With an enviable student to faculty ratio of just 12 to 1, Assumption’s academic atmosphere is closely knit and community oriented. Students first meet with faculty during orientation, when they are matched with an advisor who helps them choose courses. This is the beginning of an informed, personal conversation about their academic goals.
Regardless of their majors, all students take a general education curriculum that focuses on the liberal arts and sciences. These courses enable students and faculty to contemplate the books, ideas, and events that have shaped civilization, helping students prepare themselves to make their own future contributions to this ongoing process. In addition to the core curriculum, nearly 30 percent of undergraduates major in business, while English and the natural sciences are other popular choices.
Students are also encouraged to enroll in honors classes or work with faculty on individual research projects. In honors courses, students pursue the broadest issues at the deepest levels, learning to ask questions, collect evidence, test answers, and arrive at conclusions. The Honors Program is a selective program designed to foster academic engagement inside and outside of the classroom.
In the classroom, faculty take a hands-on approach to learning through group projects, writing assignments, research, and tasks that encourage students to think, not just memorize. Classes are generally discussions, not lectures. Assumption undergraduates praise their professors for their ability to “engage the entire class in discussions and encourage thinking that goes beyond textbooks.” They also like the way instructors “get to know you on a personal level” and are “available outside the classroom.” Countless Assumption alumni report that they have been transformed by relationships with faculty who genuinely cared about them and actively guided them in reaching their potential.
Assumption prides itself on its “culture of inclusivity.” “Encounters of the Assumption kind” is how the campus community describes the way in which faculty and students connect and influence each other. The campus itself is designed to ensure that teachers and students see each other regularly. Faculty reserve ten hours a week of office time; this time is often devoted to discussing a student’s future goals.
Assumption is a member of the Colleges of Worcester Consortium, an association of the thirteen higher-learning institutions in Greater Worcester. Through the consortium, Assumption students can register for courses at the other twelve colleges, as well as participate in social and cultural events.
Academic Programs Accounting, Biology/Biological Sciences, Biology with Concentration in Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Classics, Communications with two tracks (Writing and Mass Communication) and (Organizational Communication), Computer Science, Economics, Economics with a Business Concentration, Economics with International Concentration, English, Environmental Science, Foreign Languages, French, French with Concentration in Francophone Culture and Civilization, Global Studies, Global Studies with Business Concentration, History, International Business, Italian Studies, Latin American Studies, Management, Marketing, Mathematics, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Social and Rehabilitation Services, Sociology, Sociology with Concentration in Criminology, Spanish, Theology, and Visual Arts.
Special Programs in Elementary Education, Middle School Education, Secondary Education, Medical Technology, Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental/Pre-Law, and Engineering (offered in conjunction with Worcester Polytechnic Institute).
VIBRANT COMMUNITIES
Worcester, Massachusetts stands on its own with its entertainment, restaurant, and outdoors options. Students can take in the symphony, arts, and nightlife, and if they need a change it’s a short drive to some of New England’s well-known cities…
This is a great place to be
Home to more than 90 percent of the school’s undergraduates, Assumption’s campus is nestled on 180 park-like acres in a serene section of Worcester, Massachusetts, the state’s second-largest city. There, campus life is a rich mix of academics, athletics, service, and extracurricular activities, all designed to inspire students, help them learn to live lives of integrity, and prepare them for meaningful careers.
Assumption guarantees on-campus housing for all four years of a student’s college experience. The school offers a wide variety of living options, ranging from traditional residence halls to townhouses and apartments. Four suite-style residence halls have been constructed in the last eight yearsOther new campus buildings include the Richard and Janet Testa Science Center, home to the department of natural sciences; the Information Technology Center, an eighteen-thousand-square-foot addition that features computer labs and technology-rich classrooms; and a multi-sport stadium with a synthetic turf field, lighting for night events, and grandstand seating
for approximately 1,200 spectators. The Plourde Recreation Center includes a swimming pool, racquetball courts, an aerobic/dance studio, a jogging/walking track, and a fully-equipped fitness center.
Many social, recreational, and cultural activities are offered on campus providing students with a variety of opportunities to share interests and gain valuable leadership experience.
While Boston is less than an hour away, students also find that the city of Worcester offers many appealing restaurants, clubs, shops, and events, as well as chances to visit the city’s other educational institutions.
SUCCESSFUL OUTCOMES
Most students in each graduating class have full-time job offers within a few months of graduating. This is thanks to their extensive opportunities throughout their college experience to build their skills, network with alumni, internships with respected companies, and training for all aspects of the job search…
Success on multiple levels
Assumption’s office of career services posts numerous full-time and part-time job listings, internships, and volunteer opportunities. Career Services advisors assist students beginning in their sophomore year.
After graduation, students stay connected to Assumption through the very active college Alumni Association which helps graduates stay connected through lifelong relationships. It also sponsors the college’s reunion weekend, fall and winter homecoming, Reunion Leadership Day, regional club activities, and networking programs. The Assumption College Web site, alumni directory, and Assumption College Magazine also help alumni keep in touch with one another and the college.
FAST FACTS
Assumption College is a Catholic liberal arts and professional studies college founded in 1904.
Web site http://www.assumption.edu
Location Worcester, Massachusetts—about 45 miles from Boston.
Student Profile 2,125 students (40% male, 60% female); 24 states and territories; 8 countries.
Faculty Profile 12:1 student/faculty ratio. Average class size is 20.
Residence Life Highly residential: 90% of students live on campus in guaranteed housing.
Athletics NCAA Division II, Northeast-10 Conference. 22 varsity sports (10 men’s: basketball, ice hockey, baseball, football, lacrosse, soccer, cross-country, golf, tennis, indoor & outdoor track; 11