About: Private liberal arts college founded in 1880
Location: Bridgewater, Virginia; two hours southwest of the Washington, DC, metro area
Student body: 1,900 full-time students from 29 states and 20 countries
Athletics: NCAA Division III
Residential: 81% of Bridgewater students live on campus.
Coeducational: Bridgewater admitted women from the time of its founding and was the first private liberal arts college in Virginia to do so.
Financial aid and scholarships: In 2017–2018, the College awarded $42 million in academic scholarships and need-based grants. More than 99% of Bridgewater students receive some form of financial assistance.
Athletics
Bridgewater College is a highly competitive member of the Old Dominion Athletic
Conference (ODAC) in NCAA Division III.
Women’s Sports
Basketball
Cross-country
Equestrian
Field hockey
Golf
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
Track & field (indoor and outdoor)
Volleyball
Men’s Sports
Baseball
Basketball
Cross-country
Equestrian
Football
Golf
Lacrosse
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Track & field (indoor and outdoor)
Cheerleading and dance teams are offered for both men and women.
Majors
Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science
• Applied Chemistry
• Applied Physics
- Engineering Physics
- Physical Science
- Physics and Technology
• Art
• Biochemistry
• Biology
- Ecology
- General Biology
- Pre-health Sciences
• Business Administration
• Chemistry
• Communication, Technology, and Culture
• Computer Science
• Economics
• English
• Environmental Science
• Family and Consumer Sciences
- Family and Consumer Sciences Education
- Human Development and Family Studies
• French
• Global Studies
• Health and Exercise Science
• Health and Physical Education
• History
• History and Political Science
- Liberal Arts
- Social Studies Government
- Social Studies History
• Information Systems Management
• Liberal Studies (PreK–6)
• Mathematics
• Music
- Music Pedagogy
- Music Performance—Instrumental
- Music Performance—Vocal
• Nutritional Science
• Philosophy and Religion
• Physics
• Political Science
- Pre-law
- Public Policy
- Standard
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Spanish
• Theatre
Minors
• American Studies
• Applied Chemistry
• Art
• Biology
• Business Administration
• Coaching
• Communication Studies
• Computer Information Systems
• Computer Science
• Crime and Justice
• Cultural Studies
• Economics
• English
• Equine Studies
• French
• German
• Global Studies
• History
• Leadership
• Mathematics
• Music
• Neuroscience
• Peace Studies
• Philosophy and Religion
• Physical Chemistry
• Physics
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Social Work
• Spanish
• Theatre
Emphases
• Accounting
• Church Music
• Environmental Chemistry
• Finance
• Financial Economics
• Freshwater Resources
• International Commerce
• Marketing
• Organization Management
• Wildlife Biology
Concentrations
• Administration Management
• American Civil War
• Child Development
• Digital Media
• Environmental Science
• Family Life Education
• French Cultural Studies
• Gender Studies
• German Studies
• Gerontology
• Hispanic Cultural Studies
• Iberian Studies
• Interfaith Studies
• Latin American Studies
• Multimedia Authoring
• Nutritional Science
• Politics and Public Policy
• Pre-law
• Public History
• Social Sciences for Health Professionals
• Web Design and Development
• World Languages: Spanish or French
Pre-professional Programs
• Dentistry
• Engineering
• Law
• Medicine
• Ministry
• Occupational Therapy
• Pharmacy
• Physical Therapy
• Physician Assistant
• Veterinary Medicine
Teacher Licensure
• Elementary (PreK–6)
• Secondary (6–12)
Teacher Licensure (PreK–12)
• Health and Physical Education
• Music, Vocal and Instrumental
• Theatre Arts
• Visual Arts
• World Language: French
• World Language: Spanish
Educational Affiliations
• Clinical Laboratory Sciences—Sentara RMH and Augusta Health
Dual-Degree Programs
• Engineering—Virginia Tech
• Veterinary Medicine—Virginia Tech
Graduate Programs
• Master of Arts in Digital Media Strategy
• Master of Science in Athletic Training
At Bridgewater College, you are not just a number: you are a valued member of a vibrant community. Small classes and a low student-faculty ratio help you make personal connections with your professors and receive the attention that will help you thrive academically and personally.
Academic excellence
You will be challenged and pushed outside your comfort zone. Whether through undergraduate research, real-world internships and practicums, presentations at professional conferences, or independent study, you’ll find that academic life at Bridgewater is broad and invigorating.
May Term classes offer opportunities to explore special topics in the classroom or travel to destinations such as South Africa, Europe, and Los Angeles and connect your studies to real-world issues.
Many students choose to study abroad for a semester in countries such as Argentina, France, Germany, Ghana, Morocco, Spain, Thailand, Uruguay, and many more through the College’s study abroad programs.
Bridgewater students receive mentoring from experienced faculty, develop the critical-thinking skills central to a liberal arts education, and go out into the community for hands-on experience. Whether you go on to graduate school or immediately begin a career, Bridgewater’s emphasis on personal development, reflective analysis, global awareness, and proficiency in your chosen field provide a solid foundation for personal and professional success after college.
Community
As a residential college, Bridgewater offers everything from traditional dorms to apartment-style residences for upperclass students. It’s easy to get involved. Eagle Productions (the student-led entertainment programming board), BC Voice (the student media organization), student government, theatre productions, music ensembles, spiritual life groups, political affiliations, professional organizations, and honor societies are among the nearly 80 clubs and organizations on campus.
In addition, anyone can play in the College’s year-round intramural leagues, which include competition in more than 20 different sports, or participate in an active outdoor program, taking advantage of the College’s location in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
Whatever your passions and interests, you’ll have the freedom to pursue them and make lasting friendships along the way. Students often describe Bridgewater as their second family.
The Bridgewater experience
Experience Bridgewater for yourself. To schedule a visit, check on upcoming open houses, or apply for admission, please visit bridgewater.edu or call 800-759-8328.
“The unsung heroes in BC academic life are the professors. They care about all of their students and want to see them succeed.”
— Michelle Alty, Class of 2018
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