Bridgewater State University emblem

Bridgewater State University

Bridgewater, United States Founded 1840 World Rank #4762

Overview

Acronyms: BSU
Founded: 1840
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
World Rank: #4762
Rank in United States: #493
Motto: Not to be Ministered Unto but to Minister
Colours: Crimson and white
View of the Bridgewater State University campus
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Founded in 1840, the Bridgewater State University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the large town of Bridgewater (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Massachusetts.

Officially accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Bridgewater State University (BSU) is a medium-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Bridgewater State University (BSU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees and master's degrees in several areas of study.

This 184-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 80-89% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.

International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.

BSU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Planning a visit to Bridgewater State University or following up with admissions? Location and contact details are listed below. Admissions email typically replies within 5–10 business days during peak season.

Address: 131 Summer Street
Postal Code: 02325
Phone: +1 (508) 531 1000
Fax: +1
Social Media:

Academic Details

Bridgewater State University's scale, faculty balance, and academic recognition. Staff-with-doctorate share often signals research culture more reliably than headline research output figures.

Total Students: 7,829
Student Enrollment: 9
Academic Staff Range: 300-399
Campus Setting: Suburban
Memberships & Networks
Massachusetts System of Public Higher Education (MSPHE) American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

How Bridgewater State University structures its academic side — by faculty, school, and unit — is detailed below. The structure affects everything from credit transfer to cross-faculty modules.

Unit 5 items
  • Continuing and Distance Education
  • School of Arts and Sciences
  • School of Business
  • School of Education and Allied Studies
  • School of Graduate Studies

Programs Offered

Bridgewater State University's programme finder filters by name across all degree levels. Departmental admissions criteria sometimes differ from institutional minimums — verify against the programme page before relying on either.

Bachelor's Degree

36 programmes

These 36 programmes make up Bridgewater State University's undergraduate catalogue. A bachelor's degree is the baseline credential for most graduate careers and advanced study.

Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Dance Performing Arts
Air Transportation Aviation Studies
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Geography and Cartography Geography
Economics Economics
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Music Music
Social Work Social Work
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
History History
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Psychology, General Psychology
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
Public Health Public Health
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General Health Sciences
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Chemistry Chemistry
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Geography and Environmental Studies Liberal Arts
Mathematics Mathematics
Biology, General Biological Sciences
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies

Master's Degree

27 programmes

At postgraduate taught level, Bridgewater State University runs 27 programmes. These master's degrees suit applicants ready to concentrate on a narrower field than their bachelor's covered.

Social Work Social Work
Public Administration Public Administration
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Psychology, General Psychology
History History
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Music Music
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Educational/Instructional Media Design Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Mathematics Mathematics
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Education, Other Education & Teaching
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching

Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications

21 programmes

Bridgewater State University also offers 21 programmes across associate, certificate, diploma, and foundation routes — shorter or vocational qualifications that build practical skills or bridge into a full degree.

Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Public Administration Public Administration
Security Science and Technology Criminal Law & Justice
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Business/Commerce, General Business Administration
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Educational/Instructional Media Design Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Educational/Instructional Media Design Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education Education & Teaching
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching

How to apply to Bridgewater State University

Practical steps to apply to Bridgewater State University, suitable as a starting checklist before contacting the admissions team directly.

  1. 1
    Research programmes at Bridgewater State University

    Bridgewater State University's catalogue includes 84 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.

  2. 2
    Review admissions criteria

    Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Bridgewater State University's admissions process.

  3. 3
    Gather supporting documents

    Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.

  4. 4
    Lodge your application

    Submit your completed application through Bridgewater State University's official website at www.bridgew.edu. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.

  5. 5
    Confirm receipt and track progress

    Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (508) 531 1000. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bridgewater State University

Frequently asked questions about Bridgewater State University, covering the institutional basics most prospective applicants want to confirm first.

When was Bridgewater State University founded?

Bridgewater State University was established in 1840 (approximately 186 years ago).

Where can I find Bridgewater State University?

The institution is located in Bridgewater, United States.

Is Bridgewater State University a public or private institution?

Bridgewater State University operates as a public institution.

How many students does Bridgewater State University have?

The institution has a student body of 9,000-9,999.

What is Bridgewater State University's ranking?

It ranks #4762 globally and #493 in United States.

How is Bridgewater State University organised academically?

Bridgewater State University has 5 academic units.

Is Bridgewater State University accredited?

Yes, Bridgewater State University is recognised by New England Commission of Higher Education.

How do I find Bridgewater State University online?

Bridgewater State University's official website is www.bridgew.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

The institutions topping the United States's rankings give national context for Bridgewater State University. Context matters because employer perception in the United States often correlates with national rankings.

Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Universities sharing National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) affiliation with Bridgewater State University offer comparable mobility and recognition benefits. Affiliated institutions often coordinate on academic standards and credit-transfer pathways.

Faculties at Nearby Universities

If you're weighing Bridgewater State University against other institutions in the area, these neighbouring universities offer overlapping faculties and similar admissions cycles. They are useful for shortlisting based on travel distance or campus environment.

Where Else to Study Education & Teaching

Cohort intake size shapes class culture meaningfully in Education & Teaching. Some the United States institutions accept a few dozen, others hundreds — the difference affects peer-learning depth and faculty access.

Universities Often Compared with Bridgewater State University

Endowment and financial peer comparison signals institutional resources and scholarship depth. Universities comparable to Bridgewater State University in this dimension often offer similar aid packages.

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