The Simmons approach to liberal education is flexible. Students develops a program suited to their individual interests and career plans. Some areas of study are sequential and are best elected early in a student’s program. Faculty and staff advisors assist students as they consider their options, set goals, and make academic and career plans. The fieldwork and internships offered by academic departments provide opportunities to test career areas and to consider the possibility of further professional study after graduation. Simmons has identified opportunities for study abroad and encourages participation in study abroad offerings.
Majors
Students may plan a program of academic and career preparation by electing a major in the humanities, the social sciences, the sciences, or one of the professional programs. Undergraduate majors include:
Accounting
Africana Studies
Art
Arts Administration
Asian Studies
Biochemistry
Biology
Business*
Chemistry
Chemistry-Management
Communications*
Computer Science*
Data Science and Analytics
Economics
Economics and Mathematics
English
Environmental Science
Exercise Science
Finance
Financial Mathematics
French and Francophone Studies
Graphic Design
History
Information Technology
International Relations
Journalism
Marketing*
Mathematics
Media Arts
Music
Neuroscience and Behavior:
Nursing*
Nutrition and Dietetics
Nutrition and Wellness
OPEN
Philosophy
Physics
Political Science
Psychology*
Public Health*
Public Relations and Marketing Communications
Retail Management
Social Work*
Sociology
Spanish
Web Design and Development
Women’s and Gender Studies
*Available to CompleteDegree Students as of August 2021. Please consult CompleteDegree@Simmons for updated offerings.
Minors
Academic majors are also offered as minors. In addition, a number of specialized and interdisciplinary minors are available:
Biostatistics
Business
Cinema and Media Studies
Education
Gender History
Health Care Management
Health Humanities
Law and Justice
Leadership for Social Impact
Migration Studies
Performing Arts
Photography
Public History
Public Policy Studies
Radio
Scientific Computation
Sustainability
Other Academic Programs
Honors Program
The Honors Program at Simmons University fosters a motivated group of on campus undergraduate students to explore the complexity of the world and their place in it. The goal of this four-year academic program is to encourage depth in a departmental discipline of choice, and to enhance this knowledge through interdisciplinary studies and global awareness.
The Honors Program provides an opportunity for students with distinguished high school academic records who are newly entering Simmons or who apply after their first year. The program includes Honors level courses in subsequent years, specially arranged co-curricular activities, and various 1-credit required courses to enhance their academic experience. Students are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.4 to remain in the program.
Pre-Law
Unlike pre-medical programs, which are quite specific and virtually obligatory for medical school candidates, a pre-law “curriculum” is largely a myth. While no particular curriculum path is the ideal route to law school, Simmons’ strong academic programs, small classes, and extensive opportunities for student/professor interaction are an ideal preparation.
A student who is considering law school after graduation should make an appointment with the Pre Law Advisor to discuss specific interests and plans. Through the pre law program, the Pre Law Advisor helps to guide students with their applications to law school; supplies information to help with the application process and with taking the LSAT; and keeps in touch with pre law students through a weekly email blast and in-person meetings. Additionally, the Pre Law Advisor organizes extra-curricular activities of interest to prelaw students: lectures and brown bag lunch discussions, panels of Simmons alumnae who practice law, and internships related to law. For more information, please contact the Pre-Law Advisor, Kristina Pechulis at pechulis@simmons.edu.
Pre-Health/Pre-Medical
Undergraduate preparation for medical, dental, optometric, or veterinary medicine school should include a strong foundation in the natural sciences and a background in the social sciences and humanities. Admission requirements for medical schools can be fulfilled within the context of almost any liberal arts or science major at Simmons.
First year students should meet with the pre-health Professional Advisor to discuss their interests and course of study. Our pre-health Student Academic Mentor coordinates activities and information sessions throughout the academic year and is always available to answer questions. The Faculty Pre-Health Advisor assists students with academic planning, extracurricular initiatives and the application process. Interested students may also join the Simmons Premedical Liaison and the Colleges of the Fenway Chapter of the American Medical Students Association (AMSA). Simmons is a member of Biological Honor Society (Beta Beta Beta).
3 + 1 Accelerated Master’s Degree Programs
Qualified students can earn both the Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in four years. For more information on the programs listed below, please visit the page noted, the appropriate graduate catalog, or the Simmons Website for more information.
BS in Computer Science or BS in Information Technology and MS in Library and Information Science
BA in Economics and MA in Public Policy
BA in Political Science and MA in Public Policy
BA in Sociology and MA in Public Policy
BSW and MSW in Social Work
4 + 1 Accelerated Master’s Degree Programs
Undergraduates can obtain an accelerated degree in Children’s Literature, Education, English, Gender/Cultural Studies, History, Nutrition, and others. Undergraduate courses can be counted toward the Master’s degree—the number varies by program. A student applies for admission to the graduate program in her junior year. See the appropriate graduate course catalog, or the Simmons web site for specific program requirements.
BA/MA in Children’s Literature and BA/ MFA in Writing for Children
BS/MS Biology/Nutrition
BS/MS Exercise Science/Nutrition
BS/MS Nutrition/Nutrition and Health Promotion
BS/MS Public Health/Nutrition
BSN-MSN Nursing
BS/DPT Physical Therapy
BA/MA in History
Accelerated Doctoral Degree Program
See the Physical Therapy entry in this Catalog for more information on the 3+3 BS Exercise Science / Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
Study Abroad
Simmons students are encouraged to study abroad. Options include semester, full academic year, summer, and shorter-term travel courses led by Simmons faculty.
Semester, academic year, and summer study abroad is offered through partnerships with other universities and providers. Using partnerships, Simmons is able to identify high quality study abroad opportunities throughout the world for students in all majors.
Each year, Simmons offers travel courses to international (and sometimes domestic) destinations. Enrolled students participate in class sessions during the semester before departure. The travel component of two to four weeks takes place during semester breaks in January or early summer. Often travel courses are taught in English and have no prerequisites, and many fulfill a mode of inquiry requirement.
Students in good standing are eligible for study abroad. The Study Abroad office will help students identify the program that best matches their academic and career interests. Students interested in international study are urged to begin planning early in your academic career by visiting the study abroad website.
Credit for Prior Learning
The Credit for Prior Learning program offers Dix Scholars and CompleteDegree students an opportunity to receive academic credit for knowledge gained through life experience. For more information, please contact your advisor.