game Design, and Spain for an Education program.

DISCOVER

Talk about a central location.

In Central Massachusetts you’re close to shopping, dining, movies, nightlife, and outdoor activities like hiking and skiing. The city of Fitchburg has great restaurants and cultural attractions like the Fitchburg Art Museum.

Everything else is a short car or train ride away in cities like Boston, Worcester, and Lowell, or the great outdoors in Western Massachusetts. Even New Hampshire’s ski areas and coastal cities and towns are about an hour away.

IT.

WHAT HAPPENS HERE GETS SUPPORTED HERE.

Our community is here for you today through graduation day, and all the days of your career.

Low tuition + financial assistance

A Fitchburg State education should be affordable for every applicant. That’s why we’re one of the most affordable colleges for full-time residential students in the state university system, and that’s why we awarded $43 million in financial aid in 2022 alone.

Here’s

how to put yourself in the best position to receive financial aid:

1. Apply for need-based financial aid via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov. We recommend submitting FAFSA applications by March 1 to meet our priority deadline.

2. Check out our merit-based scholarships at fitchburgstate.edu. There are dozens of types, but you only need to apply once. Once you apply for admission you’ll automatically be considered for merit-based scholarships.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED ALL IN ONE PLACE.

The right support not only meets your needs — it meets you right where you are. At the centrally located Hammond Hall, students can access:

• Academic Coaching and Tutoring Center: Everything you need to succeed in class, from academic coaching to peer tutoring and mentoring

• Disability Services: Get the right accommodations for your academic, medical, and mobility needs

• TRIO: Eligible students have access to unique opportunities such as the Student Support Squad, additional academic advising, and cultural and community experiences

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Our welcoming campus includes safe spaces that amplify diverse voices, anti-racism trainings, and enhanced transparency and communication across all student experiences

• Student Development: Get aligned with your choice of more than 85 clubs and organizations

• Career Services and Advising: Get help deciding on a major and career path, then get help finding a job before and after graduation

SUPPORT CAN BE FOUND ACROSS CAMPUS, TOO.

• Residential Learning Communities, where living and learning come together

• Inclusivity and respect are emphasized throughout campus by our students, faculty, and staff

• Students’ physical wellbeing is supported on campus via Recreation Services, Community Health Connections, and Counseling Services

• Resources and programs provided by Veterans Services include a dedicated lounge and study space, a Peer Mentor Program, Counseling Services, and Veterans Socials

Career counseling and alumni connections

Planning for life after college doesn’t start senior year. We’ll help you plan for it from day one.

The Career Services and Advising Center, along with your advisor, can help you choose a major that aligns with your interests and goals. As you progress towards graduation, a Career Action Plan will help you target careers and jobs with specific courses and internships.

Handshake

When it’s time to apply for your first job, our online recruiting portal, Handshake, will connect you with employers and alumni in your field. In fact, Handshake is here for you for life — alumni use it to find jobs or switch careers years after graduation.

COMM. HEALTH CONNECTIONS COUNSELING

THE NUMBERS DON’T LIE. AT FITCHBURG STATE, YOU COUNT.

16 average class size

54% female

46 % male

3.29

average high school GPA

75 minutes to Boston by train

3.2K

undergrads

15 minutes to Mount Wachusett

37%

first generation college students

85+

27%

of new students at Fitchburg State transfer from other colleges

$2800 student clubs and organizations

The average cost to attend Fitchburg State is $2800 less than the average of 4 year colleges in the US

10K

Fitchburg State graduates earn an average of 10k more per year in their first job vs other 4 year college graduates

92%

of faculty hold doctorates or the highest degree in their field

6 residential housing options graduate/ evening/ online

3.4K

64%

of freshmen live on campus

WHAT’S NEXT?

Hey, you!

Interested in a campus visit? Ready to apply? How about a virtual tour or phone call with a member of our Admissions team?

Fitchburg State makes it easy!

Schedule a tour:

We’d love to share our beautiful campus with you. Go to fitchburgstate.edu/visit to schedule a campus or department tour or access Saturday Information Sessions. You can also take a virtual tour!

Apply for financial aid:

Let’s keep it simple, shall we? Your only requirement is filling out the FAFSA application by March 1. You are not going it alone!

Our financial aid counselors are available to connect with you and answer all your questions about the FAFSA process.

Complete your application for admission:

TO

What’s Next?

Apply for undergraduate admission using our online application or the Common Application. Go to fitchburgstate.edu/apply. Once you apply for admission you’ll automatically be considered for scholarships.

Just reach out:

Have questions about our academic programs, campus experience, application process, or anything else? Connect with our Admissions team at admissions@fitchburgstate.edu or 1-800-705-9692

At Fitchburg State, it’s all about you: A college experience built around you. Get what you need today so you can get the future you want tomorrow.

