Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences

Carroll School of Management (CSOM) students seeking MCAS credit for courses taken abroad can contact Erica Graf. Lynch School of Education and Human Develpment (LSOE) students seeking A&S credit for courses taken abroad can contact Maureen Raymond.

 

Arts and Sciences Majors and Minors

 

Courses taken abroad may only count toward AADS electives. AADS Minors may take ONE elective for minor credit abroad. AADS Majors may take up to TWO electives for major credit abroad. Courses taken abroad cannot significantly overlap with another course that the student has already taken at Boston College. At least 50% of the content of the course must be African diaspora-related. Courses must be approved beforehand by the Director. 

Program Information

Program Contacts

Richard D. Paul

Assistant Director		                                                     617-552-4938         richard.paul@bc.edu

 

Course Approvals & Program Director

American Studies allows one course taken abroad to count towards the minor(but the course must be approved beforehand by the Director).

Program Information
Program Contact | Director of Minor & Course Approvals

Program Information

Program Contact

Department Information

Department Contacts

Art History

Film Studies

Studio Art

Program Information
Program Contact | Acting Program Director & Course Approvals

Biology majors are encouraged to study abroad, but must plan ahead carefully, especially if one wants to go abroad for a whole year instead of for a single semester. The Biology Department allows biology majors to carry over a maximum of one Biology elective for each semester that students are abroad.

Biology majors are eligible to study abroad during either the fall or spring semester of their junior year. For students who plan ahead, it may be possible to study abroad for an entire academic year, but students must be in early contact with the Director or Assistant Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Early planning is essential to make sure that students will meet all BC requirements, and to ensure that they will have a strong Biology background for study abroad.At a minimum, all Biology majors should take the following courses prior to study abroad:4 Biology courses4 Chemistry coursesCalculus
 It is essential for all Biology majors to meet with their departmental advisor before studying abroad. Prior to this meeting, students should obtain their degree audits and map out a tentative schedule for the semester(s) abroad and for the remaining time on campus at Boston College to show how students plan to meet the remaining major requirements.

The ideal type of course is one that fits with the Biology major. Courses that focus on the region in which students are studying and those that reflect the academic strengths of the host university department are highly recommended. To receive major credit for courses taken abroad, students must provide a course syllabus and obtain approval from the Director of Undergraduate Studies. Students are advised to obtain preliminary approval via email and a course approval form before going abroad. Upon students’ return, they should submit a syllabus and Course Substitution Form to the Director of Undergraduate Studies for final approval. Biology students should remember that the department allows a maximum of one course to be taken outside of the department with departmental approval, including study-abroad courses. Students going abroad for an entire year can take a maximum of two courses outside of the department with departmental approval.

All Honors thesis work is dependent on undergraduate research. Undergraduate research done in a BC faculty research laboratory is typically a two year commitment. Therefore, students wishing to go abroad should carefully plan their course of study with their academic advisor.

Department Information

Department Contacts

Biochemistry majors are encouraged to study abroad, however, since the courses for the major are sequenced for the first three years, it is usually necessary to take one or two biochemistry courses abroad. Any courses that will be substituted for a course for the major must be approved in advance, and thus careful planning is required. Before going abroad, Biochemistry majors must have completed the prerequisites as outlined in the Advising Guide (see link below). Exceptions must be approved by the department.

Department Information
Department Contacts
    Program Co-director, Course Approvals 
   Program Co-director, Course Approvals

 Program Information

Program Contacts | Program Co-Directors 

Chemistry majors are eligible to study abroad during the fall or spring semester of their junior year or the fall semester of their senior year. It is imperative that students plan ahead and contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies early.

Various BC summer programs are also offered every year in which students may participate as early as the summer after freshman year, and as late as the summer after senior year.

Early planning is essential to make sure that students will meet all BC requirements and to ensure that they will have a strong chemistry background for study abroad.

It is recommended that Chemistry majors take the following courses prior to study abroad:

General Chemistry, CHEM1109-1110 or CHEM1117-1118 and lab
Organic Chemistry, CHEM2231-2232 or CHEM2241-2242 and lab
Analytical Chemistry, CHEM3351 and lab
Inorganic Chemistry, CHEM3322 and lab
Calculus, MATH1102-1103 and MATH2202
Physics, PHYS 2100-01 or PHYS2200-01 and lab and lab

Exceptions may be approved by the department.

