Simmons: A Transformative Learning Experience

Steeped in a tradition of cultivating the intellectual and professional growth of women, Simmons College is a warm and engaging community with a national reputation of academic excellence. Founded in 1899, Simmons was the first college in the United States to offer women a liberal arts education integrated with career preparation. Today, Simmons embraces the opportunity to provide a transformative learning experience by marrying a student’s passion with her lifelong purpose.

What makes Simmons’ academic standard so unique? The belief that a strong foundation in the liberal arts should be combined with an equally strong level of real-world experience and professional preparation. This approach offers great advantages: a broad education and view of the world, and a chance to develop a range of professional skills and strengths needed for an increasingly competitive job market. In fact, the Simmons Career Education Center reports that 97 percent of the Class of 2010 was employed or in graduate school within one year of graduation, of which 83 percent were employed full-time and 14 percent part-time.

Students choose from over 40 majors and have the option to combine diverse fields of interest to meet their academic and professional goals. Over 30 percent of Simmons students choose to double major, and many take advantage of the opportunity to enter into one of the College’s accelerated degree programs, which allow them to earn a bachelor’s degree plus a master’s or doctoral degree in less time than traditional programs.

A Commitment to Excellence

Nationally recognized, Simmons ranks among the nation’s top private liberal arts colleges. In fact, Forbes recently named Simmons one of the best colleges in the United States, and each year the College is recognized by the U.S. News & World Report annual survey and The Princeton Review's “Best 376 Colleges.”

Simmons professors are distinguished researchers, published authors, Fulbright scholars, health professionals, and community leaders. Simmons faculty members advise numerous government, nonprofit, and corporate organizations in the United States and around the world. More than 50 percent are women, and nearly 100 percent hold doctorate degrees in his or her field.

Yet, professors passionately uphold their primary obligation to teach and mentor students. In fact, many professors invite undergraduates to collaborate on professional research, articles, and presentations, giving students hands-on experience in their chosen fields.

A Beautiful Oasis in the Heart of the City

Located in the historic Fenway neighborhood of Boston, Simmons students say it’s the best of both worlds — a quintessential brick-and-ivy New England campus in the middle of a thriving city. Simmons’ beautiful, tree-lined campus is literally surrounded by music and fine arts, medical care and research, politics and grassroots activism, performance venues and the resounding cheers of Red Sox fans at legendary Fenway Park.

After a long day among the bustle of the city, students know that they will go home to a safe and comfortable environment. Simmons’ pleasant, gated residence campus surrounds a beautiful grassy quad, and includes nine residence halls, along with a dining hall, the health center, athletic center, and event hall. With more than 50 student organizations, ten NCAA Division III athletic teams, and an award-winning community service office, there is always something to do on the Simmons campus.