Carroll School of Management, Graduate Programs
Introduction
Boston College's Carroll School of Management, Graduate Programs are recognized for offering innovative programs uniquely suited to today's challenging management environment. The School enrolls approximately 950 students in five highly regarded degree programs: the Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), emphasizing hands-on, group learning and a global outlook; the Master of Science in Accounting (M.S. in Accounting) providing students with the advanced quantitative tools and understanding of the important role of accounting in business; the Master of Science in Finance (M.S. in Finance), a rigorous ten-course curriculum providing advanced financial skills; the Ph.D. in Management with a concentration in Finance and the Ph.D. in Management with a concentration in Organization Studies, offering doctoral-level education for individuals interested in research and teaching. The Carroll School of Management, Graduate Programs have developed many exciting options that enable students to individualize their management education. Among these are 20 dual degree programs, including the Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Finance (M.B.A./M.S. in Finance); the Master of Business Administration/Juris Doctor (M.B.A./J.D.); and the Master of Business Administration/Master of Social Work (M.B.A./M.S.W.).
Full-time M.B.A. Program Curriculum
For today’s complex business environment, companies and organizations actively seek individuals who possess both highly developed management skills and advanced training in a specific discipline. The Full-time M.B.A. Program at the Carroll School of Management offers students the chance to strengthen their foundation of essential skills in the core M.B.A. courses—the Management Practice modules—while furthering their understanding of strategy, the critical role of information systems, and the challenges of managing in a global economy. From their second semester of this two-year long program, full-time students also choose elective courses from among a broad range of offerings to pursue individual interests, add depth to an area of knowledge or expertise, or focus on a particular functional area or industry.
This intense focus on specialization early in the educational process better prepares students to secure career relevant internships and increase placement opportunities post-graduation.
Primary areas of Specializations include:
- Product and Brand Management
- Marketing Informatics
- Competitive Service Delivery
- Asset Management
- Corporate Finance
- Financial Reporting and Controls
- Global Management
- Entrepreneurial Management
- Leadership and Management
- "Tailored" Specialization*
*A student also has the opportunity to work with faculty to develop a personalized specialty if their course of study is not represented.
Full-Time M.B.A. Requirements and Schedule
Each full-time M.B.A. class is comprised of approximately 100 individuals and students are assigned to cohorts of 50 classmates, with whom they take the modules and courses in the required curriculum.
Experiential learning projects are required in both the first and second years.
The completion of a specialization is required of all full-time M.B.A. students. Specializations are designed to allow students to develop depth and expertise in a functional or interdisciplinary business area. Specializations require a minimum of 6 elective courses.
The Full-Time M.B.A. requires the completion of 56 credits.
The Carroll School is committed to instilling a strong sense of community service in its students. In an effort to align this commitment with the Program, all M.B.A. students must fulfill a requirement of 20 hours of service to others through meaningful work as volunteers.
Full-Time M.B.A. students should plan on academic sessions from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday during the first year of study. The First-Year, Full-Time M.B.A. schedule is not available until Orientation.
Second year elective courses are taught in the late afternoon and evening, and full-time students take their electives with Evening Program students whose participation adds a wider range of knowledge and experience to class discussions and projects. Most classes meet once a week from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. during the academic year, with a limited number meeting from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and a few on Saturdays.
Evening M.B.A. Program Curriculum
The Evening M.B.A. Program is designed to meet the needs of professionals who wish to continue in their careers while pursuing a graduate management degree. Students choose to complete the Evening M.B.A. through either the Self-Paced or Cohort Option. Students following the Self-Paced Option have the flexibility in the pacing of their courses. Alternatively students in the Cohort option will take the first 11 core courses together.
The required core curriculum in the Evening program provides a strong foundation in managerial, analytical, and practical management skills.
The Business Development Workshop helps students take their analytical and teamwork skills to a higher level through an innovative new-venture planning exercise, which also hones valuable presentation skills. Evening Program study is capped by two integrative courses, which look at competitive strategy and social issues from a management perspective. Students choose from a wide selection of electives for a total of 18 credits, which allows them to pursue individual interests and enhance their functional expertise.
