Current Students
Resources for Current Students
Welcome
First and foremost, on behalf of colleagues and staff, I would like to welcome you to the undergraduate program at the Lynch School of Education and Human Development at Boston College! You are joining an elite community of intelligent, committed, and caring professionals whose mission is to prepare you to enhance the life chances of all children and adults through academics, research, and service. We are truly proud of our community, mission, and accomplishments, among which we include your decision to join us.
Transitioning to college is simultaneously exciting and overwhelming. Here you will become autonomous, make your own decisions and choices, and discern your vocation. Here you will establish effective and appropriate academic, physical, and social routines to assure a productive college experience. Here you will explore new subjects, develop fulfilling relationships, and serve others as you come to live fully human lives. Although you are probably concerned about fitting in, succeeding academically, finding like-minded peers, getting involved in campus life, and maintaining good health, our undergraduate student services team—Campion 104—is here to support you as you negotiate these challenges in ways that assure strong intellectual curiosity, academic rigor, and effective physical, social, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. Our goal is to care for you so that you may care for others.
On the following pages you will learn about the extensive opportunities and rigorous preparation that will guide you as you plan your life at Lynch. Stop by at Campion 104 to ask questions, seek help, learn about campus life, or simply talk. We are here to support you!
All the best,
Julia DeVoy, Ph.D.
Associate Dean of Undergraduate Students
The Lynch School of Education and Human Development's mission is to enhance the human condition, expand the human imagination, and to make the world more just.
In an effort to fulfill this mission Lynch School students, faculty, and alumni use their talents and gifts to help others through a variety of service projects across the state, nation, and the world.
Many students choose to participate in extended service trips over their winter and spring breaks. These trips allow students to immerse themselves in a culture that may be different than their own, and to serve populations that are not generally accessible in the Boston community. Please see the links below to learn more about Lynch School of Education and Human Development Service Trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mustard Seed Organization?
The Mission Statement of the Mustard Seed Organization is as follows: “Inspired by the healing and caring Ministry of Jesus Christ, we aim through the positive interaction of caring, sharing and training, to uplift the most vulnerable members of society, especially handicapped and abandoned children, and marginalized communities. We are committed to the fostering of homes and communities, which will lead us all to loving service and mutual respect and which will bring us joy, hope and dignity.”
What does the Lynch School trip do in Jamaica?
Although the trip is run through the School of Education, participants do not travel to Jamaica as teachers. They engage in a “ministry of presence” and simply offer their time and abilities to the community to help out in any way possible. Most days will include some kind of building or renovation project such as painting, building a wall and even helping to install an irrigation system! The rest of the time is spent with the children at a number of the apostolates in and around Kingston. Participants visit some unique Mustard Seed projects as observers, but interact regularly and become involved with the children at one or two homes.
Where does the group stay?
The group stays at Sophie’s Place, an apostolate just outside Kingston and home to 24 children. The community shares its food and space with the group, who in turn is responsible for cooking and cleaning up. Mustard Seed provides transportation to all other locations each day.
Is it safe?
Although Kingston itself has a high crime rate, Mustard Seed takes very good care of the group and transports them door-to-door every day. The group does not spend time exploring Kingston, but focuses the bulk of their time on working and spending time with the children within the apostolates.
What are the trip dates?
This trip takes place during spring break. The trip dates vary every year.
Who participates?
Approximately 15 students are expected to participate. Students will be selected based on applications (due in October) and interviews which will be conducted during the following week. Undergraduates and graduate students from any school at Boston College are welcome to apply.
Who else is involved in the trip?
Dr. Alec Peck, a Lynch School professor of special education, accompanies the group. Two undergraduates who have participated in the trip previously also lead the trip.
Please feel free to contact Dr. Alec Peck at 552-3149 with any further questions you may have.
What is the Senate?
The Lynch School of Education and Human Development Undergraduate Senate is the student representative body for the Lynch School. An ever-growing group of undergraduate students, advised by Dean Audrey Friedman, comprise the Senate and meet each week in Campion. As a Senate we hope to serve as a connection for the members of the Lynch School community, strengthening that bond that makes our school so special. We plan several events each semester that bring the members of the community together to celebrate the spirit of education. The Senate also works to keep students informed of events and important news within the school. We hope that through our commitment to the Lynch School we are furthering our mission statement of improving the human condition through education.
