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.

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 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
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?

Felipa Canchola ’24, Lisa deRosier ’24, and Rashida Alisa Hagakore ’24

This fall, Simmons students from the Social Action Leaders course are channeling their academic studies into advocacy. We spoke with students Felipa Canchola ’24, Lisa deRosier ’24, and Rashida Alisa Hagakore ’24 about their passion for experiential service learning and their conception of good leadership.

Sage Loyema Innerarity ’25MS

This fall, Sage Loyema Innerarity, a citizen of the Ione Band of Miwok Indians of California, began graduate studies at the Simmons School of Library and Information Science. Working in cooperation with Indigenous individuals, she builds and preserves tribal archives. Innerarity spoke with us about the importance of community, Native literature, and remembrance.

A side-by-side image of the 2023 Bonner Community Leaders: Megan Burgess ’27, Maya Kansky ’27, and Kathleen Dunn ’27

The Bonner Community Leaders Program at Simmons University is a unique opportunity for students who want to combine a strong commitment to service with personal growth, teamwork, leadership development, and scholarship. This fall, Simmons announced a new cohort of 11 Bonner Leaders. We spoke with three of them.

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

Alums Who are Leading the Way

Headshot of Mackenzi Lee

Mackenzi Lee ’14MFA, New York Times Best Selling Author

“Simmons helped me develop the essential skill of taking myself and my work as a writer seriously and prioritizing it. There were such incredible resources available to me, and I got to work with mentors who continue to influence my work and career.”

Adunni Slackman Anderson and President Wooten

Dr. Adunni Slackman Anderson '73, educational leader and retired school principal

“Leaders are not just defined by titles and positions, they are defined by what they do and how they influence people.”

Senator Harriette L. Chandler ’83MBA

Senator Harriette L. Chandler ’83MBA, Massachusetts State Senator, 1st Worcester District

“I chose Simmons because I wanted a world-class, women-centered education in the heart of Boston. Simmons prepared me for my career in business and public service and to cut my own path in a professional world dominated by men.”

Meet more of our alums

Kyle T. Ganson ’20PhD

Kyle T. Ganson is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. As part of his studies at Simmons, he created the course “Social Work Assessment and Treatment of Eating Disorders,” to be taught in Spring 2024. We spoke to Ganson about his doctoral experience at Simmons and the inspiration behind the course.