FAQs
When did the new name become effective?
October 2, 2008.
What is the difference between a college and a university?
A college is defined as an independent institution of higher learning offering a course of general studies leading to a bachelor’s degree.
A university is defined as an institution of higher learning providing facilities for teaching and research and authorized to grant academic degrees; specifically one made up of an undergraduate division which confers bachelor’s degrees and a graduate division which comprises a graduate school and professional schools which may confer master's and doctorate degrees.
Source: Merriam Webster Dictionary
In other countries, the definitions differ, with many using college to describe a high school, so a university designation is a more accurate reflection of Bentley’s academic breadth to an international audience.
What has Bentley done to qualify as a university?
Founded by Harry C. Bentley in 1917 as a school of accounting and finance, Bentley offered its first four-year bachelor of science program in 1961. The school received approval in 1971 to grant both bachelor of science and bachelor of arts degrees. The Bentley McCallum Graduate School of Business was introduced in 1974 and began granting master’s degrees. The graduate school emphasizes the impact of technology on business practice and now offers The Bentley MBA, MS+MBA, seven master of science degrees and custom executive education programs. In 2005, Bentley introduced PhD programs in Business and Accountancy which have attracted highly qualified students from around the world including Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Israel, Japan, Taiwan and Turkey, as well as from the United States.
In addition to expanding its academic programs, Bentley has also made considerable investments in its physical facilities over the last 10 years including:
• A state-of-the-art library
• High tech labs, including the renowned Trading Room in the Hughey Center for Financial Services
• Residence halls
• Student center
• A renovated and expanded athletic facility and fields
Bentley has also experienced significant growth in the school’s endowment, donor contributions, applications and program enrollments.
Bentley is known for its focus on teaching excellence, personal attention by the faculty and small classes. Will any of that be affected by the name change?
No. As a university, we will continue to provide the breadth and technological strength we always have, with the core values and student focus of a close-knit campus.
Our commitment to teaching excellence is clear with the recent introduction of the Liberal Studies Major, a first-of-its-kind program for a business school. The unique program gives students the opportunity to major in business and the liberal arts, and receive credentials in both. As of the fall semester 2008, more than 500 undergraduates have enrolled in this optional program.
What are the advantages to being named a university?
A significant part of Bentley’s strategy is to continue to expand our regional, national and global focus. The designation of university will assist us in recruiting students, faculty and staff; establish and expand university partnerships in strategic regions; develop more study abroad sites with leading institutions; and sponsor conferences that reflect our areas of strength.
We believe the university name more accurately reflects Bentley’s accomplishments and progress in teaching, research and international scope at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels.
This change affirms the growth and investments we have made as an institution — and supports our commitment to making the Bentley degree even more valuable. Our new name celebrates our history and positions us as innovators in business education.
