Western New England University
Springfield, Massachusetts
Experience More Than a Great University
“Where do I see myself in four years?” is the question most students face as they enter college. With four Colleges—Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering, and Pharmacy and Health Sciences, as well as a School of Law—Western New England University offers wide-ranging the academic opportunities. With an emphasis on collaboration, leadership, entrepreneurship, and experiential learning, Western New England University’s programs challenge students to do more, be more, and achieve more than they ever imagined.
Western New England University is a four-year private, independent, coeducational institution founded in 1919.
Get to know Western New England University
Benefits
Student Activities
- Campus Ministries
- Choral groups
- Concert band
- Dance
- Drama/theatre
- International Student Organization
- Jazz band
- Literary magazine
- Model UN
- Music ensembles
- Musical theatre
- Pep band
- Radio station
- Student government
- Student newspaper
- Student-run film society
- Television station
- Yearbook
High-Impact Practices
- First-Year Seminars and Experiences
- Common Intellectual Experiences
- Learning Communities
- Writing-Intensive Courses
- Collaborative Assignments and Projects
- Undergraduate Research
- Diversity/Global Learning
- Service-Learning, Community-Based Learning
- Internships/Coops/Practica
- Capstone Courses and Projects/Senior Experience
Campus Resources
- Career Services
- Writing Center
- Academic Advisors
- Library Services
- Faculty Mentors
- Disability Services
- Multicultural Engagement Center
- Health Services
- Academic Tutors
- Financial Aid Advisors
- Student Success Initiative
- Veteran Services
- Peer Mentors
- Counseling
College Highlights
Western New England University students benefit from a wide variety of activities on campus supported by a broad spectrum of activities in the local community and through global learning.
“The trip to Sorrento, Italy was important to me because I hope to one day live and work abroad. As an academic Global Scholar student at Western New England University, I was required to study abroad and this trip was a great first step, and one that I incorporated into my capstone project senior year.” – Kelly Donahoo, Communication, Client Services, Westcoast Connections, Sorrento, Italy & Guatemala Summer Seminars
STUDY ABROAD
For many students at Western New England University, study abroad is a passport to a world of remarkable opportunity. Students gain new insights studying their discipline in the context of a foreign perspective. They also learn about other cultures’ political and economic systems. Students have spent the semester or year in such destinations as Australia, China, England, Finland, Ireland, Italy, and Spain.
FACULTY LED SEMINAR COURSES ABROAD
The University also offers faculty led short summer seminar courses abroad to such locations as China, Iceland, Spain, Guatemala, Italy, and the UK. Through the London Study Abroad program freshmen Arts and Sciences and Business sophomore students can spend the fall semester at London’s Regent’s University, where most classes are taught by Western New England faculty. Business students may also study in France. Summer seminars include trips to Italy, Iceland, South Africa, Guatemala, and more. The Center for International Sport Business offers travel seminars to the Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup.
“Many undergraduate research projects have led to presentations by students and faculty at local and national meetings and/or publication in a scientific journal. These research experiences give students an edge in their application to graduate school. In addition, some of these faculty-undergraduate research projects are focused on improving science education, including the design and testing of novel laboratories for chemistry laboratory courses.” – Dr. Alex Wurm, Department Chair & Professor of Physics
CLASS SIZE
The number of sections of each class size.
2-9: 186 | 10-19: 270 | 20-29: 304
30-39: 31| 40-49: 0 | 50-99: 1 | 100+: 0
ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY
Nonresident aliens: 91
Hispanic/Latino: 237
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 151
White, non-Hispanic: 2,002
American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 8
Asian, non-Hispanic: 84
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 7
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 54
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 89
Total Enrollment: 2,723
Professors at Western New England University are deeply involved in their students’ education, ensuring that each graduate comes away with the best educational experience possible.
“It’s important to me to prepare my students for the rigors of the work environment, but it’s equally important to prepare them for life. We, as professors, can make a difference in the lives of our students. It is truly a privilege to be their teacher and a mentor.” – Dr. Steven Northrup, Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Recipient Teaching Excellence Award
WORK SMARTER, DREAM BIGGER
The University offers nearly 50 undergraduate programs through its Colleges of Arts and sciences, Business, and Engineering. Among the most popular majors are criminal justice, sport management, communication, psychology, mechanical engineering, and Pre-Pharmacy. Western New England professors inspire students to challenge ideas, think critically, and find creative solutions—to become active participants in their education.
