Undergraduate Academic Regulations
Academic Regulations are effective from September of the current academic year except where a different date is explicitly stated.ĚýIf there have been changes in the Academic Regulations and degree requirements since a student readmitted after sustained leave was last enrolled, the Academic Regulations in effect at the time of the student's readmission to full-time study will apply, unless the Academic Dean specifies otherwise in writing at the time of readmission.
Undergraduate Admission
Admission Information
Founded by the Society of Jesus in 1863, Boston College is dedicated to intellectual excellence and to its Jesuit, Catholic heritage. Boston College recognizes the essential contribution a diverse community of students, faculty, and staff makes to the advancement of its goals and ideals in an atmosphere of respect for one another and for the University’s mission and heritage. Accordingly, Boston College commits itself to maintaining a welcoming environment for all people and extends its welcome in particular to those who may be vulnerable to discrimination on the basis of their race, ethnic or national origin, religion, color, age, gender, marital or parental status, veteran status, disabilities, or sexual orientation.
Boston College seeks to maintain an undergraduate student body that represents a broad variety of abilities, backgrounds, and interests. Therefore, in selecting students, the Committee on Admission looks for demonstrated evidence of academic ability, intellectual curiosity, strength of character, motivation, energy, and promise for personal growth and development. Requests for financial aid do not affect decisions on admission. The Undergraduate Admission website provides further details on the application requirements and deadlines.
Admission from Secondary School
While specific courses are not required, the Office of Undergraduate Admission recommends that students pursue a strong college preparatory program that includes four units of English, mathematics, social studies, and foreign language, as well as four units of a natural science. Such a program provides a solid foundation for high quality college work, as well as a stronger application in a highly selective admission process.
Standardized Testing
- The SAT or
- The American College Test (ACT)
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Boston College will continue its test-optional admission policy for the 2024-25 application cycle. Students may send official score reports from a testing center, listĚýtheir test scores on their applications, and/or upload scores through their Applicant StatusĚýPortals.ĚýEnrolled students who provided scores with their applications will be required to submit official test score reports upon matriculation. At that time, students’ results will be verified.ĚýĚý
The full policy can viewed atĚý.
All submitted standardized test results are used in the admission process. Applicants are required to take all standardized tests no later than the October administration date of their senior year for Early Decision and by December of their senior year for Regular Decision.
The Committee on Admission will select the best combination of individual section scores when evaluating an application. International students for whom English is not their primary native language are required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the DuoLingo English Test (DET).ĚýStudents who score 650 or above in the SAT EBRW or 29 or better on the ACT English section may have this requirement waived.
Application Procedures
Regular Freshman Admission
Students applying to Boston College should submit the Common Application, the Boston College Writing Supplement and an $80 application fee no later than January 1. Both the Common Application and Boston College Writing Supplement are available on the Common Application website. Candidates are notified of action taken on their applications no later than April 1.
Early Decision
Early Decision I and II are binding programs for candidates who view Boston College as their unequivocal top choice institution. If admitted to Boston College through Early Decision, candidates must immediately withdraw applications to other institutions and enroll at Boston College. Students are required to submit an Enrollment Confirmation Fee to Boston College within ten days of receiving their admission offer.
Competitive Early Decision candidates present academic credentials, extracurricular engagement, and personal qualities that fit the profile of currently enrolled Boston College students. Because Early Decision attracts a small, but competitive pool of candidates, the acceptance rate will be higher at Early Decision. Completed Early Decision I applications and the Common Application Early Decision Agreement form must be submitted no later than November 1 for consideration. Candidates will learn of the Admission Committee's decision by December 15. Early Decision II applications are due by January 1 and candidates will learn of the Admission Committee's decision by February 15.
Applying to an Undergraduate Division
All applicants must designate to which of the four undergraduate divisions they are making their application: Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences, Carroll School of Management, Lynch School of Education and Human Development, or Connell School of Nursing. Students are only considered for admission to the division to which they applied. Students may not change divisions following admission, but may be eligible to apply for an internal transfer to a new division after: one semester for those seeking a transfer to Morrissey or Lynch and two semesters to Connell or Carroll. Transferring internally is not guaranteed and selectivity varies by division; interested students should complete the Internal Transfer Form found on theĚýAcademic FormsĚýpage.
International Student Admission
International students are expected to submit the same credentials (transcripts, recommendations, standardized tests, etc.) as domestic applicants. All documents should be submitted in English. If the credentials must be translated, the original must be submitted along with the translation. All international students whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the DuoLingo English Test (DET). Minimum scores of 100 on the TOEFL iBT, 7.5 on the IELTS, or 130 on the DET are recommended.
Transfer Admission
Transfer admission applications are available to students who have successfullyĚýcompletedĚýthree or more transferable courses (9 credits minimally) at a regionally accredited college or university. Transfer students must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 to be considered for admission. Competitive applicants typically have above a 3.5 cumulative grade point average. Students are encouraged to finish one full year of studies before seeking admission-in-transfer.Ěý
All candidates for transfer admission should submit the Transfer Common Application and all other required forms along with the $80 application fee. All portions of the Transfer Application can be found on the transfer website at .
NOTE: An Academic and Disciplinary Report must be submitted for every undergraduate institution attended full-time by the applicant. Additional copies of this form may be obtained from the transfer website.
All supporting documents must be sent directly to the Boston College Office of Undergraduate Admission by the sending institution.ĚýTranscripts issued to students and photocopies will not be accepted.ĚýThe deadline for submitting applications is March 15 for the fall and November 1 for the spring. Fall candidates will be notified of action taken on their applications no later than May 20. Spring candidates will be notified no later than December 15.
Please consult the transfer admission website for additional information about transfer policies.
Transfer of Credit
Boston College transfer credit policies are established by the Deans and Faculty of each undergraduate division. Course evaluations are completed by the Office of Transfer Admission. Any questions regarding the evaluation of courses, either before or after enrollment, should be directed to the Office of Transfer Admission.
At Boston College, transfer credit is established on a course-by-course basis. Transferable courses must have been completed at regionally accredited colleges or universities and must be similar in content, depth, and breadth to courses taught at Boston College. In addition, a minimum grade of C- must have been earned. Boston College students must complete the following number of credit hours for graduation: Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences—120, Carroll School of Management—120, Lynch School of Education and Human Development—120, and Connell School of Nursing—117. A maximum of 60 credit hours will be allowed in transfer. The unit of credit at Boston College is the semester hour. Most courses earn 3 semester hours of credit. Lab sciences usually earn 4 semester hours of credit.
No credit will be granted for internships, field experiences, practica, military training, or independent study.
Applicants seeking to have online courses accepted in transfer by Boston College should submit a syllabus for each course, including information about contact hours and exam requirements.
Grade point averages do not transfer with students. A new grade point average begins with the commencement of a student's career at the University and reflects only work completed as a full-time undergraduate at Boston College.
For transfer students, courses taken during the summer prior to enrollment at Boston College should be approved in advance by the Office of Transfer Admission to avoid difficulty in the transfer of credits. For all incoming freshmen and currently enrolled students, all summer courses must be approved in advance by the appropriate deans.
College credit courses taken in high school with high school teachers and other high school students cannot be used for credit. These courses may be assigned advanced placement units only if a corresponding College Board AP exam is taken and a qualifying score is earned.
Date of Graduation
All undergraduate students are expected to spend four years enrolled as full-time students in order to earn a bachelor's degree.
Students generally may not accelerate the date of graduation stated in the acceptance letter, with the following exception: students who enter Boston College after three or four semesters at a school where the normal credit requirements are less than those at Boston College and who experience a loss of one semester in their status as a result. If students have attended only one school prior to Boston College and the loss of status is due solely to differences between academic systems, students will be allowed to make up their status and graduate with their class.
A transfer student's date of graduation is determined by the number of credits accepted in transfer and the number of Boston College semesters these satisfy. The normal academic load for undergraduates is five 3- or 4-credit courses per semester. Thus, students are expected to have completed 30 credits at the end of one year, 45 at the end of a year and a half, and 60 credits at the end of two years. In determining a transfer student's date of graduation, leeway of 6 credits is allowed without loss of status. For example, students completing 24–30 credits are accepted as first-semester sophomores.
Residency Requirement
The requirements for the bachelor's degree generally include a minimum of eight semesters of full-time enrollment, at least four semesters of which must be at Boston College.
Transfer students may need more than eight semesters in total in order to complete all the university’s degree requirements. As long as transfer students abide by all relevant University academic regulations, including at least four semesters at Boston College, they may seek to regain their original graduation-year status through course overloads and summer courses. Transfer students who seek to regain their original graduation date should consult with their associate dean to confirm that they are eligible to do so.
Special Students
Only those persons who wish to be enrolled as full-time day students are admitted by the Office of Undergraduate Admission. All other students wishing to attend Boston College on a part-time basis, for either day or evening classes, should contact the Dean of the James A. Woods, S.J., College of Advancing Studies, St. Mary’s Hall South, Ground Floor, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467.