What does the Senate do?
Senate can do whatever the students think the Lynch School needs. We meet as a group every Monday evening. Each semester we publish a student written newsletter, Campion Connection to keep the Lynch School community informed of events and important student issues. In addition each month we sponsor a program called "Cuisine and Conversation," which gives students the opportunity to enjoy dinner with a professor and to talk to him/her on a less formal level about interesting topics in education and human development. Additional events that have become annual traditions include, Human Development Alumni Panels, a Quiz Bowl trivia night, an Honoring Teachers program and excursions into the city. Each April we celebrate Spirit of Education Week which includes a number of exciting events for the Lynch School community. Since the Senate represents the student body, we are always looking for new events and would love your input with any ideas!
How Can I Get Involved?
If you would like to get involved with the Lynch School of Education and Human Development Undergraduate Senate please e-mail lynchsenate@gmail.com.
Procedure for Declaring / Adding / Changing a Major or Minor
All Lynch School undergraduate students must ‘officially’ declare their majors via completing two forms and submitting them to the Office for Undergraduate Student Services, Campion Hall 104. Majors indicated upon admission to Boston College are not considered ‘official.’
To declare an Education major or minor:
To delcare a major or minor, please submit the following form(s) to the Office for Undergraduate Student Services in Campion 104.
- Adjust Major/Program of Study form (PDF) - Students will indicate their Lynch School Major, interdisciplinary major or A&S major, in addition to any minors.
- Application for Admission to Teacher Education Programs form (PDF) - required by students pursuing a teacher education major or minor . A minimum grade point average of 3.0 is required to officially declare a teacher education major.
Declaring A&S majors or minors:
Students who plan to declare any A&S major or minor, should list the major on the Lynch School declaration form.
Declaration forms will be reviewed and processed by the Lynch School Office for Undergraduate Students. Students may check his/her records on UVIEW after submitting the forms to confirm that their declarations have been processed. If the forms are incomplete or if the student does not meet the required grade point average (3.0) to ‘officially’ declare, the student will be notified via email. The student should reapply at the end of the next academic semester. If the student is uncertain whether he/she has “officially” declared their majors or minors, check with a staff member in Campion 104.
Students may declare a major/minor at any time, however, declaration forms that are received too close to the pre-registration period may not be processed in time for a student to register for courses under the new major.
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What should I consider when researching study abroad program options?
Ask yourself a few questions:
- Why do you want to go abroad? Where do you want to go and why?
- What graduation requirements do you need to fulfill? Will you need to take major-subject courses or do you have flexibility to take electives?
- Are you already taking a language? What level of proficiency would you need? If not, which programs offer courses taught in English?
- Would you like to live with a host family? Other exchange students? Americans?
- What is included in program cost? How is the $USD in the host country? Are you eligible for any scholarship?
What are the steps to completing a pre-practicum abroad?
Students may complete a pre-practicum anywhere in the world, even if the university does not have a School of Education, or if student is on an external program!
- Research different study abroad programs through the Office of International Programs (OIP) located in the Hovey House. Students should attend all necessary meetings and information sessions through OIP.
- Attend international student teaching events. Students should respond to advertisements regarding dinners and information sessions throughout the year.
- Students are required to meet with Maureen Raymond to discuss how study abroad plans will fit into their academic program. Students will also discuss their interest in participating in a pre-practicum experience abroad.
- Meet with the Practicum International Coordinator in Campion 103 to discuss the details of the international pre-practicum program. Make an appointment by sending an email toInternational.prac@bc.edu.
- Students should complete and submit their pre-practicum application to the Office of Practicum Experiences. A complete application includes:
*a completed international pre-practicum application form (available online at https://htmldbprod.bc.edu/pracapply)
*a check for $200, made payable to Boston College (this program payment fee is non-refundable, but will not be cashed until students are officially accepted into their program
*a letter of recommendation from a former pre-practicum supervisor or cooperating teacher
- Attend the Departure Breakfast for International Pre-Practicum students the semester before students leave for abroad. Students will receive their instructions in this session and will have all of their questions answered.
