Degree Requirements
The undergraduate curriculum in the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences at Boston College is built on a strong foundation in the liberal arts. In wide-ranging courses in humanities and sciences, you’ll learn to think critically and independently and to communicate effectively. And you’ll learn how to learn, so you’ll be prepared for the fast-changing world of work.
Students in the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences complete a carefully balanced program of Core Curriculum courses, a major, and a choice of electives.
General Requirements
To graduate from the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences, you must take at least 120 credits over eight semesters. Included in the program are at least 45 credits in the Core Curriculum, usually 30 to 36 credits in a major department, and elective courses in other departments. You also are expected to demonstrate proficiency at the intermediate level in a modern foreign language or in a classical language. Ninety-six of the total 120 credits must be from departments in the College of Arts and Sciences.
The Core Curriculum
Our undergraduate Core is a set of 15 required courses that give students exposure to a wide range of possible majors. Core courses are generally three-credit courses, so they account for somewhat more than one-third of the courses and credits needed for graduation. The Core Curriculum consists of one course in writing, one in literature, one in some form of art, one in mathematics, two in natural science, two in social science, two in history, two in philosophy, two in theology, and one in Cultural Diversity.
MCAS Language Proficiency Requirement
All students in the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences must demonstrate intermediate-level proficiency in a modern or classical language in order to graduate. You can demonstrate proficiency in any of the following three ways:
AP/IB Test Scores: You can demonstrate proficiency by receiving a qualifying score on an accepted exam, including Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate.
Completion of Coursework: You must complete the second semester of an intermediate-level modern or classical language course or complete one modern or classical language course beyond the intermediate level. You cannot take foreign language courses on a pass/fail basis until you have completed the University’s language proficiency requirement. Language courses count as MCAS electives. The University currently offers the following courses fulfilling the language proficiency requirement: Arabic, Bulgarian, Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Greek (Classical and Modern), Hebrew, Irish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Persian (Farsi), Portuguese, Russian, Spanish.
Native proficiency: Students seeking to satisfy the language requirement by documentation of native proficiency should do so no later than fall semester of sophomore year. Postponement can result in a delayed graduation. Documentation of native proficiency ordinarily assumes evidence of post-elementary school education in the native language.
Heritage students are those who are fluent in their family/home languages and will need to demonstrate proficiency at the academic intermediate level in those languages. They must test successfully in all language skills (reading, speaking, writing, listening comprehension, and grammar). If after an evaluation, students do not demonstrate academic proficiency at the intermediate level, they may be required to take the appropriate language course(s) for a letter grade in order to fulfill the language requirement.
Students who attended a school where all courses were primarily instructed in a non-English language until they were at least 14 years old may satisfy the language proficiency requirement. Please contact your Associate Dean during the first year of study for more information. The Associate Deans may determine additional steps are necessary to fulfill the MCAS requirement, and it is important to allow adequate time for completion.
Language Placement
Students who need to enroll in a language course to either further their language studies or to fulfill the MCAS language proficiency requirement may need to take a placement exam. Each language/department has their own process and can assist you with proper placement.
Language: Arabic
Department: Eastern, Slavic, and German Studies
Placement Exam: To schedule a placement exam, contact Dr. Atef Ghobrial, ghobrial@bc.edu
Who should take a placement exam?
- Students who studied Modern Standard Arabic before coming to Boston College
- Students who never studied Arabic, but learned a variant (Syrian, Egyptian, Iraqi etc..) in a family setting (“heritage speaker”)
Who does not need to take a placement exam?
- Students who never studied Modern Standard Arabic
If you are not required to take a placement exam, please register for Elementary Arabic I (3 credits) and its co-requisite Elementary Arabic I Practicum (3 credits).
Due to the Practicum requirement for Arabic, students only need to complete Elementary Arabic I (Lecture + Practium, 6 credits) and Elementary Arabic II (Lecture + Practicum, 6 credits) to fulfill the MCAS language proficiency requirement.
Language: Chinese
Department: Eastern, Slavic, and German Studies
Placement Exam: Online; Contact Prof. Fang Lu, luf@bc.edu
Who should take a placement exam?
- Students who are from a Chinese heritage family
- Students who have learned Chinese in middle and/or high school
- Students who have stayed in China or Chinese-speaking countries/regions for significant amounts of time
Who does not need to take a placement exam?
- Students who have never studied Chinese
- Students who have never spoken Chinese at home
If you are not required to take the placement exam, please enroll in EALC1121 Elementary Chinese I (Lecture + Practicum, 6 credits).
