ACADEMICS
ACADEMICS
Studying at Simmons will provide you with unique opportunities for leadership, scholarship, activism, and lifelong connections. You’ll graduate prepared not only to work but to lead in your professional, civic, and personal life. Here, you’ll find the best of both worlds: a university with renowned professional and academic programs located in the heart of the dynamic city of Boston, and a tightknit campus community with a small college feel.
A History of Shaping Women Leaders
Shaping women leaders is in Simmons’ DNA, dating back to our founding in the 19th century, when John Simmons established the university to offer women the opportunity to lead independent lives through meaningful careers. Today, we recognize that gender inequalities still impact women, and also transgender and nonbinary people and all those who identify outside of traditional gender norms, which makes an inclusive women’s education more important than ever.
Small College Feel, Big University Impact
With an 18-acre campus nestled in the heart of Boston, access to amazing internships and jobs, and with over 35 majors available, Simmons offers the opportunities of a big, urban university. However, with just over 1,700 undergraduate students and an 8:1 student to faculty ratio, we’re also the perfect environment for you to pursue your education in a close-knit, supportive community.
Finding Your Major
With the support of your academic advisor and faculty instructors, you’ll identify your strengths, interests, values, and goals to discover a fulfilling path of study and career course. Many students mix and match majors and minors to create programs as unique as they are.
“At Simmons,
strong role models boosted my confidence, while presentations and group work honed my communication and collaboration skills. This empowering atmosphere, coupled with supportive mentors, equipped me to lead.”
DEBORA EDOUARD ’24 Neurobiology Major
THE SIMMONS PLAN
Our general education program, Simmons PLAN (Purpose Leadership ActioN), is a highly customizable academic pathway that is a key part of the Simmons undergraduate experience. The curriculum provides students with a highlyimmersive experience and faculty mentorship each year up through graduation.
In your first year, you will develop critical writing expertise through the Writing Boston course, and in SIM 100: Explore, you will develop a variety of real-world skills through career and life planning and planning for financial independence.
Designed to be taken after you declare your major, the SIM 200: Extend class is cohorted by discipline and provides career guidance for your specific area of study.
Throughout your time at Simmons, you will take courses that fall into each of the Key Content Areas (KCA) and Key Skill Areas (KSA) to fulfill your PLAN requirements.
FIRST YEAR
Writing Boston
Simmons 100: Explore
KEY CONTENT AREAS
Aesthetic, Literary, and Artistic
Global Historical
Scientific Inquiry
KEY SKILL AREAS
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice
Integrative Learning
Leadership
Quantitative Literacy
Writing Intensive
JUNIOR YEAR (after declaring a major)
Simmons 200: Extend
“Education does not stop at the classroom door; there is an entire world to experience and learn about. The Writing Boston course can be the first step on a life-long journey of discovery and excitement.”
HOLLY WRIGHT ‘25 Nursing Major
MAJORS, MINORS, AND PROGRAMS
MAJORS
• Accounting
• Africana Studies
• Applied Spanish
• Biochemistry
• Biology
• Environmental Science track
• Business and Management
• Chemistry
• Communications
• Graphic Design track
• Integrated Media track
• Journalism track
• Computer Science
• Data Science and Analytics
• Economics
• Engineering*
• Finance
• Health and Exercise Science
• History
• Humanities
• Information Technology and Cybersecurity
• Literature
• Marketing
• Mathematical Sciences
• Neuroscience
• Nursing
• Nutrition and Dietetics
• Nutrition and Wellness
• Physical Therapy*
• Physics
• Political Science
• International Relations track
• Psychology
• Public Health
• Public Relations and Marketing Communications
• Retail Management
• Social Work
• Sociology
• Web Design and Development
• Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
• Writing
* See the Simmons Edge offerings in the next section
COLLEGES OF THE FENWAY
(COF)
Additional programs are available through the Colleges of the Fenway, a collaborative of five neighboring Bostonbased colleges.
