The Capstone Seminar Program helps students to �cap off� their Boston College experience by a review of their education and a preview of their major life commitments after college. Capstone offers several integrative seminars each semester exclusively for seniors and second-semester juniors in all schools. The Capstone seminars explore the struggle to discern your own calling in life as you integrate four crucial areas of work, relationships, society, and spirituality. Capstone seminars are taught by two dozen faculty from 20 different departments and all four colleges—A&S, CSOM, LSOE, and CSON—within Boston College. Seminars are limited to 15 to 20 students. All courses are listed between UN 500 and UN 599 in the University catalog. Many Capstone Seminars are also cross-listed in the home department of the professor and can be taken for elective credit by majors or minors in that department. Department regulations vary. For information, contact the Program Director, Fr. James Weiss via email at james.weiss@bc.edu or see the University Courses section. You may also reference the Capstone Program website at http://www.bc.edu/capstone/.
An international experience is an integral part of the course of study for almost forty percent of BC undergraduates. Each year more than 1100 students spend a semester, summer or academic year studying abroad. Boston College collaborates with a variety of partner universities worldwide to administer programs in over thiry countries. Students should begin planning for study abroad during their freshman year. To apply for semester/academic year programs abroad, students are required to have a 3.2 GPA and be in good disciplinary standing. Study abroad information sessions, the OIP Resource Room, and individual meetings with an International Study Advisor help students choose the best program for their needs. Short-term summer programs are also administered through OIP and are open to all students.
For more information, please visit http://www.bc.edu/international/. OIP is located at Hovey House (617-552-3827).
Argentina
Pontificia Universidad Catolica Argentina
Semester or full-year program at this excellent private institution located
in downtown Buenos Aires. Offerings include arts and music, economics and business,
law and political science, humanities, and communication.
Universidad Torcuato Di Tella (Buenos Aires)
Semester or full-year program at one of Argentina's most prestigious private
universities. Offerings include business, economics, political science, and
international studies.
Australia
Monash University
One of the Australian Group of Eight schools (most distinguished research
institutions). Semester or full-year program in a suburb of Melbourne. Offers
courses across all disciplines.
Murdoch University
Semester or full-year program in Perth, Western Australia with offerings across
the disciplines.
Notre Dame University
Semester or full-year program at a small Jesuit university in Fremantle, Western
Australia with a wide range of courses.
University of Melbourne
One of the Group of Eight schools located in the heart of the city. Semester
or full-year program.
University of New South Wales
Semester or full-year program in Sydney with broad offerings across all disciplines.
A Group of Eight school.
Brazil
Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro
Semester or full-year program for students with elementary Portuguese and advanced
Spanish skills. Course offerings in all disciplines.
Bulgaria
University of Veliko Turnovo
Semester or full-year program designed for international students and also regular
course offerings in Bulgarian.
Chile
Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile
Semester or full-year program in Santiago at Chile's premiere Catholic university.
Courses include humanities, social sciences, economics, education, business,
and law.
Universidad Alberto Hurtado (Santiago)
Semester or full-year program at a small, prestigious Jesuit institution. Good
for social sciences, humanities, business, and pre-law.
China
Beijing Asian Studies Program
Semester or full-year program in Beijing focusing on Chinese language and Chinese
history. Offers internship opportunities with Chinese companies. Course offerings
also in philosophy, political science.
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Semester or full-year program with a strong focus on business/management for
CSOM students.
Denmark
Copenhagen Business School
Semester or full-year program with courses taught in English for CSOM or economics
students.
Copenhagen University
Semester or full-year program with courses taught in English in humanities,
social sciences, law, health science, natural science, and theology.
Ecuador
Universidad San Francisco de Quito
Semester or full-year program with course offerings across the disciplines,
including Latin American and environmental studies.
Egypt
American University in Cairo
Semester or full-year program with courses across the disciplines (in English),
including opportunities for the intensive study of Arabic.
England
Advanced Studies in England
Semester or full-year program in liberal arts for American students based in
Bath and affiliated with University College, Oxford.
King's College
Semester or full-year program in London with course offerings across the disciplines
including an excellent pre-medical program.
Lancaster University
Semester or full-year program across the disciplines including excellent courses
in the sciences for pre-medical students and in management for CSOM students.
