Boston College is affiliated with the Roman Catholic faith. Originally founded in 1863, it is currently one of the 28 Jesuit colleges in the U.S.
Over the years, the college has slowly expanded by acquiring land owned by neighboring churches. The main campus is a historic district that encompasses a 240-acres in urban Boston. This campus features some of the oldest examples of classical gothic architecture in North America. Boston College's eight research libraries boast over two million printed volumes of scrolls, journals and manuscripts. There are over 100 active Jesuits living on the campus, which makes Boston College one of the largest Jesuit communities in the world. Boston College is also quite modern and continually promotes recycling, water efficiency, sustainable energy and locally sourced food.
Boston College is an averaged-sized four-year private school that offers both undergraduate and graduate programs. Every year, about 34,000 students apply, but only around 9,800 are granted admission and only 2,400 actually end up enrolling in the school. Boston College has around 13,000 full-time students and 1,500 part-time students. Over 4,000 degrees are granted every year in over 50 fields of study through eight schools. Popular programs include the schools of nursing, education and management. The most popular undergraduate majors include finance, biology, political science, psychology and applied psychology and human development. Boston College is repeatedly listed as one of the top liberal-arts undergraduate schools in the New England area.
Boston College Accreditation Details
- Boston College is accredited through the New England Association of Schools and Colleges’ (NEASC) Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (CIHE).
-The doctoral program in counseling psychology is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).
Boston College Application Requirements
Boston College only uses the Common Application, which requires that all candidates submit official high transcripts and SAT or ACT scores. Students must submit written supplements regarding topics that change every year. Previous topics include contemporary culture or political issues, the joy of art, education goals and Jesuit academic beliefs. There are also very specific supporting materials. This includes a school report and counselor recommendation from a school official and two teacher evaluations that are written by instructors of one of the primary academic areas of math, English, science, social studies and foreign language. Students are encouraged to submit a mid-year grade report as soon as they are available from a counselor or school official. During the online enrollment process, applicants must select one of the four academic divisions.
Boston College Tuition and Financial Aid
Undergraduates pay approximately $50,800 per year. This does not include mandatory fees of $1,350, book fees of $2,650 and residential fees of $8,610. Boston College runs an objective admissions process that ensures that students from all economic backgrounds qualify to enroll. Students are admitted based on the strength of their personal accomplishments and academic performances. Boston College annually awards over $120 million in need-based grants and scholarships. Around 70 percent of undergraduates receive some form of aid. Students who demonstrate financial need will typically receive approximately $35,000 in aid during the academic year. Students will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for Pell Grants, Perkins loans, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants and subsidized and unsubsidized Direct Loans.
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Boston College’s Psychology and Counseling Programs
The psychology department offers a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in psychology. Both degrees introduce students to the complex topics that psychologists study, but each degree allows students to select courses that focus on areas of interest. Both degree options allow students to accumulate research experience through various psychology labs. The Bachelor of Arts is suited for students who want to better understand human behavior and cognitive functioning. These students take courses relevant to social, cognitive and developmental psychology. When combined together, these courses provide students with knowledge of social, clinical, cultural, social and developmental factors that impact thoughts and actions. The Bachelor of Science in psychology is suited for students who want to analytically study the brain’s functioning. These students take more courses in biology, genetics, chemistry and neuro-biology.
The Applied Psychology and Human Development degree is offered through the School of Education. This program is designed for students who want to enrich the lives of children and improve schools and communities everywhere.
This practical major opens up a variety of employment and graduate school options. This program prepares students to meaningfully contribute to society through social service, community leadership, one-on-one counseling and support of human development and education. The faculty are nationally renowned researchers who focus on the application of applied psychology to classrooms on the local and national levels. The Applied Psychology and Human Development degree comes with three specializations: Human Services, Organizational Studies and Community Advocacy. Most graduates go on to work in the fields of child advocacy, management intervention, community research, human resources and educational counseling.
The counseling psychology doctoral program is offered through the school of education. This program was developed in collaboration with the local psychological community in order to produce competent counseling psychologists who perform research, advocate for social justice, engage in clinical work and provide local leadership. This degree is based on the scientist-practitioner model, so candidates are expected to engage in practice opportunities in hospitals, schools and community mental health facilities. Students are closely monitored and mentored by the faculty who guide them through researching complex and challenging questions facing individuals and society. Students study topics like gender biases, immigration issues, special education, community disparities and workplace and domestic violence.
Boston College is a socially engaged community that offers over 30 men's and women's NCAA Division I sports teams and almost 300 student clubs and organizations. The men's ice hockey team is one of the most highly awarded athletic programs in the county because they have won five national championships. Boston College may be a small liberal-arts college, but it offers world-renowned faculty who maintain the rich tradition of academic excellence and community engagement.