state-supported college covering more than 225 acres (91 hectares) in Westfield, Mass., in the foothills of the Berkshires. Founded in 1838, the college is the oldest coeducational teacher-training institution in the United States. In addition to undergraduate and graduate programs in education, the college awards bachelor's degrees in such fields as visual and performing arts, liberal arts and sciences, business, communications, computer science, criminal justice, counseling, management information systems, recreation and leisure services, and medical technology. About three fourths of the full-time faculty hold doctorates. The academic calendar is divided into semesters. The college enrolls more than 5,000 students, including about 800 graduate students. Westfield State serves primarily Massachusetts residents. Approximately a third of the undergraduates attend part-time. The campus contains housing for interested students. College life includes some 50 extracurricular activities covering a range of interests. Varsity sports teams, nicknamed the Owls, compete in Division III of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. School colors are royal blue and white. |