School of Sciences and Health Professions
Fostering a love of science
Simmons has been preparing students for careers in science since 1902.
At the School of Sciences and Health Professions, you'll explore the natural and social worlds from various perspectives, integrating public health, mathematical, computational, health, and life sciences to identify and address complex issues. Our flexible programs offer ample opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, including accelerated pathways that allow you to earn an advanced degree in less time.
Learn about accelerated graduate education at Simmons
Meet the Dean
“We are the only undergraduate institution in Boston that focuses exclusively on women and underrepresented racial and gender minorities studying STEM.” — Dr. Paul Geisler, Dean
Embrace Our Mission
We will empower you to navigate, innovate, advocate, and collaborate in the rapidly changing fields of science and the health professions.
Take the Next Step
Apply to Simmons and join students studying an array of academic disciplines. Our programs include Behavioral Analysis, Computer Science, Physical Therapy, Public Health, and Nutrition, among many others.
Tap into Your Potential
At Simmons, you can explore the natural and social worlds from various perspectives. Our programs integrate health, public health, mathematical, computational, and life sciences designed to help you identify and tackle complex issues.
Get Involved, Get Inspired
At the center of a comprehensive STEM education at Simmons, you'll find active engagement through innovative and inclusive teaching, real-world research experience, and professional development.
You will have the opportunity to work closely with faculty experts and put theory and curiosity into practice through on-site and off-site research opportunities.
Our health professions programs integrate academic excellence with rigorous practical and experiential preparation. Clinical and fieldwork-based education provide professional role modeling, direct observation, patient and client care, and competency development in various settings and contexts.
What Makes Us Different?
The School of Sciences and Health Professions holistically focuses on the interconnectedness of health, life, nature, and science, explores the natural and social worlds from various perspectives, and fosters a culture of social justice by encouraging students to address health disparities across local and global landscapes.
"Simmons professors are passionate about what they do and want more students to join their research.”
Jawaria Ali ’25
Chemistry
“The support I had from my professors and peers gave me the confidence I needed to consider a career in STEM seriously.”
Emma Harrison ’22
Biochemistry
“I do not think we would be doing what we are doing today if it had not been for the Behavior Analysis program at Simmons.”
Stephanie Keesey-Phelan '13MS, '20PhD
Behavior Analysis
Science Center
Students and faculty innovate together in this vibrant, collaborative space where they can access a comprehensive simulation center, and state-of-the-art equipment in updated and modern laboratories dedicated to the natural, mathematical, physiological and psychological sciences, and physical therapy practice.
Interprofessional Education (IPE)
Are you preparing for a career in healthcare? Interprofessional education (IPE) at Simmons can prepare you to work collaboratively with other related disciplines towards achieving common goals.
Spotlight on our Students and Alums
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
3+3 Exercise Science/PT Student Shares the Gift of Sports
In honor of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, Simmons Shark Lauren Stenmon ’28 ’30DPT shares how she balances the intense studies of her accelerated degree program with her athletics schedule.
Internship Inspires Alumnae/i Career in Healthcare
Dianna Shaw ’92, who majored in psychology and sociology at Simmons, was interviewed by The Bay Magazine about her over 30-year career assisting older adults.
Celebrating the 2024-25 Passionate Leaders Scholars
Six Simmons undergraduate scholars from different disciplines have been selected to join the 2024-2025 Passionate Leaders Project cohort.
SSHP Highlights
24%
Undergraduate Simmons Students Major in STEM
We excel in preparing students for careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. Annually, about a quarter of all undergraduate students at Simmons are majoring in one of our STEM fields
Proximity to Medical and Technology Hubs
Our campus is within walking distance of the Longwood Medical Area and a short ride to Cambridge’s Kendall Square, making it easy to complete internships and clinical rotations at hospitals, medical research facilities, and technology companies.
75+
Years of Physical Therapy Leadership
Simmons has been a respected leader in physical therapy education for over 75 years.
SSHP in the News
Scholars Emphasize that Women’s Health is Public Health
Shortly before the sixth annual Ifill Forum, an esteemed panel of Simmons scholars from diverse disciplines co-presented “Women’s Health is Public Health.” Dr. Ammina Kothari, Dean of The Gwen Ifill School of Media, Humanities, and Social Sciences, served as the event’s moderator.
The Simmons Six: Meet the Deans
Meet the new deans of Simmons’ School of Library and Information Science; School of Sciences and Health Professions; Gwen Ifill School of Media, Humanities, and Social Sciences; School of Social Work; School of Management; and School of Nursing.
Simmons Awarded Grant Funding from Luce Foundation
Funding from the Henry Luce Foundation will support Simmons’ efforts to advance student success, retention, and confidence in STEM-related fields as well as a Clare Boothe Luce Professorship.
2024 Simmons Faculty Awards Celebrates Stellar Researchers and Educators
Simmons faculty from various disciplines received awards in undergraduate and graduate teaching, research, service, and a commitment to DEI at the 2024 Faculty Awards.
The Ongoing Battle for Transparency in Women’s Health
Professor and Director Val Leiter shares her recent research on the FDA’s role in marketing women’s health medical devices and her efforts to determine whether gender discrimination influences the oversight of medical devices for women.
Simmons University’s School of Sciences and Health Professions Welcomes Six New Faculty Members
The new faculty members have joined the Behavior Analysis, Biology, Physical Therapy, Psychology, and Public Health programs.
Simmons Welcomes Passionate Leaders Project Scholars for Spring 2024
The Passionate Leaders Project (PLP) supports Simmons undergraduates by enriching their academic and professional interests beyond the boundaries of a conventional classroom. Students may request up to $4,000 to support their research, internships, and creative endeavors. This semester’s cohort comprises student-scholars producing original research on healthcare for seniors, fashion sustainability, and the intersection of the arts, social justice, and gender-expansive agency.
Dr. Paul Geisler Named Dean of the School of Sciences and Health Professions
In January 2024, Dr. Paul Geisler, formerly Professor of Health Professions Education, Associate Dean of Health Sciences, and Interim Associate Dean of Natural and Behavioral Sciences, accepted a new position as Interim Dean of the School of Sciences and Health Professions. He will become the official Dean following the School’s formal renaming on July 1, 2024.
Upcoming Events in the School of Sciences and Health Professions
Contact Us
School of Sciences and Health Professions
In the School of Sciences and Health Professions, you'll discover the intersection of health, life, nature, and science. We cultivate innovative practices and procedures to advance scientific knowledge, address complex problems, ask critical questions, reduce disparities, and improve individual and collective health.