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.
Clapp 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.”
Wellesley 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.