Woods College of Advancing Studies
As one of the schools that make up Boston College, the James A. Woods, S.J., College of Advancing Studies (Woods College) fosters students’ rigorous intellectual development coupled with Ignatian, ethical, and personal formation to prepare them to make an impact in the workforce in a global society. Within the context of the Boston College environment, Woods College promotes the care and attention to the human person that is the hallmark of Jesuit Catholic education. In addition, our faculty and students engage in significant applied academics that enriches the culture and addresses important societal needs.
Woods College offers the atmosphere of a small college within the environment of a large university. Students receive personal attention while enjoying access to the many resources of Boston College.
Graduate Programs
The James A. Woods, S.J., College of Advancing Studies offers graduate degree programs that focus on the application of knowledge and skills to professional practice. The graduate programs combine academic and workplace experience to enable students to enhance their professional competencies thereby facilitating career development and advancement. With an applied focus, each graduate program in Woods College offers programs to provide effective and efficient learning opportunities for students to develop complex knowledge and skills with the goal of preparing students to address current and future professional and societal challenges.
Woods College graduate program directors, faculty, and advisors help direct prior learning and work experience toward degree completion and career advancement through coursework and applied projects.
Woods College offers the following Master-level degree programs.
- Master of Science in Applied Analytics
- Master of Science in Applied Economics
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity Policy and Governance
- Master of Healthcare Administration
- Master of Science in Leadership and Administration
- Master of Science in Sports Administration
- Dual Master of Science in Applied Economics and Cybersecurity Policy
- Dual Master of Science in Applied Economics and Applied Analytics
Woods College offers graduate-level certificates in the following areas.
Applied Economics Graduate Certificates
- Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics
Leadership and Administration Graduate Certificates
- Graduate Certificate in Corporate Communications and Marketing
- Graduate Certificate in Executive Leadership and Organizational Development
- Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management
- Graduate Certificate in Project Management
- Graduate Certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Cybersecurity Graduate Certificates
- Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Risk Management and Strategy
- Graduate Certificate in Computer Security
- Graduate Certificate in National Security and Global Affairs
- Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Analytics
Sports Management Graduate Certificates
- Graduate Certificate in Sports Analytics
- Graduate Certificate in Student-Athlete Development
- Graduate Certificate in Executive Sports Leadership
Master of Science in Applied Analytics (On Campus and Online)
Program Description
The Master of Science in Applied Analytics offers practical curriculum in advanced analytics with emphasis on Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence approaches. The focus of the program is to equip students to carry out analytics on a variety of data sets in terms of size and complexity, identify patterns and causal relationships, derive results and turn them into actionable insights, and, ultimately, communicate the insights to a variety of audiences in order to influence business or policy decisions. The curriculum instills analytic rigor, with appreciation for interaction with non-technical audiences and the need for communication and influencing skills. In addition, as a part of Boston College’s focus on formation and service to others, the ethical side of analytics is also considered whether directly through the Model Governance course or indirectly through interactions and instruction in other courses.
Graduates of MS in Applied Analytics program will be able to perform cutting-edge analytic work and be able to take data projects through the complete lifecycle from inception to delivery of insights. They will be able to communicate their findings to non-technical audiences and understand the implications of their recommendation on actual business and/or policy actions and outcomes. In short, graduates of the MS in Applied Analytics will do analytics not for sake of analytics, but to drive real impact.
The Master of Science in Applied Analytics is a ten-course degree program. The program can be completed in a twelve-month period, but is designed to be flexible in meeting student needs, allowing students to attend full- or part-time. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for admission in the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. All undergraduate majors are encouraged to apply.
Program graduates will be able to:
- Design analytic approaches to solve complex problems
- Understand and deploy advanced analytic techniques in search of actionable insights
- Use machine learning and artificial intelligence tools and approaches to leverage data for business and policy decision-making
- Draw insights from analytics and communicate them clearly to non-technical audiences
- Drive real impact based on results and insights from analytics
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university (minimum GPA 3.0)
- Official academic transcripts from colleges/universities where courses were completed
- GRE (reporting code 7534) or GMAT (reporting code 44X-HX-07) are optional
- Personal Statement
- Letters of Recommendation (Two)
- Resume
- Application Fee
- Prerequisite courses: Statistics and Calculus I*
Note: *CLEP exam score of 56 or higher is acceptable in lieu of a passing grade from an accredited undergrad program.
International Students—Additional Admission Requirements
In addition to the general requirements listed above, international students have the following requirements:
- TOEFL (minimum 90–100 range) (reporting code 3276) or IELTS (minimum 6.5–7.5 range) from within the past two years, unless they have completed their undergraduate degree at a regionally-accredited U.S. institution, or a foreign institution in which English is the medium of instruction.
- Detailed course-by-course transcript evaluation indicating conferral of an undergraduate degree that is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (see transcript requirements for international students).
Degree Requirements
Ten courses are required to complete the Master of Science in Applied Analytics.
