College of Professional Studies | Westfield State University

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Your Future Starts Here.

The College of Professional Studies is home to a variety of professional undergraduate degree programs leading to the Bachelor of Science (B.S.). The college also offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Science (M.S.), Master of Education (M.Ed.), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT), Physician Assistant (PA), and Master of Social Work (MSW) degrees.

Our commitment to cultivating leadership and innovation prepares professional students for success in these dynamic fields. Renowned regionally and nationally, our graduates are equipped to navigate today’s professional landscape. Through internships, practicums, clinical rotations, and capstone projects, we ensure readiness for the modern workplace.

By engaging with our community and fostering diversity in the workplace, we empower students to effect positive change. The College of Professional Studies is where professional students begin a journey to realize their potential and become agents of transformation.

Academic Departments and Programs

Accreditations

Meet the Dean of the College of Professional Studies

Kimberly Sherman, Ph.D. is Interim Dean of the College of Professional Studies and Associate Professor of Management and Marketing at Westfield State University, which she joined in 2014. She has served on multiple university committees, including the Academic Policies Committee, the Special Committee on Reforming General Education (SCORE), and the Campus Academic Master Plan Committee (CAMP), and she is currently serving on the Graduate Education Committee. Her teaching and scholarship have focused on how human resource systems and organizational culture shape equitable and high-performing workplaces, with an emphasis on preparing students to lead ethically and creatively. Her research explores human resource policies and practices, leadership, and organizational change, and she has authored multiple case studies examining pay disparities, HR policy decisions, and leadership challenges. Before entering academia, she worked in industry as a human resource professional for nearly 15 years, most recently as an HR Manager at IBM, where she led diversity, employee relations, and leadership development initiatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who do I speak to about an issue I have with my class(s)?

You should first speak with the professor the class. If the issue is not resolved after speaking with the professor, you may speak with the Chair of the Department that the class falls under to seek a resolution.
If you are in need of accommodations for a class that a professor cannot provide, you should reach out to Accessibility Services to understand the process of getting approved for accommodations.
If you are struggling with the class and require extra help, you can attend your professor’s office hours or schedule a meeting. You may also reach out to Tutoring in the Course Achievement Center located in Parenzo Hall.

Can I withdraw from a class after the course withdrawal deadline?

If you had extenuating circumstances during the semester to justify a late withdrawal, we recommend that you get in touch with your professor and the Director of the Course Achievement Center to facilitate the withdrawal process. An email approval from the professor or a late withdrawal form signed by your professor, Chair of the Department under which the course falls, and your College Dean are required.

Who do I talk to if I have concerns about my performance in a class or my final grade?

If you are struggling academically the best approach is to speak with your professor sooner rather than later. Initiating a conversation can occur via email, telephone or in person (before and after class or during their office hours). We recommend that students attempt to meet with the professor in person or virtually via Zoom so as to allow for clear and open communication.
If you and your professor determine that you are unlikely to earn a passing grade, you may request withdrawal in consultation with your academic advisor.

How do I appeal a grade?

First and foremost, be advised that a grade appeal process can only begin after the final grades of the semester have been posted by the Registrar. If you believe that a grade you have received is unfair or does not reflect your performance in a class, your first course of action would be to speak with the professor to understand how the grade was calculated and if you missed any work.
If you still disagree with the professor, you can discuss this with the Department Chair for the Department under which the course is taught.
If the issue is not resolved, the student can file a formal grade appeal with their College Dean.
Be aware that a formal grade appeal must be filed within a limited time period. See the university policy for grade appeals at https://www.westfield.ma.edu/documents/1110gradeappeal.

If I cannot reach my academic advisor or my course professor, who do I contact?

We recommend reaching out to the Chair of the Department the course falls under if you cannot reach your professor or academic advisor. If you belong to other programs on campus such as the LEAD Scholars Program or Banacos, reach out to your advisor in these programs as well.

I think I’m going to fail a class, what are my options?

Your first action is to speak with the professor to inquire about your current standing in the course and ask about any options for making up missed work or opportunities for extra credit. Other options are:

Request an Incomplete grade to give yourself more time to do a better job on outstanding assignments. Note that the decision to issue a grade of Incomplete is at the discretion of the professor.
Speak with the Director of Course Achievement Center about the option of a Course Withdrawal.
If there is a risk of failing multiple classes, you may consider taking a personal leave, which will grant you administrative withdrawal from all your classes. Contact the Director of the Course Achievement Center.

What do I do if I need to miss a class?

If you miss class, you should directly contact your professors regarding your absence. The Office of the Dean of Students does not issue notices for class absences. It is important to communicate with your professors in all circumstances related to your attendance. However, in cases of serious illnesses, injuries, or hospitalizations where a student is unable to communicate directly, the Office of the Dean of Students will continue to liaise with faculty on the student's behalf.