Evening M.B.A. Requirements and Schedule
Students generally take two courses in the fall and spring semesters, but may take additional courses during the summer. Evening students must complete 56 credits of course work as well as 20 hours of community service. Most Evening program classes meet once a week from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. during the academic year, with a limited number meeting from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and a few on Saturdays. Summer courses meet twice a week from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Evening students typically complete their degrees in four years.
For current course listings and schedules, visit www.bc.edu/schools/csom/courses.
M.B.A. Curriculum
Full-Time Program (Total 56 credits)
Management Practice Courses
- MM 720 Management Practice I: Managers Laboratory (1 credit)
- MM 730 Management Practice II: Acting in Organizations (4 credits)
- MM 740 Management Practice III: Entrepreneurship & Business Planning (3 credits)
Core Courses
- MF 701 Economics (2 credits)
- MA 713 Accounting (2 credits)
- MB 712 Managing People and Organizations (2 credits)
- MD 714 Statistics (2 credits)
- MD 716 Modeling and Decision Analysis (1 credit)
- MD 723 Operations Management (2 credits)
- MD 725 Managing in the Global Environment (1 credit)
- MD 730 Strategic Analysis (1 credit)
- MF 722 Financial Management (2 credits)
- MI 720 Information Technology for Management (2 credits)
- MK 721 Marketing (2 credits)
Electives
- Four Electives (2 credits each)
- Seven Electives (3 credits each)
Part-Time Program (Total 56 credits)
Management Practice Courses
- MM 703 Business Development Workshop (2 credits)
- MD 710 Strategic Management (3 credits)
- MD 711 Social Issues in Management (3 credits)
Core Courses
- MD 700 Economics (3 credits)
- MB 709 Managing People and Organizations (3 credits)
- MA 701 Accounting (3 credits)
- MI 703 Information Technology for Management (3 credits)
- MF 704 Financial Management (3 credits)
- MK 705 Marketing (3 credits)
- MB 702 Leadership Workshop (3 credits)
- MD 705 Statistics (3 credits)
- MD 707 Operations Management (3 credits)
- MD 708 Managing in the Global Environment (3 credits)
Electives
- Six Electives (3 credits each)
Dual Degree Programs
The Carroll School of Management, Graduate Programs collaborates with other outstanding graduate schools and programs at Boston College to offer over 20 highly regarded dual degree programs. Twenty percent of students combine their M.B.A. degree with other master's degrees such as Juris Doctor (J.D.), Finance (M.S. in Finance), and Social Work, (M.S.W.), among many others. Students are generally able to complete the requirements of a dual degree program in significantly less time than it would take to pursue each program separately. Interested applicants must apply and be admitted to both schools involved with a program. Dual degree programs have varying requirements and, while most take three years to complete, program lengths vary from two to four years of full-time study.
Students interested in dual degree programs must apply and be admitted to both the Carroll School of Management, Graduate Programs and the participating school within the University.
Applicants should contact both admissions offices to learn about admission requirements, deadline dates, and appropriate entrance tests. The following are the 20 dual degree programs:
- M.B.A./Doctor of Philosophy in Management with a concentration in Finance (M.B.A./Ph.D.)
- M.B.A./Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology (M.B.A./Ph.D.)
- M.B.A./Juris Doctor (M.B.A./J.D.)
- M.B.A./Master of Arts in French (M.B.A./M.A.)
- M.B.A./Master of Arts in Higher Education (M.B.A./M.A.)
- M.B.A./Master of Arts in Hispanic Studies (M.B.A./M.A.)
- M.B.A./Master of Arts in Italian (M.B.A./M.A.)
- M.B.A./Master of Arts in Linguistics (M.B.A./M.A.)
- M.B.A./Master of Arts in Mathematics (M.B.A./M.A.)