Foundational Requirements (All Required, 6 Credits*)
- ADAN7510 Mathematical Methods for Machine Learning I
- ADAN/ADEC7310 Data Analysis
*Students who have taken Calculus II and Linear Algebra in their undergraduate studies can obtain Course Equivalence for ADAN 7510. Students who have completed advanced Statistics courses such as Econometrics in their undergraduate studies can obtain course equivalence for ADAN/ADEC 7310. Course Equivalence does not result in reduction of required credits, but allows students to enroll in electives instead of fundamental courses.
Core Requirements (All Required, 12 Credits)
- ADAN7920 AI/ML Software Tools and Platforms
- ADAN/ADEC7340 AI Algorithms I/Big Data Econometrics
- ADAN7350 AI Algorithms II
- ADAN7500 Algorithmic Ethics and Governance—from Traditional to AI/ML
Project Requirements (All Required, 3 Credits)
- ADAN8880 Directed Practicum in Analytics
Electives Requirements (Selected from the Following, Minimum of 9 Credits**)
- ADAN/ADEC7320 Regression Models/Econometrics
- ADAN7520 Machine Learning Product Management
- ADAN/ADEC7460 Predictive Analytics/Forecasting
- ADAN/ADEC7410 Operations Research
- ADAN7520 Mathematical Methods for Machine Learning II
- ADAN/ADEC7470 Advanced Econometrics
**Students who have undergraduate preparation that allows for a course equivalence for Fundamental Courses, can take 6 credit hours of electives and possibly take electives from other programs at WCAS with permission of the Program Director).
Scheduling and Tuition
Program courses are scheduled ordinarily meeting one time per week starting in the late afternoons on weeknights and during the day on Saturdays. Courses meet face-to-face or online in a variety of formats. Students can complete the program in either modality or combine classes according to their schedule.
Information about tuition rates for the 2023–2024 academic year is available at the Tuition and Fees page. Students are assessed a $25 registration fee each semester they enroll in courses.
Master of Science in Applied Economics (On Campus and Online)
Program Description
The Master of Science in Applied Economics offers a practical and comprehensive curriculum to students interested in acquiring skills related to the analysis and interpretation of data across a variety of fields. Through training in Economic theory, graduates will be equipped to understand the context of data they are analyzing, and through training in cutting-edge analytic techniques, they will be able to analyze the data, interpret and present results to decision makers, and make recommendations bolstered by the results of the data analysis. The focus of the program is on preparing graduates to use rigorous analytic approaches to provide actionable insights for their organization. The program provides individuals with extensive training in the tools and methods necessary for understanding complex policy issues, industry trends, and analytic strategies within fields and industries including health care, finance, marketing, and environmental policy. These skills are developed within a curricular framework that emphasizes reflective, people-centered, ethical decision making reflected in a Jesuit, Ignatian tradition. The program is intended for individuals seeking to begin or advance their careers in industry, policy and government, or non-profit sector.
The Master of Science in Applied Economics is a ten-course degree program. The program can be completed in a twelve-month period, but is designed to be flexible in meeting student needs, allowing students to attend full- or part-time. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for admission in the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. All undergraduate majors are encouraged to apply.
Program graduates develop career skills that include:
- Use of economic models to analyze the choices made by consumers, investors, firms, and governments
- Utilizing macro and microeconomic models in order to analyze business, policy, and social issues and decisions
- Interpreting and analyze macroeconomic data to formulate economic policy and to evaluate the impact of macroeconomic events and forces on their organization
- Practical knowledge of data analysis including econometric and non-econometric approaches
- Applying economic models and econometric techniques in the context of economic analysis in order to address practical business or policy issues
- Use of statistical/econometric software packages
- Ability to evaluate the ethical ramifications of economic policy proposals
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university (minimum GPA 3.0)
- Official academic transcripts from colleges/universities where courses were completed
- GRE (reporting code 7534) or GMAT (reporting code 44X-HX-07) are optional
- Personal Statement
- Letter of Recommendation (Two)
- Resume
- Application Fee
- Prerequisite courses: Principles of Microeconomics,* Principles of Macroeconomics,* Statistics,* Calculus I,* and Calculus II**
Notes: *CLEP exam score of 56 or higher is acceptable in lieu of a passing grade from an accredited undergrad program.
**Calculus II may be taken concurrently during your first semester of study. This requirement can also be fulfilled by taking ADEC3510 Mathematics for Economists (these prerequisite courses do not count toward the degree).
International Students—Additional Admission Requirements
In addition to the general requirements listed above, international students have the following requirements:
- TOEFL (minimum 90–100 range) (reporting code 3276) or IELTS (minimum 6.5–7.5 range) from within the past two years, unless they have completed their undergraduate degree at a regionally-accredited U.S. institution, or a foreign institution in which English is the medium of instruction.
- Detailed course-by-course transcript evaluation indicating conferral of an undergraduate degree that is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (see transcript requirements for international students).
