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About Us

Excellence in Education, Since 1840

For more than 184 years, Bridgewater State University has been transforming lives, helping all of our students get an outstanding education, begin rewarding careers and lift up their families. BSU is a safe, diverse, inclusive, welcoming community where all students and employees can find a home.

As the 10th largest university, public or private, in Massachusetts, Bridgewater provides a wide range of academic programs and innovative learning experiences inside and outside the classroom. The University grants approximately 2,500 degrees and certificates each year.

Bridgewater has one of the top-ranked undergraduate research programs in the nation and has more than 250 study abroad programs. Each year, more than 1,600 students participate in internships to discover the work they love as they earn academic credit. BSU is ranked as the second leading university in Massachusetts for advancing the social mobility of students from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds and ninth in the nation for graduation rates for undergraduate Black students. Bridgewater continues to expand its reach and deepen its service to the community through early college and senior college initiatives.

The University recently launched its first engineering programs in photonics and optical engineering and is building the state’s most sophisticated cybersecurity training facility. BSU graduate students have among the highest first-time CPA exam pass rates of any university in Massachusetts. Founded as a school for teachers in 1840, Bridgewater still graduates more teachers and STEM educators than any institution in Massachusetts.

Bridgewater State University provides all these opportunities while continuing to offer one of the most affordable degrees in all of New England.

1840

year founded

10th

largest four-year academic institution in Massachusetts

9,727

undergrad and grad students

94%

full-time faculty holding doctorates or other terminal degrees

Student works overseas with children

Since our founding, Bridgewater State has been committed to empowering individuals and instilling in our students and faculty a deep appreciation for advancing the public good.

Representative speaks during a Minnock Center event

Our academic centers and institutes — representing a wide array of interests, scholarship and expertise — support the mission and goals of the university by enhancing research and scholarship and by fostering community outreach.

 

European colonists, a Native American woman, and a Black Civil War soldier
BSU is a regional catalyst for promoting civic responsibility and engagement for residents of Massachusetts and beyond.
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BSU Stories

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Internships
Nora Sperling stands in front of windows.
Lighting It Up

Senior interns with WaterFire Providence

Alumni Profile
A man wearing a hood talks to another person
Nick's Knack

Alumnus living the dream as featured actor in Marvel series

Angelo Barbosa speaks from behind a podium.
Administrator Quoted in Story on Cabo Verdean Independence

Angelo Barbosa, the director of BSU's Pedro Pires Institute for Cape Verdean Studies, spoke with the New Bedford Light about the 50th anniversary of Cabo Verde's independence. The article also quotes Pires (a former Cabo Verdean president) from his recent visit to BSU.

Study Abroad
Megan Lenza teaches young students the English word “braid.”
Exchanging Views

Alumna uses letter-writing project to teach about different cultures

Pedro Pires Institute for Cape Verdean Studies
A man sits holding a microphone smiling and talking
Cape Verdean Connection

Former Cabo Verde president praises BSU partnership 

Class of 2025
A graduate presents a donation to a BSU staff member at Gillette Stadium.
Passing on the Gift

Recent graduates discuss donating money handed out at commencement