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# About Framingham State University (FSU)

## Welcome to FSU

Founded in 1839 as the nation's first Public Normal School dedicated to teacher preparation, Framingham State University has evolved into a comprehensive university offering programs across the arts, humanities, education, business, social sciences, STEM, and more. FSU's mission is to democratize access to a first-rate education, providing life-changing experiences for all students.

Your college journey begins with a goal: a better job, greater stability, and more choices for the future. It’s also about finding your place - forming connections, friendships, and a community that supports you as you move forward.

At Framingham State University, Live to the Truth means learning how to ask questions, build confidence, and grow into your goals over time. It means understanding that education isn’t about where you begin - it’s about who you become, and the support that helps you get there.

Here, you’ll find professors who know your name, classmates who share your determination, and a community that understands you may be balancing school with work, family, and other responsibilities.

You will learn to analyze real-world problems, make sense of complex issues, and gain the courage to stand by your values - even when the world is complicated. Because in an age of misinformation and blurred lines, truth demands courage, curiosity, and compassion.

This is Framingham State. Are you ready to Live to the Truth?  

### Live to the Truth

Since 1839, the Framingham State community has embraced the motto "Live to the Truth," reflecting the university’s commitment to integrity, public service, and high-quality education.

### Fast Facts

- **Founded:** 1839 (1st Public Normal School)
- **Total Students:** 4,002
- **Average Class Size:** 17
- **Location:** 20 Miles West of Boston

### Inclusive Excellence

FSU has received the HEED Award for its commitment to anti-racism, equity, and inclusion.

- **Students of Color:** 50%
- **First-Gen Students:** 51%
- **Receive Financial Aid:** 89%
- **NCAA Athletic Programs:** 15

### Campus

FSU sits on 78 acres blending historic and modern facilities. The campus is currently undergoing a transformation.

### Small School, Big Impact

FSU alumni excel across education, fashion, media, health fields, and Fortune 500 companies.

### Accreditations & Planning

- Accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education
- **Strategic Plan 2024-2029:** outlines future goals

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# Academic Programs

## Overview

FSU offers 117 academic programs (undergraduate, graduate, minors, concentrations, certificates) across On-Campus, Online, and Hybrid formats.

## Program Categories

### Arts, Humanities & Communications

- Art & Art History (Bachelor's, Minor; NASAD accredited)
- Apparel Design & Fashion Merchandising (Bachelor's, Minor)
- Communications (Bachelor's, Minor)
- English & Creative Writing (Bachelor's, Concentration, Minor)
- World Languages & Linguistics (Bachelor's, Minor)
- Journalism (Concentration, Minor)
- Music & Theatre (Minors)

### Business & Technology

- Accounting & Finance (Bachelor's, Minor, Certificate)
- Business & Information Technology (Bachelor's, Certificate)
- Business Management & Entrepreneurship (Bachelor's, Concentration, Minor)
- Computer Science (Bachelor's, Minor)
- Data Science, Analytics & AI (Concentration, Minor)
- Hospitality & Tourism Management (Bachelor's, Minor, Certificate)
- Marketing & International Business (Bachelor's, Minor)
- Software Engineering & Enterprise Systems (Certificates)

### Education & Human Services

- Child and Family Studies (Bachelor's, Minor)
- Early Childhood & Elementary Education (Bachelor's, Certificate)
- Secondary Education (Minor)
- Psychology & Sociology (Bachelor's, Minor)

### STEM, Health & Sciences

- Biology, Chemistry & Biochemistry (Bachelor's, Minor)
- Biotechnology (Bachelor's)
- Earth System Science & Environmental Science (Bachelor's, Minor)
- Food & Nutrition / Dietetics (Bachelor's, Concentration; only 4+1 CPD in MA)
- Health & Wellness / Public and Community Health (Bachelor's, Concentration, Minor)
- Mathematics & Statistics (Bachelor's, Minor)
- Nursing (RN to BS) (Bachelor's)
- Pre-Medicine / Pre-Health (Bachelor's, Concentration, Post-Bachelor's Certificate)
- Pre-Engineering Program (Pre-Professional)
- Sports Management (Bachelor's, Minor)

### Specialized Interdisciplinary Minors

- African American Literature & Film, American Studies, Criminology, Digital Humanities, Diversity Studies, Environmental Studies & Social Justice, Law & Politics, Museum Studies, Neuroscience, Sustainable Food Systems

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# History of FSU

## Early History

- **1839:** Opened as Lexington Normal School, principal Cyrus Peirce
- **1840:** First graduates (25 women)
- **1844-1853:** Moved locations, motto "Live to Truth" inscribed
- **1868:** First female principal
- **1881-1898:** Key milestones, including establishment of Household Arts Department