- If the Lynch School does not already have a partnership school, students may contact potential pre-practicum settings and prospective university supervisors aboard. Students should do this via email, letters, and/or phone call, the semester before they plan to leave.
- Students should complete requirements at their international school site and follow up with the practicum office international coordinator. Follow the International BC syllabus developed by the Office of Practicum Experiences.
How do I arrange to study abroad?
1. Lynch School students must have a 3.0 grade point average for eligibility.
2. Visit the Office of International Programs website to view the various OIP Partnerships and approved external programs and deadlines as well as approved BC programs, external programs and information on summer study abroad.
3. Schedule an appointment online to meet with an Advising Assistant at Hovey House (258 Hammond Street, across from McElroy). These assistants will advise you about study abroad policies and procedures, how to research programs, and your next step in the process.
4. Schedule an appointment with Maureen Raymond in Campion 104 to review your academic plan and to obtain preliminary approval to apply to study abroad. Students should be ready to declare their majors/minors at that time.
5. For those majoring in Romance Languages & Literatures (French, Spanish, and Italian,) schedule a meeting with Professor James Flagg in MCAS.
6. Follow the instructions online to schedule an appointment online to meet with your International Study Advisor (ISA) who is a staff member with special expertise in a given region. The ISA will help you with the application process and will be a point of contact in preparation for and during your time abroad.
7. Students are encouraged to save their Fine Arts core in addition to general elective courses that can be taken abroad. Courses must be approved before going abroad.
8. Students may participate in a service learning opportunity while abroad.
Should I plan to student teach abroad?
- Lynch School encourages teacher education students to participate in an international pre-practicum.
- Students who teach abroad take advantage of an excellent learning opportunity to explore a different country and culture.
- Although students may not complete methods courses abroad, they gain a valuable addition to their résumés, have a topic for discussion during interviews, and earn a genuine bonus to the education program that school principles recognize and value in the job search.
- E-mail the International Practicum Coordinator in Campion 103 to schedule a meeting.
For Boston College juniors
The Fifth Year Program and Early Admit Program offer academically outstanding Boston College Juniors a unique opportunity to begin graduate study during their undergraduate senior year, allowing them to graduate with a bachelor's and master's degree in a shortened amount of time.
All undergraduate juniors in the Lynch School of Education, College of Arts and Sciences, Connell School of Nursing, and Carroll School of Management are eligible to apply for these programs. (*see additional Early Admit requirements below)
In consultation with an advisor, students have the ability to take up to two graduate-level courses in their senior year. In addition to the time advantage, there is a considerable savings involved. The two graduate-level courses taken in the senior year are covered by undergraduate tuition, so the amount saved at current graduate tuition rates could potentially be more than $6,000.*
Fifth Year Programs are available in:
Early Childhood, Elementary, or Secondary Education
Moderate Special Needs (mild/moderate learning disabilities, developmental disabilities, and behavior disorders)
Severe Special Needs (including visually impaired, deaf/blindness, and multiple disabilities)
Educational Research, Measurement, and Evaluation
Applied Developmental and Educational Psychology
Global Perspectives: Teaching, Curriculum, and Learning Environments
Early Admit Programs are available in:
*Students who have completed some psychology-related coursework, have at least a 3.5 GPA, and have completed some type of practical, field-based or helping experience (e.g. residential advisor, camp counselor, hotline operator, youth worker, etc.), either volunteer or paid, are strong candidates for this program.
Speciality Programs
Donovan Urban Teaching Scholars (UOI)
Urban Catholic Teacher Corps (UCTC)
Application Process
- Students must apply during their junior year. Please submit the application by March 1, 2017.
- Applicants must meet all graduate admission requirements.
- The application fee is waived for applicants to the Fifth Year and Early Admit Programs.
- Please indicate "Summer 2018" as your intended term of entry on the application.
- Please choose "Fifth Year" as your dual degree on the application.
- Notification of approval to begin the program is usually made in June by the Office of Graduate Admission.
- If students are in a study-abroad program during their junior year but are still interested in one of these programs, they should contact the Office of Graduate Admission 5thyear@bc.edu or (617) 552-4214.
