The International College was officially established in 1999, in response to the emerging trend of globalization as well as UB's unique international student body. The World Religions and IPED majors are new to the University, whereas the Social Sciences major was part of the School of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences before it joined the International College. The first graduates of the International College received their diplomas in May 2000. They included a student who was awarded a fellowship to Johns Hopkins and two students who had served as United Nations interns.

The University of Bridgeport was founded in 1927 as the Junior College of Connecticut-the first junior college chartered by any legislature in the northeastern states. The college had as its purpose, in the words of the founders, to develop in students "a point of view and a habit of mind that promotes clear thinking and sound judgment in later professional and business experience." Although UB has changed in many ways since then, this commitment to student preparation and community service remains central to its mission.