All Chemistry majors must meet with their academic advisor as early in their sophomore year as possible in order to plan for studying abroad.

Even if students have already met the BC language requirement, they are strongly encouraged to study abroad in a foreign language destination. However, the department does not recommend that students take chemistry courses in a foreign language.

For students who do not have language skills, there are several prestigious BC programs in non-English speaking countries that offer excellent courses in English.

Students are encouraged to take courses that fulfill university core or general elective credit and are especially advised to take chemistry electives. It is recommended that students take chemistry major requirements at BC. However, exceptions are possible where appropriate and can be discussed with the faculty advisor.


To receive major credit for courses taken abroad, students must provide a course syllabus and obtain approval from the Director of Undergraduate Studies. Prior to this meeting, students should have met with their academic advisor and mapped out a tentative schedule for the semester(s) abroad and for the remaining time on campus at Boston College. Chemistry majors should remember that the department allows a maximum of one required course for the major per semester to be taken abroad with department approval.

Students who are planning to participate in independent research are strongly urged to plan ahead. Students are advised to identify a BC faculty member willing to supervise their research and to explore how study abroad will impact their ability to participate in research.

Credit for research completed abroad must be pre-approved by the department.

Department Information
Department Contact
   Course Approvals & Director of Undergraduate Studies

Classical Studies majors are eligible to study abroad during either the fall or spring semester of their junior year. For students who plan ahead, it may be possible to study abroad for an entire academic year, but students must be in early contact with the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Early planning is essential to make sure that students will meet all BC requirements, and to ensure that they will have a strong Classical Studies background for study abroad. Since most international education systems require a higher degree of specialization at an earlier level, this strong background will allow students to take advantage of the best offerings at the host institution, including upper-level seminars.

Ideally, all Classical Studies majors should take at least one advanced language course before studying abroad.

All Classical Studies majors must meet with their departmental advisor before studying abroad. Prior to this meeting, students should obtain their degree audits and map out a tentative schedule for the semester(s) abroad and for the remaining time on campus at Boston College to show how students plan to meet the remaining major requirements.

The ideal type of course is one that fits with the Classical Studies major but is not available at BC. Courses that focus on the material culture of the region in which students are studying and those that reflect the academic strengths of the host university department are highly recommended.

To receive major credit for courses taken abroad, students must provide a course syllabus and obtain approval from the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor Kendra Eshleman.

Classical Studies students should remember that the department must approve the number of courses to be taken abroad.

In recent years, many students have used their experiences abroad to help generate or supplement a compelling thesis. For some Classical Studies majors who already have a topic in mind, studying abroad provides an excellent opportunity to conduct on-site research and establish contact with faculty at the host institution. All students are strongly encouraged to think about how their semester or year abroad can be integrated into a thesis.

Students who are planning to do a thesis are strongly urged to plan ahead. Students are advised to think about a thesis topic, identify a BC faculty member willing to supervise their work, and maintain e-mail contact with their thesis advisor while abroad. Students should discuss whether or not they need to take a specific course while abroad.

 

Department Information
Department Contacts

The department recommends that students study abroad in the spring semester of the junior year. Students may study abroad during the fall semester with department approval.

Early planning is essential to make sure that students will meet all BC requirements and the core Communication courses:

  • COMM 1010 Rhetorical Tradition
  • COMM 1020 Survey of Mass Communication
  • COMM 1030 Public Speaking
  • COMM 1040 Interpersonal Communication
  • COMM 3330 or COMM 3340 Communication Methods
     

It is strongly recommended that four of the five required Communication core courses should be taken prior to studying abroad. Communication majors must complete seven courses for the major by the end of their junior year. Two of these seven can be taken abroad for major elective credit with department approval. Communication majors should have no more than four major courses to complete in their senior year.

Communication majors should possess a strong communication background prior to studying abroad. Since most international education systems require a higher degree of specialization at an earlier level, this strong background will allow students to take advantage of the best offerings at the host institution, including upper-level seminars.

