Woods College of Advancing Studies
The James A. Woods, S.J., College of Advancing Studies offers both full- and part-time study to undergraduate and graduate students from widely differing backgrounds and preparations who wish to maximize their experiences and master the skills necessary to advance their future.
Boston College fosters in its students rigorous intellectual development coupled with religious, ethical, and personal formation in order to prepare them for citizenship, service, and leadership in a global society.
Within the context of the Boston College environment, James A. Woods, S.J., College of Advancing Studies promotes the care and attention to the human person that is the hallmark of Jesuit education while faculty and students engage in scholarship that enriches the culture and addresses important societal needs.
Undergraduate Programs
The James A. Woods, S.J., College of Advancing Studies offers the atmosphere of a small college within the environment of a large university. The professional staff at the James A. Woods, S.J., College of Advancing Studies have experience helping students arrange a realistic program of study, one that combines work responsibilities with educational goals. Students receive personal attention while enjoying access to the many resources of Boston College. A flexible admission process coupled with academic advising allows a student to select the most appropriate major based on individual needs. Courses are ordinarily scheduled between the hours of 6:15鈥�9:35 p.m. on weekdays, with online and hybrid courses also available.
Bachelor of Arts Program
The Bachelor of Arts program prepares students to address and master the challenges of a rapidly changing and increasingly complex world. A broad-based and robust liberal arts curriculum, which includes Core requirements, permits students to choose courses and majors reflecting individual interests and varied career objectives. The curriculum offers intensive work and a degree of disciplined mastery in a major area.
Degree Requirements and Core Curriculum
A distinguishing characteristic of liberal arts education is a required Core curriculum. The Bachelor of Arts programs require the following Core courses:
- The Examined Life
- 2 English courses:
- College Writing
- Literary Works or other Core literature course
- 2 Philosophy courses (one of which should be an Ethics course)
- 2 Theology courses
- 2 Social Science courses
- 2 History courses (one must be non-Western)
- 1 Quantitative Reasoning course
- 1 Natural Science course
- 1 Arts course
- 1 Engaging Diverse Perspectives Course
- Designing Your Career
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Degree candidates must fulfill all Core curriculum and major requirements as part of earning the minimum of 120 credits. Students are required to achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 1.67 to be eligible to graduate.
Transfer of Credit and Residency Requirements: External to 色花堂
At the B.A. level, a minimum of 60 credits must be completed at Boston College to satisfy residency requirements, and a maximum of 60 credits from regionally accredited institutions, CLEP exams, DSST exams, or Joint Service Transcripts may be transferred into a student鈥檚 program. Students will only be awarded up to a total of 15 credits from the combination of CLEP and DSST examinations. Students will also only be awarded up to 30 credits through the JST, and any CLEP/DSST credits a student may have would also count towards this 30-credit limit.
Courses from regionally accredited institutions with a grade of C or better may be accepted for transfer credits; only courses with a minimum of three credits will be considered for transfer to satisfy a Woods College program requirement. Courses with fewer than three credits will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis for transfer as elective credit.
For foreign transcripts, please submit your official transcript along with a course-by-course evaluation.听
For all students, transfer credits must be submitted for evaluation by the conclusion of your first semester of study at the Woods College.
College Credit through Examination
Students will only be awarded up to a total of 15 credits from the combination of CLEP and DSST examinations.
College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) and DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) offer students the opportunity to earn college credits through examination, by demonstrating comprehensive knowledge of college-level material gained through independent or prior study. The Woods College of Advancing Studies will accept up to 15 credits from the combination of the CLEP and DSST examinations. The Woods College recognizes the American Council on Education鈥檚 college credit recommendations for each CLEP and DSST exam. Those recommendations can be found on the听听website and the听听website.
Current students must consult with their academic advisor prior to taking CLEP/DSST exams for credit to verify that any CLEP/DSST exam will support the student鈥檚 program of study. Students seeking admission to the Woods College should consult an admissions advisor for evaluation of how previously taken CLEP/DSST exams will impact their program of study.
Joint Service Transcripts
Students who have served in the United States armed forces typically have college-level credit. The American Council on Education (ACE) has worked with the U.S. military to evaluate many of the service members鈥� training modules. They have recommended college-level credit for many of these trainings, and the Woods College of Advancing Studies recognizes that training for possible transfer credit.
When evaluating ACE credit recommendations for transfer, the Woods College will consider trainings that map onto courses or disciplines that Boston College offers. For example, a recommendation for three credits for Computer Applications would transfer as three credits within the Information Systems discipline. A recommendation of 3 credits for Aircraft Maintenance would not be eligible for transfer as Boston College does not offer any courses in this area.
Please consult an academic advisor during the admissions process to evaluate how many of the ACE credit recommendations on your Joint Service Transcripts (JST) might transfer into your program of study at Boston College.
