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 Our Faculty
In the Simmons School of Sciences and Health Professions you will study with faculty who are thought-leaders and award winners, researchers, and professionals in their fields.
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
Academic Departments
Behavior Analysis
The Department of Behavior Analysis offers outstanding graduate training for students seeking to improve the lives of others. We prepare students for a wide variety of professional paths, including service to individuals with autism, work in educational and/or clinical settings, industry, and private practice.
Biology
The Department of Biology offers exceptional education in biological disciplines, rooted in theoretical knowledge, and enriched by interactive, hands-on learning. Our curriculum prepares students for graduate study and careers in many fields, including basic science, engineering, biotechnology, and medicine.
Chemistry and Physics
In the Department of Chemistry & Physics we educate students to become research-empowered, global citizens, with the skills and experience to thrive in their careers. Our research-focused curriculum emphasizes hands-on preparation, while courses and labs foster competence, teamwork, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Computer, Data, and Mathematical Sciences
The Department of Computer, Data, and Mathematical Sciences provides an environment that empowers students in mathematics, computer science, and statistics and helps them to realize their potential in those fields. We use a range of teaching methods to address students' individual needs.
Health and Exercise Science
By studying Health and Exercise Science at Simmons University, students are exposed to industry-leading technology used in the healthcare and wellness fields, which includes working with subjects on physiological testing, biomechanical movement analysis, exercise assessment, and more.
Nutrition
The Department of Nutrition offers outstanding education in every aspect of nutrition and dietetics. Each of our degree programs provides a strong foundation in the science of nutrition and extensive hands-on training, enabling our graduates to improve quality of life for individuals and communities.
Department of Psychology
The Department of Psychology is distinguished by the rigor and depth of our programs, which include a year-long field placement and abundant research opportunities. Students collaborate in faculty research, present at conferences, and even co-author papers with faculty mentors.
Public Health
The Department of Public Health offers both a Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) and a Master of Public Health (MPH). Many pre-med and other health professions students also pursue the Minor in Public Health to augment their clinical education with this broad perspective.
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.
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
Inside Simmons’ Data Science and AI Major
Data science and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are everywhere — what does it mean to major in these areas, as an undergraduate? We spoke with a professor and graduate of Simmons’ Bachelor of Science in Data Science and AI to learn more about what the degree entails, and how it prepares students to enter a rapidly growing field.
Simmons Students Honored at Bell Ringer Awards
Two Merit Awards were presented to Simmons University students at the PR Club of New England’s 58th Annual Bell Ringer Awards. Communications student Nevaeh Berenato ’26 was recognized for the article, “Concert Review: Maruja Protests with Punk at the Sinclair,” (The Simmons Voice, September 2025). The students of Studio 5 were recognized for “Elevating Pediatric Airway Health Awareness & Expertise.”
Students Bring Machine Learning to STEM Research
This summer, the STARS (Summer Training in Academic Research at Simmons) 2026 Scholars program paired students and faculty across STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) disciplines to collaborate on research projects. The projects lasted six weeks, culminating in student poster presentations at the end of June. This year, the students were challenged to investigate ways that machine learning could be applied to faculty research.
Congratulations to the 2026 SURPASs Scholars
Nine undergraduate scholars from disciplines across Simmons have been selected to join the Summer Undergraduate Research Program at Simmons (SURPASs). From May to June, students will receive funding and mentorship to support their independent research. The six-week program includes workshops and research presentations, culminating in a student showcase in June.
Simmons Student Researches AI at MIT and OpenAI
Nailya Alimova ’26 shares her experience as an international student in the STEM field, and how Simmons supported her AI research.
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.
Cultivating Wellness With Real-World Learning
Emily Crown ’26 reflects on her decision to major in Health and Exercise Science, the mentorship she received along the way, and the ways in which Simmons provided the opportunities, environment, and support she needed to be successful.
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.
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.
SSHP in the News
Students Bring Machine Learning to STEM Research
This summer, the STARS (Summer Training in Academic Research at Simmons) 2026 Scholars program paired students and faculty across STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) disciplines to collaborate on research projects. The projects lasted six weeks, culminating in student poster presentations at the end of June. This year, the students were challenged to investigate ways that machine learning could be applied to faculty research.
Behavior Analysis Professor Receives Teaching Award
Associate Professor and Department Chair of Behavior Analysis Gretchen Dittrich has received the Beth Sulzer-Azaroff Award for Distinguished Teaching from BABAT (Massachusetts Professionals in Behavior Analysis).
In Memoriam: Professor Emeritus Donald W. Thomas (1935–2026)
Professor Emeritus Donald W. Thomas, who served as a professor in the Department of Psychology at Simmons from 1966 to 1999, passed away in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on March 12, 2026. He was 90 years old.
STEM Colloquium Celebrates Student Research
Two dozen students presented on a wide range of topics at the STEM Colloquium 2026, presented by the School of Sciences and Health Professions. The event showcased student research, including oral and poster presentations.
Why Study STEM at a Women's College?
If you’re interested in STEM and want to study in a place where you feel acknowledged and supported, enrolling in a women’s college is a smart option. Research shows that women’s colleges are particularly well equipped to help you thrive in STEM fields and realize your leadership potential.
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.
Upcoming Events in the School of Sciences and Health Professions
Find Your Why: A Conversation About the Simmons MPH Experience
- Sep 29, 2026
- 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
- Virtual
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.