London School of Economics
Full-year program in social sciences, including economics, political science,
and sociology.
Queen Mary, University of London
Semester or full-year program in London’s vibrant and diverse East End
for A&S and CSOM students.
Royal Holloway, University of London
Semester or full-year program with suburban, park land campus and a wide range
of course offerings for A&S and CSOM students.
School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London
Semester or full-year program in central London with specialist studies of Africa,
Asia, and the Near and Middle East, including history, languages, politics,
religion, and sociology.
University College London
Semester or full-year program for A&S students at the University of London's
top-ranked college in central London.
University of Liverpool
Semester or full-year program across the disciplines, including excellent courses
in humanities, sciences, and management.
France
BC in Paris
Semester or full-year program based in either the University of
Paris or Centre Sevres. Offers a wide range of disciplines.
Sciences Po
Spring semester or full-year program in Paris at France's premiere institute
for the study of political science, international studies, and business.
University of Strasbourg
Semester or full-year exchanges with the Political Science and Management Institutes
at Robert Schuman University as well as with the University Marc Bloch.
Germany
Dresden University
Spring semester or full-year program at a distinguished university in former
East Germany with course offerings across the disciplines.
Eichstatt Catholic University
Spring semester or full-year program at a fine, small university located near
Munich, with offerings in arts and sciences, business, and education. Intensive
pre-semester language program in Munich.
Greece
American College of Thessaloniki (ACT)
Semester or full-year program in Thessaloniki, Greece�s second largest city,
with course offerings in English in a range of disciplines.
Ireland
National University of Ireland Galway
Semester or full-year program (fall or full year for A&S) with course offerings
across the disciplines. Some courses are approved for CSON students. A&S
students must take an Irish Studies course at BC prior to departure.
National University of Ireland Maynooth
Semester or full-year program in a small campus environment outside of Dublin.
A&S students must take an Irish Studies course at BC prior to departure.
Queen's University Belfast
Semester or full-year program across the disciplines in Northern Ireland's most
distinguished university. A&S students must take an Irish Studies course
at BC prior to departure.
Trinity College Dublin
Full-year program at one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious institutions
located in the center of Dublin. Wide range of courses across all disciplines.
A&S students must take an Irish Studies course at BC prior to departure.
University College Cork
Fall semester or full-year program at one of Ireland’s finest universities
offering a broad selection of courses in a wide range of disciplines. A&S
students must take an Irish Studies course at BC prior to departure.
University College Dublin
Semester or full-year program at one of Ireland’s outstanding universities
with offerings across the disciplines, including Arts and Commerce. A&S
students must take an Irish Studies course at BC prior to departure.
University of Ulster
Semester or full-year program offering a wide range of disciplines throughout
the University's four campuses in Londonderry, Coleraine, Jordanstown, and Belfast.
A&S students must take an Irish Studies course at BC prior to departure.
Italy
Bocconi University
Semester or full-year program in Milan with courses in English.
University of Parma
Semester or full-year program with courses in English.
Venice International University
Semester or full-year program with courses in English.
Japan
Sophia University
Spring semester or full-year program in Tokyo with course offerings in English
covering a wide range of disciplines.
Waseda University
Full-year program in Tokyo with course offerings in English covering a wide
range of disciplines. Excellent courses in history and political science.
Korea
Sogang University Seoul
Semester or full-year program offering a wide range of courses in Korean and
English. Perfect for International Studies major/minor students and business
majors. Graduate level courses (International Studies) are available for BC
undergraduate students.
Mexico
Iberoamericana University
Semester or full-year program at a prestigious, private Jesuit institution in
Puebla. UIA offers a wide variety of disciplines including humanities, law,
business, art, and more.
Morocco
Al Akhawayn University
Semester or full-year program in Ifrane, with course offerings in English. Excellent
opportunity for business students and those looking to study in a French/Arabic-speaking
country.
Nepal
Center for Buddhist Studies
Fall semester program focusing on in-depth study of Buddhist philosophy and
literature. Highly recommended for students interested in comparative religion,
theology, and philosophy.
The Netherlands
Leiden University
Semester or full-year program offering a wide range of courses in English.
Radboud University of Nijmegen
Semester or full-year program with courses taught in English and strengths in
English literature and American Studies.
