Why Simmons

Simmons University provides the best of many worlds: a close-knit college, a bustling, big-city university and online programs that fit into your life.

A Simmons student talking to a classmate and gesturing with their hands

Purpose Meets Passion

Simmons students, faculty, staff and alumnae/i have never been afraid to lead. Leading by using education to advance social and economic equity is in our DNA.

Every day, each of our students cultivates the competence, confidence, and courage to lead in critical areas such as the health and library sciences, management, communications, and other STEM fields. Because when you're out in front, you realize just how limitless your opportunities are.

A seal for the Carnegie Foundation Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose 2024-2030

Simmons has been recognized with the 2024 Carnegie Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose

This designation recognizes our institutional commitment to the pursuit of leadership and the collective public good.

Read the Announcement

Discover Your Simmons


Whether you are an undergraduate seeking a bachelor's degree or a graduate student looking to advance or change your career, we are committed to providing you with the leadership and skills you need to not only arrive, but thrive in your life's work.

What you bring to Simmons — your interests, your experiences, your voice, your perspective — is what drives our collective progress. And no matter where you are with your own journey, we’ll meet you there.

Simmons students involved in a classroom discussion.  One student is pointing at something in the front of the room.

Simmons for Undergraduate Students

Here you’ll experience our innovative curriculum, which allows you to customize your course of study while you earn your Bachelor's degree. Whether you’re undecided about your major or have already identified your dream career, you’ll find your passion and develop your unique leadership style.

A group of Simmons students taking a selfie during an outdoor celebration.

Undergraduate Student Life

You’ll study and live in our small college environment while enjoying all the resources of a major academic hub. You’ll also have easy access to internship possibilities throughout the city (and beyond)!

Student sitting in class

Simmons for Graduate Students

Our innovative, co-educational graduate programs allow you to customize your courses of study. You’ll learn through small classes, case-based discussions, experiential learning, research opportunities and seminars.

Students hanging out in the multicultural center

Our Commitment to Inclusivity

We are committed to embracing students from all backgrounds and all forms of human uniqueness. Our undergraduate community welcomes all marginalized genders, including students who live and identify as women or who do not fit into the gender binary, but feel they belong in our women-centered community.

A Simmons student looking over a paper with a member of the faculty.

Our Faculty

Studying at Simmons means you'll work closely with dedicated faculty who are leaders in their fields and mentors in the classroom. They'll support and guide you through your academic journey and beyond, and you'll find there are ample opportunities not only to talk with them and learn from their expertise but also to tackle problems, projects, and research right alongside them.

Meet our faculty

A collage of Simmons alums

Our Alumnae/i

Simmons alumnae/i consistently make their mark on the world by challenging the status quo, breaking down barriers, and helping to create a more just world.

Meet some of our alumnae/i

The Simmons academic campus

Our Campus

As the University changes to meet the evolving needs of our students, we are ensuring that our physical space also meets those needs.

Discover the One Simmons project

Boston city skyline

Our Location

We're right in the heart of Boston, and the city plays a significant role in many of Simmons’ academic and professional offerings. Simmons draws on many of the city’s cultural, historical, economic, scientific, and educational resources to offer an unparalleled student experience.

Experience Boston

What will your Simmons story be?

Amanda Michel ’23, ’25DPT in action in the PT lab at Simmons

PT Student Embraces Disability-Centric Approach

Bringing a distinctive methodology to her profession, Amanda Michel ’23, ’25DPT has already made headlines, gracing the cover story of American Physical Therapy Association magazine (July 2024). We spoke with her about disability-informed research, her love of dance, and the supportive atmosphere of Simmons.


Ginjer Doherty ’25,  Aviva Foster ’25, CJ Haggard ’25, Theo Hatfield ’25, Lili Malatinszky ’25, and Grace Walters ’25

Six Students Selected for the 2025 Senior Scholar Award

Ginjer Doherty ’25, Aviva Foster ’25, CJ Haggard ’25, Theo Hatfield ’25, Lili Malatinszky ’25, and Grace Walters ’25 have been selected for the prestigious Senior Scholar Award at Simmons University. Sponsored by the Provost’s Office and the Office of Research and Fellowships, the Senior Scholar Award recognizes outstanding scholarly research across different disciplinary fields.


A collage of photos: Gina Gawargi ’27, MJ Vasquez ’26, and Fuma Iwakura ’27

Thriving as Future STEM Leaders and Innovators

Fuma Iwakura ’26, MJ Vasquez ’27, and Gina Gawargi ’27 are part of the Dynamic Research Education Academy for Mentoring (DREAM) program, which currently has about 60 student participants. The NASA-funded initiative helps increase the retention of Simmons students in STEM fields.


