Current Students
Current Lynch School Students
From the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Students
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.
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 Lynch Office of Undergraduate Programs 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
Meet with an Advisor
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View the programs of study for all Lynch School undergraduate and graduate programs.
View programs of studyCommencement Details
This site will assist you in navigating all details regarding this year's commencement activities.
View Commencement detailsPlanning your life at the Lynch School
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, 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.
How Can I Get Involved?
If you would like to get involved with the Lynch School of Education and Human Development Undergraduate Senate, please email us.
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 Lynch Office of Undergraduate Programs, Campion Hall 104. Majors indicated upon admission to Boston College are not considered ‘official.’
To declare a Lynch major or minor please submit the following form(s) to the Office of Undergraduate Students in Campion 104:
- Adjust Major/Program of Study Form - Students will indicate their Lynch School Major, interdisciplinary major or MCAS major, in addition to any minors.
- Application for Admission to Teacher Education Programs Form - 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 MCAS majors or minors:
Students who plan to declare any MCAS major or minor, should list the major on the Lynch School declaration form.
Lynch students are encouraged to persue study abroad options, to arrange please follow the steps below:
1. Visit the Office of International Programs website to view the various OIP Partnerships, learn about study abroad policies and procedures, how to take next steps in the process.
2. 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.
3. Students may participate in a teaching or a service learning opportunity while abroad.
4. Meet with the Practicum International Coordinator in Campion 102 to discuss the details of the international pre-practicum program. Make an appointment by sending an email to International.prac@bc.edu.
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.
Upon admission to the program, 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 $9,000.
All undergraduate juniors in the Lynch School of Education and Human Development, Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences, Connell School of Nursing, and Carroll School of Management are eligible to apply for these programs.
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 LSEHD 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 LSEHD 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.
From the Associate Dean of Graduate Students
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.
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,
Steven Viveiros
Associate Dean of Graduate Student Services
Office of Graduate Admission, Financial Aid, and Student Services
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.
Registration Support
If you have any questions or concerns with course registration, please don't hesitate to email us.
Email UsGraduate Student Advising
Graduate Student Services provides academic advising and support to LSEHD Graduate Students across all programs.
Visit SitePrograms of Study
View the programs of study for all Lynch School undergraduate and graduate programs.
View programs of study
Planning your life at the Lynch School
Program of Study Forms
Programs of Study
Lynch School Student Forms
- Readings & Research/Independent Study
- Course Waiver Form
- Course Substitution Form
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Field Experience Waiver Form
For forms related to the Practicum Office, please find the most up to date forms and submission information within the office's Google Drive Folder.
General Graduate Student Forms
The following forms are to be used by graduate students in all Lynch School of Education and Human Development programs.
- BC Graduate Course Withdrawal Form
- BC Graduate Transfer of Credit Request Form
- BC Student Withdrawal/Leave of Absence
- Graduate Readmission Request
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.
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
- Doctoral Petition for Extension of Time
- Doctoral Comprehensive Exams Request & Registration for Ph.D. Status
- Doctoral Comprehensive Exams Request & Registration for C&I Ph.D. Status (C&I Students only)
- Pre-proposal/Request for Approval of the Ph.D. Dissertation Committee
- Ed.D. Pre-proposal and Request for Approval of the Ed.D. Dissertation Committee
- Agreement to Schedule a Proposal Hearing
- Agreement to Schedule a Final Defense
- Request for Change in Dissertation Committee Membership
- 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.
Summer defense hearings in July can only be scheduled with permission from the Associate Dean. Defenses must take place prior to July 22nd. Students must submit their dissertation no later than August 5th.
Form Submission:
Please submit all paperwork to the Grad Office electronically via bit.ly/GradOfficeFormSubmission
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 Student Services through the Online Lynch School Dissertation Grant - Application:
(2) Students should request a Letter of Support from their Dissertation Chair. The letter should be submitted electronically to the Associate Dean of Graduate Student Services and address:
(3) Students should have one copy of their official transcript delivered to or sent 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 teaching 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 | Standard year-long funded stipend for fellowship award (comparable to a full-time assistantship stipend for the given academic year), 2 credits of tuition remission and 100% coverage of Boston College Student Medical Insurance |
| 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 Student Services. |
| 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 Student Services on or before the March 1st deadline date (2) Nominated students should submit the following application materials electronically to the Associate Dean of Student Services on or before the March 1st deadline date. NOTE: Students will recieve a direct link to the online application form once their Dissertation Chair informs the Associate Dean of Student Services of their nomination for the fellowship:
*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 and Human Development. Located in Campion 132 and is open to graduate students from 5pm to 10pm, Monday through Friday.
Advising
In May, after you confirm your attendance, you can view your academic advisor and register for courses via the Agora Portal. If you have not already created an account, you will need your BC Username and Eagle ID. If you do not have this information, please contact the Graduate Office.
Sometimes advisors are not available during the summer. If you have questions about registration over the summer, please contact the Graduate Office and we can advise you.
Please note: Information on advisors is usually not posted until May. M.A. students in Counseling, M.Ed./C.A.E.S. students in Educational Leadership, and doctoral students will not have advisors listed until the fall.
Registration
You can search for available courses for the summer and fall semesters and register via the Agora Portal. You will need to download BC's student information system to do this.
Graduation Date Posted in the Agora Portal
On your student account your graduation date will be listed as five years from when you start your program. You may be directed to contact your Dean to resolve this issue—you do not have to do this. Once you submit your program of study to the Graduate Office your graduation date will automatically be changed to your correct graduation term.
Program of Study Deadlines
In the fall semester, all second year Doctoral students (except C&I) will need to submit their Program of Study prior to registration for spring semester. Doctoral Program of Study forms need to be signed by the student, faculty advisor, and department chair. Final approved forms should be submitted to the department office.
All Master's and CAES students who began their program in spring or summer semesters (except Counseling) will need to submit their Program of Study prior to registration for spring semester. Master's and CAES Program of Study forms need to be signed by the student, faculty advisor, and Associate Dean. Final approved forms should be submitted to the Graduate Office (Campion 135).
In the spring semester, all first year C&I Doctoral students will need to submit their Program of Study prior to registration for summer and fall semesters. Doctoral Program of Study forms need to be signed by the student, faculty advisor, and department chair. Final approved forms should be submitted to the department office (Campion 211).
All Master's and CAES students who began their program in Fall semester and first year Counseling Psychology students will need to submit their Program of Study prior to registration for summer and fall semester. Master's and CAES Program of Study forms need to be signed by the student, faculty advisor, and Associate Dean. Final approved forms should be submitted to the Graduate Office (Campion 135).
For the Spring 2022 semester, all second semester Master's students and all first year C&I Doctoral students must submit their program of study by March 1st.
Master's/CAES Comprehensive Exam Information
Students must register for EDUC8100/APSY8100/ELHE8100/ERME8100 on UIS and submit the online registration form in order to be completely registered to take their comprehensive exam requirement.
Important resources for undergraduate and graduate students
Career Center Support
Connect with a Career Coach
The Boston College Career Center serves all Lynch School students by helping you reflect on your skills and interests, exploring career options and opportunities, preparing to apply to jobs or internships, or connecting with alumni and employers.
Lynch School Ambassadors
Find Your Ambassador
Each academic program has a student ambassador who serves as a resource for currents students. Ambassadors provide information about deadlines, program requirements, and send students monthly emails about important dates and reminders specific to their programs.
Policies and Procedures
Policies and Procedures
The following policies and procedures are specific to the Lynch School. In addition to the information contained here, please also consult your particular program and other Lynch School and University-wide websites for more information.