- M.B.A./Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry (M.B.A./M.A.)
- M.B.A./Master of Arts in Political Science (M.B.A./M.A.)
- M.B.A./Master of Arts in Russian (M.B.A./M.A.)
- M.B.A./Master of Arts in Slavic Studies (M.B.A./M.A.)
- M.B.A./Master of Arts in Sociology (M.B.A./M.A.)
- M.B.A./Master of Science in Accounting (M.B.A./M.S.)
- M.B.A./Master of Science in Biology (M.B.A./M.S.)
- M.B.A./Master of Science in Finance (M.B.A./M.S. in Finance)
- M.B.A./Master of Science in Geology/Geophysics (M.B.A./M.S.)
- M.B.A./Master of Science in Nursing (M.B.A./M.S.)
- M.B.A./Master of Social Work (M.B.A./M.S.W.)
Other Study Options
Global Management Opportunities
In response to the growing importance placed by corporate employers on a broad range of global experiences, the Carroll School of Management, Graduate Programs offers numerous opportunities for firsthand study of managerial decision-making in global organizations and environments.
International Management Experience
Offered annually at the end of the spring semester, the IME affords an exceptional opportunity for students to visit leading corporations and government agencies in Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Participants meet with business leaders and officials, and observe the application of management principles and strategies in the global arena. The economic, cultural, and social factors that affect the conduct of business in a variety of industries and contexts are explored in-depth.
International Consulting Project (ICP)
Students enrolled in the International Consulting Project (ICP) elective conduct and complete the research and analysis for their projects with faculty guidance over the course of the semester, and subsequently present the deliverables to the clients in their respective countries. The “MBA Field Studies Project” offers US-based consulting experience on behalf of a multinational corporation or new venture focused on international market penetration.
Graduate TechTrek West (GTTW)
Offered annually during the spring semester, the GTTW is a three-credit field-study course to Silicon Valley and Seattle. Coursework and visits are managerial rather than ‘techie’ focused. Students meet with venture capitalists, CEOs and entrepreneurs, among other high-ranking executives from various well known companies. Participants learn firsthand from industry leaders and make valuable contacts.
Special Study
In some instances, students may wish to pursue specific areas that are not included in the regular program of study. In the second half of the M.B.A. program, there are options available to meet this need.
Directed Study (Readings or Research)
Directed Studies are exclusively for subjects considered to be of merit that are not addressed in conventional courses. They are intended to allow students to study material not included in courses in the Graduate School of Management, as a complement to carefully designed programs of study. Directed Studies require a written proposal of study prepared by the students and signed by the faculty member.
The proposal is presented to the Department Chairperson and requires his/her written approval.
Any adjunct faculty member working with a student on an independent study requires the additional approval of the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs.
Additional information can be found at www.bc.edu/schools/csom/graduate/courses/directedstudy.html.
Master of Science in Accounting
The M.S. in Accounting Program is only offered on a full-time basis. Required coursework is determined by faculty through the review of the student’s academic transcript.
Enrollment Options
Accounting Undergraduate Majors:
Undergraduate accounting majors will generally begin the Program in September of each year. The Program consists of two academic semesters (fall and spring) and one summer session.
Matriculation options remain flexible for students who accept an offer with a firm prior to the start of the Program.
Non-Accounting Undergraduate Majors:
Students without an undergraduate accounting degree must begin the Program in June. Depending on the required number of courses, students will matriculate through one or two summers and two academic semesters, typically completing between ten and fourteen courses.
Curriculum
Students must complete a minimum of ten courses (30 credit hours) to satisfy the degree requirements. Students must take a total of at least six accounting classes which include the four core M.S. in Accounting classes. Upon admission into the M.S. in Accounting Program, each student is provided with a personalized M.S. in Accounting course worksheet. This worksheet, determined by faculty review of the student’s academic transcript, outlines the specific courses the student is required to take to fulfill their M.S. in Accounting degree requirements.