Advanced Placement Units
There are a number of ways to earn advanced placement units at Boston College including qualifying scores on College Board Advanced Placement (AP) exams, International Baccalaureate exams, British A Level exams, French Baccalaureate exams, as well as results from the German Abitur, and the Swiss Maturité and Italian Maturità . Official results from all testing should be sent to the Office of Transfer Admission for evaluation. Qualifying scores will be assigned advanced placement units as detailed at .
College Courses Taken During High School
Advanced placement units can be earned for college courses taken during high school. For more information, visit .
Language Proficiency Requirements
Refer to the Language Proficiency Requirements section below.
Introductory Note on Academic Regulations
Academic Regulations are effective from September of the current academic year except where a different date is explicitly stated.ĚýIf there have been changes in the Academic Regulations and degree requirements since a student readmitted after sustained leave was last enrolled, the Academic Regulations in effect at the time of the student's readmission to full-time study will apply, unless the Academic Dean specifies otherwise in writing at the time of readmission.
Academic Grievances
Any student who believes he or she has been treated unfairly in academic matters should consult with the chairperson of the undergraduate or graduate department or his or her Academic Dean to discuss the situation and to obtain information about relevant grievance procedures.
Academic Record
A record of each student's academic work is prepared and maintained permanently by the Office of Student Services. While cumulative averages for academic majors are made available to undergraduate students who are currently enrolled, these averages are not maintained as part of a student's academic record. The student's semester averages and final overall cumulative average appear on the academic record. Student academic records are sealed at the time the degree is conferred. After this date changes may not be made, with the exception of errors or omissions.
Attendance
Students are expected to attend classes regularly, take tests, and submit papers and other work at the times specified by the professor on the course syllabus. Students who are absent repeatedly from class or practica will be evaluated by faculty responsible for the course to ascertain their ability to achieve the course objectives and to continue in the course.
Professors may include, as part of the semester's grades, marks for the quality and quantity of the student's participation in class.
Professors will announce, reasonably well in advance, tests and examinations based on material covered in class lectures and discussions, as well as other assigned material. A student who is absent from class on the day of a previously announced examination, including the final examination, is not entitled, as a matter of right, to make up what was missed. The professor involved is free to decide whether a make-up will be allowed.
A student who is absent from class is responsible for obtaining knowledge of what happened in class, especially information about announced tests, papers, or other assignments.
In cases of prolonged absence, the student or a family member should communicate with the student's Academic Dean as soon as the prospect of extended absence becomes clear. The academic arrangements for the student's return to classes should be made with the Academic Dean's Office as soon as the student's health and other circumstances permit.
Absences for Religious Reasons
Any student who is unable, because of his or her religious beliefs, to attend classes or to participate in any examination, study, or work requirement on a particular day shall be excused from any such examination, or study or work requirement, and shall be provided with an opportunity to make up such examination, or study or work requirement, that may have been missed because of such absence on any particular day. However, students should notify professors at the end of the first class meeting or at least two weeks in advance of any such planned observances, and such makeup examination or work shall not create an unreasonable burden upon the University. No fees will be charged and no adverse or prejudicial effects shall result to any student who is absent for religious reasons.
Audits
Undergraduate students may not audit a course with the exception of undergraduates in the Woods College of Advancing Studies.
Core Curriculum—Undergraduate University Core Requirements
The following fifteen courses comprise the Core Curriculum and are required for all students at Boston College to graduate. All Core courses must be three credits or more and cannot be taken pass/fail. In addition to the specific courses named below, Complex Problem and Enduring Question courses count for Core credit and are limited to first-year students.
- One course in the Arts—Art History, Studio Art, Film, Music, or Theatre
- One course in Cultural Diversity—The Cultural Diversity requirement may be fulfilled by an approved course taken to fulfill a Core, a major or minor requirement, or an elective. Engaging Difference and Justice and Difference, Justice, and the Common Good courses satisfy the Cultural Diversity requirement and can be found on the Core website (bc.edu/core). LSEHD students take APSY/EDU1031 or FORM1051. The CSON curriculum satisfies the Cultural Diversity requirement.
- Two courses in History—One History I course (pre-1800) and one History II course (post-1800)
- One course in Literature—Classical Studies, English, Romance Languages and Literatures, or Eastern, Slavic, and German Studies
- One course in Mathematics—For CSOM students, BZAN1135 is required and fulfills the Mathematics Core. CSON students take MATH1180. For LSEHD students, APSY2217 and MATH1190 can also fulfill the Mathematics Core.
- Two courses in Natural Sciences—Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Environmental Studies, or Physics
- Two courses in Philosophy—One Philosophy I course and one Philosophy II course, PHIL1070-1071 Philosophy of the Person I and II (in sequence), PHIL/THEO1088-1089 Person and Social Responsibility I and II (PULSE), or PHIL/THEO1090-1091 Perspectives on Western Culture I and II (in sequence). Complex Problem or Enduring Question courses may fulfill one Philosophy Core course. For LSEHD students, FORM1050 satisfies the Philosophy II Core course.
- Two courses in Social Sciences—Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Psychology in Education, or Sociology. ECON1101 is required for all CSOM students. CSON students take NURS2122 and NURS4264. LSEHD students take APSY1030 and either APSY/EDUC1031 or FORM1051.
- Two courses in Theology—One Christian Theology (CT) and one Sacred Texts and Traditions (STT) course, THEO/PHIL1088-1089 Person and Social Responsibility I and II (PULSE), THEO/PHIL1090-1091 Perspectives on Western Culture I and II, or Complex Problem or Enduring Question Theology courses
- One course in Writing*
*Students for whom English is not their first language have special options for meeting this requirement.
Students are encouraged to use the Core to explore their interests, broaden their intellectual horizons, and discover more about themselves. Core courses are identified on the EagleApps Course Information and Schedule page (at bc.edu/myservices) as well as on the Core website (bc.edu/core). For more information on the University Core Curriculum, please visit bc.edu/core.
University Core Curriculum at Boston College
As a Jesuit, Catholic University, Boston College shares a 450-year-old tradition of integrating the intellectual, moral, and religious development of its students. The centerpiece of Jesuit education has always been a common curriculum that emphasizes the study of the defining works of the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences.
Our ongoing efforts to renew the University Core Curriculum aim to ensure that engagement with the Core “broadens the intellectual horizons of students; introduces them to the best of contemporary pedagogy, research, and teaching; promotes their integration of knowledge, beliefs, and actions; and prepares them for lives of freedom, integrity, leadership, and service” (The Vision Animating the Boston College Core Curriculum, 2014). Guided by this vision, students completing the University Core Curriculum will:
- Demonstrate the critical, mathematical, informational, analytic, expressive, and creative skills that are essential tools of the educated person well prepared for a meaningful life and vocation.
- Understand the major ideas and methods of inquiry of the scholarly disciplines that comprise the University and be able to use them as beginning practitioners to address complex contemporary problems.
- Be able to identify and articulate the strengths and limitations of the disciplines and the relationship of the disciplines to one another, and demonstrate an understanding of the breadth and diversity of human knowledge as well as its openness to integration in more comprehensive wholes.
- Be conversant with and able to discuss intelligently enduring questions and issues that are fundamental to human inquiry and that have shaped the traditions from which the University has emerged.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply more than one disciplinary perspective to the same enduring question or complex contemporary problem.
- Be familiar with the scholarly exploration of religious faith and understand how faith and reason are related in the search for truth.
- Demonstrate the ability to examine their values and experiences and integrate what they learn with the principles that guide their lives.Ěý
- Be prepared and disposed to use their talents and education as engaged global citizens and responsible leaders in service of the common good.
For more information on University Core Curriculum at Boston College, please visit .
Cross Registration
Woods College of Advancing Studies
All full-time undergraduate students are limited to one Woods College of Advancing Studies (WCAS) course each semester. Freshmen may not enroll in any WCAS course.
WCAS courses can be used to fulfill elective requirements. Students must check with the appropriate department if they want to inquire about using about the possibility of using a Woods College of Advancing Studies course to fulfill a Core or major requirement. Any exception to this policy must be made with the appropriate department and Academic Dean’s approval.
Boston Theological Interreligious Consortium
The Boston Theological Interreligious Consortium (BTI), a consortium of theology faculty primarily in the Boston-Newton-Cambridge area, has as its constituent members the following institutions:
- Boston College’s Department of Theology
- Boston College’s School of Theology and Ministry
- Boston Islamic Seminary
- Boston University Graduate Program in Religion
- Boston University School of Theology
- Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
- Hartford International University for Religion and Peace
- Harvard Divinity School
- Hebrew College
- Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Seminary
- St. John’s Seminary and Theological Institute
This consortium offers complete cross-registration in several hundred courses, the use of library facilities in the nine schools, joint seminars and programs, and faculty exchange programs. This program is only available to graduate students in a Theology program or in the School of Theology and Ministry.Ěý
Students who want to cross register through the Boston Theological Interreligious Consortium should visit the website to create an account and submit a cross registration request. Students are expected to consult with their advisor or department chairperson before cross registering. Graduate Theology majors may take up to half of their courses through BTI.
