Overview
One of the Oldest Jesuit Universities in the Nation has Grown into a Large, Thriving Jesuit Community
Boston College is a Jesuit university granting more than 4,000 degrees annually. Founded by the Society of Jesus in 1863, it is one of the nation's oldest Jesuit Catholic universities. Originally, it was exclusively a liberal arts institution, and upon opening its doors, the school had 3 teachers and only 22 students. Today, the student body is composed of over 9,000 full-time undergraduates, with a total enrollment of nearly 15,000 students and nearly 1,000 full-time faculty members.
The Boston College campus is home to 95 Jesuits, making it one of the largest Jesuit communities in the country. This allows the school to be richly engaged in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition of education. The Jesuit tradition is especially committed to integrating all aspects of human development in the college experience.
BC Students Choose From Distinctive Degree Programs in Nine Academic Colleges
There are many distinctive programs of study at Boston College. With more than 50 fields of study in nine academic colleges, students have access to comprehensive education in whatever area interests them. Among the more unique degree programs are those in geology and geophysics, Hispanic studies, film studies, corporate reporting and analysis, operations and strategic management, Slavic studies, and theology.
Students also have the option to pursue an interdisciplinary, independent major program wherein their courses of study are designed with the help of faculty advisers. In addition, the Connell School of Nursing and the Lynch School of Education offer nationally recognized programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Boston, Massachusetts, Has Many Professional and Personal Opportunities to Offer Students and Graduates
The city of Boston, Massachusetts, is widely known as a rich environment for higher education. It is the largest metropolis in New England, with thriving economic, cultural, artistic, and research communities. Cutting edge medical facilities and technological institutions are supported by the many colleges and universities in the area, and concerts, museum exhibits, and sports events are in great abundance.
These opportunities allow students to enrich the education they receive in the classroom by experiencing all that Boston has to offer. In accordance with the Jesuit tradition, Boston helps students to nourish every part of themselves, developing in body and spirit as well as in mind. Additionally, there is no shortage of options for employment or further education, which students have access to upon graduation
Boston College's Division I Varsity Athletes Continue to be Excellent Students
Athletics are an important facet of student life at Boston College. Taking care of the whole person includes caring for the needs of the body, and BC offers athletic activities and options to suit every interest and ability.
The school has 59 intramural, recreational, and club sports teams open to all students. These activities are often housed in the Silvio O. Conte Forum, which is Boston College's state-of-the-art athletic center.
In addition, Boston College participates in intercollegiate athletics at the NCAA Division I level. There are 12 women's and 15 men's competitive varsity sports teams. BC's talented athletes are also talented students. One of the college's distinctive features is the uncommonly high graduation rate among Division I athletes. Boston College ranks sixth in the nation in terms of graduating student athletes, and the football team ranks even higher among Division I-A programs.
BC's Reputation as an Ethical, Responsible Research Institution Extends to Undergraduate Opportunities
In addition to its commitment to Jesuit values and excellence in educating the whole student, Boston College also has a committed and nationally significant research program. Unlike some other research universities, Boston College recognizes the importance of adhering to guidelines regarding the responsible, ethical conduct of scientific research. This allows the college's researchers to make significant contributions without compromising their values and principles.
Boston College also retains its commitment to students in its research capacity, encouraging undergraduates to gain research experience by utilizing the several research facilities dedicated to supporting students who wish to undertake new research projects. Furthermore, the school's Undergraduate Research Fellows Program gives grants to undergraduates who are assisting with faculty research projects.
Personal Attention from Committed Faculty Members Underscores BC's Dedication to Students
Boston College students receive their college educations from a faculty of experienced, committed, knowledgeable faculty members who consider students their first priority. BC has a low student to faculty ratio of 13 to 1, ensuring that students have access to professors and can develop meaningful relationships with and receive personal attention from the individuals who educate them.
In order to respond to growing application rates and an increase in funding, Boston College is also in the process of adding more faculty positions and expanding its undergraduate programs, broadening its commitment to educating and caring for students.
