Bay Path University

When Bay Path opened its doors to students in downtown Springfield in 1897, it had a very clear goal: to provide a practical, affordable, and career-oriented education to meet the needs of companies, organizations, and communities.

From the beginning, Bay Path prided itself on being entrepreneurial, constantly pushing the boundaries of the academic experience to fit the student. To start them on the road of success. We still do.

Today, that spirit and philosophy is more important than ever in higher education. At Bay Path, it’s not just the number and breadth of undergraduateand graduate programs that define us—and we have many—but it is our ability to connect the classroom to learning to leadership to experience to career that is at the core of what we do best. We know the work that needs to be done. At Commencement, after receiving their diplomas graduates pass under a banner with the University’s motto, Carpe Diem. Seize the Day. Our students know better: they seize this day…they seize this moment. We have done our job.

A Bay Path University education empowers undergraduate women and graduate women and men to become leaders in their careers and communities with an innovative approach to learning that prepares students to flourish in a constantly changing world.

The Bay Path experience is nothing less than transformational. Our women-only undergraduate programs and our coeducational graduate programs are offered both on campus and online, providing a flexible, 21st-century education for learners at all stages of life and career. Bay Path students find a supportive and diverse community, close mentoring, and rigorous preparation for success in a complex and globally interdependent society. Students graduate with the applied knowledge, portable skillset, and confidence to thrive in their professions, identify and realize their dreams, and make a lasting difference in the world.

At Bay Path, we help you claim your education. It starts with your relationship with your Bay Path professor—a highly personal, highly focused partnership where we blend the classroom (picture online, or even on the lawn of Bay Path on a sunny day) with experiences that take you out of your comfort zone.

The Division of Research and Academic Resources at Bay Path University encourages and supports undergraduate and graduate students in all majors and programs to undertake special research projects, scholarly activities, or creative works under the guidance of a faculty mentor. The faculty mentor, working one-on-one with the student, helps the student select and design the project, meets with the student on a regular basis and supports the student throughout the entire process. Projects are highlighted at Academic Achievement Day in the spring. Grants are available to support various opportunities including short-term and long-term projects. Approved projects are provided financial support for the student to purchase supplies, materials, travel, and conference attendance. Certain grants such as the Summer Scholars Grant include student stipends. Projects carry academic credit on both the undergraduate and graduate level.

At Bay Path, we take education personally. We always have. From the moment you set foot on campus or make a connection through phone, email or even social media, our admissions staff is there to answer all your questions and to guide you along the way. Through open houses, special events, or webinars, they’ll help you tick off the boxes on your “what I want in an education” list. They’ll show you why Bay Path is such a special place –committed to your success.

Our admissions staff also works closely with our financial aid staff. In fact, one of the first things you will notice is the communication and combined efforts between the two groups that makes the admissions and aid process not only easier, but highly personal. And as a student, you probably have questions about financial aid—you are not alone!

A Bay Path University education empowers undergraduate women and graduate women and men to become leaders in their careers. We welcome you to the Bay Path community and look forward to being a part of your experience. Student Life is comprised of Residential Life and Learning, Counseling Services, Health Services, Athletics, Fitness and Recreation, and Student Activities. We are dedicated to providing a student-centered learning environment that influences healthy lifestyles. We are here to support your development in and out of the classroom, and to provide programs that will assist you in becoming a scholar, a student leader, community member and citizen.

Bay Path University created the Center of Excellence for Women in STEM and The Center of Excellence in Information Assurance and CyberDefense in response to the overwhelming need for education, advanced training, and continued support for students who are beginning or advancing their careers.

When Bay Path University first opened its doors to students, there were typewriters and calculating machines in the classrooms. Today, we live in a world driven by iPads, mobile phones and laptops.

Things may change, but throughout Bay Path’s 100-year-old plus history, it has been true to its core promise—of providing innovative, career-focused educational programs that have evolved in response to the economic, cultural, and technological influences of our time.

Founded in 1897 as the Bay Path Institute, Bay Path’s first location was at the corner of State and Dwight Streets in downtown Springfield, MA. For decades, it experienced both educational and financial success, becoming one of the largest and most respected co-educational business schools in the region. Known for its accelerated 48-week format and strong education programs, particularly business management, accounting, teaching, and finance, Bay Path’s growth prompted a move in 1920 to a new site located at 100 Chestnut Street in Springfield, MA. There, it flourished for nearly 20 years increasing to 1200 students just prior to 1941.