In addition to the academic requirements, all M.S. in Accounting students must complete 10 hours of Community Service to fulfill their degree requirements.
Students are responsible for meeting the individual state requirements for taking the CPA exam. In some states, these requirements may result in additional courses.
Curriculum for Undergraduate Accounting Majors
Core Courses
- MA 824 Financial Statement Analysis (3 credits)
- MA 825 Assurance and Consulting Services (3 credits)
- MA 826 Taxes and Management Decisions (3 credits)
- MA 827 Strategic Cost and Profitability Analysis (3 credits)
Electives
Students must take six electives (18 credits), at least two (6 credits) of which must be in accounting. The non-accounting electives can be fulfilled from the majority of Boston College’s graduate course offerings and may include courses in subjects such as business law and finance.
The Carroll School provides a portfolio of additional choices in a broad range
of disciplines, including business law, consulting, computer science and information
technology, finance, international management, real estate, and numerous advanced
graduate business courses in operations, organizational, and strategic management.
Courses in these disciplines are available to M.S. in Accounting students to
fulfill the elective requirements.
Curriculum for Undergraduate Non-Accounting Majors
Non-Accounting:
- Economics/Micro-Economics
- Financial Management
- Statistics
- Law Topics for CPAs
Accounting:
- Intermediate Accounting I (or the equivalent thereof)
- Intermediate Accounting II (or the equivalent thereof)
- Financial Auditing (or the equivalent thereof)
- Federal Taxation (or the equivalent thereof)
- Cost Accounting (or the equivalent thereof)
- Accounting Information Systems (or the equivalent thereof)
Students may reduce the total number of courses required if any of the above-listed prerequisites are completed before matriculation into the M.S. in Accounting Program.
Sample Elective Courses:
- MA 601 Financial Accounting Standards & Theory III (3 credits)
- MA 615 Advanced Federal Taxation (3 credits)
- MA 634 Ethics & Professionalism (3 credits)
- MA 835 Forensic Accounting (3 credits)
Master of Science in Finance
All M.S. in Finance students first master the sophisticated framework of financial understanding, techniques, and analysis taught in Investments, Corporate Finance, Financial Econometrics, and Management of Financial Institutions, which are the prerequisites for subsequent core courses and all finance electives. Knowledge and skills acquired in the initial courses inform advanced discussions and exploration of innovative methodologies in Derivatives and Risk Management, Theory of Corporate Finance, and either Fixed Income Analysis or Portfolio Theory. Students exercise their aggregate knowledge and skills in the case-oriented Financial Policy course, which examines the impact of diverse strategic decisions on the value of the firm.
Requirements and Schedule
The 30-credit M.S. in Finance Program comprises eight core courses and two electives. Learning is engineered to be cumulative and reinforcing.
The Carroll School provides a portfolio of additional choices in a broad range of disciplines, including accounting, business law, consulting, computer science and information technology, international management, real estate, and numerous advanced graduate business courses in operations, organizational, and strategic management.
In addition to these 30-credits, M.S. in Finance students must complete 10 hours of Community Service to fulfill their degree requirements.
The M.S. in Finance Program is designed to meet the varied needs of finance professionals. Most classes meet from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. during the academic year, with a limited number meeting from 4:30 p.m. to 6:50 p.m. Summer term courses meet twice a week from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
M.S. in Finance Program Options
Cohort (Accelerated) Option
Students are drawn from across the country and around the world to participate in the Carroll School's accelerated M.S. in Finance Program, which can be completed in one full year of study. Students take four courses in the fall and spring terms and two courses in the summer term when they may also choose to pursue an internship. Students progress through the program as a cohort. Taking all courses together not only fosters exceptional camaraderie, but also creates a supportive network–one that continues long after the Program comes to an end.
Self-Paced Option
The self-paced option is designed to meet the needs of individuals who wish to continue in their careers while pursuing advanced study. While course enrollment is flexible, self-paced students typically complete the Program in 20 months by taking two courses in the fall, spring, and summer semesters respectively.