Many Communication courses abroad will be embedded in different disciplines, such as journalism, political science, and media and technology studies. Courses that focus on the region in which students are studying and those that reflect the academic strengths of the host university department are highly recommended.

Communication majors may take up to two major elective courses while abroad with department approval. Students participating in a BC partnership program may enroll in the online course, CO 485 Advanced Intercultural Communication, while abroad. Interested students must receive permission of Dr. Lisa Cuklanz and the appropriate OGE Advisor.

For students who are planning to do an honors thesis, it is advisable to identify a potential topic and potential supervisor prior to studying abroad. Students should then keep in touch with their thesis supervisor while abroad. Students should contact Prof. Celeste Wells for more information.

Department Information
Department Contact

Computer Science majors are eligible to study abroad during either the fall or spring semester of their junior year. Only 2 courses can be taken abroad to count towards the CS major.

Early planning is essential to make sure that students will meet all BC requirements, and to ensure that they will have a strong computer science background for study abroad. Since most international education systems require a higher degree of specialization at an earlier level, this strong background will allow students to take advantage of the best offerings at the host institution, including upper-level seminars.

Ideally, all Computer Science majors (BA and BS) should have taken:

  • CSCI 1101: Computer Science 1
    or CSCI 1103: Computer Science 1 Honors
  • CSCI 1102: Computer Science 2
  • CSCI 2244: Randomness and Computing
  • CSCI 2243: Logic and Computation
  • CSCI 3383: Algorithms
  • CSCI 2272: Computer Organization
  • CSCI 2271: Computer Systems

For BS Computer Science majors, please refer to the above list and also take the following courses before studying abroad:

  • CSCI 2267: Technology and Culture

All Computer Science majors must meet with the Undergraduate Program Director before studying abroad. Prior to this meeting, students should obtain their degree audits and map out a tentative schedule for the semester(s) abroad and for the remaining time on campus at Boston College to show how students plan to meet the remaining major requirements.

Students are encouraged to select several computer science classes abroad in case courses are canceled or have limited enrollment. All courses should be approved prior to studying abroad. Specific courses must be approved in the departments responsible for those courses (i.e. Computer science courses must be approved by the computer science department, math courses must be approved by the math department, etc.).

The ideal type of course is one that fits with the computer science major but is not available at BC. For example, students are encouraged to take courses involving a research area not offered in the BC Computer Science department. Students can also choose humanities courses for elective credit, or fulfill university requirements as long as they plan ahead.

To receive major credit for courses taken abroad, students must provide a course syllabus and obtain approval from the Director of Undergraduate Studies. Typically, classes reflecting another research area will count as 3000-level computer science electives. But be aware that CS programs in Europe last only 3 years, so their last year courses are usually accepted as a 2000-level course, not a 3000-level course. 3000-level courses in Europe are usually the ones that are open/offered to Master students.
Computer Science students should note that the department allows a maximum of two courses to be taken abroad, with department approval.

There is no Pre-Approved courses for Computer Science

Department Information
Department Contacts

The E&ES Department strongly encourages students to take advantage of study abroad opportunities. An Earth scientist can never see too much of our planet. We particularly encourage students to participate in programs that include field-based courses and research experiences. Depending upon the student's major, and the courses available at the foreign school, the department can be quite flexible. We typically allow one elective per semester abroad to count toward major requirements, or two courses in unusual circumstances. Students should work out their plan well in advance with a departmental advisor or the contacts listed below.

Department Information
Department Contact | Course Approvals & Director of Undergraduate Studies

Studying abroad for Economics majors, minors, and CSOM concentrators is far more than an interesting cultural experience. There are many fine Economics Departments in universities throughout the world, at which students would have the opportunity to take first-rate elective courses on topics that would not be available to them at Boston College or on similar topics approached from a somewhat different perspective. Such courses enrich and enhance the liberal arts experience that Boston College seeks for its students. The Economics faculty wholeheartedly joins the Office of Global Education in encouraging its undergraduate students to spend at least one semester studying abroad.