Degree Requirements
Ten courses are required to complete the Master of Science in Applied Economics.
Core Requirements (All Required, 15 Credits)
- ADEC7201 Applied Microeconomic Theory
- ADEC7200 Applied Macroeconomic Theory
- ADEC7320 Econometrics
- ADEC7310 Data Analysis
- ADEC7500 Ethics, Economics and Public Policy
Electives Requirements (Selected from the Following, 15 Credits)
- ADEC 7101 Directed Readings and Research
- ADEC 7340 Advanced Urban and Regional Economics
- ADEC 7350 Economics of Banking and Insurance
- ADEC 7360 Financial Economics
- ADEC 7370 Applied Stress Testing for Economists
- ADEC 7380 Empirical Health Economics
- ADEC 7390 Empirical Money and Banking
- ADEC 7410 Operations Research in Applied Economics
- ADEC 7420 Development Economics
- ADEC 7430 Big Data Econometrics
- ADEC 7450 Private Sector Development and Economic Growth
- ADEC 7460 Predictive Analytics/Forecasting
- ADEC 7500 Ethics, Economics and Public Policy
- ADEC 7510 Law and Economics
- ADEC 7520 Transfer Pricing
- ADEC 7530 Measuring Business Cycles, Trends and Growth Cycles
- ADEC 7810 Empirical Behavioral Economics
- ADEC 7820 Economics of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- ADEC 7840 Management of Projects in Applied Economics
- ADEC 7910 Software Tools for Data Analysis
- ADEC 7920 Market Research and Analysis
- ADEC 7930 Fundamentals of Private Equity
- ADEC 7940 Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
- ADEC 8880 Directed Practicum
Scheduling and Tuition
Program courses are scheduled ordinarily meeting one time per week starting in the late afternoons on weeknights and during the day on Saturdays. Courses meet face-to-face or online in a variety of formats. Students can complete the program in either modality or combine classes according to their schedule. Students who complete the required courses for the Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics will be awarded the Certificate at the time of conferral of the Master degree.
Information about tuition rates for the 2023–2024 academic year is available at the Tuition and Fees page. Students are assessed a $25 registration fee each semester they enroll in courses.
Master of Science in Cybersecurity Policy and Governance (On Campus and Online)
Program Description
The Master of Science in Cybersecurity Policy and Governance provides students with the skills necessary to manage the critical and emerging cybersecurity issues faced by private industry and government. Taught by industry leaders and practitioners, students will learn applied and hands-on methods to identify, assess, and manage cyber risk, and to develop and implement a proactive, comprehensive cybersecurity strategy to effectively defend, mitigate, and recover from a cyber-attack. The program prepares practitioners to design and lead business cases for investment to senior executives, boards of directors, and government officials, and to bridge the communication gap between Information Technology (IT) security professionals and key business stakeholders.
Students will also learn to cultivate strategies based on ethical principles informed by company policies and government regulations to protect against and respond to cyber threats. The program emphasizes leadership, critical thinking, analytic problem solving, and strong communication skills preparing practitioners to meet and respond to the varying issues presented by a rapidly changing cyber ecosystem.
The Master of Science in Cybersecurity Policy and Governance is a ten-course degree program that can be completed in a sixteen-month period, but is designed to be flexible in meeting students’ needs. The program is intended for business and government professionals, managers, and practitioners, IT professionals, and individuals seeking skills in cybersecurity strategy, leadership, management, and policy to begin or advance careers in private industry or government. As a working professional, you may wish to attend full- or part-time. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for admission in the Fall or Spring semesters.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university (minimum GPA 3.0)
- Official academic transcripts from colleges/universities where courses were completed
- Personal Statement
- Letter of Recommendation (Two)
- Resume
- Application Fee
International Students
Applicants requiring a student visa to enroll in this program are currently not eligible to apply for this program.
Program Requirements
Ten courses are required to complete the Master of Science in Cybersecurity Policy and Governance.
Core Requirements (All Required, 15 Credits)
- ADCY6000 Cyber Ecosystem and Cybersecurity
- ADCY6050 Cybersecurity Policy: Privacy and Legal Requirements
- ADCY6300 Network and Infrastructure Security (Prereq: ADCY 6000)
- ADCY6350 Incident Response and Management
- ADCY6500 Organizational Effectiveness: Governance, Risk Management, and Compliancy
Elective Requirements
Students may select courses from a track below or 15 credits of any non-core courses.