University of Amsterdam
Semester or full-year program with English courses available in the humanities
and social sciences.
Norway
University of Bergen
Semester or full-year program with wide ranging curriculum in English and strengths
in marine science.
The Philippines
Anteneo de Manila University
Fall semester program (or full-year by special arrangement) in English. Perfect
for CSOM students. Excellent service opportunities.
Poland
Jagiellonian University
Semester or full-year program in politics, sociology, Polish language, literature,
and culture at the university’s Center for European Studies.
Russia
BC Study Programs in Sankt-Peterburg
Semester or full-year program focusing on Russian literature and language.
Scotland
University of Glasgow
Semester or full-year program in business, humanities, social sciences, fine
arts, and law.
South Africa
Rhodes University
Semester or full-year program in Grahamstown for students across the disciplines.
Excellent opportunities for service learning.
University of Cape Town
Semester or full-year program in Cape Town for students across the disciplines.
Spain
BC in Madrid: Compultense, Carlos III, and Pontifica Comillas Universities
Semester or full-year program for students in all disciplines.
Universidad de Deusto
Semester or full-year program in Spain's Basque country on campuses in San Sebastian
and Bilbao.
Universidad Pompeu Fabra
Semester or full-year program in Barcelona offering courses in some disciplines.
Sweden
Uppsala University
Semester or full-year program in Sweden's elite university. Wide range of curricula
in English.
Summer Programs
All summer programs are open to undergraduate and graduate students. Courses are taught in English except for language courses or where otherwise noted.
Argentina
History and Culture
This introductory course in Buenos Aires is aimed at offering a comprehensive
overview of the historical and cultural trajectory of the country through essays,
literature, and film.
Costa Rica
Introductory Tropical Science, International Law and Sustainable Development
While in Monteverde, students study Latin American history, rural development,
environmental law, and the culture of Costa Rica. Lectures are combined with
field experience and trips that give students the opportunity to experience
the great diversity and beauty of the country.
France
Intensive Intermediate French
Students take the equivalent of a full year of Intermediate French on this four-week
program in the heart of Paris. A weekend trip and regular excursions in and
around Paris are included.
Greece
Tracing the Ancient and Modern Paths of the Hellenic Spirit
Students take an in-depth look at ancient and modern Greece. The program includes
excursions to historic sites in and around Athens, as well as longer trips to
Delphi, Olympia, and other sites.
Ireland
Dublin Internship Program
This eight-week independent internship program offers students the opportunity
to experience firsthand the work culture of Ireland. Students are placed in
unpaid internships in local businesses, law firms, museums, and other institutions.
Contemporary Irish Culture
This three-week course is open to all BC students who wish to visit and learn
about Ireland. Students travel as a group to three universities in both Ireland
and Northern Ireland and are accompanied at all times by BC's Ireland faculty
or staff member. Course lectures are given by members of the BC Irish Studies
faculty and local instructors from each of the Irish academic venues.
Managerial Accounting
This course in Dublin explains the usefulness of accounting information for
managerial decision-making in the areas of analysis, planning, and control.
The fundamentals of managerial accounting, including product costing, cost-volume-profit
relationship, profit planning, and performance evaluation will be covered.
Italy
Renaissance Art and Architecture in Florence
Students take a course on Italian art and have a five-hour per week survival
Italian language class. Excursions and on-site learning are an integral part
of the class.
Rome in the Middle Ages: The City and the Myth
This course is aimed at offering a comprehensive overview of the least discussed,
but longest, period of Roman history. Students will explore Rome's history from
a variety of perspectives: political, social, religious, institutional, archaeological,
and artistic.
Catholics in Rome and America: Current Ethical Issues
This course offers an introductory survey of the evolution of the Church in
Rome and America. Students examine major architectural and artistic monuments
of this development and pay special attention to significant traditions in the
history of moral theology, with a special focus on contemporary concerns.
Practicing Mortality: Art, Philosophy, and Contemplative Seeing in Venice
This course will explore how art and philosophy can help set the conditions
for a life lived more fully, and thus authentically human, each and every day
through “contemplative seeing of art.”
Drawing from the Venetian Masters
Students in this introductory-level Fine Arts studio course will connect to
the visual arts tradition by visually internalizing it through drawing. This
course will introduce students to the process, materials, and issues addressed
in exploration of the basic principles and concepts of making visual artworks.
