Simmons College of Arts & Sciences Graduate Studies

a message from the dean

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) blends innovation and academic tradition in a seamless collaboration that forms the foundation for our Graduate Studies programs and for the relationships created here. CAS faculty, students, and alumni bring tremendous energy and experience — both academic and practical — to their work, and their enthusiastic commitment makes graduate life at Simmons a uniquely engaging experience.

Some CAS programs are innovative by definition. For example, Gender/Cultural Studies (GCS) evolved from a women’s studies program to become a more expansive study of the ways race, class, nationality, and sexual orientation — as well as gender — influence constructions of social identity, both nationally and transnationally. A highly theoretical program, GCS engages in the kind of inquiry usually found only at the doctoral level. Children’s Literature offers both an MA and an MFA expanding students’ options for career success. Similarly, Communications Management is one of the nation’s only graduate programs to focus on transforming organizations through strategic communication; the faculty include active practitioners in their fields and scholars specializing in communications theory.

The dual degree in History/Archives Management includes courses from our internationally recognized Graduate School for Library and Information Science. And while our education programs may seem traditional at first glance, a closer look reveals that they are in the vanguard of the field. For instance, Simmons is the first to offer graduate programs in assistive special education technology, behavioral education, language and literacy, and special education administration — four areas where training is greatly needed. Our teacher training programs offer one-year internships, cited by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as the most successful method of preparing classroom teachers. The Urban Elementary Education program provides personal coaching and support, including affordable tuition, for inner-city teachers just starting out. The cohort model of the Educational Leadership program is designed to enhance collegiality and ensure support as students work toward their principal/supervisor licenses.

I have been a faculty member at Simmons since 1985 and have taught in both the undergraduate and the graduate programs. Thus, I know firsthand how dynamic this community is. Simmons provides a graduate education that is both challenging and custom-made, at a time when most graduate programs across the country are suffering from budget cuts and faculty hiring freezes. Our small size and enviable student/faculty ratio — and our faculty’s impressive record of publications, practical experience, and research awards — guarantee personal attention and expert mentorship. I invite you to join the Simmons graduate student community.

Diane Raymond, Ph.D.
Dean

B.A., Vassar College
M.A., New York University
Ph.D., New York University

Questions?

If you have any questions about our upcoming information sessions or admission to Simmons, please call 617-521-2915 or email us.

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