In an email sent out to students October 22, Simmons University announced the launch of their “Exploratory Accelerated Graduate Education Programs as part of the Simmons Edge for undergraduate students.” This program would allow students, if accepted to the program, to take a total of two graduate level courses in their senior year. This is offered alongside the existing accelerated programs.
The program connects the undergraduate program to nine different graduate programs: Master in Behavior Analysis, Nutrition and Health Promotion, Children’s Literature, Gender and Cultural Studies, History, Public Health, Library and Information Science, Social Work and Public Policy.
Leanne Doherty, the associate provost for faculty and academic affairs, emphasized how the program can further help students “most efficiently and effectively complete their academic careers.” She also discussed how “graduate programs are becoming more and more for students… there are a lot of jobs that do require graduate programs for advancement.”
A pathway is outlined through the program where beginning junior year, students express their interest through the pre-application form. From there, they meet with the respective graduate program advisor for interviews and discussion. Prospective students then submit an application by June 15, or February 15 for priority deadline.
The program offers a unique opportunity where the graduate level courses would count toward undergraduate degrees and respective master’s degrees, if the student chooses to pursue it.
Christine Henningson, the academic advisor for online undergraduate degree completion programs as well as the new advisor for the program, described it as an opportunity for students to “try it before you buy it…we are building as we go.”
In the short time the program has been announced, Henningson has already been able to talk to 13 students officially regarding it.
This can be an alternative option for those who may not be a part of the already in-place accelerated programs. For example, the 3+1 Bachelor of Social Work/Master of Social Work is a program that typically requires students to apply before coming to the university. This would allow students to explore the Masters program further into their college career.
Following an acceptance and the successful completion of two graduate courses in their senior year, students will be admitted to graduate programs. When admitted, they receive the Simmons Double Shark Scholarship, reducing their graduate tuition by 20%. This scholarship is available to any student who goes to Simmons for both undergraduate and graduate degrees.
This program continues to expand, with Master’s degrees in Data Science, Management and Strategic Communications being developed this year for future classes.
