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Bridgewater State University is a public, liberal arts college located in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. The largest college within the Massachusetts State University System, outside of the University of Massachusetts System, Bridgewater State University is the tenth largest, four-year college or university in Massachusetts. Established as Bridgewater Normal School in 1840 by Horace Mann, the school was one of the first normal schools in the nation, founded with the initial mission to train school teachers. To this day, Bridgewater State University is regarded as the “home of the teacher education in America” and has the largest enrollment of teacher education students within Massachusetts. Since the 1960’s, Bridgewater State University has expanded its program of study to include the liberal arts, business, and aviation science. In 2010 the school became a university and adopted its current name.
Academic Programs
Bridgewater State University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and has been so since 1953. The University’s mission is to “educate the residents of Southeastern Massachusetts and the commonwealth, and to use its intellectual, scientific and technological resources to support and advance the economic and cultural life in the region and the state.” Bridgewater State University offers a wide variety of undergraduate programs and is made up of the Bartlett College of Science and Mathematics, College of Education and Allied Studies, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Ricciardi College of Business, and the College of Continuing Studies. In addition, Bridgewater State University’s College of Graduate Studies offers more than 60 graduate degree and licensure programs.Bridgewater State University offers a number of special academic programs to enhance student’s learning and experience. These include volunteering at the Children’s Physical Developmental Clinic (CPDC), Internships, Honors Programs, Undergraduate Research and Service Learning, as well Study Abroad programs which are offered in more than 30 countries worldwide.
Student Life
More than 11,000 students are enrolled at Bridgewater State University, including nearly 10,000 undergraduates. The University’s main campus in Bridgewater is located just thirty miles away from Boston, MA and 35 miles outside of Providence, Rhode Island. In addition, Bridgewater State University operates two satellite campuses in Attleboro and Cape Cod. Bridgewater State University’s residential campus makes up a tight-knit community of scholars and professors and provides a safe and supportive culture for both undergraduate and graduate students. A wide range of services are offered at Bridgewater State University to assist students with housing, academic support, internships, and career planning.Bridgewater State University’s athletic teams compete at the NCAA Division III level and the school is a member of the ECA, MASCAC, and the Little East. More than 20 varsity teams are offered through the intercollegiate athletic program, including sports such as basketball, cross country, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, baseball, football, and wrestling.