The Consortium
Under a program of cross registration, sophomores, juniors, and seniors may take one elective course during each fall and spring semester at Boston University, Brandeis University, Northeastern University, Regis College, or Tufts University if a similar course is not available at Boston College. Cross registration forms are available in the Office of Student Services, Lyons Hall.
Dean's List
The Dean's List recognizes the achievement of undergraduates, semester by semester. Students will be classified into two groups: First Honors (3.700–4.000) and Second Honors (3.500–3.699).
In order to be eligible for the Dean's List, students must earn at least 12 or more credits in courses evaluated with a letter grade, excluding the P (pass) grade, and receive a passing grade in all courses. Students who have withdrawn from or failed a course and students who have received an incomplete grade (see Grading section) will not be eligible for the Dean's List.
Degree Audit
A degree audit is a computer-generated analysis that enables an undergraduate or law student and his or her advisor to assess the student's academic progress and unfulfilled requirements. Students in the Woods College of Advancing Studies can meet with an advisor to review their progress at any time.
The degree audit is a valuable tool for academic planning because it matches the courses that the student has taken with the requirements of his or her degree program or anticipated program. Students receive degree audits each semester prior to registration and have access to actual and simulated degree audits at bc.edu/myservicesĚý("Degree Audit"). Students are responsible for completing all the requirements listed on the degree audit prior to graduation.
Degree with Honors
Academic honors printed in the Commencement program are based on averages at the end of the second semester senior year.
Starting with the class of 2021, the cumulative average for degrees with honors will be as follows:
- summa cum laudeĚý(with the highest honors)—3.9–4.0
- magna cum laudeĚý(with high honors)—3.8–3.899
- cum laudeĚý(with honors)—3.667–3.799
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Prior to the class of 2021: TheĚýsumma cum laudeĚýwas awarded to the top 4.5 percent of the graduating class,Ěýmagna cum laudeĚýto the next 9.5 percent, andĚýcum laudeĚýto the next 15 percent.
Enrollment Status
Undergraduate Full-Time Enrollment Status
To be considered full-time, students must be registered for courses totaling at least 12 credits per semester. At least 9 of the credits must be in courses of 3 credits or more. Ordinarily, students should average 15 credits per semester with a target of completing 30 credits per academic year.
Woods College of Advancing Studies students must be enrolled in 12 credits to be considered full-time.
Undergraduate Part-Time Enrollment Status
Visiting or special students may enroll in one, two, or three courses each semester through the Woods College of Advancing Studies. Additional courses require the Dean's approval.
External Courses
After admission to Boston College, the only courses that a student may apply towards a degree will be those offered at Boston College in a regular course of study during the academic year. Any exceptions to this rule must be approved in writing by the Academic Dean before the courses are begun. Exceptions may be granted by the Academic Dean for official cross-registration programs, external summer study abroad and certain special study programs at other universities.
A student must earn a grade of C- or better to receive credit for any course taken at another university. In some instances, the Academic Dean may stipulate a higher grade. After the course has been completed, the student should request that the registrar at the host university forward an official transcript to the Office of Student Services at Boston College.
Final Examinations
The final examination schedule for most courses is set before classes begin. It is available to the public, and students are responsible for consulting it. A student who misses a final examination is not entitled, as a matter of right, to a make-up examination except for serious illness and/or family emergency. No student should make travel arrangements to return home which are at odds with his or her examination schedule. Students who schedule a departure without regard to their schedules risk failure in their final examinations.
Courses with multiple sections may have common departmental final examinations at a date and time determined by the Office of Student Services. Students with three final examinations scheduled for the same day are entitled to take a make-up exam at a later date during exam week. If one of the three exams is a common departmental exam, this is the exam that is taken at the later date.
In the Graduate School of the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences, seminars and teacher-training courses may or may not have a semester examination at the discretion of the instructor.
No examsĚýor final assignmentsĚýare to be scheduled during the Study Days designated on the Academic Calendar.
Language Proficiency Requirements
The study of language, literature, and culture other than one’s own enables the Jesuit-educated student to appreciate the world better, to seek commonalities, and honor cultural differences. Therefore, students in the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences will demonstrate intermediate-level proficiency in a foreign or classical language in order to graduate from Boston College. Intermediate proficiency is defined as completing the fourth semester of a language. Students continuing a language previously studied will take one to four courses, depending on their placement. First-year students should begin/complete the language requirement during their first semester.
The Advanced Placement (AP) test scores below demonstrate intermediate-level proficiency at Boston College.
| Subject Test | AP Score |
| Chinese | 4 |
| French | 3 |
| German | 4 |
| Italian | 3 |
| Japanese | 4 |
| Korean | N/A |
| Latin | 4 |
| Modern Hebrew | N/A |
| Spanish | 3 |
If you have taken the AP Test but have not yet received your score, take the placement test and register for the course recommended when you complete the test. When you receive the AP score, you may make necessary changes. If you have questions, speak with the language advisor at your registration session.Ěý
Other Exams and Exam Score Minimums
- British A levels: Languages other than English A/B/C levels
- International Baccalaureate: Higher level foreign or modern classical language 6 or 7
- General Certificate of Education: German A level
- DELE exams (Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera): B1 or higher level
- Successful demonstration of native proficiency by documentation. Documentation of native proficiency ordinarily assumes evidence of post-elementary school education in the native language.
Fulfillment of the proficiency requirement by the examinations listed above does not confer course credit.
Course Work Meeting Language Proficiency Requirement
- Successful completion of the second semester of an intermediate-level Boston College modern or classical language course
- Successful completion of one Boston College modern or classical language course beyond the intermediate level
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Students may not take foreign language courses on a pass/fail basis until they have completed the university’s language proficiency requirement. Language courses will count as Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences electives.ĚýStudents with documented learning disabilities may be exempt from the foreign language requirement and should consult with the Connors Family Learning Center ().
Grading
The grading system consists of 12 categories, as follows: A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, and F. A is excellent; B is good; C is satisfactory; D is passing but unsatisfactory; F is failure.
Students who withdraw from a course after the drop/add period will receive a grade of W. The grade of W is not included in the calculation of the grade point average.
Students in the Connell School of Nursing must achieve a grade of C- or higher in designated nursing courses, or they will be required to retake the course.
With the approval of the Academic Dean of their school or college, students may be permitted to take courses for enrichment. Courses approved for enrichment only, may, with the approval of the relevant department, go toward fulfilling a Core, major, or minor requirement. However, grades for courses taken for enrichment are not computed into the cumulative average and are not counted toward the total course or credit requirement for graduation.
A student’s cumulative average is based on grades in courses taken in the full-time program at Boston College, plus other courses specifically approved for credit towards the degree by the Academic Dean. If a student fails a course, the course is not credited toward the degree, but the failing grade remains on the student’s transcript and a 0.0 is calculated into the student’s cumulative average.ĚýA failed course may be retaken for credit, with the new grade added to the GPA, but the original failure remains on the transcript and continues to be counted in the GPA.ĚýIf a student retakes a failed course and fails it again, the course is again entered on the transcript and the grade is counted in the GPA. If a student retakes a course in which she or he has already received a passing grade, the repeated course is again entered on the transcript and the grade is calculated in the cumulative GPA, but the course is not credited toward the degree.
Grades will be posted at bc.edu/myservicesĚý("Current Courses and Grades") at the close of each semester. Any student who believes there is a grade discrepancy on a semester grade should resolve the discrepancy with their professor within the first six weeks of the following semester.
Grading Scale
In computing averages, the following numerical equivalents for the twelve (12) letter grades are used:
- A 4.00
- A- 3.67
- B+ 3.33
- B 3.00
- B- 2.67
- C+ 2.33
- C 2.00
- C- 1.67
- D+ 1.33
- D 1.00
- D- .67
- F .00
- P No effect on GPA
- U No effect on GPA
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Student Work and Assessment
The grading of student work serves as the primary means of individual evaluation; additionally, student work generally may be used to assess course, program, and the related, learning outcomes in support of continuous improvement.
Incomplete and Deferred Grades
All required work in any course must be completed by the date set for the course examination. A student who has not completed the research or written work for a course taken in the fall or spring semester or is absent from the course examination in either semester, may, with adequate reason and at the discretion of the instructor, receive a temporary grade of Incomplete (I). All such I grades will automatically be changed to F on March 1 for the fall, August 1 for the spring, and October 1 for the summer.
After that time, generally no further grade change will be allowed.
A faculty member may only assign a grade of J for a 2-semester course when the grade in the first semester is dependent on the grade issued at the end of the semester. The J grade has no GPA value. Instructors should assign a grade for each semester at the end of the second semester. Such courses may include an Internship, Dissertation Direction, or Student Teaching.
Pass/Fail
Sophomores, juniors, and seniors may elect to designate a course as pass/fail before the deadline. The deadlines are November 1 for the fall and April 1 for the spring. Only electives can be taken pass/fail. Courses being used to fulfill major, minor, Core, or corequisitesĚýcannotĚýbe taken pass/fail.
Second-semester freshmen who have been approved by their Academic Dean for an overload of a sixth course of 3 credits or more may take that course on a pass/fail basis, in which case the course may not be used to fulfill a major, minor, Core requirement, or corequisites.