Cybersecurity Risk Management and Strategy Track
- ADCY 6925 Cybersecurity: Risk Management & Resiliency
- ADCY 6400 Managing Cyber Risk: Mobile Devices & Social Networking
- ADCY 6475 Security in the Cloud
- ADCY 6600 Cybersecurity: The Role of the CISO
- ADCY 6450 Cyber Investigations & Digital Forensics
- ADCY 6630 Cyber Crime
- ADCY 6640 National Security: Law, Policy & Investigations
Computer Security Track
- ADCY 6810 Cybersecurity: Designing Offensive/Defensive Capabilities (Prereq: ADCY 6000)
- ADCY 6450 Cyber Investigations & Digital Forensics
- ADCY 6475 Security in the Cloud
- ADCY 6925 Cybersecurity: Risk Management & Resiliency
- ADCY 6820 Cybersecurity Engineering
- ADCY 6830 Applied Cryptography
- ADCY 6840 Machine Learning & Data Analytics
National Security and Global Affairs Track
- ADCY 6630 Cyber Crime
- ADCY 6650 Role of Intelligence: Enabling Proactive Cybersecurity
- ADCY 6200 International Cybersecurity
- ADCY 6450 Cyber Investigations & Digital Forensics
- ADCY 6925 Cybersecurity: Risk Management & Resiliency
- ADCY 6640 National Security: Law, Policy & Investigations
- ADCY 6630 Counterintelligence: Methods and Process
- ADCY 6620 National Security: Corporate Law & Policy
Non-Core Courses
- ADCY 6630 Cyber Crime
- ADCY 6200 International Cybersecurity
- ADCY 6400 Managing Cyber Risk: Mobile Devices & Social Networking
- ADCY 6425 Cyber Strategy: Innovation, Technology, and Formative Development
- ADCY 6450 Cyber Investigations & Digital Forensics
- ADCY 6475 Security in the Cloud
- ADCY 6600 Cybersecurity: The Role of the CISO
- ADCY 6620 National Security: Corporate Law & Policy
- ADCY 6630 Counterintelligence: Methods and Process
- ADCY 6640 National Security: Law, Policy & Investigations
- ADCY 6650 Role of Intelligence: Enabling Proactive Cybersecurity
- ADCY 6810 Cybersecurity: Designing Offensive/Defensive Capabilities (Prereq: ADCY 6000)
- ADCY 6925 Cybersecurity: Risk Management & Resiliency
- ADCY 6955 Applied Research Project for Non-Profit Organizations
- ADCY 6900 Ethical Issues in Cybersecurity
Scheduling and Tuition
Program courses are available on campus during the evening, hybrid, and/or online. Students may take any combination of course delivery that works best for them.
Information about tuition rates for the 2023–2024 academic year is available at the Tuition and Fees page. Students are assessed a $25 registration fee each semester they enroll in courses.
Master of Healthcare Administration (Online Only)
Program Description
The Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program provides a comprehensive perspective of the health ecosystem by incorporating contemporary challenges and emerging trends from across the health ecosystem. The MHA program fosters academic growth, supports career development, and prepares graduates to drive organizational change across the rapidly transforming health ecosystem.
The Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) is a twelve-course degree program for part-time and full-time students who are at various career stages. Most students choose to take one course every seven weeks (two courses per semester) and complete the program in two years. Some students elect to take more than one course every seven weeks to progress more quickly through the curriculum. The accelerated courses, which are offered in seven-week sessions, help students gain knowledge in core areas and those specific to other health ecosystem industries.
Students come from across the nation, and from a broad range of settings, including health systems management, insurance providers, as well as biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical device industries. The program also attracts new graduates, and others who aspire to pivot into healthcare related industries, along with individuals wanting to further develop and/or advance their careers.
With three starting points each year (August, January, and May), applications for admissions are accepted on a rolling basis.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university (minimum GPA 3.0)
- Official academic transcripts from colleges/universities where courses were completed
- Personal Statement
- Letter of Recommendation (Two)
- Resume
- Application Fee
Note: Applicants whose undergraduate GPA is below 3.0 will be considered for admission. Such applications will be considered holistically, including letters of recommendation, personal statement, and professional experience. Recent college graduates with little to no professional experience must have a 3.0 GPA to be competitive for full acceptance.
International Students
Applicants requiring a student visa to enroll in this program are currently not eligible to apply for this program.
Degree Requirements
Twelve courses are required to complete the Master of Health Administration, nine core courses and three electives for a total of 43 to 46 credits.
Core Requirements (All Required, 34 Credits)
- ADHA 7000 Introduction to Healthcare Systems and Organizations (4 credits)
- ADHA 7010 Health Policy (4 credits)
- ADHA 7015 Leadership in Healthcare (4 credits)
- ADHA 7025 Current Issues in Health Economics (4 credits)
- ADHA 7035 Healthcare Innovation-Based Strategy: Managing Change (2 credits)
- ADHA 7040 Healthcare Quality Management (4 credits)
- ADHA 7045 Health Analytics: Assessing & Critiquing Evidence & Decision-Making (4 credits)
- ADHA 7050 Healthcare Information Technology (4 credits)
- ADHA 7055 Strategic Planning and Marketing (4 credits)
Elective Requirements (three courses selected from the following, 9 to 12 Credits)
- ADHA 7005 Management Theory and Organizational Behavior (4 credits)
- ADHA 7020 Workforce Development (4 credits)
- ADHA 7033 Health Ethics & Law (4 credits)
- ADHA 7060 Project Management (3 credits)
- ADHA 7065 Product Development and Marketing in the Digital Age (3 credits)
- ADHA 7070 Medical Device Regulations (3 credits)
- ADHA 7075 Drug Discovery and Product Regulations (3 credits)
Scheduling and Tuition
Program courses are offered online asynchronously with an optional weekly discussion hour.