At this time, Boston College will accept up to 30 credits through the JST. Any CLEP/DSST credits a student may have would also count towards this 30-credit limit. For example, a student with nine credits through CLEP/DSST would be allowed to bring in 21 credits through the JST. Or, a student with 24 JST credits would be allowed to bring in six credits through CLEP exams.
Students should submit their official JST for evaluation prior to the conclusion of your first semester of study at the Woods College.
Taking Courses at Other Institutions
Students enrolled in the Woods College as degree students must follow the curriculum prescribed by the college. Once a student matriculates, courses may not be taken at other institutions for credit in a Boston College degree program.
Students who have taken leaves of absence or have not enrolled in consecutive semesters at the Woods College are not eligible for transfer credit for courses taken during their absence from the Woods College.
Transfer of Credit and Residency Requirements: Internal 色花堂 Students
Current undergraduate Boston College students from other schools at 色花堂 who are transferring to the Woods College of Advancing Studies must submit a Woods College internal transfer application at听bc.edu/woodsapply.
The following conditions will apply to all transfers of credit from any other Boston College schools into the Woods College of Advancing Studies:
- All courses taken at any other school within Boston College and the GPA earned will transfer to the Woods College of Advancing Studies.
- All incoming credits will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine applicability within the program of study the student chooses to pursue at Woods College of Advancing Studies.
- A minimum of 12 credits (equivalent to one full-time semester of study) will be required to be taken at Woods College of Advancing Studies.
Course Load
Woods College students,听both graduate and undergraduate, enrolled in three Woods College courses are considered full-time for the purposes of financial aid, and students enrolled in two or fewer courses per semester are considered part-time. The maximum allowed course load is three courses per semester for students in the Woods College. A maximum of four courses over the duration of the summer sessions may be taken.
Course overloads (one additional course) will be considered on a case-by-case basis, pending an evaluation of academic performance. Advisor approval is required to process a registration for a course overload.
Undergraduate Admission
Applications for admission may be submitted at any time and are reviewed on a rolling basis. The following documentation and an application fee are required:
- Completed online application form;
- Official transcripts from high school and colleges previously attended;
- One essay (requirements are found on the application);
- Two letters of recommendation; and
- If English is not your primary language, then English Language Proficiency with a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or a minimum TOEFL score of 90.
Please see the Woods College website for further details on how to apply.
Degree Programs and Certificates
Woods College offers the following undergraduate majors:
- Applied Liberal Arts (ALA)
- English (ALA Concentration)
- History (ALA Concentration)
- Interdisciplinary Studies (ALA Concentration)
- Philosophy (ALA Concentration)
- Political Science (ALA Concentration)
- Sociology (ALA Concentration)
- Business
- Criminal and Social Justice
- Cybersecurity
- Digital Communications
- Economics
- Information Technology
- Psychology
Minors
- Business
- Criminal and Social Justice
- Cybersecurity
- Digital Communications
- Economics
- English
- Entrepreneurship
- Forensic Science
- History
- Information Technology
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Sociology
Professional Studies Certificate
- Cybersecurity
Bachelor鈥檚 Degree Learning Outcomes
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
- Observe, examine, and dissect the assumptions and conventions of different areas of study, while addressing complex questions, problems, materials, and texts of all types with creative solutions and analytical processes (Degree Qualifications Profile, 2014).听
- Respond to problems from an interdisciplinary perspective, informed by their courses and co-curriculum听
Quantitative Reasoning
- Evaluate a numerical expression of information while ethically drawing meaning from the underlying data.听
- Discover, define, and demonstrate functional relationships between variables.听
- Interpret quantitative data to support an argument.
Communication and Information Literacy
- Find, appraise, organize, use, and convey information and their ideas, both individually and collaboratively, through oral, digital, and written forms.
Information Literacy
- Evaluate large quantities of information, purposefully select a range of information sources, understand how information is produced and valued, incorporate multiple resources using technology responsibly, and participate ethically in communities of learning (Association of College and Research Libraries, 2015; Information Literacy VALUE Rubric; CSU Monterey Bay, Threshold Concepts).听
Written Communication
- Construct logical and persuasive arguments, reflective narratives, or explications of issues, problems, or technical processes.
- Address both specific and general audiences through different genres in their writing.
Oral and Digital Communication
- Speak clearly and effectively, listen and resolve conflicts with empathy, and use visual representations to communicate data to specific and general audiences.
- Increase knowledge, foster understanding, or promote change in listener attitudes, values, beliefs, or behaviors (AAC&U, 2009).
- Analyze or produce ideas using digital media and digital storytelling techniques (Bryn Mawr Digital Competencies Framework, 2016).