M.S. in Finance Curriculum, Cohort Option
Fall
- MF 801 Investments
- MF 807 Corporate Finance
- MF 820 Management of Financial Institutions
- MF 852 Financial Econometrics
Spring
- At least two of the following three courses: MF 860, MF 803, MF 880
- One elective
Summer
- MF 808 Financial Policy
- One elective
M.S. in Finance Curriculum, Self-Paced
Fall
- MF 801 Investments
- MF 807 Corporate Finance
Spring
- MF 820 Management of Financial Institutions
- MF 852 Financial Econometrics
Summer
- MF 860 or MF 803 or MF 880
- One elective
Fall
- MF 860 or MF 803 or MF 880
Spring
- MF 808 Financial Policy
- One elective
Ph.D. in Management with a Concentration in Finance
The Ph.D. in Management with a concentration in Finance provides graduates with the knowledge and analytical abilities they need to teach and to pursue research of the highest quality. These goals require an education that combines theory, applied research, and teaching experience.
The program begins with systematic and rigorous training in quantitative methods and economic and financial theory. A research paper, due at the end of the student's first summer in the program, begins to develop the student's ability to do original research. This development culminates in the dissertation. Training in teaching is provided in the third and fourth years, when the student participates in teaching workshops and acquires experience in the classroom.
The Ph.D. Program contains five components:
- Course Requirements
- Research Paper
- Comprehensive Examination
- Dissertation
- Research/Teaching Requirements
Each of these requirements is described below. Detailed standards for the Ph.D. candidate are published and provided to all students.
Course Requirements
Students complete a program of study that leads to competency in three areas: quantitative methods, economics, and finance. When a student enters the program he or she will be assigned an advisor. Together with the advisor the student will design a program of study to be completed prior to the comprehensive examination.
The requirements of the program of study are typically satisfied by completing sixteen courses in the first two-and-a-half years of the program. Required courses include five courses in quantitative methods, three in economics, six in finance, and several electives. In some cases coursework prior to entering the program or successful performance on waiver examinations may be substituted for required courses. However, each student must complete a minimum of twelve courses while in the program.
Research Paper
Students are expected to engage in research early in the program. All students work as research assistants for 15 hours per week for the first two years of the program. By May 31 of their third year, students are required to submit a research paper. A more detailed description of the research paper, its standards and criteria used to evaluate it is available from, maintained, and updated by the Ph.D. Committee.
Comprehensive Examination
Satisfactory performance on a written comprehensive examination marks the student's transition from course work to full-time thesis research. The examination is intended to allow the student to demonstrate substantial knowledge of finance, economics, and quantitative methods.
The examination is taken within three months of the completion of the second year of the program. A student will have completed most course work, satisfied the breadth requirements and submitted a satisfactory research paper prior to taking the comprehensive examination.
Dissertation
The doctoral dissertation is expected to be a substantial, significant, and original contribution to knowledge. It is prepared under the guidance of a thesis committee of three or more faculty members selected by the candidate in consultation with his or her thesis advisor. Early in the process, the candidate submits a thesis proposal. The proposal is presented in a seminar to which the finance faculty and doctoral students are invited. The purpose of the presentation is to give the student an opportunity to hear the suggestions and comments of members of the Boston College finance community while the research plan is still fluid.
A thesis-defense seminar, open to the Boston College community, is held when the research is completed.
Student Support and Research/Teaching Requirement
Doctoral students are offered financial support at a competitive rate. A student in good standing may receive this support for a maximum of four years. In return for this support, the student acts as a research assistant for approximately 15 hours per week for the first two years of the program, then teaches one course per semester or acts as a research assistant in the third and fourth years of the program.
This generous level of support is based on the fact that students are expected to devote their full energies to the program during the entire calendar year, not just the academic year.