Information about tuition rates for the 2023–2024 academic year is available at the Tuition and Fees page. Students are assessed a $25 registration fee each semester they enroll in courses.
Master of Science in Leadership and Administration (On Campus and Online)
Program Description
This program is designed to help students acquire the high-level leadership and management skills and competencies necessary for effective leadership. The program trains students to be agile and inclusive changemakers who adapt their methods and organizations to internal and external challenges and trends. With a foundation in leading and managing change, the courses focus on creativity, innovation, teamwork, and service-oriented approaches that prioritize equity and build others up. Students learn strategies to lead—and thrive—in diverse and complex environments. Students graduate from this program grounded and confident in applied leadership skills. With several concentrations to choose from, this degree is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to lead and manage in a variety of professional fields.
The M.S. in Leadership and Administration Program consists of six core courses. Students customize their degree by choosing a relevant and in-demand concentration: Corporate Communications and Marketing; Executive Leadership and Organizational Development; Human Resources Management; Project Management; or Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university (minimum GPA 3.0)
- Official academic transcripts from colleges/universities where courses were completed
- Personal Statement
- Letter of Recommendation (Two)
- Resume
- Application Fee
- Optional—GRE (reporting code 7534) or GMAT (reporting code 44X-HX-47)— recommended for students with lower undergraduate GPA
International Students—Additional Admission Requirements
In addition to the general requirements listed above, international students have the following requirements:
- Interview (in person or online)
- TOEFL (minimum 90–100 range) (reporting code 3276) or IELTS (minimum 6.5–7.5 range) from within the past two years, unless they have completed their undergraduate degree at a regionally-accredited U.S. institution, or a foreign institution in which English is the medium of instruction.
- Detailed course-by-course transcript evaluation indicating conferral of an undergraduate degree that is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (see transcript requirements for international students).
Degree Requirements
Core Requirements (All Required, 15 Credits)
- ADGR7708 Project Management
- ADGR7715 Inclusive Leadership
- ADGR7726 Leading and Managing Change
- ADGR7777 Evolution of Successful Marketing Strategies in the Digital Era
- ADGR7785 Leadership and Decision Making: Ignatian-based Applied Ethics
Core Requirement (one course selected from the following, 3 Credits)
- ADGR9902 Applied Leadership Project
- ADGR 9901 Internship
Concentration Requirements
Students choose from one of the concentrations below to complete their degree program.
Corporate Communications and Marketing Concentration Requirements (All Required, 12 Credits)
- ADGR 8006 Cross-Cultural Communications
- ADGR 8028 Media Relations and Community Management
- ADGR 8200 Social Influence and Content Creation
- ADGR 8120 Business and Marketing Analytics
Executive Leadership and Organizational Development Concentration Requirements (All Required, 12 Credits)
- ADGR8010 Leader as Change Agent
- ADGR8015 Business Strategy
- ADGR8030 Talent Management
- ADGR8046 Organization Theory and Design
Human Resources Management Concentration Requirements (All Required, 12 Credits)
- ADGR8030 Talent Management
- ADGR8053 Employment and Labor Law
- ADGR8055 Human Resource Development
- ADGR8090 Workforce Planning
Project Management Concentration Requirements (All Required, 12 Credits)
- ADGR8110 Agile Methodologies
- ADGR8130 Risk Management, Quality Management
- ADGR8201 Agile Product Development
- ADGR8203 Stakeholder Management
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Concentration Requirements (All Required, 12 Credits)
- ADGR8301 Fundamentals/Foundations of DEI
- ADGR8302 Bias in the Workplace
- ADGR8303 Building Inclusive Organizational Cultures
- ADGR8304 Implementing Successful DEI Strategies
Scheduling and Tuition
Program courses are ordinarily scheduled starting in the late afternoons on weeknights. Courses meet face-to-face and most courses are offered online.
Information about tuition rates for the 2023–2024 academic year is available at the Tuition and Fees page. Students are assessed a $25 registration fee each semester they enroll in courses.
Master of Science in Sports Administration (On Campus and Online)
Program Description
The Master of Science in Sports Administration (MSSA) at Boston College addresses the challenges and opportunities of an industry in rapid growth. Designed to propose new thinking and broaden leadership competencies for those in sports management as well as administrators and coaches, this degree focuses on balancing the needs of the many stakeholders within an athletic system. This degree program focuses on development and cultivation of the individual, team, and organization through the establishment of an intentional culture of trust and commitment which adheres to the broader core values of the institution.
