Dr. Karim Ismaili
Dean

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

The College of Graduate Studies is responsible for the administration and academic quality of all graduate courses and programs.

The College of Graduate Studies at Bridgewater State University provides leadership, coordination and support for all academic departments engaged in graduate instruction. The graduate dean, the graduate faculty and the Graduate Education Council are responsible for the maintenance of appropriate standards for graduate degrees and certificates.

The primary objective of Bridgewater State University’s graduate programs is to increase to an advanced level each graduate student’s understanding of and competence in a designated field of study. By extending the student’s area of knowledge, research skills and creative talents, the graduate programs of the university aim to increase the individual’s ability to pursue and contribute to a satisfying career.

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 e-mail at graduatestudies@bridgew.edu.

Persons interested in pursuing a master’s degree, certificate of advanced graduate study (CAGS), postbaccalaureate licensure program or a graduate certificate program on either a full- or part-time basis should request appropriate application materials from the Graduate Admission office at 508.531.1300. Students are responsible for being aware of the general policies, procedures and requirements for graduate courses and programs outlined in the following pages 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 e-mail at offcampus@bridgew.edu.

The College of Graduate Studies offers many opportunities to develop academic and professional experiences and support graduate education.

Conference Funding Travel Award

Sponsored by the College of Graduate Studies, the Conference Funding Travel Award funds graduate students who want to present their research at professional academic conferences. The College 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 deserving graduate students. They assist in defraying research and /or conference travel expenses and assist students with financial need. Applications are posted on the 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 the Graduate Student Assistantship/Fellowship Handbook. The information in the handbook will guide you through this process and the selection criteria.

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 superior 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, see the College of Graduate Studies website.

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.

Student Research Symposium

Graduate students from Bridgewater State University are encouraged to submit proposals for the Student 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.