Intermediate Italian Language Program
Students participate in a five-week Italian language course taught by the language
institute in Parma. Field trips and excursion are part of the program. Students
participate in an orientation program and receive support from the BC on-site
coordinator.
Kuwait
Politics & Oil
This course in Kuwait City addresses the problems of state formation, state-society
relations, democratization, the rise of Islamism and regime stability in Kuwait
and other oil-rich Arab Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia. It also assesses the
implications for foreign policy, oil export levels, and regional balancing of
the GCC states.
Senegal
An Immersion in Literature and Culture
This three-week seminar in Dakar will introduce students to Senegalese culture
and society, primarily through an examination of modern Senegalese literature.
Students will study some of the literary greats of Senegal – such as Leopold
Sedar Senghor, Ousmane Sembene, and Mariama Ba.
Spain
Spanish Language and Culture
Students participate in an intensive language course at the Naturalmente I level,
take cultural excursions in and around the city, and travel to nearby Toledo
and Segovia. Students live with families in central Madrid.
Spanish Art History in Madrid: from Atapuerca to Picasso
Students gain a comprehensive understanding of Spanish art history from prehistoric
manifestations to modernism. The class includes both theoretical exploration
and practical activities, including visits to the Archaeological, Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza
and Reina Sofia museums.
Internship in Madrid and Spanish for Business
Students intern for six weeks in the business capital of Spain. Work experience
is supplemented with a Spanish-taught business course. Students attend weekly
lectures given by Spanish professionals from the worlds of business, arts and
sciences, education and more.
Intercultural Communication
This course will introduce students to the theory and research in the area of
intercultural communication, and will help them apply this knowledge in understanding
and improving human interaction in both domestic and international contexts.
Turkey
Exploring the Religious World of Istanbul and Anatolia
This course will provide a firsthand acquaintance with many of the central features
of Islamic religious and devotional life (pilgrimage, sainthood, poetry, music,
architecture, iconography and ritual). Visits to major religious shrines, monuments,
places of worship and centers of pilgrimage in Konya, Ephesus (Mary’s
house), Bursa, Edirne, and Cappadocia are included.
Overseas Teaching Program
Presidential Scholars European Program
This program focuses on contemporary European history and politics from the
French perspective. Undergraduate.
Volunteer Programs
Short-term service/immersion travel opportunities are available during vacation
periods in both domestic and international settings. For more information visit
http://www.bc.edu/offices/service/volunteer/siprograms.html.
Washington Semester Abroad
This semester-long program is offered in cooperation with American University in Washington, D.C. Students are housed at American University and work in one of a number of government jobs arranged by the program's local directors. They also attend seminars and conduct a lengthy research project. As an external program, students who participate in Washington Semester can earn credit toward graduation, but not GPA credit (other restrictions apply). Contact Dean Akua Sarr (sarr@bc.edu or 617-552-6870) for more information.
FACHEX is an undergraduate tuition remission program for children of full-time faculty, administrators, and staff at participating Jesuit colleges and universities. The program is administered through the Benefits Office and the Office of the Dean of Enrollment Management.
For Boston College employees, five consecutive years of full-time employment is required for establishing initial eligibility for the program. After conferring with the Benefits Office, parents and students should visit Boston College's FACHEX website (http://www.bc.edu/fachex/) for information about participating colleges and universities, and for details on how to apply for FACHEX at these institutions.
Employees should be aware, however, that FACHEX awards tend to be extremely limited in number and are highly competitive. As a result, there are no guarantees to the children of any given faculty or staff member that they will be able to utilize the FACHEX benefit at the institution of their choice. Employees should be additionally aware that there is a December 15 deadline for all schools to receive FACHEX certifications, so you should pursue certification requests before then to be eligible.
Employees at other participating institutions should ask their respective Benefits Offices for information on requirements for eligibility. Parents and students should then visit the Boston College FACHEX website to view the necessary procedures and conditions for FACHEX applicants.