SCHEDULE A VISIT, SCAN THE QR CODE.

ONLINE, CONTINUING EDUCATION, AND GRADUATE PROGRAMS

Fitchburg State offers perhaps the most robust graduate school programming of all Massachusetts’ state schools, and much of it is available 100% online. Choose from online graduate programs in areas such as applied communication, criminal justice, special education, curriculum and teaching, history, and forensic nursing to name a few. On-campus programs include counseling as well as the MBA and computer science programs, which are offered both face-to-face or online.

In addition, all or part of many undergraduate and continuing education programs may be completed online, including an accelerated RN to BS in Nursing degree, and bachelor’s degrees in business administration, occupational education, and a customizable interdisciplinary studies bachelor’s degree.

Graduate and undergraduate certificate programs and certificates of advanced graduate study (CAGS) are also available, most of which are offered in a 100% online format.

Learn more at fitchburgstate.edu/gce

What’s Next?

Adelys Ortega, ‘23, Criminal Justice

Hometown: Lawrence, MA

Why did you choose Fitchburg State University?

I chose Fitchburg State because it has a very small community which gave me the opportunity to interact better with my professors in and outside of the classroom. It also gave me the opportunity to have many friends which doesn’t happen very often in other schools.

What clubs/organizations have you been involved with since you started at Fitchburg State and how has your involvement benefited you in your college experience?

I have been the president of the Criminal Justice Club, the Vice President of the Alpha Phi Sigma honor society, and a club member of Alternative Spring Break. Within these clubs, I learned how to be a leader, how to have more responsibility, and how to understand and want to help other people. These are values that I will be keeping with me for the rest of my life. Being involved in these clubs made me understand that there was more than just being in a classroom studying, but more importantly helping out in the community was the greatest benefit.

What advice would you give a new student on how to get involved on campus?

The advice that I would give to a new student on how to get involved on campus is by talking to their professor or advisers about what clubs or activities on campus are good for them. To also be open-minded about what club or organization they are getting into. When I did ASB I thought that it wasn’t something for me, but instead, it ended up being one the most important and eye-opening experiences I have ever done in my life.

What was your favorite experience during your first year at Fitchburg State?

My first year at Fitchburg State University was a very important year for me because I got to learn more about the school and actually settled down with what the community had to offer. I am very thankful for this year because I was able to meet new people that I will keep with me for the rest of my life.

Derek Tirrell, ‘25, Communications, Film/Video

Hometown: Abington, MA

Why did you choose Fitchburg State University?

I chose Fitchburg State University because of its esteemed film program and small class sizes. What clubs/organizations have you been involved with since you started at Fitchburg State and how has your involvement benefited you in your college experience?

I am involved with Billiards Club and it has benefited my experience by helping me make new friends and take time for a break from school and work to have fun and be social. I also have multiple jobs on campus that help keep me involved with the campus community.

What advice would you give a new student on how to get involved on campus?

Stay organized and get involved. Keep track of the opportunities that interest you and make time to explore them.

What was your favorite experience during your first year at Fitchburg State?

My favorite experience of my first year was living on campus. I enjoyed living in the same building as all of my friends and it was very convenient to be able to walk to classes in the morning and partake in campus opportunities and events in the evening.

Nana Kumah,  ‘24, Business Administration, Management, Minor in Construction Management

Hometown: Worcester, MA

Why did you choose Fitchburg State University?

I chose Fitchburg State University because of the campus size; coming from a typically small high school I did not want to attend a huge university that would overwhelm me. Fitchburg State is big enough that I can meet new people daily, but also small enough that I feel like I can build a sense of community here.

What clubs/organizations have you been involved with since you started at Fitchburg State and how has your involvement benefited you in your college experience?

I have gotten involved in quite a bit since I’ve been a student here at Fitchburg State and I believe it adds to why I enjoy my time here so much. For the past two years, I have been a tour guide on campus, recently president of a new club I started, and I have also been an orientation leader, resident assistant, SGA senator, and now SGA vice president. All my different positions and campus involvement really shaped how I am as a person today.

What advice would you give a new student on how to get involved on campus?

I would advise a new student to sign up for as many clubs and organizations as possible at Rock the Block. Signing up for clubs at Rock the Block does not mean it’s mandatory for you to commit, it just puts you in the email loop whenever the club is having an event or general body meeting. If you decide to attend one meeting or event you might find out you really enjoy it and eventually want to move on to a higher position, that’s kind of the track I took. I went from just attending general meetings and seeing what clubs can do to eventually starting my own club and being President.

What was your favorite experience during your first year at Fitchburg State?

My favorite experience during my freshman year was attending events not related to classes. Being a college student can be stressful at times so having events offered on campus that can distract from classes and endless homework would be really great. My friends and I would spend all day doing homework together so we could attend an event at night and not have to worry about anything other than having fun and relieving some stress.

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF.