Does the Ph.D. program accept students who do not have a Master's Degree?
A Master’s Degree is not required. Students entering the program with
no previous graduate work must take sixteen courses (48-49 credits).
If I do have a Master's Degree, will I receive credit for my past work?
Yes, students entering the Ph.D. program with a master's degree must take at
least nine courses (27 credits). How much credit is given for past work will
depend on whether that work fulfills any of the requirements for the PhD.
What about fellowships and financial aid?
We are usually able to provide financial support to our doctoral candidates
for a period of four or five years, although the department's initial commitment
typically is only for two years, with additional years of funding contingent
on the student's performance. Our regular grants carry a stipend and full tuition
remission. In return, we require twelve to fifteen hours per week of research
assistance to members of the faculty or teaching assistance in undergraduate
courses. We do, however, encourage applicants to explore other funding opportunities
which may be able to offer more generous packages.
There are some jobs at Boston College that M.A. students may apply for which
provide assistance with tuition. A few of our students found Graduate Assistantships
in the Information Technology Services department on campus which provides 9 credits
of tuition remission per semester and a modest monthly stipend, see the website for
Information Technology Services
for more information. There are also other positions available on campus for
which M.A. student may apply. For on campus employment, consult
"Financial Support for Graduate Students."
How can I apply to both the PhD and the MA Program? Are
rejected Ph.D. applicants automatically considered for the M.A.?
Students who apply to the Ph.D. program who do not already have an M.A. are
automatically considered for the M.A. program as well.
Does the Ph.D. program accept M.A. candidates from Boston College itself,
and are they given any special preference?
We of course welcome M.A. applicants from our own program, and several have
enrolled in recent years. However, all applicants are placed in the same pool
for admissions purposes.
What kinds of foreign language preparation are necessary for admission?
None is required, although all Ph.D. students must demonstrate proficiency in
one foreign language before taking the Comprehensive Examination.
Does your program have a "minimum" level requirement for
GRE scores upon application to the Ph.D. program?
No. GRE scores are considered in the overall context of the students' application.
What is a good form for the writing sample?
A sample of scholarly work, for instance a term paper, not to exceed 20 pages.
When are admissions decisions made?
The deadline for applications is January 15. Decisions are usually made by mid-March.
How many students does the Ph.D. program admit?
In a typical year, 5 students will enter the Ph.D. program.
How many students does the M.A. program admit?
There is no pre-set limit on the number of students who will be admitted to
the M.A program.
When is your application deadline, and how can I acquire an application
form?
The application deadline for the Ph.D. Program is January 15. The Graduate Record
Examination is required. Application forms should be accompanied by a personal
statement, a writing sample of not more than 20 pages, transcripts and three
letters of recommendation.
Requests for applications to the graduate program may be sent via email to the
Graduate School of Arts and Sciences,
or applicants may
apply on-line.
You may also write to the following address:
Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Admissions Office
McGuinn Hall 221
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
If I have further questions, who can answer them?
Ms. Carol Fialkosky, the graduate program secretary, should be able to answer many
of your general questions, at 617-552-4161 or carol.fialkosky@bc.edu
For more information about the Ph.D. program, please contact Prof. Christopher Kelly, the Director of the Ph.D. program, at 617-552-4160 or christopher.kelly.3@bc.edu
For more information about the M.A. program, please contact Prof. Jennie Purnell,
Director of the M.A. program, at 617-552-4177 or jennie.purnell.1@bc.edu