Ph.D. in Management with a Concentration in Organization Studies
The Ph.D. Program in Organization Studies at Boston College is designed for those individuals who wish to pursue an academic career at a top-tier university. The intellectual theme of the program emphasizes research that focuses on process—be it the process of self-definition, innovation, or transformation—at the individual, organizational and institutional levels of analysis. Faculty expertise falls into centers of excellence that focus on identity and identification, creativity, meaning-making, institutions and institutional theory, social cognition, conflict and negotiation, careers, and culture.
To help provide the intellectual and analytical foundation needed to conduct high-quality research and teaching, the program emphasizes a strong grounding in organizational behavior and theory, research methods (both qualitative and quantitative), and statistics. In addition to core requirements, students also take a variety of special topics courses and electives. In their first and second years, students take a rigorous set of complementary courses in micro- and macro-organizational theory, quantitative and qualitative research methods, statistics, and teaching skills. At the end of the second year, students must pass a comprehensive qualifying examination. In the third year, students may take additional courses, must complete a major empirical research project, and teach their own course. During the fourth and fifth years, students conduct their dissertation research.
Ph.D. in Management with a Concentration in Organization Studies Curriculum*
*Note: Students without prior management education will be required to take two M.B.A. courses in addition to the curriculum below.Sample Schedule*
First Year/Fall
- Micro-Organizational Theory
- Statistics
- Qualitative Research Methods
- Special Topics Course
First Year/Spring
- Research in the Community
- Statistics
- Special Topics Course
- Elective
First Year/Summer
- Independent Research
Second Year/Fall
- Macro-Organizational Theory
- Quantitative Research
- Special Topics Course
- Elective
Second Year/Spring
- Research Seminar
- Teaching Seminar
- Special Topics Course
- Elective
Second Year/Summer
- Independent Research
Third Year/Fall
- Independent Research
Third Year/Spring
- Research Seminar
Third Year/Summer
- Independent Research
Fourth Year/Fall
- Dissertation Research
Fourth Year/Spring
- Dissertation Research
Fourth Year/Summer
- Dissertation Research
*The semesters in which these courses are offered may vary.
Advanced Standing and Equivalency for Graduate Degrees
Undergraduate Course Work (Full-Time M.B.A.)
M.B.A. students who have no prior graduate management education, but have demonstrated mastery in a core subject area can receive equivalency and thus be allowed to substitute an elective for a core course.
Typically, if a student has an undergraduate major in a core course area or has taken at least two intermediate or advanced undergraduate courses in that area with grades of B or better, the student is eligible to receive equivalency.
Undergraduate Course Work (Evening M.B.A.)
M.B.A. students who have no prior graduate management education, but have demonstrated mastery in a core subject area can receive advanced standing credit for up to two courses, thus reducing the total number of courses the student is required to complete for the M.B.A. degree by giving students credits toward their degree requirements.
Typically, if a student has an undergraduate major in a core course area or has taken at least two intermediate or advanced undergraduate courses in that area with grades of B or better, the student is eligible to receive advanced standing credit.
Students who have demonstrated mastery at the undergraduate level in more than two subjects may be granted equivalency and be allowed to substitute an elective for a core course.
Graduate and Professional Course Work (Full-Time M.B.A.)
Students who have completed graduate management courses at other institutions accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) may receive equivalency. Students who have recognized professional certification (e.g., CPA, CFA) may also receive equivalency. Students must have a minimum grade of B in all completed course work.
Graduate and Professional Course Work (Evening M.B.A.)
Students who have completed graduate management courses at other AACSB accredited institutions may receive advanced standing for a maximum of 12 semester credit hours. Students who have recognized professional certification (e.g., CPA, CFA) may also receive advanced standing. Students who have completed graduate management courses at non-AACSB accredited institutions will not be granted advanced standing, but may be granted equivalency and be allowed to substitute an elective for a core course. Students must have a minimum grade of B in all completed course work.
