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.
Graduate School Pathways
Simmons University offers several direct entry pathways into Simmons graduate programs in science and health professions, as well as a number of direct entry pathways with partnering institutions.
Spotlight on our Students and Alums
3+2 Engineering Student Researches Ultrasound Technology
Maya McCabe ’27 is a biochemistry major and physics minor in the dual degree (3+2) engineering program. She spoke with us about her research funded by the Focused Ultrasound Foundation and the hands-on STEM training she is receiving at Simmons.
Digitizing Local Archives and Reminiscing with Alumnae/i
Jenn Leishman ’26 reflects on choosing their major, an internship in the West End Museum in Boston, favorite courses, and how Simmons helped prepare them for a career as a library professional.
Revelations in the Lab, Rewards on the Field
Piper Kinney ’26 discusses her involvement in research and studying both neuroscience and public health give her two essential and complementary perspectives on medicine. She also reflects on being a student athlete during her time at Simmons.
STEM Student Receives Presentation Award
International student and data science and analytics major Janhavi Beley ’27 recently received the 2025 Student Presentation Award from the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) National Diversity in STEM conference. We spoke with her about this honor and studying STEM at Simmons.
Six Students Selected for the 2026 Senior Scholar Award
Six graduating seniors 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 and creative works across a variety of disciplinary fields.
Alumna Consults on Nutritional Goals
In recognition of National Nutrition Month, we spoke to Registered Dietitian and Food Allergy Specialist Lisa Cooperman ’23MS, who offers insight into the vital field of food allergy and developmental disability nutrition.
A Pivotal Experience in Human Anatomy for DPT Student
Emma Radlinski ’24 ’26DPT is pursuing the accelerated program in health and exercise science & physical therapy (3+3), which combines a bachelor of science in health and exercise science with a doctor of physical therapy (DPT). Now in the DPT portion of her studies, Radlinski shares what brought her to PT in the first place, and the accelerated degree.
Meet Our 2025–26 Bonner Community Leaders
The Bonner Community Leaders Program is a unique opportunity for students who want to combine a strong commitment to service with personal growth, teamwork, leadership development, and scholarship. This academic year, Simmons announced a new cohort of Bonner Leaders including Ammy A. Cardenes Santana ’29, Gulsah Cayan ’29, Lily-Rose O’Brien ’29, and Mackenzie Oprea ’29.
SSHP Highlights
24%
Undergraduate Simmons Students Majoring 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
Students Experience Immersive Interprofessional Learning
The Carlotta Simulation is an interprofessional simulation lab established by Simmons’ School of Nursing faculty. It has been developed into an invaluable experience for students of nursing, physical therapy, and nutrition. This year, School of Social Work students have also been invited to participate.
Simmons Nutrition Professor Quoted in Eating Well
A recent article in Eating Well discusses the current attention surrounding fiber. Teresa Fung, the Ruby Winslow Linn Endowed Professor, co-chair of the Department of Nutrition, and director of the didactic program in dietetics, helps unpack the mechanisms and health benefits of this nutrient.
Mentoring in the Classroom and on the Court
Jyl Collins is the senior lab manager for the Department of Biology and the assistant coach for the Simmons Tennis team. To honor National Mentoring Month (January) and National Girls and Women in Sports Day (February 4), we spoke with her about the mentorship she provides in academics and athletics.
Nutrition Professor Discusses New Dietary Guidelines
Teresa Fung, professor of nutrition, department co-chair, and director of the didactic program in dietetics for the Department of Nutrition, recently published an article on the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) in The New Lede.
50 Years of Computer Science at Simmons: Breaking Glass Ceilings
This year, Simmons celebrates 50 years since the establishment of the Bachelor’s in Computer Science (BS). We spoke to faculty about how computer scientists shaped the computer science program at Simmons, and how a women-centered university can uniquely prepare students to enter a male-dominated field.
MPH Immersion Explores Health and Justice in Immigrant Communities
Students in the Department of Public Health recently attended an event at Simmons, “Beyond Barriers: Advocating for Health and Justice with Immigrant Communities," where guest speakers shared their work to support and advocate for immigrant communities.
50 Years of Computer Science at Simmons: An Origin Story
This year, Simmons celebrates 50 years since the establishment of the Bachelor’s in Computer Science (BS). We spoke with faculty about the grassroots effort to create the program, and how Simmons was ahead of its time by offering computer science education.
Nutrition Professor Weighs In On Dietary Guidelines
Department of Nutrition Professor Teresa Fung was quoted in an article on Civil Eats, “Everything You Know About the Dietary Guidelines Is Wrong.”
Upcoming Events in the School of Sciences and Health Professions
School of Sciences and Health Professions STEM Colloquium 2026
- Apr 22, 2026
- 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm
- MCB 3rd Floor Classrooms & LPK
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.