Department Information
Department Contacts

Nadia Smith

Academic Advisor and Administrator		                      617-552-3670                   smithum@bc.edu

 

There are many strong English programs offered through universities overseas. As part of your application checklist for study abroad, you need to procure permission from your major department. In the case of the English department, you have little reason for concern. Please plan to meet with Marla DeRosa, Associate Professor of the Practice, to discuss your plans. These meetings do not require an appointment unless you cannot meet during regular office hours..

English majors are eligible to study abroad during either the fall or spring semester of their junior year. For students who plan ahead, it may be possible to study abroad for an entire academic year, but students must be in early contact with the Director of Undergraduate Studies. Students in the Creative Writing concentration are not encouraged to study abroad for a full year, due to the curricular requirements of the concentration.

Beyond the BC language requirement, there are options to study abroad in the target language. Students would need to have strong language skills in order to directly enroll in literature courses. Those courses can count toward the English major.

There are several prestigious BC programs in English speaking countries that offer excellent courses in English. Students are encouraged to speak with their faculty advisor and International Study Advisor in order to determine the best fit for their interests.

Early planning is essential to ensure that students will meet all BC requirements and that they will have a strong English background for study abroad. Since most international education systems require a higher degree of specialization at an earlier level, this strong background will allow students to take advantage of the best offerings at the host institution, including upper-level seminars.At a minimum, all English majors should take the following courses prior to study abroad:

  • ENGL1131: Studies in Poetry
  • ENGL1133: Studies in Narrative 

 

All English majors must meet with their departmental advisor before studying abroad. With their faculty advisor, students will map out a tentative schedule for the semester(s) abroad and for the remaining time on campus at Boston College to show how students plan to meet the remaining major requirements.

The ideal type of course is one that fits with the English major but is not available at BC. Courses that focus on the region in which students are studying and those that reflect the academic strengths of the host university department are highly recommended.

All English courses need to be pre-approved by marla.derosa@bc.edu. This should be done before a Study Abroad Course Evaluation form is submitted. To receive major credit for courses taken abroad, students must provide a course syllabus and obtain approval from Professor Marla Derosa.


English students should remember that the department allows a maximum of two courses to be taken abroad per semester and four courses per academic year with department approval. If a course is not in English, one course per semester can be counted for major or minor credit.

In recent years, many students have used their experiences abroad to help generate or supplement a compelling honors thesis. For some English majors who already have a topic in mind, studying abroad provides an excellent opportunity to conduct on-site research and establish contact with faculty at the host institution. All students are strongly encouraged to think about how their semester or year abroad can be integrated into an honors thesis.
Students who are planning to do an honors thesis are strongly urged to plan ahead. Students are advised to establish a thesis topic and identify a BC faculty member willing to supervise their work before departing and to maintain e-mail contact with their thesis advisor while abroad. Students should discuss whether or not they need to take a specific course while abroad.

For students studying abroad in the spring semester of their junior year, the honors thesis proposal is due in September of their senior year. However, those students must be in contact with Professor Andrew Sofer, director of the program during the spring.

Department Information
Department Contact
Program Information
Program Contact | Course Approvals & Director of Undergraduate Studies
 

The Faith, Peace, and Justice Minor encourages its minors to study abroad and enrich their particular thematic focus with exposure to different global perspectives on social justice, promoting peace, and using faith to become agents of social change.  To assure acceptance for Boston College credit of courses taken abroad, students should consult with the Director of the minor in advance of registering.

Program Information

Program Contact

The Boston College History Department believes that many students profit greatly from spending part or all of their junior year abroad. OGE offers a vast amount of opportunities for history majors to expand their knowledge of historical periods by taking part in foreign study.

Department Information
Department Contacts

"Stacey" Anastasia Macherides Moulis

Administrative Assistant		                                   anastasia.macherides@bc.edu

 

Many international programs provide courses on topics that may not be available at Boston College and students are urged to seek out these opportunities. Due to the diverse nature of the international studies curriculum, students should plan carefully when considering study abroad, so as to ensure that they can fulfill all requirements. Our faculty join with the Office of Global Education in strongly recommending study abroad for all international studies majors.

International Studies majors and minors are eligible to study abroad during either the fall or spring semester of their junior year. For students who plan ahead, it may be possible to study abroad for an entire academic year, but students must be in early contact with the Program Administrator.

