Online & Hybrid Student Experience
Remote learning without sacrificing community
Simmons’ signature tight-knit community extends to our online and hybrid undergraduate and graduate programs.
Like our traditional, fully in-person degree programs, you’ll enjoy small classes and faculty support. As you move through your program, you’ll get the chance to get to know your classmates. These bonds will form over lively online class discussions and collaborative projects, and the shared experience of learning and growing together.
A supportive experience
Requirements and structure of Simmons programs vary. Some feature live synchronous courses and others allow you to progress at your own pace and time. Some hybrid programs begin online before transitioning to in-person classes; others do the opposite. Please check your program requirements carefully.
What unites our programs:
- Dedicated Simmons staff who stay connected with you as you progress through course requirements.
- Faculty and staff who guide you through the experiential learning component of your degree.
- Extensive partnerships in Boston and beyond that provide opportunities to put your knowledge and skills into practice through internships (including virtual options) or required clinical experiences.
- Opportunities to connect with students, whether during class discussions, internship projects, on clinical assignments, out in the field, or at research conferences.
- Student organizations offer additional ways to engage professionally and academically; many offer virtual networking meetings and workshops, and leadership opportunities.
Our Partnership with 2U
Simmons University works with education technology provider 2U to support the delivery of select online degree programs. This approach supports our commitment to delivering high-quality academic programs that prepare students to excel as scholars, professionals, and leaders.
Learn and Achieve on Your Own Terms
Your ambition shouldn't require a pause button. With online and hybrid programs from Simmons University, you can complete your undergraduate degree or earn your graduate degree while staying committed to your career and personal life. Step into your next professional chapter without missing a beat.
What Our Online Students Say
My Simmons colleagues in their Zoom boxes were invaluable to keep me going, and we’ve worked hard to support and encourage one another. Simmons provided spaces for us to connect in this format, and I plan to keep these relationships.
- Eric Schade ’26PhD in Social Work
It’s like a family almost, and you don’t get that from other places. This is where I feel comfortable ... with a school that understands that family is going to be there no matter what, but also helps make sure the student gets the education they’re trying to get.
- Brinika Hargrove ’27, BS in Social Work
Being an online student at Simmons, I can have stability, continue working, and get an education all at the same time. I’ve been connected with so many people, and I’ve been given so many resources. I’ve grown bonds and amazing connections with my classmates. I would definitely say that there is a huge sense of community.
- Erica Cansler ’26, ’27MSW
Online Students in the News
Finding Her ‘Why’: One Simmons Student’s Path to Advocacy
Kayla Baillargeon ’25 ’28MSW used her personal experiences and passion for helping others to advance a career in parent advocacy. Now, by earning her online bachelor's degree and pursuing a master's at Simmons, she is gaining the skills and credentials needed to shape the growing field.
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.
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.
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.
Candor and Care: The Impact of Faculty on Returning Students
After nearly three decades in corporate leadership, Theresa Stephens-Tillmon ’27 returned to school, enrolling in Simmons’ online degree completion program to pursue a psychology degree and a new purpose: helping others get unstuck through life coaching. With the support of her instructors and the staff at Simmons, she’s embarking on these meaningful second acts and finding growth.
Overcoming Obstacles, Driving Equity
Social work major and first-generation college student Kim Richard ’26 shares her journey as an online degree completion student and how Simmons has prepared her to deliver care to clients.
Honing Strategy and Leadership in the Classroom and Beyond
Christina Rahhal ’26 is a business and management major in the Simmons Online Degree Completion Program. She reflects on some of her favorite courses, and how her experience translated into career advancement and personal growth.