- If an applicant is not offered admission into the program, they are welcome to re-apply to the Master's program upon completion of their undergraduate degree.
Full Graduate Student Status
Upon successful completion from the undergraduate program, senior year coursework and the additional graduate-level courses are reviewed and a determination about formal admission into the full graduate program is made. Upon final admission, the student is sent an official letter of acceptance into the Lynch Graduate School of Education.
*Due to new changes in course requirements, Boston College undergraduate students are required to earn a minimum of 120 credits for their Bachelor's degree. Although students who are accepted into the Fifth Year Program may take up to two graduate courses in their senior year, some students may only have room to register for one graduate course. While it is the student's responsibility to meet all undergraduate requirements, the Lynch School Graduate Office will gladly assist students in planning their Fifth Year courses
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Students may be excused from class for reasons including, but not limited to, illness, death/critical illness of a family member, personal emergency, or religious observance according to Boston College policy.
Students will not be excused from classes for non-emergency absences that have not been authorized in advance and/or for reasons including but not limited to medical/dental appointments, job interviews or employment obligations, and personal or family events or celebrations. Please schedule these and other non-emergency appointments around your course responsibilities.
Students who will be absent from class because of illness or any other circumstances must first notify their respective faculty member(s) immediately. Students must carefully review the attendance and absence policies set by each of their faculty members for each course of each term. The Undergraduate Office of LSOE does not provide medical or illness excuses to faculty for any documented medical/illness related absences falling under a two week time-frame. Agreements, negotiations, and any supporting documentation for course specific arrangements (i.e. illness/medical under two weeks) are the sole responsibility of the student and are made between the student and a given faculty member.
At Boston College, the undergraduate student’s Associate Dean may, as necessary, serve as an intermediary between students and faculty (inside and outside their school) regarding absences specifically related to serious illness or medical issues to ensure fairness, consistency, and protect student privacy regarding the illness and related absence when these issues exceed a two-week time frame. Students may contact and/or disclose information to their professors individually as they see fit for illness/medical concerns; however, students should note that some of their professors both inside and outside of LSOE may insist on formal confirmation from the Associate Dean’s office for serious illness and absence exceeding the two-week time frame.
Students should also carefully note a prolonged absence (those exceeding 2 weeks once during a term) may ultimately necessitate the student going on a Leave of Absence (LOA) from Boston College for the full semester. Course Withdrawals and Leave of Absence (medical and non-medical) requests require approval by the Associate Dean.
Providing formal documentation and information to the Undergraduate Office allows the Associate Dean or Associate Dean’s Office Directors to communicate with a student’s professors inside and outside the Lynch School to request considerations to enable the student to potentially complete course requirements in an appropriate and specifically determined time frame. Please note that it is ultimately the student’s full responsibility to make any/all arrangements for any make-up assignments/tests/exams with individual professors. The Associate Dean’s Office does not serve as an intermediary or administrator for specific make-up assignments or coursework arrangements.
The Undergraduate Dean’s Office will need confirmation/documentation from a healthcare provider that the student was seen, and (if relevant) the time period that was judged as appropriate for the student’s return to class. The office may additionally request corroboration of information regarding any personal circumstances for which an excused absence (beyond a faculty member’s course policy) has been requested. The onus is on the student to arrange for this and/or any other documentation, verification and information to be transmitted to the Undergraduate Dean’s Office before any communication to faculty may occur.
Welcome
At the Lynch School of Education and Human Development we strive to help each student meet his or her full potential while advancing the school’s mission of enhancing the human condition, expanding the human imagination, and making the world more just through education and applied psychology.
Our small class sizes, proximity to the city of Boston, and dedication to social justice put Lynch School students in a unique position to be agents of innovative change that affect state and national policy while directly impacting the lives of children, families, and schools across the globe.
On the pages that follow you will find information to help you plan your experiences at the Lynch School. The staff of the Graduate Office is here to support you -- we invite you to meet with us in person to discuss your plans, questions, or concerns.
I am sure you will enjoy your time here at the Lynch School and look forward to hearing about the diverse experiences of our current students.
With warmest regards,
Elizabeth Sparks, Ph.D.