Early planning is essential to make sure that students will meet all BC requirements, and to ensure that they will have a strong international studies background for study abroad. Since most international education systems require a higher degree of specialization at an earlier level, this strong background will allow students to take advantage of the best offerings at the host institution, including upper-level seminars.

Apart from the required courses that are taken in students’ sophomore year (INTL 2200/2204 Where on Earth; INTL 2501 Introduction to International Relations), students should complete ECON 1101 Principles of Economics and at least one course in their chosen concentration (whether Foundational or elective) prior to going abroad.

 International Studies majors must meet with their academic advisor before studying abroad. Prior to this meeting, students should obtain their degree audits (on Agora) and map out a tentative schedule for the semester(s) abroad and for the remaining time on campus at Boston College to show how students plan to meet the remaining major requirements.

Courses that focus on the region in which students are studying and those that reflect the academic strengths of the host university department are highly recommended.

To receive major credit for courses taken abroad, students must obtain prior approval from the Program Administrator of the International Studies Program Patricia Joyce, by providing a course syllabus and indicating which major requirement is being fulfilled.

In recent years, many students have used their experiences abroad to help generate or supplement a compelling honors thesis. For students who already have a topic in mind, studying abroad provides an excellent opportunity to conduct on-site research and establish contact with faculty at the host institution. All students are strongly encouraged to think about how their semester or year abroad can be integrated into an honors thesis.

It is imperative for students doing an honors thesis to plan ahead. Such students are strongly urged to go abroad in the fall. Students are advised to complete their Methodology course, establish a thesis topic, and contact the Thesis Coordinator before departing.

Department Information
Department Contacts
   Associate Director, Thesis Coordinator & Course Approvals
   Course Approvals

Patricia Joyce

Program Administrator		                       617-552-2800                                patricia.joyce@bc.edu

 

Program Information
Program Contact | Course Approvals
Program Information
Program Contact | Course Approvals & Director of Undergraduate Studies
Program Information
Program Contacts

The Mathematics Department recognizes the value of international experience as part of an undergraduate education, and is happy to assist mathematics majors as they construct their program. Because of the hierarchical nature of the requirements for the major, we encourage students to plan carefully. For example, while many foreign institutions offer elective courses that fit well, it is sometimes difficult to find acceptable substitutes for the required courses, particularly in Algebra and Analysis. We recommend that any mathematics major considering an international program consult with the Assistant Chair for Undergraduate Programs.

Mathematics majors are eligible to study abroad during either the fall or spring semester of their junior year. Bachelor of Science candidates considering a semester abroad face a significant disruption of their program and should consult the Assistant Chair for Undergraduate Programs. For students who plan ahead, it may be possible to study abroad for an entire academic year, but students must be in early contact with the Assistant Chair for Undergraduate Programs.

Early planning is essential to make sure that students will meet all BC requirements, and to ensure that they will have a strong mathematics background for study abroad. Since most international education systems require a higher degree of specialization at an earlier level, this strong background will allow students to take advantage of the best offerings at the host institution, including upper-level seminars.

At a minimum, all Mathematics majors should take the following courses prior to study abroad:

  • MATH 2202 or MATH 2203
  • MATH 2210 or MATH 2211
  • MATH 2216

Bachelor of Arts candidates studying abroad in the spring should also complete at least one of MATH3310 or MATH3320.

Bachelor of Science candidates should speak to the Assistant Chair for Undergraduate Programs.

All Mathematics majors must meet with their departmental advisor before studying abroad. Prior to this meeting, students should obtain their degree audits and map out a tentative schedule for the semester(s) abroad and for the remaining time on campus at Boston College to show how students plan to meet the remaining major requirements.

Courses that reflect the academic strengths of the host university department are highly recommended.
To receive major credit for courses taken abroad, students must provide a course syllabus and obtain approval from the Assistant Chair for Undergraduate Programs, unless those courses are on the pre-approved course list.

Mathematics students should remember that the department allows a maximum of two courses to be taken abroad with department approval.

For some mathematics majors who already have a topic in mind, studying abroad provides an excellent opportunity to conduct on-site research and establish contact with faculty at the host institution.

