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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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)!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What will your Simmons story be?
Direct Entry Nursing Student on Impacting Patient Lives
Direct entry nursing student Hunter Lynch ’26FNP works in primary care and aspires to one day become a nursing educator. We spoke with him about hands-on learning at Simmons and the rewards of the nursing profession.
From Med School to Nursing
Jenni Costa ’27MSN is a student in the direct entry Master of Science in nursing and post-graduate Certificate family nurse practitioner (MSN/PGC FNP), an accelerated program for students who completed a bachelor’s degree in a field outside of nursing.
Forging a Path in Community Health
Joan Vera ’27MSN shares her experience in the direct entry Master of Science in nursing and post-graduate certificate family nurse practitioner (MSN/PGC FNP), an accelerated program for students who completed a bachelor’s degree in a field outside of nursing.
Discovering a Social Work Calling at Simmons
Brinika Hargrove ’27 found renewed hope and support through Simmons’ online degree completion program, balancing motherhood, work, and school with determination. Now pursuing social work, she’s channeling her experiences into a passion for advocacy, using her education to uplift families and communities in need.
Bringing Cancer Education to Underserved Communities
Nursing student Claire Tuquero ’26 reflects on her involvement with the Passionate Leaders Project and the clinical training she was able to achieve at several Boston hospitals.
Discovering New Approaches to Youth Mental Health
Eric Schade ’26PhD reflects on the opportunities he had to publish with faculty in the Simmons School of Social Work and to connect with other online students in the PhD program. He also shares his research and the the encouragement he received to apply for research funding.
Finding Her Place in Political Science
First-generation student and political science major Syeda Anas ’26 reflects on her involvement with the Barbara Lee Fellowship Program, and about learning to talk to people without fear of judgment.
Shared Discovery and Community Building in STEM
During her time as a Simmons student, Giselle Yang enjoyed serving as a teaching assistant (TA), tutor, and student liaison, and participating in the Break Through the Tech AI program. As a TA and tutor for several classes, she helped other students while also deepening her own understanding of these subjects.
Simmons Alums in the News
Sharing the Untold Stories at Queer History Boston
Mik Hamilton '24MS ‘24MA is the archivist at Queer History Boston, a community archive dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing the rich LGBTQ+ histories of Boston and New England. Hamilton shares how the dual degree in LIS: archives management and history at Simmons prepared them for a dream job just before graduation.
Behavior Analysis Student Helps Children Reach Milestones
Josie Re ’26MS, a student in the Online Master of Behavior Analysis, shares what led her to the field, and her experience in an online classroom.
Alumna Finds Meaning in Intensive Care Nursing
Olivia Panagiotou ’23 shares how her siblings inspired her to study nursing at Simmons, and to explore career opportunities in intensive care nursing.
Building Confidence to Lead in Online Degree Program
Simmons’ online degree completion program gave Rashida Alisha Hagakore ‘24 more than a degree in business — it transformed her career trajectory. Gaining confidence, leadership skills, and a new professional identity, she advanced into a supervisory role and now approaches her work with clarity, strategy, and purpose.
Social Work Alum Advances Community Mental Health
Jordyn Hagar '23PhD reflects on how the Social Work PhD helped her successfully develop and disseminate her mental health awareness training program, Stronger Together, which is now accessible online.
A Global Perspective on Nutrition
Recent graduate Mishal Ali '26 reflects on how learning home-cooked Pakistani cuisine informed her studies in nutrition and dietetics at Simmons.
Bridging Public Art and Public Service
Art history major Cathie Behrend ’70 recently received a Legacy Award from the 92nd Street Y in New York City. We spoke with her about receiving this honor, her love of art and public service, and her Simmons experience.
SLIS Alumnae/i Named Movers & Shakers
Jessica Chapel ’19MS and Katelyn Duncan ’16MS were selected for the 2026 Movers & Shakers by Library Journal.
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.
Our Leadership Team
Accessible and accountable, our administration leads by example. And we hold firm to one purpose: to work for you.