Overview
Springfield College Offers the Best of Massachusetts' Natural Adventures to Students Looking to Unwind
Springfield College is located in Springfield, Massachusetts, and focuses on offering undergraduate students a wide variety of learning opportunities for a balanced degree-seeking experience. Faculty and staff at Springfield aim to educate students in mind, body, and spirit in order to be successful leaders in the future.
Springfield was founded in 1885, and is known for more than 40 majors and 15 different types of master's degrees. Doctorates are also available in the fields of physical therapy and physical education. Various respected college catalogs and review publications list Springfield among the best in America.
The campus consists of 57 acres of forest, lake shorelines, and camping facilities with kayak and canoe rentals for plenty of outdoor activity. Live entertainment including local and national acts, comedians, and theater offer weekend and evening excitement to all students.
When vacations or long weekends enable students to take a break from class and studies, they often explore the surrounding city of Springfield and state of Massachusetts. Budget-friendly dining options, art museums, and high-fashion shopping are all available within a day's drive or less of campus.
Springfield Majors and Special Dual Master's Degree Programs Allow for Real Working Experience in the Community
Springfield's schools include Arts, Sciences, and Professional Studies; Health, Physical Education, and Recreation; Human Services; and Social Work. Majors within these schools focus on a wide range of sport and exercise science, education, business, and other arts and sciences areas.
The following majors are available to undergraduate students at Springfield: American studies, applied exercise science, art and art therapy, athletic training, biology, business administration, communications/sports journalism, communication disorders, computer and information sciences, computer graphics/digital arts, criminal justice, dance, early childhood education, EMS management, English and general studies, health science, health services administration, health education and studies, history, mathematics and computer technology, physical education and physical therapy, physician assistant studies, psychology, recreation management, rehabilitation and disability studies, secondary education, applied sociology, sport management and sport biology, teacher preparation, and youth development.
In addition, several different types of teacher licensure and certification programs make Springfield a popular choice for aspiring educators. Specialized focus areas will prepare undergraduates to teach such subjects as English, psychology, American studies, mathematics, history, biology, and visual arts.
Students choosing to major in occupational therapy may enroll in a dual degree program that completes both the requirements for a bachelor's degree and master's degree in five years. This requires two summers of study and professional studies beginning in the fourth year.
Many physical therapy students choose to continue their studies into the master's degree program in sport management and sport studies, sport management, allied health, rehabilitation, and teacher preparation. After completing these graduate requirements, some students may choose to continue through the doctorate in physical therapy. Several Master of Science degrees are also available through the sport performance programs.
Undergraduate students at Springfield also have their choice of several minors to pursue in addition to their major study area. One of the most popular is the YMCA professional studies minor that focuses on group work, fundraising, grant writing, and non-profit management.
In order to complete many of the fieldwork requirements for several majors, the college maintains positive relationships with local businesses and other organizations such as: YMCA, Boston Globe, MassMutual, Boston Children's Hospital, American Hockey League, Basketball Hall of Fame, American Heart Association, Hilton Head Crowne Plaza, Reebok Health and Fitness Center, Baystate Medical Center, and many of the parks and recreation centers.
Student Organizations Cater to Special Interests, Majors, and Government-Minded Individuals for a Complete Experience
Several special interest groups and activities offer a range of possibilities when it comes to having the opportunity to experience college life to its fullest. The Student Government Association is one of the most popular to be involved with, as well as the Class Boards for anyone interested in governing the activities of the student body.
Academic organizations are typically major-focused, such as the Student Physical Therapy Association, Sports Management Club, Pre-Medical Scholars Club, History Club, Athletic Training Club, YMCA Club, and Physician Assistant Student Organization.
These groups are a great way for students with similar academic interests and goals to meet and form relationships that will last throughout their college careers; involvement in academic organizations is also a great way to take advantage of related seminars and trips, as well as rounding out a resume for future job-hunting ventures.
Special interest student groups such as Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Environmental Club, and the SC Singers give additional opportunity to pursue extracurricular activities while studying for a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree.
Unique committees, such as the Family and Friends Weekend Committee, have also been formed, and they plan specific annual events on campus. In addition, anyone with an interest in media or publications has the chance to work with the Springfield Student Newspaper or the Massasoit Yearbook staff.