Boston College offers pre-law advising through the Career Center. The Bellarmine Law Academy (the student pre-law association) and the Boston College Career Center present a series of panels each year on different aspects of the legal profession and the law school admission process. Career advisors are available to meet individually with students interested in law as a career whenever questions or concerns arise. While no particular major is preferred by law schools, it is suggested that students consider including some of the following courses in their programs of study: logic, mathematics, law, public speaking, English (especially intensive writing courses), history, sociology, and political science. You can indicate your interest in receiving announcements of pre-law panels and activities by registering online or in the Office of Student Services for the Pre-Law Program. For further information, contact the Career Center at 617-552-3430 and view the graduate school pages of the Career Center website at http://www.bc.edu/offices/careers/gradschool/law.html.
Medical, dental, and veterinary schools welcome all good students, not just science majors. Thus, the student planning to pursue one of these careers may choose for his or her major field any one of the humanities, natural sciences, or social sciences. Below is a brief write up of the program. For more detailed information, visit our website at http://www.bc.edu/premed/.
Health professions schools expect every serious applicant to be well grounded in the basic sciences and to be familiar, through practical experience, with laboratory techniques. For these reasons, most medical, dental, or veterinary schools require one year of the following:
In addition, one year of mathematics is usually strongly recommended. Some medical schools require calculus. A few schools (particularly veterinary medical schools) have additional required courses, such as biochemistry.
Three Year or Four Year Sequencing:
Three Year Program: Undergraduates who plan to enter medical/dental/veterinary school the fall after they graduate will need to complete all required courses (see above) by the end of their junior year. They, then, can file applications the summer before senior year. While simultaneously taking junior year course work, we recommend that students study for, and take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) at the end of spring semester (late April) of their junior year. Students taking the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) are encouraged to take it in early summer (e.g., May/June). In addition to the above, health professions graduate schools expect a high level of academic performance, significant exposure to the health field, and other meaningful experiences.
Clearly this is a good deal to accomplish in three years and, for this reason, increasing numbers of students choose the four year option below. Nevertheless, if you follow the three year program and are a competitive candidate, you would be invited for interviews during the fall or early winter of your senior year. If accepted, you would begin graduate school in August/September after your graduation from BC.
Four Year Program: An increasing number of students at BC, and at other institutions, are applying to graduate schools in the health professions at the end of their senior year—or even later. Students who delay their applications have the opportunity to pursue other interests and/or opportunities (e.g., study abroad, completing a thesis, minoring in a non-science discipline, volunteer work, research) in a more leisurely fashion, thus potentially making them more attractive candidates. This is an option for students who have performed modestly during freshman year, since it may allow them to bring their grades into a more competitive range. The four year option also allows for more flexibility in terms of deciding when to take the entrance exams (MCAT, DAT). The average age for students beginning graduate schools in the health professions is approximately 25, and therefore, the majority of students do not enroll directly after graduating from college.
Non-Science Majors: Program Options
A variety of options are available for non-science majors. They should plan their science and mathematics courses in relation to the courses required in their potential major. Introductory Biology (BI 200-202) is the biology course that students should take to fulfill health professions school requirements. General Biology Laboratory (BI 210-211) fulfills the Biology laboratory requirement. Several three- and four-year options appear below (Options A-E), but other sequences are possible.
Freshman Year
*General Chemistry (CH 109-110) or its equivalent is a prerequisite or corequisite for Introductory Biology (BI 200-202)
**or the honors chemistry courses, Principles of Modern Chemistry (CH 117-118), and Modern Chemistry Laboratory (CH 119-120)—both by invitation of the instructor only
***or, if supported by AP exam or Mathematics Department's recommendation, Calculus II/Biostatistics (MT 101 and BI 230)
Sophomore Year
Junior Year
****Foundations of Physics (PH 183-184) and its associated laboratory (PH 101-102) also fulfill health professions school requirements, but the Premedical Committee recommends PH 211-212 and its associated lab (PH 203-204).
This option is the same as Option A above, except that mathematics (e.g., Calculus MT 100-101) is taken sophomore year along with Organic Chemistry (CH 231-232) and Organic Chemistry Lab (CH 233-234). This allows freshman year to be slightly less math/science oriented.
This option is the same as Option A above, except that Introductory Biology (BI 200-202) and General Biology Lab (BI 210-211) are taken sophomore year, along with Organic Chemistry. This option significantly lessens the freshman year course load, but makes sophomore year, with Organic Chemistry and Biology, quite demanding. Also, students may not know whether they are academically competitive until the end of their sophomore year.