Associate Dean of Graduate Students
Graduate Office
For more information about resources for graduate students, please contact the Office of Graduate Admission, Financial Aid, and Student Services at 617-552-4214 or gradoffice@bc.edu.
The Office of Graduate Admission, Financial Aid, and Student Services is located in Campion 135. We serve as the support center for the educational, social, cultural, and community life of Lynch School of Education and Human Development graduate students.
Our staff provides a seamless experience from admissions through graduation and assists students in every aspect of their graduate school experience while studying at Boston College.
We provide services for students including:
- general advising on course selection
- assistance with completing Program of Study forms
- coordinating comprehensive examinations for all programs
- conducting final clearance for graduation
- maintaining student records
- financial aid for incoming and continuing students
The Graduate Office is also home to Graduate Education Association (GEA) and works with the GEA Council to offer a variety of supportive services and activities to enhance graduate life for students in the Lynch School.
It is our hope that we can help you access and understand pertinent academic and administrative information, policies and procedures, and are here as the first and last stop for all graduate students during their studies at the Lynch School.
Program of Study Forms
Programs of Study
Lynch School Student Forms
- Readings & Research/Independent Study (pdf)
- Leave of Absence/Withdrawal Form (pdf) (This form is for Doctoral and Master's students)
- Course Waiver Form (pdf)
General Graduate Student Forms
The following forms are to be used by graduate students in all Lynch School of Education and Human Development programs. They are in pdf format. (To get free Adobe Acrobat Reader)
BC Graduate Course Withdrawal Form (pdf)
BC Approval/Override Form (pdf)
BC Graduate Add/Drop Form (pdf)
BC Graduate Transfer of Credit Request Form (pdf)
BC Late Graduation Registration Form (pdf)
Master's Forms
NOTE WELL: The forms below are intended for use by Lynch School master’s students only. Doctoral students must use the individual forms under the Doctoral Forms section of this page.
Change of Program Procedure (pdf)
Course Modification Form for Graduate Credit (pdf)
Master's Student Course Substitution Form (pdf)
Master's Student Transaction Form (pdf, Drop/Add, Withdrawal from Course, and Course Exception)
Master's Petition for Extension of Time (pdf)
Master's Readmission Request Form (pdf)
Master's Degree Completion Request Form (Google Form)
Doctoral Forms
NOTE WELL: The forms below are intended for use by Lynch School doctoral students only. Master’s students should use the Master’s Student Transaction Form and the Master’s Student Request to Graduate / Comprehensive Exam Request.
Request for Doctoral Course Substitution (pdf)
Doctoral Petition for Extension of Time (pdf)
Doctoral Comprehensive Exams Request & Registration for Ph.D. Status (pdf)
Doctoral Comprehensive Exams Request & Registration for C&I Ph.D. Status (pdf) (C&I Students only)
Doctoral Readmission Request Form (pdf)
Pre-proposal/Request for Approval of the Ph.D. Dissertation Committee (pdf)
Ed.D. Pre-proposal and Request for Approval of the Ed.D. Dissertation Committee (pdf)
Agreement to Schedule a Proposal Hearing (pdf)
Agreement to Schedule a Final Defense (pdf)
Request for Change in Dissertation Committee Membership (pdf)
Confirmation of Satisfactory Completion of Internship Requirement (Counseling Ph.D. only)
Doctoral Dissertation Submission and Checklist
Please review the Doctoral Dissertation Guidelines and complete the Doctoral Checklist and Information Form.
eTD@BC Online Submission Instructions
Doctoral Checklist and Information Sheet (form requires bc login)
Doctoral Dissertation Guidelines
Dissertation Deadlines
Spring graduation: Defend and submit the final dissertation no later than April 1. The final deadline for revisions by April 16.
Summer graduation: Defend no later than June 30 and submit the final dissertation no later than August 5.
Fall graduation: Defend and submit the final dissertation no late than December 5.
Health Insurance
You must have medical insurance while you are a student at Boston College. If you will be covered through someone else's policy, you can log into the Agora Portal and waive your medical insurance requirement (You can find the waiver option under My Services: Account and Personal Information: Medical Insurance. If you do not waive this requirement, you will be charged for the Boston College Student Health Insurance Plan.