No more than one course of 3 or more credits may be taken pass/fail in any semester. No student may take more than six pass/fail courses of 3 or more credits for credit toward a degree.
Courses in the Carroll School of Management may not be taken on a pass/fail basis. Departments may designate some courses as not available in general for pass/fail enrollment.
Students may not take foreign language courses on a pass/fail basis until they have completed the University's language proficiency requirement. Any foreign language course being used to fulfill a major, minor, Core, or corequirement cannot be taken pass/fail.
A student enrolled in a course on a pass/fail basis who earns a grade of D- or higher will receive a grade of Pass for the course.
Pass/Fail Option for 1-Credit Courses in the Major
At the discretion of the school or department, some 1-credit courses that are required for a major or minor may be offered on a pass/fail basis only (e.g., practica, performance).
Grade Change
Grade changes should be made only for exceptional reasons. For all students, the grades submitted by faculty at the end of each semester are considered final unless the faculty member has granted the student an Incomplete to provide time to finish his or her course work. Such Incompletes should only be granted for serious reasons, e.g., illness, and only when the student has been able to complete most of the course work but is missing a specific assignment, e.g., a final paper, an examination, etc. Incompletes are not to be granted to allow the student to complete a major portion of the course work after the end of the semester.
Graduation, Advanced Standing, and Acceleration
Students are expected to satisfactorily complete eight semesters of full-time study (excluding summer terms) in order to earn the bachelor's degree. The University awards degrees in May, August, and December of each year, although commencement ceremonies are held only in May. A diploma will not be dated before all work is completed. Students who graduate in December may participate in commencement exercises the following May. In order to ensure timely clearance, all students who plan to graduate should confirm their diploma names online.
With permission from the student's Academic Dean, there are two ways the time to degree can be shortened (accelerated): (1) by qualifying for Advanced Standing or (2) by completing all requirements in less than 8 full-time semesters. Details of these two paths are given below.
Advanced Standing
Beginning with the Class of 2024:ĚýStudents who earn a minimum of 30 Advanced Placement units may be eligible for Advanced Standing and complete their undergraduate studies after six semesters of full-time study. Ordinarily, Advanced Standing is for one full year only. Students interested in this option should be in touch with their Academic Dean no sooner than the completion of their first semester at Ď㽶Đă. No decisions on Advanced Standing will be made prior to this time. Students seeking Advanced Standing must be able to complete all degree requirements by the proposed graduation date and be approved for Advanced Standing by the Academic Dean before the start of the third year of undergraduate study. No more than 30 Advanced Placement units may be credited toward the degree.
For further details, visitĚý.
Acceleration
After being in residence for at least three semesters, and no later than the end of the drop/add period in the seventh semester, full-time undergraduate students may apply to their Academic Dean to accelerate their degree program by one semester. The following conditions apply:
- Summer courses intended for acceleration must be taken at Boston College.
- Any credits attempted over 15 in a semester used for acceleration are charged the per credit rate for the semester they are taken. Students receiving financial aid should consult their financial aid counselor to determine the impact of accelerating before officially applying for acceleration.
- Students transferring into Boston College with first-semester sophomore status or above are not eligible to accelerate their program of study.
- Students in the 4-4-2 program through Disability Services are not allowed to accelerate.
- Students who have elected to take Advanced Standing are not eligible to accelerate their graduation further.
Internal Transfers
Matriculated students wishing to transfer from one undergraduate college to another within Boston College should contact the Academic Dean's Office of the school to which admission is sought.ĚýStudents may be eligible to apply for an internal transfer to a new division after: one semester for those seeking a transfer to Morrissey or Lynch, two semesters to Connell, and three semesters to Carroll. Transferring internally is not guaranteed and selectivity varies by division; interested students should complete the Internal Transfer Form found on theĚýAcademic FormsĚýpage. WCAS students interested in transferring into Morrissey, Lynch, CSON, or CSOM must apply to do so through the Office of Undergraduate Admission.
Leave of Absence
There may be times—due to personal, medical and/or other reasons—when an undergraduate student may need or want to take a leave of absence from the University. This policy describes the process to take and return from a leave of absence as well as addresses additional expectations and questions about the process.
Taking a leave of absence can be a difficult decision and the University wants to support students as they consider taking a leave. We encourage students to outreach to their Undergraduate Associate Dean of their school or college (MCAS, CSOM, , CSON, or WCAS) to ask questions, discuss options, and be referred for additional support if needed.
Undergraduate students may take either a personal or medical leave. In order to request a leave of absence, students must complete the and indicate whether they are taking a personal or medical leave of absence.ĚýIn addition, residential students must complete ahousing cancellation form.
General Policies
Classes and Tuition
Students who take a personal leave of absence once classes have started will be withdrawn from those classes and receive "W"s on their transcript for those classes. Students may be eligible for a tuition refund depending on the date of the requested leave of absence.
In some cases, students may not be eligible for the full amount of their financial aid package if they do not complete the semester. Fees are non-refundable. Residential Hall charges and Meal Plans are canceled based on the day students move out and in accordance with Residential Life policies. Students may be eligible for a housing and/or meal plan refund depending on the date of the requested leave of absence; this schedule follows the tuition refund schedule. Please contact Residential Life for further details.
If a student takes a leave of absence during the 100% tuition refund period, any classes they are registered for will be dropped and not appear on transcripts.
Registering for classes in future semesters: generally, students cannot register for classes while on a leave of absence. Please see the readmission process section below regarding registering for future classes.
On-Campus Housing
Students cannot remain in University housing once they have taken a leave of absence and cannot participate in room selection while on leave. Students taking a leave should also complete a housing cancellation form through the Agora Portal: Agora > Other Services > My Reslife > Forms. Please see the Residential Life Conditions of Residency for details. Please see the readmission process section below regarding participating in the room selection process.
Personal Leave of Absence
A personal leave of absence may be taken for any reason. To request a personal leave of absence, students must complete the no later than the semester’s last date for a withdrawal from the University.
While on a leave of absence, students:
- Cannot take courses at Ď㽶Đă or another university to advance their degree or maintain their original graduation date at Boston College without obtaining prior approval from their Undergraduate Academic Associate Dean’s Office.Ěý
- Will have their graduation term adjusted to reflect their new anticipated graduation date.Ěý
- Normally, a student returning from a leave of absence may not regain their original graduation date.
- May not participate in Ď㽶Đă extracurricular activities.
Medical Leave of Absence
A medical leave of absence may be taken because of a student’s medically documented illness, including physical and/or mental health. Once your request and the supporting documentation have been reviewed, the Directors of UCS and UHS will make a recommendation to youracademic dean regarding the medical leave of absence.
Physical Health
To request a physical health leave of absence, students must take the following steps.
- Complete the .
- Complete the Authorization for Release of Medical Information form and submit it to University Health Services (UHS).
- Request that a licensed health provider submit a statement to Boston College indicatingĚý
- Your diagnosis;Ěý
- a proposed treatment plan;Ěý
- a recommendation for the anticipated length of the leave (when possible).
A licensed health provider must submit this statement to the Director of University Health Services (UHS).
Both the Withdrawal/Leave of Absence Form and your provider’s statement must be submitted to the Director of UHS no later than the semester’s last date for a withdrawal from the University. Permission for a medical leave after that deadline is rare and requires additional documentation.
Mental Health
To request a mental-health leave of absence, students must take the following steps.
- Complete and submit the online Withdrawal/Leave of Absence Form.
- Complete the Authorization to Release/Exchange Information form and submit it to University Counseling Services (UCS).
- Request that a licensed health provider submit a statement to Boston College indicating
- your diagnosis;
- a proposed treatment plan;
- a recommendation for the anticipated length of the leave (when possible).
A licensed health provider must submit this statement to theĚýDirector of Counseling Services (UCS).
Both the Withdrawal/Leave of Absence Form and your provider’s statement must be submitted to the Director of UCS no later thanĚýthe semester’s last date for a withdrawal from the University.ĚýPermission for a medical leave after that deadline is rare and requires additional documentation.
Classes and Tuition
- Students approved for a medical leave of absence may also be eligible to receive a tuition credit. If a student is eligible for a tuition credit, it will be applied only during the semester they return as a full-time student to Boston College.Ěý
- The student’s bill for the semester in which they are taking the leave must be paid in full in order to be eligible for a tuition credit.
- Students are eligible to receive a tuition credit only once during their tenure at Boston College.
- Students must use a tuition credit within 3 years of the semester in which they took the leave. After that three year period, the tuition credit is voided. In NO case will money be refunded in lieu of the tuition credit.
- Tuition credits are not transferable to siblings.
- Tuition credits are not guaranteed and are granted based on the medical circumstances.ĚýGenerally, students cannot register for classes while on a leave of absence. Please see the readmission process section below regarding registering for future classes.
Ěý
While on a medical leave of absence, students:
- Cannot take courses at Ď㽶Đă or another university to advance their degree or maintain their original graduation date at Boston College without obtaining prior approval from their Academic Associate Dean’s Office. In instances where students are deficient in credits, they may request prior approval from their Academic Associate Dean’s Office to take limited courses to address those deficiencies while on leave. Taking classes at the Woods College must be approved by the WCAS Associate Dean’s Office.