Collaborative Communication and Teamwork
- Understand the value and process of working with others, develop critical perspectives and skills needed to co-create knowledge, and value content and contributions made by others (Bryn Mawr Digital Competencies Framework, 2016).
- Establish professional working relationships through group-process and interpersonal work.
Acting as Men and Women for and with Others
- Expand their perceptions of commitment, civic engagement, love, and the world beyond themselves.听
- Identify issues of social justice, human rights, and equity, formulated through the eyes of others while analyzing local and global problems.
- Apply ethical reasoning and discern personal and professional responsibilities in dismantling unjust social structures and taking courageous action.听听
Integrative learning
- Assess their personal values and reflect on connections among ideas and experiences; between disciplinary, personal, technological, and community life to synthesize and transfer their learning to new and complex situations (AAC&U, 2009).
Engaging with Diverse Perspectives
- Recognize their own bias and privilege.听
- Critically analyze the roles of intersectionality and power within institutions and systems, and dialogue about differences with these nuanced understandings.听
- Relate to others as globally-minded citizens and professionals based on an interpretation of diversity as an aspect of individual and community identity, and in relation to political, economic, and social dynamics (Intercultural Competence and Knowledge VALUE Rubric, AAC&U; "Toward a Renewed Core," Oct 2013.
B.A., Applied Liberal Arts
Applied Liberal Arts (ALA) helps clarify connections between your education and your life, your job, and your future. The critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and cultural literacy skills valued by today鈥檚 employers are hallmarks of a liberal arts education. Our program also provides courses in high-demand workplace essentials such as project management, data visualization and analysis, design thinking, and conflict resolution.听
When you select this major, you will also select a concentration in one of six areas: English, History, Interdisciplinary, Political Science, Sociology, and Philosophy. In addition to the six major requirements, you鈥檒l also complete five or six courses within a specific concentration. Each concentration鈥檚 requirements and learning outcomes are outlined below.听
Core Curriculum
A distinguishing characteristic of liberal arts education is a required Core curriculum. The Bachelor of Arts programs require the following Core courses:
- The Examined Life
- 2 English courses:
- College Writing
- Literary Works or other Core literature course
- 2 Philosophy courses (one of which should be an Ethics course)
- 2 Theology courses
- 2 Social Science courses
- 2 History courses (one must be non-Western)
- 1 Quantitative Reasoning course
- 1 Natural Science course
- 1 Arts course
- 1 Engaging Diverse Perspectives Course
- Designing Your Career
Major Requirements
- ADBM/ADCO1771 Applied Data Analysis and Interpretation
- ADEN2650 Writing with Precision
- ADIT3300 Project Management or ADBM2075 Conflict Resolution and Negotiation
- ADIT2250 Data Visualization or any 1st-level programming language:
- ADIT1350 JavaScript
- ADIT1400 Python
- ADIT1450 C++
- ADBM2250 Design Thinking听
- ADEX4500 Integrative Capstone
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B.A., Applied Liberal Arts Concentrations
English Concentration
The English concentration continues to improve upon skills that are first introduced in the College Writing and the Literary Works Core requirements. Continued development of these technical English skills is the central focus of this concentration. Honing these technical skills and developing a strong base in the English language will allow students to best translate those skills into any future discipline.
Beyond these required courses, students will be free to select any four electives. Students will focus these electives primarily on the broad array of literature courses covering the major time periods and genres, as well as a selection of courses with non-Western roots. Consistent across all literature courses will be an emphasis on developing the essential, and widely transferable, skill of analysis. This exploration of literature will allow students to explore the issues fundamental to the human condition and they will emerge with a deep understanding of how literature both reflects and enhances the lived experience.
Concentration Requirements
- Completion of the Core English requirements: ADEN1054 College Writing and ADEN1060 Literary Works (or other core literature course).
- One Non-Western Literature elective.
- Four English elective courses.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Write at an advanced level.
- Distinguish between and characterize different periods in American and British literature.
- Interpret literature through the lens of class, race, gender, and historical context.
- Criticize works of literature in a thoughtful and responsible way.
- Imaginatively inhabit the perspectives of others.
History Concentration
Deepen your understanding of the present through an immersion in the events and cultures of the past. Our curriculum encompasses European, American, Latin American, African, Middle Eastern, and Asian history ranging from premodernity to today. Classes introduce you to vital areas of historical research and schools of thought.
As critical thinkers, students apply tools and concepts of historical inquiry and communicate research results clearly and effectively. Students will engage in primary sources in an attempt to better understand the perspectives and viewpoints of other cultures, civilizations, and people. Students will engage in critical analysis of historical texts to analyze how the interpretation of events is altered based on vantage point. Courses will also encourage students to engage the current events of today by drawing connections to the events of the past.
Entering this concentration, students are required to take five additional history courses beyond the Core requirements. One of these courses must focus on Latin American, African, Middle Eastern, or Asian history.