Immunization Forms
Your immunization information is a critical component of your medical record. Massachusetts State Laws require college students to obtain immunizations based on whether you are considered a full or part-time student. Once you have determined your credit status please download the appropriate forms, complete and submit to University Health Services.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires that all full-time graduate students (students registered for 9 or more credit hours) must must be complient with Immunization Requirements as listed on this website.
Please send the completed form, signed by a physician in the appropriate place, to:
Boston College
Health Services, Room 005
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
If you would like to drop off the completed form at the office, University Health Services is located at St. Thomas More Apartments (2150 Commonwealth Ave.). The entrance is facing St. Thomas More Rd.
If you have questions regarding the immunization requirements, please contact the Health Services Office directly at 617-552-3225.
The information you submit will be maintained by the University Health Services in the strictest confidence and will provide the basic data essential to your care.
Dissertation Development Grants
| Deadline | March 1 (or the following Monday, if this falls on a weekend) |
| Value | $2,000 |
| Number | There are up to six grants each year |
| Requirements |
|
| Procedure | (1) Students may nominate themselves by submitting the following application materials electronically to the Associate Dean of Students:
(2) Students should request a Letter of Support from their Dissertation Chair. The letter should be submitted electronically to the Associate Dean of Students (sparks@bc.edu) and address:
(3) Students should deliver one copy of their official transcript to the Graduate Office on or before March 1
Note: Students who are awarded the Summer Dissertation Development Grant are eligible for paid employment during the summer they receive the grant, and are also eligible for graduate assistantships and tteaching fellowships in the following academic year. |
Fellowships
| Deadline | March 1 (or the following Monday, if this falls on a weekend)March 1 (if this falls on a weekend, deadline is 4 pm the following Monday) |
| Value | $18,500 |
| Number | There are two fellowships each year. The Fellowship is intended to support the students' completion of their dissertation. It is expected that Fellowship recipients will dedicate themselves full-time to working on their dissertations. Priority will be given to those nominees who, in the opinion of the Faculty Awards Committee, will have a high probability of completing the dissertation during the academic year of the award. |
| Requirements |
Note: Dissertation Fellowship recipients are not eligible for any additional Boston College-based employment during the course of their Fellowship, including graduate or teaching assistantships, internships, or instructor positions. Any exceptions to this must be approved by the Associate Dean of Students. |
| Procedure | (1) Only the Chair of the Dissertation Committee may nominate a student. Given the competitive nature of the award, Dissertation Chairs are requested to present the case for their nominee in some detail, recognizing that the persuasiveness of their arguments will be central in advancing the nomination. The letter of nomination should address each of the following five points, elaborating where appropriate:
Dissertation Chairs should submit the Nomination Letter electronically to the Associate Dean of Students on or before the March 1st deadline date (2) Nominated students should submit the following application materials electronically to the Associate Dean of Students on or before the March 1st deadline date:
*Due to the competitive nature of this fellowship, students are advised to indicate whether they are willing to be considered for a Summer Dissertation Development Grant if they are not chosen for the Dissertation Fellowship, and, if so, how they would use such funds. (3) Students should deliver one copy of their official transcript to the Graduate Office on or before March 1st Nomination Letters and application materials are reviewed by the Faculty Awards Committee and recipients will be announced by the Graduate Office no later than March 31st (or the following Monday if this falls on a weekend). |
The Boston College Graduate Education Association is a student-run organization that serves all graduate students in the Lynch School of Education. Located in Campion Hall 107, the Grad Lounge is open 24/7.
Dissertation Deadlines
Spring graduation: Defend and submit the final dissertation no later than April 1. The final deadline for revisions by April 16.
Summer graduation: Defend no later than June 30 and submit the final dissertation no later than August 5.
Fall graduation: Defend and submit the final dissertation no late than December 5.
Lynch School Ambassadors
Each academic program has a student ambassador, who serves as a resource for currents students. Ambassadors provide information about deadlines, program requirements, and much more. Also, they send students monthly emails about important dates and reminders specific to their program. Do you have concerns about your program or upcoming deadlines? Reach out to your ambassador today!