Boston College
Home of the original
comeback student
About
Mission
The Woods College of Advancing Studies at Boston College provides flexible, academically rigorous, ethics-focused undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs for a wide range of students. In keeping with the Jesuit educational tradition of Boston College, the Woods College prepares students for citizenship, service, and leadership in a global society.
Vision
The Woods College seeks to provides students from a wide range of backgrounds with access to an esteemed Boston College education within a flexible, innovative, and singularly supportive community. At the Woods College, students discern their passions, advance their careers, and prepare for service and ethical leadership in a global society.
Our Programs
We believe it’s never too late to further your education. We welcome students from a wide range of backgrounds, some of whom have pursued careers, started families, or served their country before embarking on their BC journeys.
Undergraduate Programs
Choose from eight majors while acquiring a liberal arts education that remains steadfastly relevant in a rapidly changing and increasingly complex world.
Master's Programs
Our six Master's programs and thirteen Graduate Certificate options all adjust to market and employer demands and impart immediately applicable skills.
Certificates & Nondegree Programs
Undergraduate and graduate certificates, and robust nondegree programs help professionals of all experience levels improve their competitiveness in the job market.
Higher Education Opportunity Act Consumer Information
Boston College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Prior to 2018, NECHE operated as the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education, a division of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). The 2018 restructuring of NEASC was to align with the U.S. Department of Education’s requirement that NEASC’s higher education-related commission operate as an independent entity. Boston College has been accredited by NEASC, and now NECHE, since 1935.
Facts & Figures
190
Faculty
859
Students
9
Undergraduate Majors
18
Graduate Degree and Certificate Programs
Charting a Course for the Century Ahead: The Woods College Strategic Plan
As the Woods College approaches its centennial in 2029, the strategic plan sets a course toward a flourishing future.
Woods is drawing from Boston College’s Jesuit, Catholic heritage and reputation for academic excellence to enhance its distinctive role within the University and the contemporary world.
History of the Woods College
Woods College is the fourth-oldest school at this university. Boston College began offering undergraduate classes at alternative times—late afternoon or evening--in 1929, through what was then known as Boston College Intown, and later as the Evening College.
Over time, the scope of the offerings grew, and in 1996, the school's name was changed from Evening College to the College of Advancing Studies, to reflect our evolving mission and our expanded academic program, which by then included both bachelor's and master's degrees.
The name was changed yet again in May 2002, when Katharine B. and Robert M. Devlin contributed a generous gift in honor of long-time dean Fr. James A. Woods, S.J.’s service both to Boston College students and to the greater society.
BC Intown Center
Fr. James A. Woods, S.J.
For 44 years, Fr. James A. Woods, S.J., led our school as dean, shaping the foundation of personalized care, mentoring, and encouragement that to this day defines our culture.
The namesake of Woods College was Boston College’s longest-serving dean—beginning his tenure in April 1968 and retiring in the spring of 2012. During that time Fr. Woods directed comprehensive curriculum changes, designed and introduced a graduate degree program for part-time students, established numerous scholarship and endowment funds, and had an immeasurable impact on thousands of students, faculty members, and staff.
A native of Dorchester’s Neponset neighborhood, Fr. Woods attended Boston College High School before earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Boston College. He later acquired a doctorate in education from Boston University and taught at the former Jesuit-run Cranwell School in Lenox, Massachusetts.
Fr. Woods entered the Society of Jesus in 1948 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1961; he served as provincial secretary of the New England Province of the Society of Jesus from 1962 to 1968.
Rev. James A. Woods, S.J., died on November 20 at the Campion Center in Weston. He was 90.
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Fr. James A. Woods, S.J.
About the Devlin Family
Inspired by Fr. Woods’s outstanding leadership and the educational opportunities that Woods College makes possible, Katharine B. and Robert M. Devlin made a generous gift in April 2002 that formally renamed the college.
Fr. Woods served as a mentor to two generations of the Devlin family. Bob Devlin—chairman of Curragh Capital Partners and former chairman, president, and CEO of American General Corporation—first met Fr. Woods in the 1950s as a student at the Cranwell School in Lenox, Massachusetts, where Fr. Woods taught.
Kate and Bob’s sons, Michael and Matt, each graduated from Boston College. Michael received a communications degree from the Evening College (the Woods College’s previous name) under the direction of Fr. Woods.
Katharine B. and Robert M. Devlin
Who Was St. Ignatius?
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The Original Comeback Student
The founder of the Society of Jesus was at one point a nontraditional student himself. Saint Ignatius of Loyola began pursuing formal education while in his thirties, after experiencing a spiritual awakening. He spent 11 years studying Latin, philosophy, theology, and other subjects at universities in Spain and Paris, eventually earning an M.A.
“ I've never felt more supported and encouraged than I do at the Woods College. ”
Woods College of Advancing Studies
Woods College of Advancing Studies offers Bachelor's and Master's degrees, certificates, and professional education opportunities. If you're interested in furthering your education, we have something for you.
Professional Education
Courses and Microcredentials.
Non-Degree Offerings
Take a course, see how it goes.