Students will learn how to guide team members into alignment and learn how to embrace and overcome setbacks through a positive focus on teamwork and collaboration. Using the Jesuit principles as the foundation for leadership and decision-making, graduates will learn how to authentically lead and bring out the best in others by espousing core values.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university (minimum GPA 3.0)
- Official academic transcripts from colleges/universities where courses were completed
- Personal Statement
- Letter of Recommendation (Two) (one must be from a professor or an academic advisor)
- Resume
- Application Fee
- Optional—GRE (reporting code 7534) or GMAT (reporting code 44X-HX-47)— recommended for students with lower undergraduate GPA
International Students—Additional Admission Requirements
In addition to the general requirements listed above, international students have the following requirements:
- Interview (in person or online)
- TOEFL (minimum 90–100 range) (reporting code 3276) or IELTS (minimum 6.5–7.5 range) from within the past two years, unless they have completed their undergraduate degree at a regionally-accredited U.S. institution, or a foreign institution in which English is the medium of instruction.
- Detailed course-by-course transcript evaluation indicating conferral of an undergraduate degree that is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (see transcript requirements for international students).
Course Offerings
Core Requirements (All Required, 15 Credits)
- ADSA 7501 Survey of Sports Administration
- ADSA 7502 Sports Marketing and Communication
- ADSA 7503 Sports Finance
- ADSA 7504 Sports Law and Compliance
- ADSA 7585 Sports Leadership & Ignatian-based Ethics
Core Requirement (one course selected from the following, 3 Credits)
- ADSA 9001 Sports Administration Internship
- ADSA 9902 Applied Sports Administration Project
Electives Requirements (Selected from the Following, 12 Credits)
- ADSA 7506 Athlete Entrepreneurship: Exploring Opportunities Created by NIL
- ADSA 8002 Issues and Challenges Affecting the Student-Athlete
- ADSA 8004 Diversity and Inclusion in Sports
- ADSA 8005 Health & Wellness in Athletics & Sports Admin
- ADSA 8007 Revenue Generation in Sports
- ADSA 8008 Sport Psychology
- ADSA 8010 Coaching for Performance & Student Athlete Development
- ADSA 8012 Sports Media and Public Affairs
- ADSA 8015 Sports Analytics
- ADSA 8018 The Athletic Director
- ADSA 8020 Operations and Event Management
- ADSA 8025 Sport Security and Event Management
Scheduling and Tuition
Program courses are ordinarily scheduled, meeting one time per week starting in the evenings on weeknights. Courses meet face-to-face, hybrid, and online. Students can complete the program in either modality or combine classes according to their schedule.
Information about tuition rates for the 2023–2024 academic year is available at the Tuition and Fees page. Students are assessed a $25 registration fee each semester they enroll in courses.
Dual Master of Science in Applied Economics and Cybersecurity Policy and Governance (On Campus and Online)
Program Description
To prepare students to work in the emerging field of Cybersecurity Policy, and to understand the data analytic component of the Applied Economics field, the Woods College offers a dual degree program in Applied Economics and Cybersecurity Policy & Governance.
Application Requirements
Applicants should apply to each program separately and must be independently admitted into both programs. Applicants must satisfy all requirements for admission for both programs, including necessary background courses. Students must also provide required standardized tests for the MSAE program. Additionally, the MSCY program does not accept international applicants.
Course Offerings
MSAE Core Requirements (All Required, 12 Credits)
- ADEC7200 Applied Macroeconomic Theory
- ADEC7201 Applied Microeconomic Theory
- ADEC7310 Data Analysis
- ADEC7320 Econometrics
MSCY Core Requirements (All Required, 18 Credits)
- ADCY6000 Cyber Ecosystem and Cybersecurity
- ADCY6050 Cybersecurity Policy: Privacy and Legal Requirements
- ADCY6300 Network and Infrastructure Security
- ADCY6350 Incident Response and Management
- ADCY6500 Organizational Effectiveness: Governance, Risk Management, and Compliancy
Ethics Requirements (Choose One, 3 Credits)
- ADEC7500 Ethics, Economics, and Public Policy
- ADCY6900 Ethical Issues in Cybersecurity and the Ignatian Paradigm
Applied Research Project Requirements (3 Credits)
- Applied Research Project would combine topics in Cybersecurity and Economics.
Electives Requirements (Select Two Courses from MSAE and Two Courses from MSCY, 12 Credits)
- Confirm selections with MSAE and MSCY Graduate Program Directors.
Dual Master of Science in Applied Economics and Applied Analytics (On Campus and Online)
Program Description
To prepare students to work in the field of Analytics and to understand the data analytic component of the Applied Economics field, the Woods College offers a dual degree program in Applied Economics and Applied Analytics.
Application Requirements
Applicants should apply to each program separately and must be independently admitted into both programs. Applicants must satisfy all requirements for admission for both programs, including necessary background courses. Students must also provide required standardized tests for the MSAE and MSAA programs.
