Dr. Lisa Krissoff Boehm
Dean

Location:  Maxwell Library, Room 021
Website:   http://www.bridgew.edu/college-graduate-studies
Phone:      508.531.1100
 

Please see Graduate Academic Programs  for a full listing of available graduate options.

With a tradition of excellence dating back to 1937, the College of Graduate Studies has established itself as the flagship in the state university system. Drawing on the talent and commitment of a highly credentialed faculty, the college offers a wide range of opportunities for graduate study designed to broaden perspectives, advance careers, increase earning potential and transform lives. As a Bridgewater State University graduate student, you will find a supportive culture that is serious in helping you reach your goals. Our goal is to ensure that you receive a high-quality educational experience that is intellectually challenging, relevant and satisfying.

The College of Graduate Studies at Bridgewater State University offers an array of graduate degree, licensure and certificate programs to meet the needs of Southeastern Massachusetts and beyond. Led by scholars, researchers, teachers and practitioners from the graduate faculty, our offerings include a variety of nationally accredited master’s degree programs in professional studies, education, arts and sciences, and management. Working in close collaboration with the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Ricciardi College of Business, the College of Education and Allied Studies, and the Bartlett College of Science and Mathematics, the College of Graduate Studies ensures high-quality, research-based, stimulating and intellectually challenging educational experiences to those who seek expertise and leadership in their professions and a commitment to life-long learning and scholarship.

Persons interested in pursuing a master’s degree, certificate of advanced graduate study (CAGS), postbaccalaureate/post-master’s licensure program or a graduate certificate program on either a full- or part-time basis can view appropriate application materials at www.bridgew.edu/graduate. Students are responsible for being aware of the general policies, procedures and requirements for graduate courses and programs outlined in this catalog prior to enrolling in courses carrying graduate credit. For additional information relative to a specific graduate program, students should contact the appropriate department graduate program coordinator listed at the College of Graduate Studies website.

The Office of Off-Campus and International Graduate Studies collaborates with the university’s academic colleges to provide quality graduate education at convenient locations across the state and internationally. The office is committed to serving the Commonwealth by offering courses and full-degree programs off-campus. Both prospective and current graduate students are encouraged to visit the Office of Off-Campus and International Graduate Studies website for the most up-to-date course listings and locations. To register for a course being held at an off-campus location, please contact the Office of Off-Campus and International Graduate Studies at 508.531.1263 or by email at darren.macdonald@bridgew.edu.

The College of Graduate Studies is located on the ground floor of the Maxwell Library, Park Avenue entrance. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm, and may be contacted by phone at 508.531.1100 or by email at graduatestudies@bridgew.edu.

Funding Opportunities

Graduate Student Conference Funding Award

The Graduate Student Conference Funding Award is designed to fund graduate students who want to present their research at professional academic conferences. The College of Graduate Studies recognizes the importance of graduate students attending such conferences as they grow and develop as strong academics. Professional conferences provide graduate students with the opportunity to showcase their research as well as to interact with scholars and fellow graduate students in their specialized field, thereby, enhancing and enriching graduate learning experiences. At the same time, presenting a scholarly paper at an academic conference can be an important part of the application process to doctoral programs. For more information and to apply for a funding award, please see the College of Graduate Studies website.

Graduate Scholarships

The College of Graduate Studies welcomes and encourages all eligible degree-seeking graduate students to apply for scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to help benefit the education of graduate students on a competitive basis. They assist in defraying research and/or conference travel expenses and assist students with financial need. To learn more about these opportunities and to apply, visit College of Graduate Studies website.

Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships

Graduate assistantships and fellowships are available to degree-seeking graduate students. These competitive programs enable graduate students to attend graduate school with almost no cost for tuition and fees while receiving a bi-weekly stipend for working in an academic or administrative department in the university.

The College of Graduate Studies offers the following assistantship/fellowship programs:

1. Graduate Assistantships
2. Graduate Research Assistantships
3. Graduate Writing Fellowships

Information about these three types of assistantship/fellowship programs can be found in on the College of Graduate Studies website.

Appointments are competitive and are determined by the following: undergraduate and/or graduate grade point averages, pertinent experience, educational preparation and interviews. These appointments are intended to encourage and assist exceptional students in pursuing graduate study and in completing the requirements for graduate degrees in the minimum time possible.

Graduate Professional Student Association

Graduate students are automatically members of the Graduate Professional Student Association. The association welcomes all graduate students and encourages them to participate in the sharing of ideas to improve their educational experience at Bridgewater State University. It serves as an opportunity for full-time and part-time graduate students to network and discuss issues of common interest. The association promotes professional student status and achievements, develops productive working relationships and provides opportunities that facilitate academic and professional development. For more information, please contact Maureen Chaves at 508.531.1261.

Graduate Orientation

The graduate orientation program is an opportunity for students to interact and socialize with other graduate students, faculty and staff. Students will learn about Bridgewater State University, the College of Graduate Studies, and university resources that are vital to their success as a graduate student. Students will have the chance to network with peers and meet one-on-one with available student services, including: the Campus Bookstore, Career Services, Connect Card, Commuter Services, Counseling Center, Financial Aid, Health Services, Information Technology, Library, Parking, Student Accounts and more.

Recognition and Celebration Ceremonies

Student Arts & Research Symposium

Graduate students from Bridgewater State University are encouraged to submit proposals for the Student Arts & Research Symposium. The Symposium is an opportunity for graduate students of diverse backgrounds to showcase the results and findings of their original work in oral and poster presentations. Proposals for individual papers, panels or posters drawn from pure or applied research in all fields of graduate study and relevant creative works are welcome. The Symposium is a celebration and direct result of a graduate student’s journey in achieving academic excellence through their commitment and mentoring by dedicated faculty. The Student Research Symposium is held late in the spring semester.

Honors Week – Graduate Scholarship Awards Ceremony

Honors Week is a university-wide recognition program acknowledging students who are recipients of BSU scholarship awards given by the university’s foundation, alumni association and academic departments. Recipients of graduate scholarship awards are recognized at this ceremony.

Graduate Commencement

The commencement ceremony for CAGS and Master’s Degree students is held in May. The ceremony offers students the chance to celebrate their accomplishments with family, relatives and friends. A reception follows the ceremony.