Exploring Degree Programs at Bentley University: A Comprehensive Guide

Bentley University provides a wide array of academic programs designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in today's rapidly evolving global marketplace. With a focus on integrating business and the arts and sciences, Bentley offers a unique educational experience that prepares students for leadership roles in various industries. The university's future-focused curriculum ensures students acquire essential skills in communication, mathematics, problem-solving, teamwork, and digital literacy.

Undergraduate Programs: Building a Foundation for Success

Bentley University's Undergraduate College offers a variety of academic programs characterized by a balanced education in both business and the arts and sciences, which the university believes is the best combination for preparing tomorrow’s organizational leaders. Undergraduate students earn one degree, either a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.). As part of this degree, students select a major that enables them to develop expertise in a specific area. All students enrolled in a Bentley undergraduate degree program are required to enroll in the Business Administration Minor.

Core Curriculum and Foundational Skills

The kick-off to a Bentley education is the Falcon Discovery Seminar, where students explore a multidisciplinary problem and discover the Bentley community with a faculty expert. Course requirements in Foundations for Success ensure students build the skills to thrive academically at Bentley. Across the first year, students develop essential communication, quantitative, and technological skills that will prepare them for their academic journey at Bentley-and for life. The courses designated in the Context and Perspectives requirement help students gain insights on becoming a well-educated working professional and civic-minded individual. Students acquire the tools to make informed, ethical decisions and gain invaluable insights on the world.

Business Dynamics and the Business Administration Minor

Required courses in Business Dynamics expose students to the fundamentals of business operations and practice and how successful businesses operate. All students are automatically be enrolled in the Business Administration Minor, as successful completion of the Business Dynamics courses with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 will result in earning the minor. All Bentley students are required to successfully complete the courses for the Business Administration Minor, no matter what major(s) they select.

Communication Intensive Requirement

All students are required to take a three-credit course designated as a Communication Intensive. This requirement can be met within a variety of course subjects in both Arts & Sciences and Business. Communication Intensive courses are designated with a "Communication Intensive" course tag in Workday. Transfer students with a minimum of 30 credits will be waived from the Communication Intensive requirement.

Degree Requirements and Electives

All bachelor’s degrees require coursework totaling between 120 and 122 credit hours. Degree requirements vary by major and degree type. Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree (ex. English, History, Film and Media Studies) must complete two semesters of the same modern language, regardless of proficiency levels. Students may apply modern language credits earned through the Context and Perspectives requirement towards their Modern Language Requirement as well. Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science degree in a business discipline must complete 15 credit hours of Arts and Sciences coursework of their choosing. Students are required to take additional courses in any discipline. Students must satisfy departmentally determined major course requirements in one of the undergraduate majors, which may be found under the Undergraduate Majors page. Students may also choose to pursue the Business Administration Major as an optional second major. A business course can apply to an Unrestricted Elective requirement but cannot serve as an Arts and Sciences Elective. Students are strongly encouraged to maintain an awareness of where courses taken for a minor apply to their degree requirements. Some major/minor/major combinations are prohibited.

Flexibility and Customization

The unique flexibility built into a Bentley education allows students to explore dozens of exciting business and liberal arts combinations, pursuing their passions in depth. Students may pursue a Bachelor of Science, a Bachelor of Arts, or a combined bachelor's/master’s program of studies. Want to double major in Marketing and Public Policy? You can do it. Interested in how business can play a role in improving the environment? You can study both Sustainability Science and Business Economics. Is your goal to work with international clients? Then check out the Language, Culture and Business major. The curriculum offers tremendous flexibility so you can structure your education in a way that makes sense for you. Use your electives to explore your interests, double major or pursue minors that provide you with greater perspective on the world and a competitive advantage in the job market.

Academic Policies and Requirements

Students are permitted to take courses away only during interim periods (i.e., summer and winter sessions). After matriculating at Bentley University, students may take no more than 10 percent of the remaining credits at other institutions. Students must complete substantial work in the major field at Bentley. Bentley confers degrees three times per year after the conclusion of the fall, spring, and summer terms. Students are required to apply for degree completion. Specific dates of each conferral are listed in the online Academic Calendar. Students must have met all financial obligations to be eligible to participate in the May Commencement ceremony. Undergraduate students that are within two courses (or seven credits) of completing their degree by the end of the spring term are eligible to participate in the spring ceremony as a "Commencement Participant." Commencement Participants must apply for program completion and meet the 2.0 GPA requirements both cumulatively and for the major and have all financial obligations met prior to the ceremony. All undergraduate students must meet the minimum overall, major(s), and minor GPA of at least 2.0 and attain an overall GPA of at least 2.0 in all courses in the major. Students must earn a minimum of 2.00 in the required Business Administration Minor and any elected minor in order for the minor to be awarded. In order to graduate with a designated minor, a student must earn a 2.00 GPA for the courses comprising the minor.

Graduate Programs: Advanced Studies for Career Advancement

Bentley offers an MBA and Master of Science programs in both leading and emerging fields spanning analytics, accounting, finance and technology. Bentley’s graduate programs are designed for both recent graduates and experienced professionals looking to enhance their skills and advance their careers. The pace of technology innovation and change in today’s market requires a commitment to continuous learning, moving beyond functional expertise into broader cross-functional collaboration and a deeper understanding of business strategy.

Flexible Learning Options

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Master of Science in Accounting (MSA)

PART-TIME | FULL-TIME | STEMThe advent of big data, analytics, blockchain, and machine learning is transforming the accounting field, and Bentley's Master's in Accounting (MSA) integrates these technologies to enhance our century-long accounting legacy.

Master of Science in Finance (MSF)

by the Financial Times, prepares professionals to lead in today’s fast-paced global markets with advanced financial expertise and strategic insight.

Specialized Master's Programs

Analytics: Develop the skills top employers need, including advanced statistics, machine learning and data mining, programming and data management. PART-TIME | FULL-TIME | STEM
(Financial Analytics and FinTech): Get a firm grasp of both theory and practice by using state-of-the-art information and analysis software throughout the program. PART-TIME | FULL-TIME | ONLINE | STEM
Human Factors in Information Design: Gain a deep understanding of human behavior through research and insights that inform user experience design and innovation. Students develop a deep understanding of human behavior and the program emphasizes inclusive design, accessibility and ethical decision-making-asking not just what we can build, but what we should. Graduates with these in-demand skills are sought after by top organizations across a variety of industries, from tech startups to the Fortune 500.
Forensics Accounting: Gain the expertise and the broad perspective to prepare for exciting careers like forensics, fraud, and mergers and acquisitions. PART-TIME | FULL-TIME | STEM

Non-Degree Course Options

The non-degree course option at Bentley is a good way for future graduate students to test drive one or two courses as they consider their many options of study. Some students also pursue non-degree coursework to enhance their current career path, learn new skills, or utilize a graduate program tuition benefit at their company or organization.

PhD Program

A Bentley PhD combines real-world research with the academic excellence and intellectual depth that can only be found at the intersection of business and the arts and sciences, all at an internationally ranked-business school in metropolitan Boston.

Campus Experience

Journey through Bentley upper-campus alongside MBA/MSF Dual Degree student Naya Putri for a first-hand look at our graduate-level classrooms, innovation centers, and additional campus resources. The tour features ongoings in the typical campus environment and also highlights how Bentley has successfully implemented hybrid classroom technology during COVID-19.

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