Students who are planning to do an honors thesis are strongly urged to plan ahead. Students are advised to establish a thesis topic and identify a BC faculty member willing to supervise their work before departing and to maintain e-mail contact with their thesis advisor while abroad. Students should discuss whether or not they need to take a specific course while abroad.

Department Information
Department Contacts 

Whether it’s opera in Italy, the classical tradition in Vienna, a history of flamenco in Spain, or learning about African drumming traditions in South Africa, the study of music abroad inevitably makes the understanding of music within its culture all the richer and more meaningful. Students are encouraged to take full advantage of a study abroad experience through the courses they choose and through the remarkable and unique opportunities for attending concerts and performances. Before going abroad, both Minors and Majors should have completed Chromatic Harmony in theory and Majors in addition should have taken a couple of the history or cross-cultural courses. Thus acceptable offerings from abroad tend to lean towards courses in music history or in cross-cultural studies, with some upper-level theory courses acceptable.

Department Information
Department Contacts 
   Course Approvals 

Studying abroad can be an excellent way for Philosophy majors and minors to explore new topics and traditions, and deepen their philosophical education. The Philosophy faculty wholeheartedly joins the Office of Global Education in encouraging its undergraduate students to spend at least one semester studying abroad.

Philosophy students are eligible to study abroad during the fall or spring semester of the junior year, or the fall semester of the senior year. For students who have been diligent in their academic planning, it is possible to study abroad for an entire academic year.

Early planning is essential to make sure that you will meet your BC requirements, and to ensure that you will have a strong philosophy background for study abroad. Since most international education systems require a higher degree of specialization at an earlier level, this strong background will allow you to take advantage of the best offerings at your host institution, including upper-level seminars.

Philosophy majors and minors are required to take all of their philosophy core course requirements before studying abroad.

Students should talk to their academic advisor about the courses they plan to take abroad as well as the courses they plan to take upon returning to BC.

The ideal types of courses are those that fit with the philosophy major or minor but are not available at BC. Courses to look for are those that focus on the region or country in which you are studying and those that reflect the academic strengths of the host university department.

Philosophy majors in A&S can take up to 2 electives (6 credits) required toward their major each semester abroad with department approval. Philosophy minors can take 1 elective (3 credits) with department approval.

Some courses have already been pre-approved by the Philosophy department, but many have not. Students who wish to receive major or minor credits toward a course that is not pre-approved will need to submit a request, including a syllabus and/or course description, to be considered by the director of undergraduate studies in Philosophy.

If you are planning to do an honors thesis, you are strongly advised to identify a potential thesis topic and faculty supervisor prior to studying abroad. While abroad, you should maintain contact with your supervisor.

Department Information
Department Contacts 

Paula Perry

Administrative and Undergraduate Program Assistant 		                        paula.perry@bc.edu

 

Before undertaking study abroad, it is strongly recommended that the physics major completes PHYS 2200, PHYS 2201 (or PHYS 2100, 2101) with labs, PHYS 3100, and PHYS 3300 (also with labs), PHYS4400, and the co-requisite math courses MATH 1102, MATH 1103, MATH 2202. The department allows a maximum of four courses taken abroad to count for major credit. Of these four courses, two should be major requirements, plus two physics electives. The department recommends any program with a solid teaching and research program in physics.

Department Information
Department Contacts 
   Course Approvals

Study abroad is an excellent way for Political Science majors to gain a comparative and cross-cultural perspective on politics. Study abroad is encouraged by the Department, so long as students have prepared themselves with a strong academic background and choose their study-abroad location with care, to assure that the courses taken abroad meet the Department's expectations with respect to quality and content.

Political Science majors can study abroad in the fall or spring semesters of their junior year. Some of the strongest programs for political science are full year programs, which are compatible with the major but require early planning.

Early planning is essential to make sure that students will meet all BC requirements, and to ensure that they will have a strong Political Science background for study abroad. Since most international education systems require a higher degree of specialization at an earlier level, this strong background will allow students to take advantage of the best offerings at the host institution, including upper-level seminars.

Before going abroad, Political Science majors must complete the major’s two introductory course requirements. In addition, students are also strongly encouraged to have completed two courses in their major prior to study abroad. Political Science students should have a 3.2 GPA in their major to be approved for study abroad.