- Will have their graduation term adjusted to reflect their new anticipated graduation date. Normally, a student returning from a leave of absence may not regain their original graduation date.
- May not participate in Ď㽶Đă extracurricular activities while on leaves of absence.Ěý
Requesting Readmission from a Leave of Absence
When you can request readmission:ĚýStudents on a leave of absence must request to be readmitted no later than August 1 for the fall semester and December 1 for the spring semester.ĚýTo make this request, students must complete theĚý.Ěýform. This form will be transmitted to their Undergraduate Academic Associate Dean.
If students wish to participate in course registration, or room selection upon return from a leave, the deadlines are earlier. Students can not participate in the room selection process during the spring semester unless they are already readmitted for the fall semester.
| Final Deadline | Fall Semester | Spring Semester | Summer Session |
|---|---|---|---|
| To return | August 1 | December 1 | April 15 |
| To participate in course registration | April 1 | November 1 | February 15 |
| To participate in the room selection process | February 1 | December 1 | N/A |
Additional information regarding returning from a medical leave:Ěýwhen a student takes a medical leave of absence, the Directors of UCS/ UHS will provide a recommended length of leave. Generally, Boston College recommends students on medical leave follow that recommendation to ensure that a student can obtain adequate treatment and demonstrate readiness to return.
For a physical health leave of absence: your licensed health provider must provide documentation regarding your readiness to return to Ď㽶Đă to the Director of UHS. You must also submit a Release of Information for Return from Medical Leave.
For a mental-health-related leave of absence: your licensed mental health provider must submit the Readmission to Boston College from Medical Leave of Absence form to the Director of UCS. You must also submit a Release of Information for Return from Medical Leave and complete the student section as well.
The Director of UHS or UCS will collect documentation supporting the application for readmission. They may seek additional information and/or request a conversation with the student or treatment provider. The Director will make a recommendation to the appropriate Undergraduate Academic Associate Dean, whose decision will be final.
Majors, Minors, and Concentrations
Majors
A major is a systematic concentration of at least 30 credits taken in a given academic discipline that enables a student to acquire a more specialized knowledge of the discipline, its history, its methodologies and research tools, its subfields, and the areas of concern in which the discipline is presently involved. This is done by means of a hierarchical sequence of courses or appropriate distribution requirements. In order to earn a major, students must have at least 27 credits in the major programĚýthat are not used to fulfill requirements for another major or minor.
Minors
Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences
Some departments offer a departmental minor for students who wish to complement their major with intensive study in another area. A departmental minor consists of at least 18 credits. These must include one introductory level course and at least one upper-level course or seminar. In order to earn a departmental minor, students must have at least 15 credits in the minor program that are notĚýused to fulfill requirements for another major or minor.ĚýStudents carrying a double major are advised not to minor.
For a complete list of minors visit the Majors and Minors page.
Interdisciplinary minors in the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences must consist of at least 18 credits and must include either a required introductory course or a concluding seminar or project. (Note: Some programs require both.) In order to earn an interdisciplinary minor, students must have at least 15 credits in the minor programĚýthat are not used to fulfill requirements for another major or minor or a Core requirement. The list and description of the interdisciplinary minors is available in the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences section of this Catalog. Students choose courses for the minor in consultation with the director of the department's minor program.
Lynch School of Education and Human Development
Lynch School majors may minor in Special Education. Some Lynch School Elementary and Secondary Education majors are eligible to minor in Middle School Mathematics Teaching.
Further information on these minors is available in the Lynch School of Education and Human Development section of the University Catalog.
Connell School of Nursing
CSON students may pursue a Hispanic Studies minor, a Psychology minor, or a Medical Humanities, Health, and Culture minor specifically for Nursing students by contacting the Academic Dean, Undergraduate Nursing Program. Six courses (18 credits) are required to complete the minor. Full details are available on theĚýCSON website.
Carroll School of Management
Students in the Carroll School of Management may select any minor offered by the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences.
For a complete list of minors visit theĚýMajors and MinorsĚýpage.
Concentrations
Carroll School of Management (CSOM)
Concentrations, or areas of specialization, are required for students earning degrees from Carroll School of Management and are available to Carroll School of Management students only. Most concentrations require four courses beyond the Core. However, some require five. Students must complete a concentration in one of the following areas:ĚýAccounting, Accounting and Information Systems, Accounting for Finance and Consulting, Business Analytics, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, General Management, Information Systems, Management and Leadership, Managing for Social Impact and the Public Good, Marketing, or Operations Management. Students declare a concentration second semester sophomore year or during the junior year.
Overloads
The standard semester course load for undergraduates is five 3-credit courses and a maximum of 20 credits, including labs and other 1- or 2- credit courses. Students are eligible to overload if they have earned at least a 3.0 overall cumulative GPA or a 3.0 GPA in the semester immediately prior to the one for which the overload is sought, in which case they may register online for a sixth course of 3 credits or more and a maximum of 24 credits, including labs and other 1- and 2-credit courses, starting on the Friday before the first day of classes for the semester.
Students are not permitted to take a sixth course of 3 credits or more during their first semester at Boston College. Second-semester freshmen who wish to overload with a sixth course of 3 credits or more must obtain permission from their Academic Dean.
Students with an overall cumulative GPA between 2.0 and 3.0 may, under exceptional circumstances, be allowed by their Academic Dean to enroll in a sixth course.
Students in a Woods College of Advancing Studies degree program may take a maximum course load of three courses per semester. Authorization for one additional course will be given only if the student has completed three courses in the previous semester, each with a grade of B- or better. Additional courses require authorization. Courses taken without reference to this regulation do not advance a student's Woods College degree program.
Readmission
Students who desire readmission must initiate the process in the Office of the appropriate Academic Dean of their school or college. Applications for readmission should be made at least four weeks before the start of the semester in which the student seeks to resume study. The appropriate Academic Dean will then make the decision about readmission, after careful consideration of the best interests of both the student and the University.Ěý
In instances where a sustained period of time (more than one year) has elapsed since a student was last enrolled, the appropriate Academic Dean in consultation with the appropriate representative of the student’s department or program will identify the academic requirements, if any, that must be completed after readmission and before awarding the degree. Factors that will determine these requirements include, but are not limited to: the currency of the student’s knowledge in the student’s proposed academic major(s); the pertinence of courses completed at Boston College to current degree and licensure requirements; any academic work completed elsewhere that is relevant to degree and licensure requirements; and the length of the student’s absence.Ěý
If there have been changes in the Academic Regulations and degree requirements since a student readmitted after sustained leave was last enrolled, the Academic Regulations in effect at the time of the student's readmission to full-time study will apply, unless the Academic Dean specifies otherwise in writing at the time of readmission.
Satisfactory Academic Progress
The requirements for Satisfactory Academic Progress are specified in the academic regulations for each school.
Study Abroad—Office of Global Education
Boston College global programs are open to Ď㽶Đă undergraduate students who meet the requirements for study abroad as outlined by their Academic Dean. To be eligible for admission, students must be in good academic standing with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and have a clean disciplinary record. Final approval is at the discretion of the OGE, deans, and Student Affairs. Many programs have additional requirements and a selective application process; students should consult with the OGE for specific admission requirements. Boston College approves an equal number of students for study abroad in the fall and spring semesters, and not all applicants can be approved for their preferred term. Students should plan accordingly.
Students remain subject to the academic policies of their home department as well as the host institution. They are expected to register for a full course load as defined by Ď㽶Đă and the host university in order to earn a full semester’s worth of credit.
A student's enrollment in a program of study abroad approved for credit by the home institution may be considered enrollment at the home institution for the purpose of applying for assistance under the Title IV, HEOA programs.
In addition to semester/year programs, Ď㽶Đă also offers a selection of 25-30 summer faculty-led programs and internships abroad each year, with separate eligibility and application requirements (see OGE/Summer website for details). Summer programs are available to all students in good academic and disciplinary standing, to participate as early as the summer after their freshman year. The University also welcomes external student participants on a number of summer programs.
Summer Courses
As of summer 2018, summer courses taken at Boston College count for academic credit and all grades earned are factored into students’ GPA as regular Ď㽶Đă courses. Courses may satisfy Core or major/minor requirements as specified by the department, and will count toward the 120 credits required for the degree.ĚýA maximum of 4 courses (12–13 credits total) can be taken in the summer.
Ď㽶Đă Summer Courses Abroad
Ď㽶Đă summer courses taken abroad through the Office of International Programs (OIP) are factored into students' GPA as regular Ď㽶Đă courses, and count for academic credit.
Summer Courses at Other Institutions
Summer courses taken at another university—local, national, international—, must be pre- approved from the Academic Dean using the Course Approval Form. Students will also need departmental approval if they want the summer course to fulfill a Core, language, major, or minor requirement. These summer courses may count for academic degree credit and grades will factor into the GPA if students have credit deficiencies. Students will receive enrichment credit if there is no prior credit deficiency. Enrichment credit means that the course may satisfy Core or major requirements with department permission, but will not count toward the 120 credits required for the degree. Courses, grades, and credits will be listed on the transcript but will not be calculated into the GPA. With the approval of the Academic Dean, students who incur deficiencies may use enrichment courses in previous summers to make up for deficiencies incurred subsequently.