“The support that I received from my professors was tremendous. My education at Western New England prepared me to dive into the research environment, and my advisors helped me to find out what I wanted to pursue and achieve my goals.” – Kwasi Amofa, Biomedical Engineering, Fulbright and Whitaker Scholar, MERLN Institute for Technology—Inspired Regenerative Medicine
$90 MILLION INVESTED IN CAMPUS
Western New England has invested more than $90 million in facilities since becoming a University in 2011. In 2018, it opened opened an expansive four-story Dining Commons which serves as a community social hub. The University’s extensive science offerings are housed in the $40 million Center for the Sciences and Pharmacy. Sleith Hall, home to the College of Engineering, completed a $12.8 million renovation and expansion to enhance classrooms and labs. Herman Hall, where many of the humanities programs are housed, underwent an $8.3 million modernization upgrade.
CROSS-DISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION
Leveraging the diverse strengths of its Colleges and School of Law, the University provides unique opportunities for students to engage in cross-disciplinary learning and faculty collaboration. These have resulted in groundbreaking applications for the use of acoustics in water filtration and personalized medicine, patented surgical devices, and a breathalyzer blood sugar monitor for diabetes patients. Through the 3D Startup weekend entrepreneurship competition and Product Innovation and Development course, students have developed marketable consumer products.
COMBINED DEGREE PROGRAMS
Western New England University offers several combined degree programs. The school’s 3+3 law and Six-year Engineering/Law programs is a six-year course of study that leads to both an undergraduate and a law degree. Similarly, students can complete a five-year program to earn both an undergraduate degree and a master’s degree in business or engineering The University offers Pre-Pharmacy program leading to earning both a bachelor’s or PharmD degree. In the Health Sciences major, students can pursue concentrations in Pre-physician Assistant or Pre-Optometry programs leading to programs with partner institutions.
HONORS AND GLOBAL SCHOLARS
The Honors and Global Scholars programs at Western New England University gives students the opportunity to explore subjects in greater depth, interact with honors students across majors, and study topics that cross disciplines.
“We offer a course that integrates business and engineering students called Product Innovation and Development where demand is so high four sections were offered last fall. We also participate in a national program titled ‘3 Day Start-up’ (3DS) over a weekend where students create, develop, and pitch a product/project idea, kind of like a mini-Shark Tank.” – Dr. Harlan Spotts, Professor of Marketing
SPECIAL STUDY OPTIONS
Programs available at this institution.
Accelerated program
Cross-registration
Distance learning
Double major
Dual enrollment
Exchange student program (domestic)
Honors Program
Independent study
Internships
Liberal arts/career combination
Study abroad
Teacher certification program
Western New England University’s community aims to embrace everyone. Its vibrant student life offers a wide variety of clubs and organizations that meet every lifestyle and passion. Students are encouraged to join our popular student government organizations, special interest groups, or recreational clubs, or create a new one. Our small study body makes it easy to get involved and take on leadership positions.
ACTIVE PARTICIPATION
Active participation is integral the life as a Golden Bear. With more than 70 student clubs/organizations and a variety of athletic and creative options to choose from, many students find outlets for their interests and talents in cocurricular activities. Opportunities range from student government to the Improv on the Rocks comedy troupe. In their first year, students can join the Emerging Leaders program, where they explore personal strengths and test their capacities for leadership.
VOLUNTEERING
Opportunities for volunteering abound. Students can participate in the America Reads program and read to young children in local schools; Make a Difference Day, where students volunteer in homeless shelters and soup kitchens; and Alternative Spring Break, when students volunteer to assist with such issues as disaster recovery, homelessness, or environmental protection.
A GREAT PLACE TO LEARN
The University’s setting in a residential neighborhood of Springfield, Massachusetts offers access to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame; Six Flags New England; The MassMutual Center; MGM Springfield ,home to movie theatres and great dining; Forest Park; several museums; and a number of libraries. Amenities within walking distance of campus include local and chain restaurants, drug stores, and a new grocery store. The campus is just south of the Amherst/Northampton area, ninety minutes from Boston, and two and a half hours from New York City. Students enjoy day trips to the great New England beaches and ski slopes of Vermont.
About three-quarters of Western New England University students live on campus, which includes traditional two-person rooms, suites, apartments, and townhouses. Many students choose to live in themed housing, where they share housing with students with similar interests.
