Merrimack College - Overview
Town of North Andover Provides an Academic, Hometown Setting in Northeast Massachusetts
About 25 miles north of Boston, Merrimack College students call the town of North Andover their academic home. North Andover is located in northeast Massachusetts on the banks of the Merrimack River in an area surrounded by other small Massachusetts communities. When students are ready for a change of scenery, they can easily see the sights of historic Boston after a half-hour drive.
In Boston, they can spend time in the famous marketplace, Faneuil Hall, with its unique shopping and eateries. For historical and scientific perspectives, students will want to visit the Boston Museum of Science, New England Aquarium, or famous Freedom Trail. Sports devotees from Merrimack should take some time for Boston's wide world of pro teams, including the Red Sox (baseball), Patriots (football), Celtics (basketball), and Bruins (hockey). Shopping comes conveniently to students, either on Boston's Newbury Street or in the more relaxed district of Andover, North Andover's next door neighbor.
Merrimack's scholars beat back winter blahs with skiing and cold weather sports in nearby Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire. When the snow melts, the national parks beckon students to the Massachusetts cities of Lawrence and Lowell. For coastal and beach outings, Merrimack groups can drive to Portsmouth, Ogunquit, and Kennebunkport from their campus home in North Andover.
Undergraduates Gain an Essential Foundation in the Humanities, Sciences, and Social Sciences
At Merrimack College, all undergraduates receive a foundation of important courses incorporating the humanities, the sciences, and social sciences. No matter which major students select from a list of more than 30 areas, they will gain fundamental knowledge to improve their abilities to communicate effectively, think critically, and act ethically. So a fine arts major takes courses in the sciences, a business major samples social science, and an engineering student appreciates other cultures through the humanities.
Active learning scenarios are encouraged within an environment of small classes, accessible faculty, and course discussions. Unique learning activities complement the class setting, including study abroad semesters, internships, and a liberal arts co-operative program. Though founded on a liberal arts tradition, Merrimack College is committed to excellent science and engineering programs, advanced facilities, and highly developed technology.
Part of Merrimack's mission is the integration of the liberal arts tradition with the science and engineering fields. The general education coursework in humanities and social sciences allows students of all majors to enhance their own intellectual and creative growth. From a core foundation in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities, students may branch out with studies in specialized fields such as: biotechnology, media arts, sports medicine, and information technology. Preparatory programs for legal, dental, and medical professions may also be pursued.
Merrimack Community Makes the Most of Student Life with Activities and Athletics
Student activities, special events, and exciting athletics come together to enrich student life at Merrimack College. Sixteen varsity teams compete in the school's athletic programs. Fifteen of these sports are men's and women's NCAA Division II sports in the Northeast-10 Conference, while the men's hockey team competes in the Division I Hockey East Association. For those students who like to join in the action on another level, Merrimack supports active intramural sports programs. If students thrive on recreation with a touch of competitiveness, there are volleyball and dodgeball tournaments on campus.
Merrimack's student life gives its campus community a chance to showcase talents with plays, concerts, and performances where students shine. Many visual and performing arts events are held at the school's Center for the Arts. The center features the skilled activities of students, yet also welcomes national and international caliber art exhibits, music, theater, dance, and film.
Those attending the college can enhance their student life by attending cultural events, as well as by participating in the activities of clubs and organizations. From the government association to student journalism to fraternities and sororities, membership opportunities keep students active. Whether joining in an athletics practice, jazz ensemble performance, or campus ministry service project, members of the Merrimack community are making the most of student life.