Transcripts
All current students submit requests for academic transcripts atĚýbc.edu/myservicesĚý("Transcript Request and Status"). Alumni should visit for direction on the transcript request process. Students and alumni will be directed to the National Student Clearinghouse transcript fulfillment website as our vendor for transcripts. For more information visitĚý.
Requests are usually processed within 48 to 72 hours of receipt.
Transcript/Diploma Holds
Diplomas will not be issued, nor transcript requests honored, for any student with an outstanding financial obligation to the University. The same policy applies to any student who does not complete the required loan exit interview.
Transfer of Credit
The unit of credit at Boston College is the semester hour. Most courses earn 3 semester hours of credit. Lab sciences usually earn 4 semester hours of credit. Courses in transfer with credit values ranging from 1–4 semester hours of credit will be considered on a course by course basis.ĚýA maximum of 30 credit hours for a first semester sophomore, 45 for a second semester sophomore and 60 semester hours of credit for an incoming junior will be allowed in transfer.
No transfer credit will be granted for internships, field experiences, practica, or independent study.
Grade point averages do not transfer with students. A new grade point average begins with the commencement of a student’s career at the University and reflects only work completed as a full-time undergraduate at Boston College. A new grade point average also begins when students transfer from the Woods College of Advancing Studies to one of the full-time undergraduate schools or when a full-time undergraduate transfers to the Woods College of Advancing Studies.
Courses taken at other institutions during the summer prior to enrollment at Boston College must be approved in advance by the Office of Transfer Admission. Courses taken through the Boston College Summer Session during the summer prior to enrollment must be approved by the appropriate Academic Dean.
Once a student matriculates, courses may not be taken concurrently at other institutions for credit or enrichment in a Boston College undergraduate degree program.
University Communication Policies and Student Responsibilities
Official communications of the University with its currently-enrolled students, including notices of academic and administrative matters and communications from faculty and administrative staff, may be sent via postal service, campus mail, or e-mail. To assure that these communications arrive in a timely manner, all enrolled students have the following responsibilities:
Postal service and Campus mail:ĚýFor purposes of written communication, the student’s local and permanent addresses on record at Student Services will be regarded as the student’s official local and permanent residences. All students have a responsibility to provide both local and permanent mailing addresses, and to enter corrections at bc.edu/myservicesĚý("Update Your Address/Phone/Emergency Contact Information") if the addresses are not accurate in university records. Students should review their address record for accuracy at the beginning of each semester, and again soon after submitting any corrections.
Students who are studying abroad have a responsibility to provide their local international address via a link on the Office of International Programs website.
E-mail:ĚýThe University recognizes and uses electronic mail as an appropriate medium for official communication. The University provides all enrolled students with Boston College e-mail addresses, as well as access to e-mail services from computer stations at various locations on campus. All students are expected to access their e-mail accounts regularly, to check for official University communications, and to respond as necessary to such communications.
All student responses to official e-mail communications from the University must contain the student’s Boston College e-mail address in the “From:” and “Reply To:” lines, and should originate from the student’s Boston College e-mail address, to assure that the response can be recognized as a message from a member of the University community.
Students may forward their e-mail messages from their Boston College e-mail address to non-university e-mail systems, if they wish. In such cases, however, students shall be solely responsible for all consequences arising from such forwarding arrangements, including any failure by the non-university system to deliver or retain official University communications. Students should send test messages to and from their University e-mail account on a regular basis, to confirm that their e-mail service is functioning reliably.
University Degree Requirements
The requirements for the bachelor's degree in the undergraduate day colleges are the completion with a satisfactory cumulative average (at least 1.5 in the Carroll School of Management and at least 1.667 in all other schools) and credit requirements which are distributed as follows:
- Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences students must accumulate at least 120 credits with 96 of the required 120 credits in departments of the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences. Additional courses may be chosen from the offerings of the professional schools. Students in the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences complete the Core curriculum, a major of at least 30 credits, and the language proficiency requirement distributed over eight semesters of full-time academic work.
- Carroll School of Management students complete 120 credits for graduation. All Lynch School of Education and Human Development majors complete 120 credits distributed over eight semesters of full-time academic work.
- Connell School of Nursing students complete at least 117 credits distributed over eight semesters of full-time academic work.
Withdrawal from a Course
Undergraduates only may drop a course at a later date in their Academic Dean's office. Please see the Academic Calendar for the deadline.ĚýStudents may not drop below 12 credits in a semester.
After the extended drop period, undergraduates who withdraw from a course will have a "W" recorded in the grade column of their academic record. A grade of W has no effect on the GPA. A student may re-take a course for which a W has been recorded, in which case both the W and the subsequent grade are entered on the academic record.
To withdraw from a course all students must go to theĚýAcademic FormsĚýpage of theĚýĚýwebsite, submit the online form that will them be routed, to the Office of the Academic Dean for their school for review. Students will not be permitted to withdraw from courses after the published deadline. Students who are still registered at this point will receive a final grade for the semester.
Withdrawal from Boston College
Students who wish to withdraw from Boston College in good standing are required to submit an online Withdrawal Form, found on theĚýAcademic FormsĚýpage of theĚýĚýwebsite, which will be routed to the appropriate Academic Dean’s Office for processing. In the case of students who are dismissed for academic or disciplinary reasons, the Academic Dean will process the withdrawal.
University (Senior) Awards and Honors
Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences
Frank J. Bailey, Sr. Award
An award, the gift of the Bailey family, in memory of their father Frank J. Bailey, given to the graduating senior with a distinguished academic record in the field of Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies.
John Bapst, S.J., Philosophy Award
An award in honor of John Bapst, S.J., given to the student whose overall performance in philosophy courses has been outstanding.
J. Robert Barth, S.J., Award for Excellence in the Arts
An award in honor of the Dean of the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences (1988–1999), who established and nurtured departments and programs in the arts. This award is presented annually to a senior who has made outstanding contributions to Boston College in the fine or performing arts.
Andres Bello Award in Spanish
An award offered by Dr. Philip C. Garber, Consul of Chile in Boston, given to a senior who has excelled in Spanish.
George F. and Jean W. Bemis Award
An award in memory of George Fisher Bemis (1899–1971) and Jean Wilmot Bemis (1903–1987) of Milton, MA, a devoted couple quietly of service to others and with whom it was a delight to work. The award seeks to single out a member of the senior class distinguished for service to others.
Albert A. Bennett Award
In honor of Albert A. Bennett (1888–1971), an accomplished mathematician, distinguished teacher, and a Visiting Professor of Mathematics at Boston College from 1962–1971. This award is given to a member of the senior class, who demonstrates a high level of mathematical achievement and who, in their undergraduate years, has shown interest in or a desire for a career in teaching.
Wendy Berson Language Award
An award, the gift of Mrs. Solomon Berson in memory of her daughter, Wendy Berson, given to the senior who demonstrates excellence in the area of Romance Languages in general and, specifically, the ability to speak one or more languages with great expertise.
Laetitia M. Blain Award for Excellence in Musical Performance
An award named in honor of Laetitia M. Blain, Musician-In-Residence at Boston College (1975–2000). This award is given annually to a senior who has contributed to the musical life on campus in a significant and outstanding way.
Alice E. Bourneuf Award
In honor of Alice E. Bourneuf, Professor of Economics at Boston College (1959–1977), this award is given to an outstanding senior in Economics based on achievement in both major and non-major courses, strength of curriculum, quality of written and creative work, and attitude toward the study of Economics.
Francis A. Brick Award
An award, the gift of Mrs. Francis A. Brick, in memory of her husband, Francis A. Brick, LL.D. 1896, given to the student who has been outstanding in character, loyalty, leadership, and scholarship during their four years at Boston College.
The Dr. Donald S. Brown Award
The Donald S. Brown Award was established in honor of the former director of the Office of AHANA Student Programs from 1978 to 2005. This award honors a senior who throughout their undergraduate career has made extraordinary contributions to the Boston College community in ways that have benefited AHANA students in the areas of leadership, service and academic development.
Donald S. Carlisle Award
An award established by the Department of Political Science in memory of Donald S. Carlisle, Professor of Political Science at Boston College (1968–1997), given each year to a graduating senior for outstanding achievement in political science.
Normand Cartier Award
The Normand Cartier Award is given to a senior who is a member of the Lambda Psi Chapter of the Pi Delta Phi National French Honors Society and has demonstrated leadership in promoting French and francophone literature and culture in the Boston College community.
Brendan Connolly, S.J., Award
An award in honor of Brendan Connolly, S.J. (1913–1974), Director of Libraries at Boston College (1959–1974), a witty and deeply loyal man who loved books and respected learning. This award is given to a member of the senior class who is distinguished for the same characteristics.