MINORS
In addition to the following, most majors are also offered as minors:
• Art
• Art Administration
• Cinema and Media Studies
• Entrepreneurship
• Environmental Health
• Gender History
• Health and Exercise Science
• Health Care Management
• Health Humanities
• Law and Justice
• Leadership for Social Impact
• Migration Studies (COF)
• Performing Arts (COF)
• Public Policy Studies
• Scientific Computation
• Social Media
• Spanish for Health Professionals (COF)
• Statistics
• Sustainability Studies (COF)
THE SIMMONS EDGE
The Simmons Edge offers integrated academic and career advising, real-world experience, and an accelerated path to a graduate degree so you can hit the ground running in your chosen career path. Work with our expert faculty and staff to connect your academic work directly to your career goals. By following one of our Structured or Exploratory Pathways, you’ll be able to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as four or five years—you’ll save time and receive a scholarship for 20% off your graduate tuition.
Accelerated Graduate Education
Maximize the return on your educational investment by enrolling in one of our Edge pathways. Whether you know exactly what you want to do after graduation or would like to explore your interests in your first few years, Simmons offers countless ways for undergraduate students to continue on to earn their graduate degree.
Integrated Career and Academic Advising
You will receive customized support at every step of your academic journey. From firstyear advising, to internships, research, and creative projects, and ultimately finding a job or enrolling in a graduate program.
Real-World Learning
We guarantee all Simmons students real-world, career-related experience before graduation. You will complete a capstone project as part of your time at Simmons, which means doing an internship or hands-on research or participating in a supervised practicum as part of your studies. Our Passionate Leaders program and Summer Undergraduate Research program offer additional opportunities to boost your academic and professional skills and work closely with our expert faculty.
Structured Pathways
To follow a S tructured P athway, you apply at the time of undergraduate admission, and the programs follow a more proscribed progression of courses through your time at Simmons.
3+1 PROGRAMS
Bachelor’s (3 years)
Master’s (1 year)
Economics, Political Science, or Sociology Public Policy
Computer Science or Information Technology Library and Information Science
Public Health Public Health
Social Work
4+1 PROGRAMS
Bachelor’s (4 years)
Biology, Exercise Science, Nutrition, or Public Health
Social Work
Master’s (1 year)
Nutrition and Health Promotion
Nursing Nursing
Social Work Social Work
3 OR 4+3 PROGRAM
Bachelor’s (3 or 4 years) Doctorate (3 years)
Health and Exercise Science Physical Therapy
Exploratory Pathways
For Exploratory Pathways, you start your undergraduate education and then apply to a master’s program in your junior year. These programs are open to you regardless of your major, as long as you complete the prerequisite courses and meet the program requirements.
Behavior Analysis Library Science
Children’s Literature Management and Leadership*
Data Science* Public Health
Gender and Cultural Studies Nutrition
Gender and Cultural Studies + Public Policy Public Policy
History Social Work
* in development for Fall 2025
Additional Program and Pre-Professional Options
Simmons has a number of programs that allow you to complete your undergraduate degree at Simmons and then a second specialized degree at one of our partnering institutions.
Bachelor's
Major in a STEM field
In 3 years at Simmons
Complete any major and meet the criteria/ complete pre-medical coursework
In 4 years at Simmons
Complete any major and meet the criteria/ pre-requisite coursework
In 4 years at Simmons
Complete any major and meet the criteria/ pre-requisite coursework
In 4 years at Simmons
Complete any major and meet the criteria/ pre-requisite coursework
In 4 years at Simmons
Complete any major and meet the criteria/ pre-requisite coursework for guaranteed admission to law school
In 3 or 4 years at Simmons
Complete any major and meet the criteria/prerequisite coursework for guaranteed admission into a variety of pre-health degrees or certificates
In 4 years at Simmons
Pre-professional advising is available for students interested in pursuing a graduate degree in law or careers in dentistry, medicine, optometry, podiatry, or veterinary medicine.
