Worcester State University logo

Worcester State University

Worcester, MA

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

1874
Founded
Public university
Type
3,963
Total Students
4,892
Undergrad
880
Graduate
$53M
Endowment
(2024)
$11K
Tuition (In-State)
$17K
Tuition (Out-State)
$15K
Avg Net Price
90%
Acceptance Rate
56%
Graduation Rate
6-year
77%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification
President: Barry M. Maloney

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Worcester State University

Discover your path at Worcester State: a public university with a rich history and evolving future.

Worcester State University, a vibrant public institution, stands as a testament to educational evolution, tracing its roots back to 1874 as the Massachusetts State Normal School at Worcester. Originally focused on teacher training and pioneering the Child Study Movement, WSU has grown into a comprehensive university offering a wide array of programs designed to prepare students for diverse careers. With a strong emphasis on expanding curriculum, from its early Bachelor of Science in Education to robust Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science degrees, students can explore fields across the humanities, social sciences, education, health, and natural sciences.

Today, Worcester State prides itself on a dynamic academic environment, featuring professional programs in areas like nursing, business, speech, and occupational therapy. The university continually adapts to meet the needs of a changing world, recently reorganizing into two distinct schools: the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the School of Education, Health, and Natural Sciences. This structure fosters interdisciplinary learning and specialized expertise, ensuring a well-rounded and relevant education.

Beyond academics, the student experience at WSU is enriched by a thriving campus life. Students benefit from modern residence halls like Chandler Village and Dowden Hall, a comprehensive collegiate athletic system, and a vibrant student center. The relaunch of the historic Worcester Spy newspaper in 2011 reflects the university's commitment to active student engagement and community connection. With its storied past and forward-thinking approach, Worcester State University provides an engaging and supportive environment for students to learn, grow, and achieve their professional aspirations.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1874 as the Massachusetts State Normal School at Worcester, one of the state's oldest teacher training institutions.
  • Pioneered the Child Study Movement with G. Stanley Hall, emphasizing childhood development and educational reform.
  • Evolved from a normal school to a State Teachers College (1932), Worcester State College (1960), and finally Worcester State University (2010).
  • Offers a broad curriculum including professional programs in nursing, business, speech, and occupational therapy.
  • Home to 5,772 students and led by President Barry M. Maloney.
  • Features two distinct academic divisions: the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and the School of Education, Health, and Natural Sciences.
  • The Ghosh Science and Technology Center provides state-of-the-art facilities for STEM education.

Timeline

1874
Founded as the Massachusetts State Normal School at Worcester.
1921
Introduced the Bachelor of Science in Education degree.
1932
Designated Worcester State Teachers College and opened the current Chandler Street campus.
1952
Introduced the Master of Science in Education degree.
1960
Designated Worcester State College.
1963
Introduced the Bachelor of Arts degree.
1973
Chandler Village, the first residence halls on the Chandler Street campus, was created.
1994
The Worcester State Foundation was created to support fundraising efforts.
2010
Reorganized into two schools and granted university status, becoming Worcester State University.
2011
Barry M. Maloney installed as the eleventh president, and the Worcester Spy newspaper was relaunched.
🏛️
152 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

2 notable schools within Worcester State University

🔬

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

One of the two reorganized academic schools, offering programs across the humanities and social sciences.

📚

School of Education, Health, and Natural Sciences

One of the two reorganized academic schools, encompassing education, health sciences, and natural sciences.

Leadership

Barry M. Maloney
President
Lois Wims
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Find Scholarships at Worcester State University

Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.

Start Your Free Search