Frequently Asked Questions

General Information
Application
Academics
Financial Aid
Student Life

General Information

How can I request a visit to the GSSW?
Please contact the GSSW admission office to arrange to speak with a current GSSW student, visit a class or meet with an Admissions representative.

How can I sign up for a campus tour?
BC campus tours are offered by the Office of Undergraduate Admission.

Do you offer any information sessions?
A number of information sessions for prospective students will be offered during the academic year. They provide a valuable opportunity to talk with faculty, students and admissions representatives. The current schedule is posted on the GSSW Admission page.

Application

What is the timeline for applying?
The online application for 2010 enrollment will be available for submission by early October 2009. Application deadlines are also posted.

When and how can I expect to hear back from the GSSW?
Review of completed applications will begin in January and notification (by mail) of decisions will begin late January/early February. Decisions are typically made within a month of submission of all required documents.

How will my application be evaluated?
The evaluation of your application will include an assessment of academic performance and preparation, related experience, career objectives, potential for leadership and commitment to social justice.

How do I add new information if I have already submitted my application?
Please mail any additional application material to:

Boston College Graduate School of Social Work
Admissions Processing Center
P.O. Box 227
Randolph, MA 02368-9998

How can I check the status of my online application? Who should I contact if I have a question regarding my application status?
After you have submitted an application form, you should receive an email from BC containing a user name and password to log into the Agora Portal. Through Agora Portal you can check the status of your application by clicking on the Application Status tab.

If you have not received a username and password, or if you have other questions related to your application status please contact the GSSW Admission Office.

How long can I defer my acceptance?
Accepted applicants may defer enrollment for one year.

Is there a minimum GRE score required to apply?
The GRE is not required for the MSW program.

I submitted my application, but I won't have all my supplemental materials such as recommendations by the March 1 deadline. Will you still accept my application?
Yes, you are considered an active applicant once you have submitted your online application. Delays in completion of the application will result in later review, however, and could put you at a disadvantage for available spaces.

Can I request an extension for my application?
There is no need to request an application extension, but late application submissions are given a lower priority due to limited space.

Where do I send my application materials?
Application materials should be sent to the following address:

Boston College Graduate School of Social Work
Admissions Processing Center
P.O. Box 227
Randolph, MA 02368-9998

Academics

How many credits will I take each semester?
Full-time two year program students take 16 credits per semester during the first year.
Full-time two-year clinical curriculum plan (PDF)
Full-time two-year macro curriculum plan (PDF)

Three year program students take 6 credits per semester during the first year.
Three-year clinical curriculum plan (PDF)
Three-year macro curriculum plan (PDF)

Advanced standing students begin with 10 credits during spring or summer.
Advanced Standing January start curriculum plan (PDF)
Advanced Standing June start curriculum plan (PDF)

If I enroll in the Advanced Standing Program in January (or June), when will I graduate?
Advanced standing students who enroll in June 2010 will graduate in May 2011. January 2011 entrants will graduate in May 2012.

If I am an Advanced Standing Student, will I have 1 or 2 field placements? How many hours?
Advanced standing students have a 240-hour spring or summer placement followed by a 720-hour advanced concentration placement during the final academic year.

Can I take course electives outside of the GSSW?
Yes, a student may cross-register for one social work-related elective per semester in another graduate school/department at Boston College (e.g., Lynch School of Education, Carroll School of Management, the School of Theology and Ministry, Sociology, Psychology, etc.).  Students may also take electives at Boston University, Tufts University and Brandeis University.

For more information on cross-registration procedures, see the 2009-20010 GSSW Cross-Registration Guide, located in Blackboard Vista  or contact Regina O'Grady-LeShane, Associate Dean of Academic and Student Services at 617-552-4762 or regina.ogrady-leshane.1@bc.edu.

Are Advanced Standing students eligible to do the Global Practice concentration?
Yes, Advanced Standing students may do the Global Practice concentration by taking a 16-month Advanced Standing curriculum which begins with January enrollment. After completing the Spring term Advanced standing curriculum, students take the Global Practice concentration final year curriculum, beginning with summer term.

Financial Aid

See Financial Aid FAQ's

Student Life

Where can I find information about Graduate Housing?
The Office of Residential Life offers information on graduate housing and off-campus housing.