Matthew Copithorne Scholarship
An award given to a graduate, exhibiting qualities of character, industry, and intelligence, and who plans to do graduate study at Harvard or MIT.
Cardinal Cushing Award
An award donated by Francis Cardinal Spellman, in honor of Richard Cardinal Cushing, given annually to an undergraduate student for the best writing in fiction published in a Boston College undergraduate publication.
Joseph G. and Margaret M. Dever Fellowship
Founded by Robert Muse, Esq. ’42, in honor of his classmate, Joseph Dever, the cash grant is given to a graduating senior who shows promise of a career in writing.
John D. Donovan Award
An award named in honor of John D. Donovan (Boston College, A.B. 1939; M.A. 1941; Harvard, Ph.D. 1951), Professor of Sociology (1952–1988). The Department of Sociology presents this award to the undergraduate student who submits the best paper written for a course in sociology during the previous year.
Patrick Durcan Award
An award, the gift of Mrs. J. Greer, in memory of her brother, Rev. Patrick Durcan, given to the student whose overall performance in history courses has been outstanding.
Figurito Family Award for Scholarly Achievement in Italian
An award presented in honor of Joseph Figurito, Professor of French and Italian at Boston College for over half the twentieth century, to a senior for scholarly achievement in Italian.
Edward H. Finnegan, S.J., Award
An award in memory of Rev. Edward H. Finnegan, S.J., given to the student who has best exemplified in their four years at Boston College the spirit of the College motto, “Ever to Excel.”
Mary A. and Katherine G. Finneran Commencement Award
An award, the gift of Misses Elizabeth and Theresa Finneran, given to the student who has achieved outstanding success in studies, while also devoting time and talents to other activities for the enrichment of the College and student life.
William A. Gamson Award
An award established by the Department of Sociology in honor of William A. Gamson, given each year to a graduating senior for outstanding academic achievement in sociology.
Thomas I. Gasson, S.J., Award
An award in honor of Thomas I. Gasson, S. J., President of Boston College (1907–1914), given to the graduating senior with a distinguished academic record over a four-year period.
General Excellence Award
An award, a gift of the Philomatheia Club, given to the student who has achieved general excellence in all branches of studies during their entire four years at Boston College.
Giffuni Prize
An award sponsored by the Giffuni Family Fund in honor of Vincent Giffuni (Ď㽶Đă ’65), given to a senior who has written an outstanding thesis in economics.
The George J. Goldsmith Award
An award given in memory of longtime Physics Department faculty member George J. Goldsmith, who is remembered for both his scholarship and his selfless dedication to the students of Boston College, this award is given annually to a graduating physics major in recognition of excellence in academic achievement and research.
John L. Heineman Award
This award was established by the History Department in honor of the late John L. Heineman, a challenging and inspirational colleague (1963–2003), a Renaissance man, and a master teacher. It is given each year to a graduating senior in recognition of exceptional historical scholarship.
Janet Wilson James Essay Prize
An award in memory of Professor Janet Wilson James, historian and feminist scholar, given to a senior distinguished for scholarship in women’s studies.
The David A. Karp Award
An award in honor of David A. Karp, Professor of Sociology from 1971–2012. While leading the Sociology Honors Program, he inspired generations of students to strive for insightful sociological listening and beautiful writing that is the hallmark of his work.
William A. Kean Memorial Award
An award, the gift of James M. Kean in memory of his brother, William A. Kean ’35, given to that member of the graduating class deemed the outstanding English major.
Bishop Kelleher Award
An award, donated by Francis Cardinal Spellman, in honor of The Most Reverend Louis F. Kelleher, given to an undergraduate student for the best writing in poetry published in a Boston College undergraduate publication.
William J. Kenealy, S.J., Award
An award in memory of the late William J. Kenealy, S.J., Dean of the Boston College Law School (1939–1956), whose life was distinguished by a passion for social justice. This award is given to the graduating senior who has been distinguished in both academic work and social concern.
T. Frank Kennedy, S.J., Award for Excellence in the Academic Study of Music
An award given in honor of the co-founder, long-term chair, and guiding spirit of the Music Department to an outstanding senior who has shown consistent excellence in the academic study of Music.
Joseph M. Larkin, S.J., Award
An award presented annually to the senior member of the Boston College Dramatics Society who has most clearly exhibited the qualities of dedication and integrity exemplified by the life and career of Rev. Joseph M. Larkin, S.J.
John Henry Lawton Award
An award presented in memory of John Henry Lawton, to the member of the senior class who has shown outstanding scholarship in the Department of Communication.
Allison R. Macomber, Jr., Award in the Fine Arts
Two awards established and supported primarily by gifts from the Horbach Fund for outstanding work in the Fine Arts in honor of Allison R. Macomber, Jr., Artist-in-Residence at Boston College, 1963–1979, whose presence and teaching opened the eyes not only of his students but of the entire community to the greatness and wonders of art.
J. Paul Marcoux Award
An award in honor of J. Paul Marcoux, Professor of Theater at Boston College (1964–1994), presented annually to a senior Theater major for excellence and growth, both academically and artistically, over their four years at Boston College.
Richard and Marianne Martin Award
In memory of Richard and Marianne Martin for their dedication to the ideals of art, and for their unstinting devotion to the goals and values of Boston College. Two awards are given by the Boston College Friends of Art; one to an outstanding scholar in art history, the other to a student who excels in studio art.
Denis A. McCarthy Award
The Denis A. McCarthy Award is given to an undergraduate for outstanding work in creative writing.
John McCarthy, S.J., Award
An award established in memory of Rev. John McCarthy, S.J., a most beloved scholar, faculty member, and Dean in the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences, for those whose Scholar of the College projects are deemed most distinguished in the humanities, the social sciences, the natural sciences and in history.
Gail A. McGrath Award
An award presented in memory of Dr. Gail A. McGrath, a beloved professor of Communication at Boston College (1966–1997), to a member of the senior class pursuing a graduate degree in Communication.
Albert McGuinn, S.J., Award
This award is in memory of the late Albert McGuinn, S.J., long-time Chairman of the Chemistry Department at Boston College, and presented to the senior candidate for the Bachelor of Science degree. The recipient has most successfully combined proficiency in a major field of study with achievements, either academic, extracurricular, or a combination of both, in the social sciences or humanities.
Henry J. McMahon Award
In memory of Henry J. McMahon, faculty member and Associate Dean at Boston College (1946–1984). This award is given annually to the graduating senior of the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences who has been accepted at a law school and who has been distinguished by scholarship, loyalty, and service to the College.
The John J. Neuhauser Award in Computer Science
An award given to the senior in the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in computer science.
John F. Norton Award
An award in honor of John F. Norton ’22, Boston College professor (1926–1965), given to the student who best personifies the tradition of humanistic scholarship.
Cardinal O’Connell Theology Award
An award, the gift of the late William Cardinal O’Connell, given to the student whose overall performance in theology courses has been outstanding.
The Thomas H. O’Connor Award
An award established by the History Department in honor of the late Thomas H. O’Connor, who taught in the department from 1950–1999, and who also served as Boston College University Historian. It is given each year to a graduating senior in recognition of outstanding achievement in the study of American history.
Princess Grace of Monaco Award
An award offered by Dr. Helene Day, Consul of Monaco, and Dr. Philip C. Garber, Consul of Chile in Boston, given to a senior who has excelled in French.
E. Paul Robsham Distinguished Service Award
An award given annually by the Theater Department to the graduating senior, who though seldom sharing the spotlight, has worked with exceptional professionalism, dedication, creativity and enthusiasm behind the scenes to bring the benefits of the theater to the Boston College community.
Paul J. Sally, Jr., Award
A cash award, in honor of Paul J. Sally, Jr., ’54, ’56, Professor of Mathematics at the University of Chicago, a highly esteemed mathematician well known for his many contributions to mathematical endeavors at all levels. This award is bestowed on senior mathematics majors who demonstrate excellence in mathematics coursework of a particularly demanding nature.
Secondary Education Minor Award
This award is conferred on a student in the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences who has completed the Secondary Education Program within the Lynch School of Education and Human Development and has achieved distinguished success as a student teacher.
Harry W. Smith Award
An award, the gift of the Smith Family, in memory of Harry W. Smith, a leader in corporate and community philanthropic work, to honor a member of the senior class who has used personal talents to an exceptional degree in the service of others.
Joseph R. Stanton, M.D., ’42 Award
This award is a gift from Stanton Medical Associates in memory of Joseph Stanton, M.D. ’42. The award is intended for a graduating senior who has been accepted by a medical school and who has been outstanding in character, loyalty, leadership, and scholarship at Boston College.
Dr. Joseph S. Stanton Memorial Award
An award, the gift of Doctors Richard Stanton ’38 and Joseph R. Stanton ’42 in memory of their father, Dr. Joseph S. Stanton. The award is given to the student who has been accepted to a medical school and who has been outstanding in character, loyalty, leadership, and scholarship at Boston College.
Tully Theology Award
An award given in memory of the late Dennis H. Tully, given to the student who has written the best paper on a theological subject.
