Welcome to Simmons University
Founded in 1899. Online Since 2013.
For more than a hundred years, Simmons has broken down barriers to offer students a transformative learning experience that links passion with lifelong purpose. Our journey began in 1899 as a small liberal arts college with the revolutionary mission to prepare women to earn independent livelihoods and lead meaningful lives.
Today, students across the country can access a Simmons education with online bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs. Whether on campus or online, Simmons programs are built for collaboration and intellectual exploration, and our graduates are empowered to lead positive change in their lives and careers.
Simmons’ rich history as a small college focused on educational access and inclusion remains present in every online program. Online students are valued members of our tight-knit community of lifelong learners. Through years of evaluation and research, we’ve mastered the delivery of high-quality online education that brings people together — and moves them forward.
Founded as a women’s college, Simmons University is now opening doors for even more women of diverse backgrounds by offering online undergraduate programs.
Our graduate programs are co-educational, empowering students to lead in their fields with advanced academic and professional expertise.
Our co-educational doctorate programs are research driven, preparing students to assert their expertise and reach the highest level of practice in their fields.
Get Started With Simmons
Receive more information about the online program of your choice and get in touch with our enrollment team.
Find Your Program
Undergraduate Programs
Bachelor’s Degrees
Simmons has long been a trailblazer in education and is now redefining the undergraduate online experience. Our diverse selection of online bachelor’s programs allows students to complete their college education within our motivated community. We welcome women of various educational, professional, and personal backgrounds to grow as empowered leaders with us.
Graduate Programs
Behavior Analysis
Simmons’ programs in behavior analysis are designed to prepare the next generation of practitioners in the field of applied behavior analysis. Since the rise of behavior analytic professions and the launch of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®) more than 20 years ago, Simmons has been a leader in the field through its dedication to innovative coursework and research.
Scholarships are available for upcoming cohorts.
Library and Information Science
Simmons’ library and information science programs prepare students for rewarding careers related to collecting, classifying, storing, retrieving, and disseminating recorded knowledge. Our graduates go on to a variety of successful careers as web developers, digital librarians, digital asset archivists, school media specialists, and more.
Nursing
Simmons’ nursing programs prepare students to make a meaningful difference in health care. For over a century, the Simmons School of Nursing has educated skillful and compassionate nurses, and our online programs continue this legacy by providing students across the country with carefully designed acute care curricula, exceptional clinical experiences, and advanced research opportunities.
Scholarships are available for upcoming cohorts.
Nutrition
Simmons’ nutrition programs prepare students with an advanced understanding of nutrition, fitness, and wellness. Students learn to effectively evaluate and improve health behaviors on a global and community level.
Public Health
Simmons’ programs in public health train practitioners to advance population health and health equity through innovative education, collaboration, applied research and practice, community organizing and engagement, and health advocacy for systems change. Students are empowered to advance a vision in which all individuals and communities are assured a fair opportunity to achieve health and well-being.
Social Work
Simmons’ social work programs educate students who share a passion for scholarship, a dedication to community, a vision for change, and a commitment to social justice and human rights. The first school of clinical social work in the nation, Simmons School of Social Work has proudly been on the forefront of social work education and shaped the social work profession for more than 115 years.
Scholarships are available for upcoming cohorts.
Why Earn a Simmons Degree Online?
Simmons offers rigorous, accredited online programs complemented by dedicated support teams and a strong community. Throughout their experience, online students work closely with advisors, faculty, tech specialists, fellow students, and the alumni network.
We also believe that a transformative learning experience must consist of more than independent coursework. Most of our programs feature face-to-face online classes, collaborative group work, and interactive learning tools, bringing the true Simmons experience to all students. On top of immersive academics, online students have access to campus life through student clubs, organizations, and live events — ensuring that wherever they are in the country, the Simmons community will be right there with them.
Learn more about the program experience by degree path:
Our programs that prepare students for professional exams all boast high pass rates.
We pride ourselves on a holistic admission review process that considers applicants with diverse backgrounds and experience levels.
“The magic of Simmons is our legacy of empowering leaders and social justice champions, along with our strong commitment to inclusive excellence. Simmons is a longtime leader in online higher education, and we offer a transformative academic experience that combines the liberal arts and professional preparation. With a Simmons education, students graduate ready to lead in their professional, personal, and civic lives.”