“Our athletic family is committed to developing well-rounded student-athletes that embody the Western New England Way philosophy and commitment to excellence. We strive to develop student-athletes that will achieve their fullest potential in the classroom, on the field, and in their communities. We believe our student-athletes leave our program equipped with skills to be highly successful in all aspects of their lives.” – Jason Lebeau, Head Football Coach
ATHLETICS
- NCAA Division III
- The Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC)
- 19 varsity sports
- Men’s: baseball, basketball, cross country; football; golf; ice hockey; lacrosse; soccer; tennis; wrestling
- Women’s: basketball, cross country, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, volleyball
- The University also offers three non-NCAA sports teams for men and women (bowling, martial arts, and rugby).
RESIDENCE LIFE
Percent of students living on campus.
First-time, first-year (freshman) students: 80%
Undergraduates: 61%
Campus housing options.
Coed dorms
Apartments for married students
Apartments for single students
Special housing for disabled students
Theme housing
Western New England University’s more than 46,355 alumni have a high rate of success thanks to an education that integrates liberal and professional learning. Graduates go on to prestigious graduate schools or immediate entry into their chosen fields.
FINAL PROJECTS
Many Western New England University students are required to complete projects that serve as stepping-stones to their first professional job. Each spring, senior Management and Arts and Entertainment majors in the College of Business have the opportunity network with alumni and receive guidance as they participate in managerial situation simulations during the College’s annual RealTest event. A mechanical engineering student who worked with United Technology on jet engines received an offer from NASA to work and earn her Ph.D. Student/faculty research collaborations have led to nine patents.
“The systems engineering approach used to create that first Baja car directly translated into the technical and teamwork skills needed to take on the Deep Orange 7 project car during my master’s program in automotive engineering. Co-founding the Baja Golden Bear Racing Team at Western New England gave me the confidence and mindset to keep pursuing greater and greater challenges.” – Robert Knizek, Mechanical Engineering, Ergonomic Engineer, Ford Motor Company
INTERNSHIPS AND EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
The University has relationships with more than 1,000 sponsoring organizations, including PwC, MassMutual, United Technologies, Disney, and the Massachusetts Crime Lab. Students also may perform fieldwork, proprietary research, or student-teach. Engineering students undertake a capstone Senior Design Project often sponsored by industry.
“My experiences in the Sport Management program at Western New England University really helped me to prepare to work with the Pawtucket Red Sox. The various classes and internships offered give you the opportunity to gain knowledge in specific areas of the sports industry. I took a coaching course and attained my coaching certificate, which helped me work as an instructor at the Boston Red Sox Youth Camp. The program’s small classes really helps the professors get to know each student, as well as us getting to know the instructors. They help students find our niche in the industry.” – Andrew Richards, Sport Management, Merchandise Coordinator, Pawtucket Red Sox
CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER
Through its Career Development Center, the University has cultivated a network of alumni who serve as mentors for current students. Many alumni come back to campus to talk with students in classes or in formal mentoring programs. The Colleges of Business and Engineering have alumni mentoring programs that match students with graduates in their disciplines.
ALUMNI
Graduates go on to prestigious graduate schools or to jobs in their chosen fields. Western New England alumni are the CEOs, CFOs, and presidents of many of the region’s banking and financial institutions; senior-level engineers at major corporations; judges, attorneys, and leaders in the law enforcement community; managers of business strategies; and experts who make a difference every day in the sciences, healthcare, education, and social services sectors.
Admission
HOW TO APPLY
Three choices:
- Apply online at www1.wne.edu/admissions
- Download a copy of the application. (Requires Free Adobe Acrobat Reader)
- Apply with the Common Application.
Western New England University has a “rolling admissions” policy, not a set admissions deadline, which gives students greater flexibility in applying. The university urges prospective students to apply as early as possible. The university begins accepting students for the fall semester after first term senior high school grades are available. Applications continue to be reviewed until the class is filled. Fall semester applications will be processed on a space-available basis after February 15 for freshmen and after July 1 for transfer students.
ADMISSIONS FACTORS
Very Important
Academic GPA
Important
Rigor of secondary school record
Considered
Class rank | Standardized test scores | Application Essay | Recommendation(s) | Interview
Extracurricular activities | Talent/ability | Character/personal qualities | Volunteer work | Work experience
FRESHMAN PROFILE
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th Percentile: 480 | 75th Percentile: 570
SAT Math
25th Percentile: 500 | 75th Percentile: 610
ACT Composite
25th Percentile: 21 | 75th Percentile: 27
Tuition & Cost
Tuition: $33,338
Fees: $2,402
Room & Board: $13,442
What Others are Saying
Contact Western New England University
Contact Admissions
www1.wne.edu/admissions
(800) 325-1122
learn@wne.edu
Campus Location
1215 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01119