## 1900s

- 1922: First Bachelor of Science in Education awarded
- 1932: Renamed State Teachers College
- 1961: Master of Education degree authorized
- 1964: Male students admitted
- 1970: Christa McAuliffe graduates
- 1986: Christa McAuliffe Center for Teaching Excellence established

## 2000s-Present

- 2010: Became Framingham State University
- 2015: Hemenway Laboratories opens
- 2017: Smithsonian Affiliate designation
- 2019: Danforth Art Center opens
- 2020: North Hall rededicated as Mary Bibb Hall
- 2022/2023: Dr. Nancy S. Niemi appointed 17th President

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# Centers & Institutes

### Academic & Research

- Center for Digital Humanities (CDH)
- Center for Excellence in Learning, Teaching, Scholarship, and Service (CELTSS)
- Mancuso Humanities Workforce Preparation Center (MHWPC)
- MetroWest Economic Research Center (MERC)
- John C. Stalker Institute for Food & Nutrition

### STEM & Science

- Christa McAuliffe Center for Integrated Science Learning
- MetroWest STEM Education Network

### Community, Diversity & Inclusion

- Center for Inclusive Excellence (CIE)
- Centers for Early Childhood Education
- Chris Walsh Center for Educators & Families of MetroWest
- Civic Engagement & Service Learning Center
- MetroWest College Planning Collaborative (CPC)

### Arts & Innovation

- Danforth Art Museum and School
- Entrepreneur Innovation Center

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# Colleges at FSU

### College of Arts & Humanities

Art, Communication, English, Fashion, History, Interdisciplinary Studies, World Languages

### College of Business

Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing; home to MERC and VITA Internship

### College of Education and Social & Behavioral Sciences

Teacher prep programs, Child Development Lab, Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program

### College of STEM

Biology, Chemistry, Food Science, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Mathematics, Nursing, Nutrition, Pre-Health, 4+1 accelerated master's programs

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# Academic Calendar 2025-2026

### Fall 2025

- Sep 1: Labor Day
- Sep 3: Classes Begin
- Nov 26: Last day to withdraw / take CR/NCR
- Dec 12-18: Final Exam Period

### Spring 2026

- Jan 20: Classes Begin
- Mar 13-20: Spring Vacation
- May 11-15: Final Exam Period
- May 21-23: Commencement

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# Admissions

## Undergraduate

- Tuition Promise: Families ≤ $85K pay nothing
- Applicants: First Year, Transfer, International, Readmission
- Campus Visits & Virtual Tours

## Graduate

- 50+ programs, flexible online/hybrid options
- Take 1-2 classes as non-matriculated student
- Staff: Mike Merriam, Jeff Masse, Zachery Elmore, Heather McCarthy

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# Costs & Financial Aid

- Tuition Promise: MA households ≤ $85K pay $0
- Direct cost examples for on-campus/off-campus, in-state, out-of-state
- Merit scholarships & financial calculators available

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# Academic Success

## Key Support Centers

- CASA: Math & writing tutoring, disability services
- Advising Center: Major/minor guidance
- Commonwealth Honors Program: High-achieving students
- Student Experience & Career Development: Leadership, internships, networking

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# Career Development

- Resume/cover letter help
- Internship placement & mock interviews
- Leadership & professional skills development
- Contact: McCarthy Center, 508-626-4615, careerdevelopment@framingham.edu

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# Mental Health Care & Community

- Individual/group counseling
- Crisis intervention & emergency support
- Wellness & prevention programs
- Inclusive, accessible services

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# Living on Campus

- Housing: Traditional, suite-style, specialized communities
- Community: RAs, floor meetings, programming
- Benefits: Access, connections, engagement
- Policies: Respect, safety, guest regulations

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# Information Technology Services (ITS)

- Help desk, Wi-Fi, accounts, software, hardware
- Student resources: LMS, labs, printing, remote tools
- Faculty/staff support: Classrooms, administrative systems
- Security: Data protection, cybersecurity, acceptable use
- Goal: Reliable, secure, accessible tech

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# Counseling Center – Crisis/Emergency Support

- 24/7 emergency resources
- On-campus crisis response
- Short-term counseling & referrals
- Workshops: Stress management, resilience

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# Campus Overview

- Facilities: Academic, library, residence, recreation, student centers, green spaces
- Student life: Clubs, events, collaboration
- Accessibility & Safety: Accommodations, emergency services
- Sustainability & Community: Green initiatives, partnerships, diversity programs