Max Wainer Award
An award, the gift of Anneliese K. Wainer, Ph.D., ’72, in honor of her husband, Max Wainer, given annually to the senior who is deemed the outstanding student in Classics.
Lynch School of Education and Human Development
The Reverend Charles F. Donovan, S.J., Award
Presented in honor of Father Donovan, founding dean of the School of Education and Human Development, to a member of the graduating class who exhibits superior leadership, academic, and innovative qualities; demonstrates excellence in professional and personal commitment; and has a genuine concern for the needs and values of others.
General Excellence Award
Presented to a member of the graduating class who has manifested outstanding achievement in all courses of study during four academic years.
Saint Edmund Campion Award
Presented to a member of the graduating class for excellence in an academic major.
Reverend Edward H. Finnegan, S.J., Nominee Award
Presented to the Lynch School nominee for the top undergraduate prize given to the graduating senior who best exemplifies the qualities of excellence, humility, and service to others and who best epitomizes the University's motto, "Ever to Excel."
Dr. Marie M. Gearan Award
Presented in honor of Professor Gearan, a member of the original faculty and the first director of student teaching, to a member of the graduating class for outstanding academic achievement, campus leadership, and distinguished success as a student teacher.
The Blessed Richard Gwyn Award
Presented to a member of the graduating class for outstanding promise as a secondary school teacher.
Reverend Henry P. Wennerberg, S.J., Award
Presented in honor of Father Wennerberg, first spiritual counselor in the School of Education, to an outstanding member of the graduating class for participation and leadership in school and campus activities.
John J. Cardinal Wright Award
Presented in honor of Cardinal Wright to a member of the graduating class who has shown expert use of creativity and imagination to motivate others and has been dedicated to high educational ideals.
John A. Schmitt Award
Presented to a member of the graduating class who, as Professor Schmitt did, consistently demonstrated compassion for their fellow human beings, integrity in dealing with others, diligence in professional work, and courage in the pursuit of what they believe to be right.
Mr. and Mrs. Vincent P. Roberts Award
Presented to a member of the graduating class who is distinguished for loyalty to the ideals and purposes of the Lynch School of Education and Human Development.
Reverend James F. Moynihan, S.J., Award
Presented in honor of Father Moynihan, first chairman of the Psychology Department and professor of Counseling Psychology in Education, to a member of the graduating class in the Applied Psychology and Human Development major who has shown superior scholarship, contributed creatively to the well-being of others, and manifested dedication and commitment to the enhancement of the human development process.
Patricia M. Coyle Award
Presented to a member of the graduating class in Elementary Education who is a clear thinker in the field, able to translate the theories of child development and learning into the practice of teaching young children with enthusiasm and love, and a thoughtful, reflective teacher.
Karen E. Noonan Award
Presented to a member of the graduating class in Elementary Education who has the qualities of a “natural” teacher of young children, can communicate warmth and a sense of excitement for learning, loves the demands of working with challenging students, and makes each child in the classroom feel important and unique.
Cynthia J. Sullivan ’79 Memorial Achievement Award
Presented to a graduate who received this award in their junior year who has attained outstanding academic achievement; demonstrated qualities of loyalty, generosity of self, and integrity; and shown an appreciation of the arts.
Cynthia J. Sullivan Award WinnerĚý
Presented to last year’s winner of the Cynthia J. Sullivan Memorial Achievement Award, this stipend is intended to fund graduate study or postgraduate travel.
Reverend John Christopher Sullivan, S.J., Award
Presented in honor of Father Sullivan, first associate dean in the School of Education, to a member of the graduating class who, as Father Sullivan did, exhibits the qualities of cheerfulness, creativity, enthusiasm, and high energy; who demonstrates respect for individuals and is supportive of others, sharing with them the gift of personal care, regard, individual attention, warmth, and a respectful sense of humor; and whose personality and actions reflect an appreciation of the dignity and value of every individual.
Bernard A. Stotsky/Professor John Eichorn Prize
Presented to a student who has volunteered at the Campus School to supplement their academic program of study in the Lynch School and who has demonstrated great interest in the field of Special Education as an undergraduate student.
Gretchen A. Bussard AwardĚý
Presented to a graduate who received this award in their junior year in the Applied Psychology and Human Development Program who has used what they have learned to improve the lives of others.
Albert A. Bennett Award
Presented by the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences in honor of Professor Bennett (1888–1971), visiting professor of mathematics at Boston College 1962–1971, to a member of the graduating class who demonstrates a high level of mathematical achievement and who has shown interest in or a desire for a career in teaching.
The MCAS Secondary Education Award
Presented to a student in the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences who has completed the Secondary Education Program and has achieved distinguished success as a student teacher. This award is presented to the recipient at the MCAS awards ceremony.
The Christine Martin Award
Presented to an incoming graduate student who has demonstrated creativity, patience, and curiosity in developing special relationships with children with disabilities while engaged in volunteer service, and who has shown leadership through quiet competence, organizational skills, and enthusiasm for inspiring others.
Lynch School Awards
Presented to graduating seniors for academic excellence and outstanding performance in a variety of areas.
Carroll School of Management
Thomas I. Gasson, S.J., Award
Founded by Boston College for general excellence in all courses of study during the four years in the Carroll School of Management.
The Edward H. Finnegan, S.J. Memorial Award Nominee
The top commencement honor which recognizes a senior who best exemplifies the University's motto: "Ever to Excel."
The James Gips Outstanding Student in Information Systems Award
Awarded to the student who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in the field of Information Systems.
The John B. Atkinson Award
Founded by John B. Atkinson for excellence in all courses studied in the field of Operations Management.
George Aragon Outstanding Student Award
For an outstanding senior concentrating in Finance. The selection is made by the faculty committee of the Finance Department.
The Edgar F. Huse Memorial Award
An award presented annually by the faculty for excellence in Management and Leadership.
The Hutchinson Memorial Award
Presented by the Boston chapter of the American Marketing Association to a Marketing student.
The Raymond F. Keyes Service Award
Awarded to a senior concentrating in Marketing who has demonstrated a desire to provide service to the nonprofit community.
Charles W. Lyons, S.J., Award
Founded by Boston College for excellence in all courses studied in the field of Accounting.
The Patrick A. O'Connell Finance Award
Founded by Patrick A. O'Connell for excellence in all courses studied in the field of Finance.
The Patrick A. O'Connell Marketing Award
Founded by Patrick A. O'Connell for excellence in all courses studied in the field of Marketing.
The Eric Allen Serra Award
Established in 1993 by the friends of Eric Allen Serra and awarded to a graduating senior who is actively involved in the Ď㽶Đă community and best represents the attributes for which Eric is remembered by his friends.
The James E. Shaw Memorial Award
An award given to a senior in the Carroll School of Management who has been accepted to a recognized Law School. The student demonstrates a strong personal interest in the welfare of fellow students.
The Rev. Stephen Shea, S.J., Award
Awarded to the senior who has attained the highest average in all courses in Philosophy during four years in the Carroll School of Management.
The James D. Sullivan, S.J., Award
Awarded to a senior outstanding in character and achievement.
Outstanding Student in Business Analytics Award
Awarded to the senior who demonstrates excellence in all courses studied in the Business Analytics discipline.
Dean's Letter of Commendation
Awarded to a senior who is recognized for exemplary accomplishment in the Carroll School community.
Connell School of Nursing
Alumni Award
Established by the alumni to honor a nursing student for general excellence in both the classroom and in the wider Boston College community.
Marie S. Andrews Clinical Performance Award
Established by the faculty to honor the student who has demonstrated, through performance across the clinical education portion of the curriculum, sensitivity to the needs of patients, respect for dignity and “wholeness” of the patient, and outstanding ability to deliver quality nursing care.
Cathy Jean Malek Award
Established by the faculty to honor the student who is a role model for his or her fellow classmates and underclassmen with consistent professionalism and integrity.
William F. Connell Award Undergraduate Nominee
Established by the faculty to honor one graduating student who best demonstrates the attributes of leadership, loyalty, service, achievement, humility, and goodwill.
Edward H. Finnegan, S.J., Award Nominee
Established by the faculty to honor the student, who through excellence, humility, and service to others, exemplifies the Boston College motto of “Ever to Excel.” The faculty of the four undergraduate schools at Boston College each nominates a candidate and the winner is announced at the University Commencement. The award winner will accept the degree for the class at the University Commencement.
Reverend Edward J. Gorman, S.J., Leadership Award
Given to the student who, in the judgment of classmates, best exemplifies leadership and who has contributed to the William F. Connell School of Nursing through dedication, service, and sincerity.
Susan E. Donelan Inclusive Community Award
Given to the student who, in the judgment of classmates, has promoted a spirit of cultural awareness, inclusivity, and support to foster the success of his or her graduating class.
Jean A. O’Neil Achievement Award
Established by the faculty to honor the graduating senior who has shown the greatest academic growth over the course of their four years of study in the baccalaureate nursing program.
Maureen A. Eldredge Leadership and Volunteer Service Award
Established by the faculty to honor the graduate who embodies the Jesuit ideals of being “men and women in service to others” through demonstrated leadership and substantial commitment to others in volunteer service.