Springfield College: Educating Students in Spirit, Mind, and Body

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Springfield College is a private institution located in Springfield, Massachusetts, with a rich history and a distinctive educational philosophy. Not only that, Springfield College is notable for its historical significance as the birthplace of basketball! The sport was invented there in 1891 by James Naismith, a graduate student and instructor.

Springfield College was founded in 1885 as a training school for the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA). The school originally specialized in preparing young men to become General Secretaries of YMCA organizations in a two-year program. In 1887, it added its own Physical Education department. In 1905, the school became a degree-granting institution. The institution is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Academics

The mission of Springfield College is based on the Humanics philosophy—educating students in spirit, mind, and body for leadership in service to others. It offers over 40 undergraduate majors, 25+ master’s degrees, and doctoral programs in fields like physical therapy, counseling psychology, and educational leadership. The college also offers a variety of online programs for undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Athletics

Springfield places a significant emphasis on athletics and wellness. The college has produced Olympic champions, National Football League executives, leaders in the field of strength and conditioning, and national and international coaching legends. As part of the mind-body connection, sports have always been an important part of campus life. Whether you want intense athletic competition or a friendly recreational game, you will find it here. About 80% of students participate in athletics through varsity, intramural, and club sports that span all seasons.

Campus Setting

Springfield College is located in picturesque New England, known for its beautiful fall leaves. The college is situated on the shore of Watershops Pond, which was created by damming the Mill River. The city of Springfield played a pivotal role in the American Revolution and the Civil War. Today the city is the urban, economic, and media capital of Massachusetts’ section of the Connecticut River Valley. It is home to a variety of attractions, historic sites, museums, restaurants, entertainment and recreational venues.

Student Life

Springfield is a relatively small college with about 1,924 undergraduates and 2,921 total students. The college is recognized for its close-knit community atmosphere, where small class sizes foster strong relationships between students and faculty. The supportive and friendly environment makes it feel like a second home to students.

Homeschool Admissions

Springfield College accepts over 70% of applicants, and if your grades are above the average 3.56 high school GPA, you stand a good chance of being admitted. While Springfield College does admit homeschool students, it’s important to note that you must have graduated from an approved secondary school or obtained a GED by the time of enrollment. The college requires high school transcripts and does not have separate admission requirements for homeschoolers.