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?

A collage of the 2026 Bonner Leaders: Ammy A. Cardenes Santana ’29, Gulsah Cayan ’29, Lily-Rose O’Brien ’29, and Mackenzie Oprea ’29

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.


Aseya Mahamed ’27 and Kamryn Sanborn ’28

Pre-Dentistry Students Doing Ultrasound Research at Simmons

Biochemistry majors and pre-dental students Aseya Mahamed ’27 and Kamryn Sanborn ’28 are researching the use of high-intensity ultrasound for the non-invasive treatment of endodontic infections at the Biomedical Ultrasound Lab.


Alive Caenorhabditis elegans worms with GFP (green fluorescent protein) inserted into their neurons to visualize neural development in a living worm. Image by Heiti Paves, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons and Creative Commons.

Dix Scholar Studies Parkinson’s Disease

Dix Scholar and biology major Ann Paim ’26 came back to school to cultivate her love of science. We spoke with her about her research on Parkinson’s Disease and the faculty support she receives at Simmons.


Louis Izzi and his parents at the White Coat Ceremony held by the Department of Physical Therapy at the end of student's first year.

DPT Student Applies Theory to Practice

Louis Izzi ’26DPT shares the many benefits of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Simmons: small classes, case-studies, cadaver anatomy training, and simulations to prepare for clinical rotations.


A blank ven diagram made of three colorful circles

Honors 3+1 Student Embraces Interdisciplinarity

Abigail Pearson ’26, ’27MSW is an honors student pursuing an accelerated degree in social work. We spoke with her about the vitality of an interdisciplinary education and the thriving community at Simmons.


Erica Cansler ’26, ’27MSW

Online Degree Completion Student Overcomes Hardship

Erica Cansler ’26, ’27MSW is a social work major and adult learner in the online degree completion program. We spoke with her about overcoming hardships, the supportive community at Simmons, and the rewards of her field.


Paulina Rodas Mejia ’26

International Honors Student Studies Economic Development

Paulina Rodas Mejia ’26, a double major in economics and international relations, is pursuing research in economic development. We spoke with her about her interdisciplinary interests, the honors program, and being an international student from Honduras at Simmons.


Sonia Vader enjoying a day near the water

Neuroscience Student Finds Purpose in Lab Research

Undergraduate neuroscience major and physics minor Sonia Vader ’26 shares her experience in the Focused Ultrasound Lab at Brigham and Women’s Hospital’s Radiology Department.


Simmons Alums in the News

A closeup of a student doing deskwork in a Behavior Analysis class

Alumna Brings Behavioral Analysis Insights to Education

“I thought I would be a teacher,” says Megan Breault ’13MS ’25PhD, who earned an undergraduate degree in sociology and elementary education. “During my undergraduate practicum [in a public school], I loved working with the students who had more challenges...


Damian Alexander ’18MFA

Graphic Novelist Offers Representation for ADHD Kids

We spoke to author and illustrator Damian Alexander ’18MFA about how he found his creative home in writing and illustrating books for young adults, and what drew him to the Simmons Master of Fine Arts in Writing for Children.


Brittany Durgin '17MS, pictured with New Hampshire Library Trustees Association board member Ann Xavier, receives the Library Director of the Year Award

SLIS Alumna Named Library Director of the Year

Brittany Durgin ’17MS, director of the Moultonborough Public Library, has received the Library Director of the Year Award from the New Hampshire Library Trustees Association.


Headshot of Sara J. McKenzie ’93MBA overlaying an aerial photo of the Simmons University campus

Alumna Honored in Biographical Publication

Marquis Who’s Who, the world’s premier publisher of biographical profiles, has honored Dr. Sara J. McKenzie ’93MBA with inclusion in Who's Who in the World.


Side by side photo of Oona Metz ’93MSW and the book cover for her book "Unhitched"

Social Work Alumna Publishes Book on Divorce

Oona Metz ’93MSW is a therapist who leads therapy groups and supports women in transition. We spoke with her about her new book on navigating divorce and the essential training she received at Simmons.


A closeup of a nursing student with a notebook on their lap in which they are taking notes

How a Nurse’s Perspective Impacts Public Health

As a nurse and a transgender woman, Masters in Public Health graduate Ellie Spoering ’25MPH offers vital education about gender-affirming care to fellow nurses.


Marie Beam ’95

Alumna Brings Joy of Discovery to Children and Families

Marie Beam ’95 is the Chief Executive Officer of the Discovery Museum in Acton, MA. We spoke with her about nonprofit work, her stimulating education at Simmons, and the value of curiosity.


Art by Karen LaFleur: Protostar

Alumna Combines Story and Techspressionist Moving Images

Karen LaFleur ’97MA, a graduate of the Simmons Master’s in Children’s Literature, is a “Techspressionist” artist and writer who incorporates moving images, text, music, and artistic renderings of nature and scientific discovery into her artwork. We spoke to LaFleur about how her studies at Simmons shaped the development of her art.


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