Due to the Practicum requirement for Chinese, students only need to complete Elementary Chinese I (Lecture + Practium, 6 credits) and Elementary Chinese II (Lecture + Practicum, 6 credits) to fulfill the language proficiency requirement.
Students who scored a 4 or 5 on the AP Chinese Language and Culture exam have fulfilled the MCAS language proficiency requirement. Please contact the Academic Advising Center (aac@bc.edu) for assistance in applying for an exemption based on your score.
The Chinese Placement Test consists of three parts: A. Listening Comprehension; B. Grammar & Reading Comprehension + Writing; C. Oral Interview.
- The sections of Listening Comprehension and Grammar & Reading Comprehension consist of multiple-choice questions online. Please make sure you have headphones for listening or a quiet place to play audio recordings from your computer.
- In the section of Writing, you will be asked to handwrite a very short composition. Please make sure that you have paper and pencil for writing. You also need a smartphone or other device to photograph and upload your writing sample.
- After finishing parts A and B, you will be contacted to set up a time for your Oral Interview, either on Zoom or in-person. The oral interview will most likely be on your first day of class.
Students who missed the test prior to the beginning of the fall semester and need to take it during the regular semester OR students who seek to satisfy the language requirement by proof of native proficiency, please contact Prof. Fang Lu at luf@bc.edu.
Language: French
Department: Romance Languages and Literatures
Placement Exam: Online; Can be taken at any time. This link will take you to a BC site where you will need to create an account to take the exam.
Who should take a placement exam?
- Students who speak and/or have studied French
- Students who scored less than 3 on the AP French Language exam
Who does not need to take a placement exam?
- Students with no previous knowledge in French
If you are not required to take a placement exam, you should take FREN1009 Elementary French I and FREN1011 Elementary French Practicum, which is an intensive, 1 credit supplementary course open to all students enrolled in Elementary French I who would like extra practice to fine-tune their French skills.
Students who have taken the AP French Language exam should determine their placement based on the following recommendations.
If you scored 3 on the AP French Language exam, the department recommends: FREN2209 Conversation, Composition, and Reading 1 (CCR 1)
If you scored a 4 or 5 on the AP French Language exam, please visit Foreign Languages resource table during course registration on Tuesday of your Orientation Session this summer OR email Prof. Kevin Newmark (kevin.newmark@bc.edu).
The online placement test is designed to help you determine the most appropriate course level for your ongoing studies in French. The test usually takes from 5 to 30 minutes to complete (depending on your background), consists of multiple choice questions, and covers grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. Once you have completed the test, you will be able to view your score and your suggested placement, namely:
- scores below 255: take FREN 1009, Elementary French I
- scores 255 - 295: take FREN 1010, Elementary French II (only offered in the spring)
- scores 296 - 394: take FREN 1109, Intermediate French I
- scores 395-449: take FREN 1110, Intermediate French II (offered only in the spring). However, you may not want to wait until the second semester to take your first French course in order not to lose what you have already learned; in that case, depending on how confident you feel of your French skills, in the fall semester, you can either take Intermediate I or FREN 2209, Conversation, Composition and Reading I (CCR).
- scores 450-550: FREN 2209, French Conversation, Composition and Reading I (CCR) (offered only in the fall).scores above 550: you may be ready for French courses at the 3000 level, especially if you had more than 4 years of a solid high school program in French and have had some experience studying abroad in France or a Francophone country.
For further help in determining your placement, see the list of French language advisors below:
- Elementary and Intermediate French: Prof. Andrea Javel, javel@bc.edu
- French CCR: Prof. Franco Mormando, mormando@bc.edu
- All French courses above CCR: Prof. Kevin Newmark, kevin.newmark@bc.edu
Language: German
Department: Eastern, Slavic, and German Studies
Contact: Prof. Daniel Bowles, bowlesd@bc.edu
Placement Exam: Take the placement test by enrolling here with your Boston College log-in credentials: https://bostoncollege.instructure.com/enroll/FHNXDG
Who should take a placement exam?
Students who have learned any German prior to enrolling at Boston College (e.g. in elementary, middle, or high school, at a foreign institution, during a stay abroad, or informally with your family) MUST take the German Placement Test.
Who does not need to take a placement exam?
- Students who have never studied German. You should plan to enroll in GERM1001: Elementary German I.
