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.