— Dr. Lynn W., Simmons University President
Ready to Learn More About Simmons’ Online Programs?
Select your degree program to read further,
or request more information now to hear from an enrollment specialist.
FAQs About Simmons University’s Online Programs
-
Simmons holds a unique place in Boston’s history as a women-centered institution. While our undergraduate programs remain dedicated to empowering women and marginalized genders, all of our online graduate programs are coeducational. We welcome all students into our master’s and doctoral communities, carrying forward a legacy of inclusion and professional leadership that began over a century ago.
-
Simmons is consistently recognized as a top-tier private university, particularly for its specialized professional programs. We are home to a top-10-ranked School of Library and Information Science (by U.S. News & World Report in 2026) and to highly respected programs in Nursing and Social Work. Beyond rankings, our prestige comes from a “theory-to-practice” approach that ensures our graduates don’t just have a degree — they have the clinical and leadership skills to make an immediate impact in their professions.
-
Our graduate alumnae/i occupy some of the most influential roles in their respective industries. A few standout examples include:
– David Ferriero (MS): The 10th Archivist of the United States.
– Dr. Kimberly Noonan (DNP): A Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and Chief Nurse Practitioner at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
– Bertha Reynolds: A foundational architect of modern social work practice.
– Esther Wilkins: Author of the definitive global textbook on dental hygiene. -
Simmons offers several programs designed for digital delivery, including the Master of Social Work (MSW), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Nutrition (MS), Undergraduate, Behavior Analysis (MS, Ed., PhD), Library and Information Science, Public Health (MPH), and Management. While all of your didactic coursework is delivered through a combination of live and asynchronous online formats, clinical programs — including Nursing, Social Work, and Behavior Analysis — require in-person practicum placements or clinical rotations. These hands-on hours are typically completed at a site in your community, with support from our dedicated placement team. Additionally, nursing students are required to attend at least one on-campus immersion weekend in Boston to master essential clinical skills in person.
-
Simmons University maintains high institutional standards for academic excellence across all learning formats. Our online programs are designed to align with the rigorous professional competencies and learning outcomes for which the university is known. While the delivery method is optimized for a digital environment, you are taught by expert faculty and earn a Simmons University degree — a respected credential that reflects our legacy of professional leadership. Your diploma and transcript signify your achievement as a graduate of Simmons University and do not distinguish between delivery methods.
-
For the 2026–2027 academic year, tuition for online graduate programs typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,445 per credit hour, depending on your specific program of study. We encourage students to speak with a financial aid advisor to explore scholarships and employer reimbursement options.
-
We use a “high-touch” digital model that prevents the isolation often felt in online learning. Most courses use a synchronous–asynchronous blend. This means you’ll have weekly, live Zoom-style sessions with your professors and peers for deep discussion, paired with self-paced coursework, such as recorded lectures and interactive assignments you can complete on your own schedule.
-
Think of synchronous as your “live” time — real-time classes where you can ask questions and debate topics as they happen. Asynchronous is your “flex” time — course materials, readings, and video modules that you engage with whenever it fits into your day, provided you meet the weekly deadlines.
-
Many of our students are working professionals who balance a full-time career with their studies. While the “didactic” (classroom) portion of the program is designed for this flexibility, students often report that the clinical or practicum placement phases require a greater time commitment. We offer part-time tracks to help make this balance more manageable over the long term.
-
You aren’t expected to find a clinical site on your own. Simmons provides a dedicated Clinical Placement Specialist who works with you to identify and vet qualified sites in or near your own community. Whether you are in Nursing or Social Work, our goal is to ensure your placement or practicum experience meets our high standards for supervision and hands-on learning, regardless of your ZIP code.
-
Since your “campus” is digital, we provide 24/7 technical support to ensure you never miss a beat. From troubleshooting the Digital Campus app to navigating the 2U learning platform, our support team is available via phone, email, or chat. You also have full access to the Simmons University Library’s digital resources and our virtual writing center.
Simmons University partners with 2U to support the delivery of these online programs. Simmons University has full control over the programs, including all core academic functions. Click here to learn more about 2U’s roles and responsibilities.