- Students who earned a 4 or 5 on the AP German exam
Language: Classical Greek
Department: Classical Studies
Placement Exam: Contact Prof. Christopher Polt, christopher.polt@bc.edu
For students wishing to begin language study, the department provides elementary and intermediate courses in Ancient Greek. These courses aim at preparing a student for more advanced study of ancient literature in the original languages. Elementary and intermediate courses in Modern Greek are also available. All these courses may be counted towards satisfying the University's undergraduate language requirement.
Language: Modern Greek
Department: Classical Studies
Placement Exam: Contact Prof. Christopher Polt, christopher.polt@bc.edu
For students wishing to begin language study, the department provides elementary and intermediate courses in Modern Greek. These courses may be counted towards satisfying the University's undergraduate language requirement.
Language: Hebrew
Department: Eastern, Slavic, and German Studies
For questions about Hebrew and other Near and Middle Eastern languages, please contact Prof. Franck Salameh, salameh@bc.edu.
Language: Irish
Program: Irish Studies Program
Placement Exam: Contact Prof. Joseph Nugent, nugentjf@bc.edu
Course placement recommendations from the Irish Program:
- If you have never studied Irish or if you have studied it formally or informally for one year or less, take ENGL1093, Elementary Irish 1 (Fall semester).
- If you have studied Irish for two to three years in high school, or in Ireland, take ENGL2097, Intermediate Irish I (Fall semester).
- If you have any doubts, consult Professor Nugent who will arrange a placement exam if it seems necessary.
- Completing the two-semester Elementary and two-semester Intermediate Irish courses will enable you to fulfill the MCAS modern language requirement.
Language: Italian
Department: Romance Languages and Literatures
Placement Exam: Contact Prof. Brian O'Connor, brian.connor@bc.edu
Course placement recommendations from the department:
- If you have never studied Italian or if you have studied it in high school for one year or less, take ITAL 1003, Elementary Italian I.
- If you have studied Italian for two to three years in high school, take ITAL 1004, Elementary Italian II (spring semester).
- If you have studied Italian for three to four years in high school or for one year at the college level, take ITAL 1113, Intermediate Italian I.
- If you scored a three on the AP Italian Language exam or have studied Italian in high school for more than four years or for two years at the college level, take ITAL 2213, Italian Conversation, Composition, and Reading I.
- If you scored a four or five on the AP Italian Language exam, consult with Prof. Brian O'Connor, brian.connor@bc.edu
Language: Japanese
Department: Eastern, Slavic, and German Studies
Placement Exam: Online Test (see link below) and Interview
Contact: Prof. Ritsuko Sullivan, sulliadq@bc.edu
Who should take a placement exam?
- Students who are from a Japanese heritage family
- Students who have learned Japanese in middle and/or high school
- Students who have stayed in Japan for significant amounts of time
- Students who took the AP Japanese Language exam (regardless of score) and wish to continue their language studies
Who does not need to take a placement exam?
- Students who never studied Japanese
- Students who have never spoken Japanese at home
If you are not required to take a placement exam, you can enroll in EALC1221 Elementary Japanese I.
Students who scored a 4 or 5 on the AP Japanese Language and Culture exam have fulfilled the MCAS language requirement. Please contact the Academic Advising Center at aac@bc.edu for assistance in applying for an exemption based on your score.
To find out about your appropriate placement in the Japanese language curriculum at BC, follow the Three-step process described below:
Step 1. Preliminary Self Sorting
The preliminary self-sorting can be helpful as a first step towards working out the entire Fall schedule for yourself.
The Japanese Language Placement Test at BC consists of a standardized test (Grammar, Reading and Writing) followed by an interview (Listening and Speaking). You will be able to change to a different course later after your placement has been finalized and during the add-and-drop period.
Step 2. Online Test
The Grammar and Reading section will be given in a standard multiple-choice format. You do not need to do any special preparatory study for the test. Depending on the level you are aiming at placing yourself into, the test can last anytime from half an hour to two hours. To take the test, please click on this link: https://bostoncollege.instructure.com/enroll/HD7P64
Step 3. Interview during the First Week
Your online test score will preliminarily place you into a likely level of Japanese course. Attend the first class of the recommended course on Monday, August 29, where the instructor will finalize your placement based on both the test score and an interview that week.
Language: Korean
Department: Eastern, Slavic, and German Studies
Placement Exam: Online Test and Interview; Contact Prof. Seung Hee Jeon, jeonse@bc.edu
Online Test
The online test has a standard multiple-choice format. You do not need to do any special preparatory study for the test. Depending on the level you are aiming at placing yourself into, the test can last anytime from half an hour to two hours.