In this program, students complete Option A during their first three years. During senior year, students have time to complete additional science electives, research, and any other projects of interest. Some recommended science electives include Biochemistry, Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics, and Physiology. Students can then apply to graduate schools in the health professions at the end of their senior year, and admissions committees have four (instead of three) years of work to evaluate. This option allows students to strengthen their candidacy before applying, thus increasing their chances for admission.
Option E: Non-Science Majors—Four Year Option
This option is especially appropriate for students who feel that their high school science/mathematics background is weak. Following this option, students take one required science course each year (see Option A above for course listings). Mathematics should generally be taken either freshman or sophomore year. Though this option allows students to ease into and spread out their premedical/predental course work, the potential disadvantages are the following: (1) Students may not know whether their grades are competitive until their third or fourth year at BC or (2) once enrolled in medical or dental school, students must take many challenging science courses simultaneously each semester, so even a solid performance in Option E may not prepare them effectively for a rigorous graduate school curriculum.
B.S. Program: The B.S. in Biology fulfills all of the core premedical/predental requirements listed above. The premedical/predental biology laboratory requirement is fulfilled by completing BI 310 Molecular Cell Biology Lab and BI 311 Genetics Lab during sophomore year. Therefore BI 210-211 General Biology Lab is optional for Biology majors.
B.A. Program: The B.A. program in Biology does not fulfill all of the premedical/predental requirements listed above. The B.A. in Biology only requires one semester of mathematics. In addition, the B.A. does not require Organic Chemistry (with lab) or Physics (with lab). To fulfill premedical/predental requirements, the B.A. Biology major must therefore take one full year of Organic Chemistry (with lab), Physics (with lab), and mathematics. The premedical/predental biology laboratory requirement is fulfilled by completing BI 310 Molecular Cell Biology Lab and BI 311 Genetics Lab during sophomore year. Therefore, BI 210-211 General Biology Lab is optional for Biology majors.
Recommended course sequences for Biology majors (B.A. and B.S.)
Freshman Year
*General Chemistry (CH 109-110) or its equivalent is a prerequisite or corequisite for Introductory Biology (BI 200-202)
**or the honors chemistry courses Principles of Modern Chemistry (CH 117-118), and Modern Chemistry Laboratory (CH 119-120)�both by invitation of the instructor only
***or, if supported by AP exam or the Mathematics Department�s recommendation, Calculus II/Biostatistics (MT 101 and BI 230)
Sophomore Year
Junior Year
The requirements of the Biochemistry major at Boston College fulfill all of the core premedical/predental requirements outlined above. For a complete listing of the required courses for this major, refer to the appropriate program description in the Catalog and/or departmental website. Biochemistry majors fulfill their biology premedical laboratory requirement by completing BI 310-311 Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics Laboratory during sophomore year. Therefore, BI 210-211 General Biology Lab is optional for Biochemistry majors.
The requirements for the Chemistry major fulfill most, but not all, of the core premedical/predental/preveterinary requirements. There is no biology course required for the major. Therefore, most Chemistry majors take Introductory Biology (BI 200-202) and General Biology Laboratory (BI 210-211) during junior year. Calculus (Math/Science majors) MT 102-103 is the required mathematics sequence for Chemistry majors. For a complete listing of the required courses for the Chemistry major, refer to the program description in this Catalog or the department�s website.
For specific information regarding advanced placement, contact the Premedical programs office at premed@bc.edu/.
Detailed Premedical advising packets are available in the Premedical office in Higgins 648. If you would like to speak with a staff member call 617-552-4663 or email us at premed@bc.edu/.
The Presidential Scholars Program is a university-wide, four-year co-curricular honors program that uniquely expresses the Jesuit heritage of Boston College. Approximately fifteen incoming freshmen are chosen each year from the top one to two percent of the national pool of students applying for Early Action admission to Boston College. Students are selected on the basis of superior academic achievement and promise, leadership potential, and a demonstrated commitment to service to society. The Program offers these extraordinary individuals the richest academic experience available at Boston College, one that encourages the pursuit of excellence both within and beyond the University walls. Presidential Scholars receive a full-tuition merit scholarship.