Partner Institution Degree
Bachelor's in Engineering
In 2 years from Columbia University, Washington University in St. Louis, or the Wentworth Institute of Technology
Doctor of Medicine
In 4 years from St. George's University
Doctor of Occupational Therapy
In 3 years from Western New England University
Master's in Athletic Training
In 2 years from the University of Southern Maine, Salem State University, or Lasell University
Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine
In 3 years from Cleveland University-Kansas City
Doctor of Law
In 3 years from New England Law (4+3) or UMass Dartmouth Law (3+3)
One of the following degrees:
Doctor of Education in Health Professions
Doctor of Health Administration
Doctor of Health Sciences
Master of Health Administration
Master of Science in Kinesiology
Or one of the following certificates:
Certificate in Adaptive Sports
Certificate in Corrective Exercise and Orthopedic Rehabilitation
Certificate in Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response
Certificate in Functional Fitness for Older Adults
Certificate in Fundamentals of Education
Certificate in Global Health
Certificate in Leadership and Organizational Behavior
Certificate in Exercise and Sport Psychology
Certificate in Sports Conditioning
from A.T. Still University
RESEARCH AND CREATIVE OPPORTUNITIES
Research and Funding
PASSIONATE LEADERS PROJECT
The Passionate Leaders Project (PLP) is a $3,000 award given each year to up to seven exemplary undergraduate students to pursue an independent research project, creative endeavor, community enterprise, or internship project of their own design and development.
SUMMER UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH PROGRAM AT SIMMONS
The Summer Undergraduate Research Program at Simmons (SURPASs) is a six-week intensive summer research experience for undergraduate students across all academic disciplines. Prior to applying, students identify and work with a faculty mentor to develop and propose a project that will be explored during the intensive. SURPASs scholars receive a $3,500 stipend, a project budget of up to $1,000, and on-campus housing for the duration of the program.
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH AND CONFERENCE FUNDS
Students may also apply to the Undergraduate Research Fund or the Undergraduate Conference Fund for up to $500 to support independent research projects, creative endeavors, and participation in national or international conferences.
THE SIMMONS LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
The Simmons Leadership Conference has been at the forefront of women’s leadership since 1978 as America’s first women’s business conference. The Conference brings together thousands of professional leaders from around the globe—women and their allies—who want to better themselves, their workplaces, and the world. Crafted to ignite passion, share valuable insights, and equip leaders with actionable workplace strategies, the Conference allows for new connections from across the world and in different industries.
New Facilities
NURSING SIMULATION CENTER
This state-of-the-art facility includes two fundamentals labs, one health assessment lab, five high-fidelity simulation rooms (OB/GYN, Pediatrics, ER, ICU, Med-Surg), and a Home Health and Hospice/Palliative Care simulation apartment. This allows students to practice and refine their clinical skills in a controlled, realistic, and supportive environment. Students also use Virtual and Augmented Reality through tools like UB Sim and Holoanatomy, providing immersive learning experiences for simulations, labs, and fieldwork.
SCIENCE CLASSROOMS AND LABS
Our modern teaching laboratories and small cohort sizes facilitate student learning while creating impactful and authentic research experiences. We have four faculty-student research clusters: a biomedical ultrasound laboratory, a microscopy center, a separation, quantitation, and spectroscopy center, and three level-two certified laboratories for tissue culture and microorganisms. We also have a behavioral science research suite and industry-standard computer, cybersecurity, and data science labs. Our nursing and health science students also utilize mixed reality Holoanatomy and Holoneuroanatomy technology, further augmenting their anatomy learning alongside traditional classes and dissection labs.
LIBRARY
The University Library is a comfortable, lightfilled space with a wide variety of study areas, reading rooms, extensive collections, and supportive librarians. You can book one of 21 group study rooms or choose from active or quiet seating areas on the main and ground floors. The silent study room is accessible 24 hours a day. Course reserve materials are available for check out at the service desk. You can also get research assistance on assignments and papers from librarians in-person or online.
Student-Driven Media Center
Student-Driven Media Center (SDMC) is a critical component of a Simmons experience and prepares students for an evolving professional workforce. The space is designed to support student collaboration across the University using multiple mediums. The SDMC consists of the Simmons Radio Station, the Alden Trust Video Studio, dedicated media editing and podcasting suites, and a publications room which is a flexible, multi-purpose space. In this space you’ll find students reporting, reviewing literary and art submissions, brainstorming magazine and digital layouts, and working on live radio and TV shows.