The ideal type of course is one that fits with the Political Science major but is not available at BC. Courses that focus on the region in which students are studying and those that reflect the academic strengths of the host university department are highly recommended.

The Department's study-abroad advisers can advise students about which programs and courses abroad will be acceptable. Although the OGE seeks to maintain updated lists of "pre-approved" sites and courses, those lists are not authoritative, and sites and courses on such lists may in fact no longer be acceptable to the department. The Department will accept no more than two courses (six credits) per semester from an institution abroad, or four courses (12 credits) for an entire year. These courses (credits) will count as major electives only. The four courses (12 credits) for the sub-field distributional requirement in the Political Science major (one each in American, Comparative, and International Politics and in Political Theory) must be taken at Boston College. No courses taken (credits earned) abroad will be accepted for these distributional requirements.

Study-abroad courses MUST be approved by one of the Department’s study-abroad advisors in order for the courses to count toward the major. Students are urged to gain approval for specific courses from one of these advisers before departing. Students who seek approval only after they return from abroad risk not getting Political Science credit for study-abroad courses.

When submitting a Course Substitution or Pre-Approval request through Student Services, students should attach the email approving the course to the form.

Current Advisors: Students thinking about studying abroad in Africa, Latin America, North America, Caribbean, Italy, or Spain, should contact Professor Honig at lauren.honig@bc.edu. Students interested in studying abroad elsewhere in Western and Eastern Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Oceania should contact Professor Marcesse at marcesse@bc.edu. Either advisor can meet with students who are interested in multiple regions.
 

Students planning to do a senior thesis in the Political Science Honors Program need to contact Prof. Michael Hartney. Students should keep in touch with their advisor while abroad. Students planning to do a senior thesis in the Arts & Sciences Honors Program need to contact the Director of the A&S Honors Program. Students should keep in touch with their advisor while abroad.

Department Information
Department Contact | Course Approvals

Study abroad can be an excellent opportunity, and many international programs provide Psychology options either similar to BC courses, or excellent alternatives. Indeed, ideal Psychology courses might be ones that are not available at BC. Before deciding to go abroad, Psychology and Neuroscience majors should read the Advising Guide (see link below) closely and consult with their advisors. Students interested in completing a Senior Thesis in Psychology should consider how they will balance opportunities offered by study abroad and those offered by BC's Psychology Department--such as independent study and lab research.

Psychology and Neuroscience majors are eligible to study abroad during either the fall or spring semester of their junior year. For students who plan ahead, it may be possible to study abroad for an entire academic year, but students must be in early contact with the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

The Psychology and Neuroscience Department offers three majors: the Psychology Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), the Psychology Bachelor of Science (B.S.), and the Neuroscience Bachelor of Science (B.S.). At a minimum, students should take the following courses prior to study abroad:

Psychology majors 

  • PSYC 1110 Brain, Mind, and Behavior (formerly Intro to Psychology as a Natural Science)
  • PSYC 1111 Self, Mind, and Society (formerly Intro to Psychology as a Social Science)
  • PSYC 1120 Introduction to Behavioral Statistics and Research I
  • PSYC 1121 Introduction to Behavioral Statistics and Research II (or a Research Practicum)

In addition to these courses, Psychology B.S. majors should be in good standing with their natural science requirements. It is recommended that B.S. majors have completed a minimum of two biology courses, two chemistry courses, and two math courses before studying abroad.

Neuroscience majors

  • PSYC1110 Brain, Mind, and Behavior (formerly Intro to Psychology as a Natural Science)
  • BIOL2000 Molecules and Cells
  • CHEM1109 General Chemistry I with lab
  • CHEM1110 General Chemistry II with lab
  • MATH1100 Calculus I or MATH1102 Calculus I (Math and Science Majors)
  • PSYC1120 Behavioral Statistics (or one of the equivalent courses listed)

All Psychology and Neuroscience majors must meet with their departmental advisor or the Director of Undergraduate Studies before studying abroad. Prior to this meeting, students should map out a tentative schedule for the semester(s) abroad and for the remaining time on campus at Boston College to show how they plan to meet the remaining major requirements.