In addition to enrollment in one of the University's several honors programs, during the academic year Scholars are introduced through an Evening Speaker series to leaders from a wide variety of fields�including the arts, business, education, government, law, medicine and social service�who share their experiences and insights on important issues facing contemporary society. These speakers serve as sources of information on educational and career possibilities; as role models for creating and balancing meaningful work, family, and community involvement; and as potential mentors. A complementary series of workshops (Leadership 101) offers advice and training in practical skills to help Scholars realize their personal and professional goals, including time management, resume development, interviewing skills, fellowship application, stress reduction, and others.
In the summers, Scholars are challenged to test and apply what they have learned at Boston College to the world beyond the campus by participating in experiential learning programs focusing on community service (after the first year), international study and travel (after the second year), and professional internship (after the third year).
Through this carefully balanced combination of academic rigor and co-curricular opportunities and challenges, the Presidential Scholars Program seeks to develop exceptional scholars and leaders for the Boston College community and far beyond.
See a full description of the Pulse Program in the Philosophy Department or visit the Pulse website at http://www.bc.edu/pulse/ .
Through a cross-enrolled program with Boston University, interested Boston College students may participate in the Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program. Scholarships (full and partial) are available to qualified students for four, three, or two years and include tuition (full or partial), books, fees, and a monthly stipend. Freshmen and sophomores can compete for two- and three-year scholarships, some of which would cover full tuition, others which cover $15,000 per academic year. Academic specialties for scholarships include any majors. All training, drills, and classes are held at the BU campus. Service obligations are one year for each scholarship year (active duty) while pilots are obligated for eight years active duty after completion of flight school. To obtain further information, contact the Department of Aerospace Studies, Boston University, 617-353-4705.
The U.S. Army offers Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) at Boston College as an Extension Center in cooperation with Northeastern University. Boston College students attend classes and training on the Chestnut Hill campus. Upon graduation, ROTC students receive a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and serve on active duty or in the reserves in a wide variety of fields. Highly qualified graduates may also be selected to attend professional schools, such as medical or law school.
Scholarships are available for qualified high school students admitted to Boston College and college students currently attending BC. In addition, scholarships are available to Boston College Nurses under the Partnership in Nursing Education program. All scholarships include full tuition and mandatory fees, a monthly stipend, and money for books. Boston College also awards additional incentives for Army ROTC scholarship Cadets. For more information including an application, contact the Department of Military Science Extension Center at Boston College (Carney Hall 113/114), 617-552-3230 or visit: http://www.bc.edu/armyrotc/.
Qualified BC students may cross enroll in Navy Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (and the Marine Corps Option) at Boston University. Three and four-year programs exist with possible scholarships (full tuition, some books/fees expenses, monthly stipend, but no room and board). All classes and drills are held at Boston University. Scholarship students incur an active duty service obligation. For further information, please contact the Department of Naval Sciences, Boston University, 617-353-4232.
Available in connection with the Marine Officers Selection Office, Boston, the PLC Program is open to qualified freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. No formal classes or training takes place during the academic year. Students/candidates attend Officer Candidate School (Quantico, VA) training either in two six-week sessions (male freshmen/sophomores) or one ten-week session (male and female juniors/seniors). Pay and expenses are received during training. No commitment to the USMC is incurred after OCS until a degree is awarded and a Second Lieutenant’s commission issued. Service obligations are then three and a half years active duty or longer if aviation positions. Students/candidates may drop from the program at any time prior to commissioning. For more information, contact the Marine Officer Selection Office, Boston, at 888-753-8762.
Boston College established the Undergraduate Faculty Research Fellows Program for the purpose of enhancing the academic experience of undergraduates by cultivating their research skills and fostering mentor relationships between undergraduates and faculty. The program provides a grant to pay for a student's research assistance with a faculty member's research project. It is considered student employment and the student may work up to 20 hours a week during the academic semester, up to 40 hours a week during semester breaks or the summer, depending on faculty need and student availability. Students ordinarily do not receive academic credit for work done under an undergraduate research fellowship.
The formal application for an Undergraduate Research Fellowship must come from the faculty member whose research project the student will assist. Students can inquire directly with faculty to express their interest in being involved in the faculty member’s research. More information is available at: http://www.bc.edu/offices/ufel/fellowships/undergrad/fellowships.html.