Advanced Standing for Graduate Degrees
Applicants may receive up to 12 credits of advanced standing, elective credit for masters or doctorates in any of the fields in which the Carroll School of Management: Graduate Programs offers a dual degree, concentration, or certificate program (including accounting, biology, finance, geology, law, economics, social work, nursing, linguistics, sociology, and engineering). Advanced standing for graduate degrees is granted only to accepted students with masters or doctorates from nationally accredited, established programs in the United States.
Transfer Policy
Students should be aware that to meet the different credit and course requirements of the full-time and evening M.B.A. programs, course work in one program might not comparably meet the needs of the other. Interested students should consult with the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs to determine their best course of action. Students in the evening program who wish to accelerate their course work may take an increased course load in the evening, without needing to meet different requirements.
Students who wish to be considered for admission to another program (e.g., an Evening student seeking to apply to Full-Time) must apply and be accepted to the program of interest. A student's original application may be used for application.
Admission Information
Master of Business Administration
Boston College’s M.B.A. program welcomes applications from graduates of accredited colleges and universities. The Admissions Committee considers applicants with academic backgrounds from virtually all areas of study, including liberal arts, business administration, social sciences, physical sciences, engineering, and law.
Courses in business administration or management are not required for admission to the M.B.A. program. However, students are expected to be proficient in communication skills and mathematics. In addition, all applicants are required to take either the GMAT or GRE.
The Admissions Committee looks for evidence of sound scholarship and management potential. Work experience and academic excellence are significant criteria in their evaluation. With few exceptions, students enter the program after at least two years of full-time work experience. Leadership and community involvement are also important factors in admissions decisions.
Additional information can be found at www.bc.edu/schools/csom/graduate/mba/admission.html.
Master of Science in Finance
The M.S. in Finance Program welcomes applications from graduates of accredited colleges and universities who have a strong interest in finance. Applicants with undergraduate or graduate degrees in other subject areas are encouraged to apply early so that they will have the opportunity to fulfill prerequisites that may be required.
The Admissions Committee focuses on evidence of strong academic and professional success in all aspects of the application. An applicant's quantitative ability is carefully considered due to the rigorous nature of the curriculum. In addition, most students enter the program with at least two years of relevant full-time work experience. The Committee also considers leadership and community involvement factors in the admissions process. All applicants are required to take either the GMAT or GRE.
Additional information can be found at www.bc.edu/schools/csom/graduate/msf/admission.html.
Master of Science in Accounting
The M.S. in Accounting Program welcomes applications from graduates of accredited colleges and universities. The Admissions Committee considers applicants with academic backgrounds from virtually all areas of study, including liberal arts, business administration, social sciences, physical sciences, engineering and law.
Courses in business administration or management are not required for admission to the M.S. in Accounting Program. All applicants are required to take either the GMAT or GRE.
The Admissions Committee looks for evidence of superior intellectual ability, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the potential for a successful career in the accounting profession. Sound undergraduate scholarship, together with internship/work experience and leadership and community involvement are significant criteria in their evaluation. Work or internship experience is not required to apply to the program; however, it can strengthen a candidate’s application.
Additional information can be found at www.bc.edu/schools/csom/graduate/msa/admission.html.
M.B.A. Dual Degrees: Master of Science in Finance or Master of Science in Accounting
Students should be admitted to both the M.B.A. and M.S. in Finance or M.S. in Accounting programs to enter the Dual Degree program. The M.B.A./M.S. in Finance program is highly analytical, and an applicant's quantitative skills are weighed heavily in the admission decision. Students are expected to be proficient in English and mathematics. All applicants are required to take either the GMAT or GRE.
The M.B.A./M.S. in Accounting program is for individuals interested in careers in public accounting, financial analysis, or financial management in a corporate or not-for-profit environment. Students are expected to be proficient in English. All applicants are required to take either the GMAT or GRE.
Ph.D. in Finance
Admission to the Ph.D. program in Finance is open to applicants who show evidence of strong intellectual abilities, a commitment to research and teaching, and previous preparation in an analytical field. Students are required to have demonstrated competence and basic knowledge of finance. A student entering the program without such a background may be required to take additional courses. The GMAT or GRE is required for admission.