Kayla Pringle ’26 standing among the book stacks in the Simmons library

The Simmons Edge Accelerates Academic and Career Success

Accelerated graduate education is a key feature that drew Kayla Pringle ’26 to Simmons. With the launch of the Simmons Edge, all undergraduate students will have the opportunity to graduate with an advanced degree in a wide selection of fields in as few as four or five years.


Annie Doherty

Building a Family History at Simmons

Nearly a century ago, Anna T. Kenney attended Simmons College, majoring in Secretarial Studies. Now, Kenney’s great-granddaughter, Annie Doherty ’26, has followed in her great-grandmother's footsteps to Simmons.


Sydney Gonyea wearing a field hocky uniform and Piper Kinney wearing a softball uniform

Simmons Student-athletes Excel On and Off the Field

Early mornings and late evenings. Long practices and rigorous academic courses. Team bonding and unforgettable moments. These are just a few of the hallmarks of the student-athlete experience at Simmons, according to field hockey player Sydney Gonyea ’25 and softball pitcher Piper Kinney ’26.


Sasha Oglesby

Incoming Student from Camden Achieves Her Dream

Sasha Oglesby, a participant in Women of the Dream, Inc. (WOD), was accepted into Simmons University as a member of the Class of 2029.


Maggie Spadaro '25 with her new book "My Friend Doesn't Have a House"

Social Work Student Destigmatizes Homelessness in New Book

Social Work major Maggie Spadaro ’25 recently published a children’s book that fosters awareness and empathy regarding individuals experiencing homelessness. We spoke with her about this unique project, Simmons’ vital community, and her social justice-related aspirations.


Simmons Alums in the News

Katherine Phelps ’13MA

Digital Girlhoods and the Adult Response to Tweens Online

Katherine A Phelps ’13MA has published her first book, Digital Girlhoods (Temple University Press, 2025), exploring the potential pitfalls and opportunities for tween girls engaging in social media.


Kenyora Johnson ‘10, CEO of End Rape On Campus speaks in front of the Department of Education during a Title IX press rally, October 2021.

Simmons Alumna Centers Survivorship

Kenyora Lenair Johnson ’10, CEO of End Rape On Campus (EROC), is dedicated to elevating survivorship and centering marginalized populations. To honor Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we spoke with her about EROC’s bold initiatives, as well as Simmons’ intergenerational community.


Dale Stinchcomb '16MS stands in front of the Morgan Library and Museum, where he serves as the Drue Heinz Curator of Literary and Historical Manuscripts, photograph by Carmen González Fraile.

SLIS Alumnus Co-Curates Major Jane Austen Exhibition

In February 2024, Dale Stinchcomb ’16MS, became the Drue Heinz Curator of Literary and Historical Manuscripts at the Morgan Library and Museum. We spoke with him about this unique role, his forthcoming co-curated exhibition on Jane Austen, and the essential training that he received at Simmons.


Boston Children's Hospital Main Entrance

Alumna Delivers Trauma-Informed Care at Boston Children’s

Rachel Nyakako is a clinical social worker in the Children’s Hospital Primary Care Center (CHPCC) at Boston Children’s Hospital. She serves as a link for patients and families in need of mental and behavioral healthcare and resources. Such support, she...


Maria McCauley

Cambridge Director of Libraries Fosters Learning and Community

Maria McCauley ’17PhD says some of her fondest childhood memories are of visiting her local public library. This lifelong passion for knowledge is part of the reason she decided to pursue library and information science as a second career.


A black and white illustration of Libby Lassiter

Thriving in Simmons’ Online Degree Completion Program

A flexible and student-centered environment were two reasons why Libby Lassiter ’24 chose Simmons’ online degree completion program, which helps adult learners achieve their goal of graduating from college. “It was a great experience,” Lassiter says. “If I had my...


Grant Pike ’18MSW ’24DSW. Photo credit: Megan Afon Walker

Integrating Forest Spirituality into a Social Work Mindset

Grant Pike ’18MSW ’24DSW shares how the vitality of nature can be combined with social work and social justice, with a positive impact on humans and the planet.


Esta Soler '68, '06HD, photograph by Dean J. Biriny.

An Advocate for Women and Children

Esta Soler ’68, ’06HD is the President of Futures Without Violence (FUTURES). Based in San Francisco, Boston, and Washington D.C., this nonprofit organization aims to prevent violence against women and families.


Simmons University Main College Building in the fall

Our Mission and History

For over 120 years, Simmons has put the needs of our students first. Through an education that combines intellectual leadership with professional preparation, we help students lead meaningful lives and build successful careers for the 21st century.

Explore our history

President Lynn Perry Wooten standing on stairs.

Our Leadership Team

Accessible and accountable, our administration leads by example. And we hold firm to one purpose: to work for you.

Meet our leadership team