Academic Centers

One of the unique characteristics of Wellesley College is our network of vibrant and active academic “hubs.”

These centers of intellectual engagement provide an opportunity for students and faculty to come together in pursuit of learning and enrichment in various fields of inquiry. They offer the research opportunities and commitment to specific disciplines typical of larger universities, but do so within the more intimate setting of a small college.

The Centers at Wellesley College
 

The Child Study Center

The Wellesley College Child Study Center is a laboratory preschool under the direction of the Psychology Department. Students and faculty can observe, conduct approved research, volunteer, or assistant teach in classes with children ages two to five.

 

Margarte Clapp LibraryClapp Library

The largest library on campus, focused on humanities and social sciences. Also houses the love letters of Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

 

Davis Museum at Wellesley College

Wellesley has one of the oldest and most acclaimed academic fine arts museums in the country. Founded by the first president of the College, and now housed in an architecture award-winning building, the Davis is characterized by collections and programs that span global history from Ancient times to yesterday.

 

The Frost Center for the Environment

The Camilla Chandler Frost ’47 Center for the Environment cultivates a diverse, innovative, and collaborative community across the liberal arts, galvanizing generations of Wellesley students to be the teachers, researchers, activists, and storytellers who will shape a more just environmental future.

 

Jewett Arts Center

Students can use the pianos, art studios, dark room, and other rooms. Student, faculty, and off-campus artists’ work is exhibited. Enjoy the Sculpture Court Gallery.

 

Knapp Media & Technology Center

Need to create a multimedia presentation? Learn how! Use the scanners, cameras, large format printers, editing suites, audio equipment, even a television studio.

 

Knapp Social Science Center

Instructional space for social sciences includes case-study classrooms, computer classrooms, seminar rooms, videoconferencing facilities, and an archaeology lab.

 

Suzy Newhouse Center for the Humanities

From the Center’s mission statement: “… the [Center] creates opportunities for intellectual risk-taking and the exchange of ideas among faculty and students.”

 

Cheever HouseWellesley Centers for Women

The largest academic, women- and gender-focused research-and-action organization in the U.S., WCW is home to expert scholars who advance gender equality, social justice, and human wellbeing through high-quality research, theory, and action programs. WCW has a legacy of groundbreaking social change work and offers a number of employment and research opportunities for Wellesley students.

 

Wellesley College Botanic Gardens

Wellesley’s Botanic Gardens and Greenhouses contain the most diverse collection of plants under glass in the Boston area, including 600 species of plants, and three resident tree frogs.

 

Science Center

From the edge of the universe to the center of the atom, the Science Center is well equipped for research. Choose one of eight formal science majors, or design your own.