Makerspace
Our Makerspace, located on the first floor of Palace Road, is a student-led facility for creative activity, entrepreneurial explorations, technology, curricular and co-curricular projects, and community outreach and engagement. The space features a glass wall for visibility, movable furniture for flexible use, and is outfitted with a 3D printer, Cricut, computerized sewing and embroidery machines, jewelry-making supplies, as well as “back to basics” crafts supplies such as yarn and button makers.
Center for Global Education
We offer more than 30 different international experiences, including fall or spring semester abroad, faculty-led travel courses, as well as internships and volunteer opportunities. You are able to go abroad through any Simmons-Approved Program via the Center for Global Education or through our Colleges of the Fenway Global Education Opportunities (GEO) Center.
INTERNSHIPS AND EMPLOYERS
A critical aspect of a Simmons education is our internship program. With Boston providing a rich set of choices, the internship program provides you with the opportunity to apply your classroom knowledge to actual situations while developing career interests and professional contacts. Some organizations our students have interned at include:
• Amazon
• American Public Television
• Applied Geographics, Inc.
• Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
• Boston Children’s Hospital
• Boston Magazine
• Boston Medical Center
• Boston Public Health Commission
• Boston Public Schools
• Boys and Girls Club of Boston
• Brigham and Women’s Hospital
• Brown Brothers Harriman
• City Year
• Clear Channel Radio
• Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
• Department of Children and Families
• Fenway Community Development Corporation
• Fidelity Investments
• GEICO
• Genzyme
• HubSpot
• IBM
• Jumpstart
• Lahey Clinic
• Liberty Mutual
• L.L. Bean
• Lockheed Martin
• Mashpee Physical Therapy
• Mass Trial Court
• Massachusetts General Hospital
• Massachusetts Historical Society
• Merrill Lynch
• Museum of Fine Arts
• Metro Housing Boston
• NASDAQ OMX
• National Park Service
• New England Aquarium
• Planned Parenthood
• Reebok
• RFK Community Alliance
• Tufts Medical Center
• US Department of State
• US Navy
• US Marines
• US Secret Service
• VA Boston Healthcare System
“Through my internship at the Massachusetts State House, I have had the opportunity to write testimony for my Representative, learn from and organize a legislative briefing, and attend meetings in the Governor’s office. This really helped inform my future career choices.”
GRACYN DELAUNE ‘24 Sociology Major
STUDENT SUPPORT
Center for Student Success
Part of what makes Simmons such a special place is our commitment to supporting you throughout your academic journey. The Center for Student Success offers a variety of academic, career, and post-graduation resources:
• Career Education Center
Find a job or internship
• Center for Global Education
Learn about study abroad or get help acclimating to life in the US and navigating immigration rules
• Office of Accessibility Services
Request academic, residential, dining, or field placement accommodations
• Stephen D. London Center for Community Engagement and Social Justice
Join in on community-based learning and volunteering
• Undergraduate Advising
Explore majors or speak with an advisor
• Undergraduate Research and Fellowships
Apply for a grant or fellowship
• Writing Center and Tutoring Center
Meet with a tutor
CAREER EDUCATION
The Career Education Center works to empower all Simmons students and alumnae/i with the expertise, skills, and resources to engage in, access, and explore diverse opportunities. Our staff are available for career coaching and topics such as resumes and cover letters, finding a job or internship, interviewing, negotiation, and more.
One Stop
The Student Services One Stop houses all student business services in a single location, including the Bursar, Campus Card Office, Military and Veteran Services, the Registrar, and Student Financial Services.
The Multicultural Center
The Multicultural Center, in addition to being a location on campus, provides inclusive programming, advocacy, and resources to foster diversity, equity, inclusion, and a strong sense of belonging for all students. Focusing on supporting underrepresented and first-generation students, the Center offers initiatives to help students thrive academically, socially, and personally. Programs include cultural events, identity-affirming workshops, mentorship opportunities, and collaborations with academic affairs to promote scholarship, research, and career development.
The BRIDGE program, a free summer transition program for incoming firstyear students, focuses on empowering first-generation students and those from underrepresented backgrounds by building connections, leadership skills, and pathways to success.
CONTACT US
Simmons University
300 The Fenway
Boston, MA 02115-5898
Phone: 617-521-2051
ugadm@simmons.edu
simmons.edu/undergraduate
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