To access the online placement test, please email either canvassupport Mailgroup (canvas@bc.edu) or Prof. Seung Hee Jeon (jeonse@bc.edu).
Interview During the First Week of Classes
Your online test score will preliminarily place you into a likely level of Korean course. Attend the first class of the recommended course on Monday, August 29, where the instructor will finalize your placement based on both the test score and an interview that week.
Language: Latin
Department: Classical Studies
Placement Exam: Online Test
The Latin placement exam can be taken online: https://bostoncollege.instructure.com/enroll/ETNN3D
To take the exam, students need to enroll in the "course," visit the Placement Exam site in Canvas, and then follow the simple directions posted there. The exam has 2 parts: a multiple choice grammar section and a short translation section. It should take about an hour.
Once students have completed the exam, they must notify either Prof. Polt (christopher.polt@bc.edu) by email.
Language: Portuguese
Department: Romance Languages and Literatures
Please note: Currently the RLL department only offers elementary Portuguese (1, Fall; 2, Spring). Elementary Portuguese is not sufficient for satisfying the language proficiency requirement for graduation. There is no placement exam for Portuguese. Students should contact the department at rll@bc.edu for more information.
Language: Russian
Department: Eastern, Slavic, and German Studies
Placement Exam: Test and Oral Interview. To schedule a placement test, contact Prof. Tony Lin, tony.h.lin@bc.edu
The Russian placement test consists of 1) a written test focusing on grammar and 2) an oral interview.
Who should take a placement exam?
- Students who have studied Russian in secondary school
- Students who speak Russian at home
- Students who are seeking to fulfill the MCAS language requirement with Russian
Who does not need to take a placement exam?
- Students who have never studied Russian
- Students who have never spoken Russian at home
If you are not required to take a placement exam, you may enroll in SLAV1121 Introduction to Russian I.
For other Slavic languages (Polish and Bulgarian), please contact Prof. Tony Lin at tony.h.lin@bc.edu
Language: Spanish
Department: Romance Languages and Literatures
Placement Exam: Online test will be proctored in person in the Language Lab (Lyons Hall, Room 313)
Who should take a placement exam?
- If you have never studied Spanish, you do not need to take the Spanish Placement Test. Register for SPAN1015 Elementary Spanish I. ONLY students who have never studied Spanish or who place into the course may enroll in Elementary Spanish I.
- If you have studied Spanish but have not taken the Spanish Language AP Exam, take the Placement Test.
- If you have taken the AP Exam and have not yet received the score, take the Spanish Placement Test and register for the course recommended when you complete the test. When you receive the AP score, you should do the necessary placement adjustment according to the information provided on the Romance Languages and Literatures department website.
- If you scored a 3 or above on the Spanish Language AP Exam, or 6/7 on the IB Language Exam (higher level), you have fulfilled the language requirement; however, you are encouraged to continue in the Spanish program at the appropriate higher level.
- Transfer students: If you have taken Elementary or Intermediate Spanish at a 4-year institution of higher education, sign up for the next course in sequence without taking the placement test. However, if you did not take Spanish at a 4-year institution of higher education, but did take Spanish in high school, you should take the Spanish Placement Test. Transfer students coming from 2-year institutions should take the placement test.
Questions can be directed to Professor Silvana Falconi at falconi@bc.edu.
Your Major
All BC undergraduates choose at least one major from the 30-plus options. You don’t need to keep the major you indicated on your college application; in fact, students often change their minds as they explore courses and discover new fields of study.
In your first year at BC, you may register for whatever courses you like. Keep in mind, however, that there are Core requirements that will give you exposure to a wide range of possible majors. We recommend that you find a balance between Core classes and courses that interest you.
If you have a particular major in mind, you may want to sign up for a course in that subject to help you decide whether you like it.
Declaring Your Major
- Second-semester freshmen: send an email (after February 1) to aac@bc.edu
- Sophomores and juniors: go to the office of your chosen major to declare
Fulfilling Your Major Requirements
- For questions about course sequences in the major, go to your major’s Undergraduate Coordinator or Director of Undergraduate Studies.
Elective Courses
College electives are courses that do not count toward your major, minor, or Core requirements, but that fulfill credit requirements for graduation. Although the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences does not require a particular number of electives outside of the major, we encourage you to use electives to explore interests outside of your chosen field, or to supplement your major. For example, an English major may benefit from electives in philosophy, just as a political science major may be interested in economics or history electives. Choose electives based on your curiosity, your career aspirations, or simply your desire to learn something new.