Ph.D. in Organization Studies
Admission to the Ph.D. program in Organization Studies is open to applicants who show evidence of strong intellectual capabilities, a commitment to research and teaching, and previous academic preparation in fields related to management. Students are required to have demonstrated competence in the functional areas of management. Applicants who have not already received an M.B.A. or have not completed the equivalent of the M.B.A. core curriculum prior to entering the program may be required to take additional courses. The GMAT or GRE is required for admission.
International Students
All applicants who completed their undergraduate course work outside the United States must have the equivalent of an American bachelor's degree or American master's degree (equivalency to be determined by the Graduate Dean of the School). In addition, all students whose first language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). This requirement is waived for applicants who have completed a four-year course of study or have been enrolled for the past two years in a college or university in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Australia, or New Zealand. The minimum required score on the TOEFL is 600 paper-based, 250 computer-based, or 100 on the IBT. An official score report should be sent to Boston College, The Carroll School of Management: Graduate Programs, Fulton 315, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467-3808, United States.
Accepted international applicants must provide financial certification for two years for the M.B.A. Program and one year for the M.S. in Finance or M.S. in Accounting Program.
Financial Assistance
Graduate Assistantships and Scholarships
The Carroll School of Management offers a number of graduate assistantships and scholarships to Full-Time M.B.A., M.S. in Finance and dual degree M.B.A./M.S. in Finance students. Assistantships and scholarships are merit-based awards and are made only at the time of admission. Awardees usually have two or more years of full-time work experience, 660 or above on the GMAT, 3.33 or above grade point average and a strong set of application materials.
NOTE: Applicants must indicate interest in receiving merit-based funding on the application.
Graduate assistantships involve research or administrative duties in exchange for a stipend. Assistantships are generally 6 hours per week assignments.
Assistantships are available to both domestic and international applicants, and can be offered in combination with academic scholarship awards. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit and vary in amount.
Merit-based awards are made to new students at the time of admission. Students who receive a scholarship and/or assistantship during the first year of the M.B.A. program and maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least a 3.0 are eligible for consideration for continuing support during the second year, subject to performance evaluation by their supervisor.
The M.S. in Accounting Program offers merit-based scholarships to selected admitted applicants. Awards are made only at the time of admission. Scholarships are available to both domestic and international applicants. All admitted applicants are automatically considered for an award and awardees typically show evidence of superior performance in their application materials.
Ph.D. in Finance candidates, upon completion of any necessary prerequisite courses, receive full tuition remission and an annual stipend for up to four years of full-time study. In return, each candidate works as a research assistant the first two years and as either a research assistant or teaching assistant for the second two years.
University-Administered Financial Aid
In addition to the assistantships and scholarships offered through the Carroll School of Management Graduate Programs, the Office of Student Services offers a variety of programs to help students finance their education. Students should be aware that most loan programs charge an origination fee and should factor this into their financial planning.
Career Strategies
The Office of Graduate Management Career Strategies supports students in achieving their career goals through placement initiatives, career coaching, recruiting, and other services. In addition, the office serves as a bridge to corporations through its outreach activities and links to Boston College’s worldwide alumni network. Specific services include the following: Board of Career Assessment and Advising, Advisors Mentoring Program, recruiting program, corporate presentations and informational sessions; interview preparation, resume books, corporate outreach, Alumni Advisory Network, and other relevant Career Resources.
Accreditation
The Carroll School of Management is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The School is also a member of the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) and the New England Association of Graduate Admission Professionals.
For More Information
Prospective students should direct inquiries for the M.B.A., M.S. in Finance, M.S. in Accounting, or Ph.D. in Finance Program to the Graduate Management Admissions Office at Boston College, Fulton Hall, Room 315, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467-3808; telephone: 617-552-3920; fax: 617-552-8078; www.bc.edu/carroll.