Course Offerings
Core Requirements (All Required, 15 Credits*)
- ADAN7510 Mathematical Methods for Machine Learning I
- ADEC7310 Data Analysis
- ADEC7320 Econometrics
- ADAN/ADEC7340 AI Algorithms I / Big Data Econometrics
- ADEC7460 Predictive Analytics/Forecasting
*Students who have taken Calculus II and Linear Algebra in their undergraduate studies can obtain Course Equivalence for ADAN 7510. Students who have completed advanced Statistics courses such as Econometrics in their undergraduate studies can obtain course equivalence for ADAN/ADEC 7310. Course Equivalence does not result in reduction of required credits, but allows students to enroll in electives instead of fundamental courses.
MSAE Core Requirements (All Required, 6 Credits)
- ADEC7200 Applied Macroeconomic Theory
- ADEC7201 Applied Microeconomic Theory
MSAA Core Requirements (All Required, 6 Credits)
- ADAN7920 AI/ML Software Tools and Platforms
- ADAN7350 AI Algorithms II
Ethics Requirements (Choose One, 3 Credits)
- ADEC7500 Ethics, Economics, and Public Policy
- ADAN7500 Algorithmic Ethics and Governance—from Traditional to AI/ML
Applied Research Project Requirements (3 Credits)
- Applied Research Project would combine topics in Analytics and Economics.
Electives Requirements (Select Two Courses from MSAE and Two Courses from MSAA, 12 Credits)
- Confirm elective selections with Graduate Program Director.
Graduate Certificates
The Graduate Programs at Woods College of Advancing Studies offers several graduate certificates. Each certificate requires completion of several courses that build students’ knowledge and skills that are aligned with industry needs.
Prospective students may apply for a certificate program without becoming a Master program student. For students who are or will be enrolled in one of the Master degrees, there are several options for graduate certificates. A certificate may be taken as part of your graduate degree. The information that follows is to help you determine what courses are covered in each certificate and to determine how this will interface with your graduate degree.
For more information about the graduate certificates please contact the respective Graduate Program Directors or Graduate Student Advisors.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university (minimum GPA 3.0)
- Official academic transcripts from colleges/universities where courses were completed
- Personal Statement
- Letter of Recommendation (One)
- Resume
- Application Fee
Note: Applicants whose undergraduate GPA is below 3.0 will be considered for admission. Such applications will be considered holistically, including letter of reference, personal statement, and industry experience. For particular applicants, they may take a course within the certificate program as “non-degree student” and, if they pass the course with a B or better, their application to the certificate program may be reconsidered.
International Students
Applicants requiring a student Visa to enroll in the graduate certificate programs are currently not eligible to apply for the graduate certificate unless they are already enrolled in a MS degree program. For international students who do not need a student Visa, they may be considered for all the graduate certificates except for the Cybersecurity Graduate Certificates.
Graduate Certificate Completion Requirements
- Students must receive at least a grade of C for each course credited toward the certificate.
- Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 to receive a certificate of completion.
- Certificate requirements should be completed within two years of initial enrollment for non-degree students and prior to degree completion for students already enrolled in a degree program; courses are permanently retained on the student record.
Data Analytics Graduate Certificate (On Campus and Online)
Offered by the M.S. in Applied Economics Program
Offered by the M.S. in Applied Economics Program—All four courses are offered in 7-week terms and can be completed in 8 months. The courses are for-credit and can be transferred into the Boston College Master of Science in Applied Economics degree program. Students enrolling in this graduate certificate must have completed a college-level statistics course.
Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics
Requirements (All Required, 12 Credits)
- ADEC7310 Data Analysis
- ADEC7320 Econometrics
- ADEC7430 Big Data Econometrics
- ADEC7460 Predictive Analytics/Forecasting
Leadership and Administration Graduate Certificates (On Campus and Online)
Offered by the M.S. in Leadership and Administration Program
The courses are for-credit and can be transferred into the Boston College Master of Science in Leadership and Administration degree program.
Graduate Certificate in Corporate Communications and Marketing
Requirements (All Required, 12 Credits)
- ADGR8006 Communication in a Global Work Environment
- ADGR8028 Media Relations and Community Management
- ADGR8200 Social Influence and Content Creation
- ADGR8120 Business and Marketing Analytics
Graduate Certificate in Executive Leadership and Organizational Development
Requirements (All Required, 12 Credits)
- ADGR8010 Leader as Change Agent
- ADGR8015 Business Strategy
- ADGR8030 Talent Management
- ADGR8046 Organization Theory and Design
Graduate Certificate in Human Resources
Requirements (All Required, 12 Credits)
- ADGR8030 Talent Management
- ADGR8053 Employment and Labor Law
- ADGR8055 Human Resource Development
- ADGR8090 Workforce Planning
Graduate Certificate in Project Management
Requirements (All Required, 12 Credits)
- ADGR8110 Agile Methodologies
- ADGR8130 Risk Management, Quality Management
- ADGR8201 Agile Product Development
- ADGR8203 Stakeholder Management
Graduate Certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Requirements (All Required, 12 Credits)
- ADGR8301 Fundamentals/Foundations of DEI
- ADGR8302 Bias in the Workplace
- ADGR8303 Building Inclusive Organizational Cultures
- ADGR8304 Implementing Successful DEI Strategies
Cybersecurity Graduate Certificates (On Campus and Select Courses Online)
Offered by the M.S. in Cybersecurity Policy and Governance Program
The courses are for-credit and can be transferred into the Boston College Master of Science in Cybersecurity Policy and Governance degree program.
Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Analytics
Core Requirements (All Required, 12 Credits)
- ADEC7310 Data Analysis
- ADEC7340 Big Data Econometrics
- ADCY6050 Cybersecurity Policy: Legal Requirements and Privacy
- ADCY6350 Incident Response and Management
Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Risk Management and Strategy
Core Requirements (All Required, 6 Credits)
- ADCY6050 Cybersecurity Policy: Privacy and Legal Requirements
- ADCY6350 Incident Response and Management
Elective Requirements (Selected from the Following, 6 Credits)
- ADCY6925 Cybersecurity: Risk Management and Resiliency
- ADCY6400 Managing Cyber Risk: Mobile Devices and Social Networking
- ADCY6475 Security in the Cloud
- ADCY6600 Establishing the Business Case and Resource Allocation
- ADCY6450 Cyber Investigations and Digital Forensics
- ADCY6640 National Security: Law, Policy, and Investigations
Graduate Certificate in National Security and Global Affairs
Core Requirements (All Required, 6 Credits)
- ADCY6650 Role of Intelligence: Enabling Proactive Security
- ADCY6200 International Cybersecurity
Elective Requirements (Selected from the Following, 6 Credits)
- ADCY6450 Cyber Investigations and Digital Forensics
- ADCY6050 Cybersecurity Policy: Privacy and Legal Requirements
- ADCY6640 National Security: Law, Policy, and Investigations
- ADCY6630 Counterintelligence: Methods and Process
- ADCY6620 National Security: Corporate Law and Policy
Graduate Certificate in Computer Security
Core Requirements (All Required, 6 Credits)
- ADCY6000 Cyber Ecosystem and Cybersecurity
- ADCY6300 Network and Infrastructure Security (Prereq: ADCY6000)
Elective Requirements (Selected from the Following, 6 Credits)
- ADCY6450 Cyber Investigations and Digital Forensics
- ADCY6810 Cybersecurity: Designing Offensive/Defensive Capabilities (Prereq: ADCY6000)
- ADCY6475 Security in the Cloud
- ADCY6925 Cybersecurity: Risk Management and Resiliency
- ADCY6820 Cybersecurity Engineering
- ADCY6830 Applied Cryptography
- ADCY6840 Machine Learning and Data Analytics
Sports Management Graduate Certificates (Online and Select Courses on Campus)
Offered by the M.S. in Sports Administration Program
The courses are for-credit and can be transferred into the Boston College Master of Science in Sports Administration degree program.
Graduate Certificate in Sports Analytics
Core Requirements (All Required, 9 Credits)
- ADEC7310 Data Analysis
- ADEC7320 Econometrics
- ADSA8015 Sports Analytics
Elective Requirements (One Required, 3 Credits)
- ADSA7501 Introduction to Sports Management
- ADSA7502 Sports Marketing and Communication
- ADSA7503 Sports Finance
Graduate Certificate in Student-Athlete Development
Core Requirements (All Required, 9 Credits)
- ADSA8004 Diversity and Inclusion in Sports
- ADSA8002 Issues and Challenges Affecting the Student-Athlete
- ADSA8008 Sport Psychology
Elective Requirements (One Required, 3 Credits)
- ADSA7506 Athlete Entrepreneurship: Opportunities Created by Name, Image, and Likeness
- ADSA8005 Health and Wellness in Athletics and Sports Management
- ADSA7504 Sports Law and Compliance
Graduate Certificate in Executive Sports Leadership
Executive Sports Requirements (All Required, 9 Credits)
- ADSA 9101 Executive Sports Leadership Seminar
- ADSA 9102 Applied Goal Achievement
Leadership Requirement (1 course selected from the following, 3 Credits)
- ADGR 7726 Leading & Managing Change
- ADGR 8010 Leaders as Change Agents
Elective Requirements (One course required, 3 Credits)
Confirm elective selections with the Graduate Program Director.
Non-Degree Students
Non-degree students are individuals interested in taking graduate courses for academic credit but not in applying for a degree. A brief non-degree application form must be completed and submitted online. Non-degree students may enroll in Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters. Most graduate courses are only available to non-degree students with approval from the respective Graduate Program Director.