The types of Psychology courses offered abroad vary substantially between host universities. The ideal type of course is one that fits with the psychology major but is not available at BC, but we are also happy to approve courses similar to BC offerings. Courses that focus on the region in which students are studying and those that reflect the academic strengths of the host university department are highly recommended. We will work with you as best we can to approve suitable courses.

Psychology students should remember that the department allows a maximum of four courses (two each from any semester abroad) to be taken outside of the department to count toward the major. Study abroad courses are considered outside of the department (along with courses taken within other BC schools – e.g. the Lynch School of Education and Human Development).

Students who are planning to do an honors thesis are strongly urged to plan ahead. Students are advised to establish a thesis topic and identify a BC faculty member willing to supervise their work before departing and to maintain e-mail contact with their thesis advisor while abroad. Students should discuss whether or not they need to take a specific course while abroad.

All students are strongly encouraged to think about whether and how their semester or year abroad can be integrated into an honors thesis.

Department Information
Department Contact | Course Approvals

The Pre-health Committee at Boston College feels that study abroad can be a very positive and enriching experience for selected undergraduates. However, students must be conscientious about the required courses for the concentration, their track of completion, and the pre-health office's guidelines for study abroad.

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Department Contact | Course Approvals

Rafael Luna

Director of Pre-Health Programs
                                                         617-552-9259               rafael.luna@bc.edu

 

The Department of Romance Languages and Literatures strongly encourages all of its students to study abroad, both to strengthen their linguistic skills and to benefit from the experience of living in another culture. Boston College offers a variety of study abroad options of specific interest to students studying French, Italian, or Spanish.

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   East European Studies
   Chinese
  Linguistics 
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  Russian and Slavic Studies 
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 Jewish Studies 

There are excellent study abroad programs available at BC and approved for sociology students by our Undergraduate Director. In general, students are eligible to study abroad in their junior year, and should start preparation in the fall term of their sophomore year.

Sociology majors are welcome to study abroad in the fall or spring of their junior year. For students who have been diligent in their academic planning, it is possible to study abroad for an entire academic year.

Although not required for the Sociology program, advanced language proficiency is strongly encouraged for all Sociology majors. The ability to converse in another language beyond the intermediate level is invaluable for future graduate study or any career with an international focus.

Early planning is essential to make sure that students will meet all BC requirements, and to ensure that they will have a strong sociology background for study abroad. Since most international education systems require a higher degree of specialization at an earlier level, this strong background will allow students to take advantage of the best offerings at the host institution.

All Sociology majors should take at least two of the required courses for the major (i.e., Introductory Sociology, Statistics, Research Methods, and Social Theory) before studying abroad. Students must talk to their academic advisor about the courses they plan to take abroad as well as the courses they plan to take upon returning to BC.

Many Sociology courses abroad will be embedded in various disciplines of the social sciences, such as anthropology, political science, and cultural studies. Courses that focus on the region or country in which you are studying and those that reflect the academic strengths of the host university department are highly recommended. You are more likely to get sociology credit for any course abroad if you can document that at least one reading in the course is authored by a sociologist.

A maximum of two courses are accepted toward the major during a single semester abroad. For students studying abroad for the entire year, a maximum of five courses may be accepted. Courses taken in a department of sociology or anthropology (BC program or an approved-external program) will almost always be accepted for credit toward the Sociology major. Those taken in other departments will be considered upon submission of a syllabus, reading list, and list of other course requirements.

NOTE: The Sociology department does not accept courses taken abroad for University Core credit in Social Sciences or Cultural Diversity.

Early planning is essential to make sure that students will meet all BC requirements, and to ensure that they will have a strong sociology background for study abroad. Since most international education systems require a higher degree of specialization at an earlier level, this strong background will allow students to take advantage of the best offerings at the host institution.

All Sociology majors should take at least two of the required courses for the major (i.e., Introductory Sociology, Statistics, Research Methods, and Social Theory) before studying abroad. Students must talk to their academic advisor about the courses they plan to take abroad as well as the courses they plan to take upon returning to BC.
 

Department Information
Department Contact | Course Approvals & Departmental Liaison for Study Abroad