Boston College
United States • Founded 1863 • World Rank #1023
Overview
Established in 1863, the Boston College is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Chestnut Hill (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants), Massachusetts.
Officially accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Boston College (BC) is a large-sized coeducational US higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion. Boston College (BC) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 161-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 10-19% making this US higher education organization an extremely selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
BC also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Geographic and contact information for Boston College — useful before scheduling visits or sending enquiries. Each channel below routes to a different team, so pick the one matching your question.
Academic Details
Boston College's institutional metrics — useful for sizing it against other shortlisted universities. The proportion of academic staff with doctorates correlates with research output and graduate-school admissions.
Academic Structures
The colleges, schools, and faculties that house Boston College's degrees are below. Clinical units and teaching hospitals are often part of medical schools, with separate governance arrangements.
Unit 8 items
- Carroll School of Management
- Connell School of Nursing
- Law School
- Lynch School of Education
- Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences
- School of Social Work
- School of Theology and Ministry
- Woods College of Advancing Studies
Programs Offered
Below: Boston College's programme list by level. Programme intakes vary — some offer multiple entry points per year (Sep, Jan, May), others a single annual intake.
Bachelor's Degree
49 programmes
Browse 49 programmes at Boston College for undergraduate entry. Each combines core theory with the credits needed to progress toward honours or a master's.
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Area Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Information Science/Studies Information Systems & Technology
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Education, General Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Education, Other Education & Teaching
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Linguistics & Language Studies
Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Neurobiology and Neurosciences Neuroscience
Mathematics Mathematics
Natural Sciences Liberal Arts
International/Globalization Studies Liberal Arts
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Religion/Religious Studies Philosophy & Ethics
Theological and Ministerial Studies Religious Studies
Chemistry Chemistry
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Psychology, General Psychology
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Social Sciences, General Social & Cultural Studies
Economics Economics
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Film/Video and Photographic Arts Film & Animation
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Music Music
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Entrepreneurship
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
History History
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
45 programmes
These 45 programmes form Boston College's master's offering, combining advanced coursework with independent work that signals readiness for leadership or research.
Area Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Curriculum and Instruction Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Educational/Instructional Media Design Education & Teaching
Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Education & Teaching
International and Comparative Education Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Linguistics & Language Studies
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Legal Professions and Studies, Other Law
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Neurobiology and Neurosciences Neuroscience
Mathematics Mathematics
Applied Mathematics Mathematics
Data Analytics Liberal Arts
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Theological and Ministerial Studies Religious Studies
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries Religious Studies
Chemistry Chemistry
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Psychology, General Psychology
Research and Experimental Psychology Psychology
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Social Work Social Work
Economics Economics
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services Business Administration
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
Telecommunications Management Business Administration
History History
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
25 programmes
At the highest level, Boston College runs 25 programmes. These doctoral programmes are built around a sustained research project rather than taught coursework.
Curriculum and Instruction Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Education & Teaching
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Neurobiology and Neurosciences Neuroscience
Mathematics Mathematics
Applied Mathematics Mathematics
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Religious Education Religious Studies
Theological and Ministerial Studies Religious Studies
Chemistry Chemistry
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Research and Experimental Psychology Psychology
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Social Work Social Work
Economics Economics
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
History History
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Professional Doctorate
2 programmes
At the highest level, Boston College runs 2 programmes. These doctoral programmes are built around a sustained research project rather than taught coursework.
Law Law
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
4 programmes
Boston College offers 4 programmes as shorter-cycle and preparatory qualifications, a flexible tier for skills-focused learners or those bridging into undergraduate study.
Curriculum and Instruction Education & Teaching
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other Business Administration
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Boston College
How to apply to Boston College — a five-step structure with notes on documents, channels, and timing for each phase.
- 1 Identify the right programme
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Boston College offers 125 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
- 2 Check entry requirements
Each programme at Boston College has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
- 3 Prepare your application documents
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
- 4 Submit via the institution
Apply directly via Boston College's online portal at www.bc.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
- 5 Get in touch with admissions
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (617) 552 8000. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Boston College
Short Q&A on the institutional facts that matter most when shortlisting Boston College as a study destination.
When did Boston College open?
Boston College traces its founding to 1863 (approximately 163 years ago).
Where is Boston College located?
Boston College is located in Chestnut Hill, United States.
Is Boston College public or private?
Boston College is a private institution.
What is the student enrolment at Boston College?
Student enrolment at Boston College is around 10,000-14,999.
How is Boston College ranked?
Boston College is ranked #1023 globally and #168 in United States.
What is Boston College's religious tradition?
Boston College operates within the Christian-Catholic tradition.
How is Boston College organised academically?
Boston College has 8 academic units.
Is Boston College officially recognised?
Boston College is accredited by New England Commission of Higher Education.
What is Boston College's official website?
You can find Boston College online at www.bc.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Some the United States systems publish government rating frameworks (NIRF, QS Stars, regulatory grading) alongside rankings. These add independent signals beyond commercial ranking tables.
Members of International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU)
Membership criteria for International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU) signal what the network values — research output, teaching quality, internationalisation, or institutional governance. Knowing the criteria helps interpret what membership means.
Other American Universities Affiliated with Christian-Catholic
Chaplaincy provision and pastoral care at Christian-Catholic institutions varies in depth — some maintain full-time chaplains; others bring in visiting clergy. Worth comparing across the peers listed below.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Universities near Boston College often have cross-enrolment or visiting-student arrangements that let students take modules at the partner institution. Worth checking if subject coverage at Boston College is narrow in your area.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Alumni outcomes data publication varies across Education & Teaching programmes in the United States. Where available, post-grad employment and salary data is the best signal of programme quality beyond marketing claims.
Universities Often Compared with Boston College
Comparable institutions to Boston College — by academic scale and standing — are gathered below. Same-tier shortlists give you flexibility on admissions outcomes without compromising on institutional level.