Concentration Requirements
- Completion of History Core requirements.
- Five History elective courses, one of which must focus on Latin American, African, Middle Eastern, or Asian history.听
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Bring historical research methods and principles of interpretation to bear on research problems.
- Distinguish between and characterize distinct significant events and periods in American, European, and non-Western history.
- Communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
- Apply an ethical framework to the interpretation of historical events.
Interdisciplinary Studies Concentration
Students choosing to pursue the Interdisciplinary Studies concentration will work with their academic advisor to design a course of study that allows them to draw upon the other disciplines within the ALA major. In designing their concentration, students should make sure to select courses from up to three different disciplines, two of which must be within the ALA program. Furthermore, a student may use at most two introductory level Core courses toward the completion of this concentration.
It will be incumbent upon the student to thoughtfully consider how the courses they choose combine to form this interdisciplinary concentration to ensure that it has a coherent structure with a beginning, middle, and end. Students should also incorporate a range of course levels from introductory to advanced. This will be accomplished with the assistance of their academic advisor.听 They will need to submit their proposed plan of study to the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs for approval. The approval process ensures the integrity of the program as well as assists Woods College in the course scheduling process.
Additionally, this concentration will provide the flexibility needed for some transfer students to bring together their previous coursework into a meaningful program of study at the Woods College.
Concentration Requirements
In designing their concentration, students should make sure to select courses from up to three different disciplines, two of which must be within the ALA program.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will/will be able to:
- Understand the relationship between different fields of social scientific inquiry and will be able to address research problems using an interdisciplinary approach.
- Communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
- Have the capacity to engage in meaningful, constructive exchanges with others.
- Design research projects that respect the ethical boundaries involved in the study of human beings.
Philosophy Concentration
Who are we, and why are we here? What is the nature of knowledge, truth, and justice? This concentration explores these and other enduring questions that form the basis of our shared humanity while sharpening your critical thinking and analytical skills in the process.
This concentration is ideal for students who seek to understand the world around them at its deepest level. They will learn to address fundamental questions about knowledge, goodness, and the nature of human experience in a clear, systematic fashion. With a curriculum anchored in the great works of antiquity and the Enlightenment, this program introduces students to the major fields of philosophical inquiry, including political philosophy, the philosophy of religion, and the philosophy of science among others.
Before beginning this concentration, students are encouraged to take a philosophical ethics course in addition to a second philosophy Core course. To complete the concentration, students need to take four additional philosophy elective courses, one of which must be a non-Western philosophy course.
Concentration Requirements
- Completion of the Philosophy Core requirements.
- Five Philosophy elective courses, one of which must be a non-Western philosophy course.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will/will be able to:
- Analyze ethical problems from a variety of philosophical standpoints.
- Evaluate arguments using the tools of practical logic.
- Communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
- Have the capacity to engage in meaningful, constructive exchanges with others.
- Engage critically and analytically with the information that they encounter in different spheres of life.
Political Science Concentration
The Political Science concentration exposes students to the concepts underpinning the U.S. political system before broadening and applying that knowledge to politics as a whole with exposure to other forms of political systems found throughout the world. The classic texts of political theory will form the base of this concentration, and through thoughtful exploration within the elective courses, students will develop their particular focus within the discipline.
Concentration Requirements
- ADPO1041 Fundamental Concepts of Politics (Satisfies a Social Science Core requirement)
- ADPO3005 Comparative Politics
- Four additional Political Science electives
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will/will be able to:
- Compare and contrast the American system of government with other forms of government.
- Apply the principles of international relation theory to the analysis of current events.
- Apply a sophisticated understanding of race, class, and gender to the analysis of contemporary political phenomena.
- Communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
- Have the capacity to engage in meaningful, constructive exchanges with others.
Sociology Concentration
Students in the Sociology concentration will develop the skills necessary to apply a sociological lens to everyday life and scholarly research. They will also be able to analyze and critique social, structural, and cultural factors that influence those experiences and develop the critical thinking skills to discern how different systems of society and people engage with each other.
Concentration Requirements
- ADSO1001 Introductory Sociology (Satisfies a Social Science Core requirement)
- ADSO2501 Sociological Theories
- Four additional Sociology electives
Students in the Sociology Concentration are strongly encouraged to take a statistics course as their quantitative reasoning Core requirement.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will/will be able to:
- Analyze social phenomena from the perspective of classical and contemporary sociology.
- Apply a sophisticated understanding of race, class, and gender to the analysis of contemporary social phenomena.
- Design research projects that respect the ethical boundaries involved in the study of human beings.
- Communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
- Have the capacity to engage in meaningful, constructive exchanges with others.
B.A., Business
Students in the Business bachelor鈥檚 degree program develop skills in-demand by employers, including critical thinking, ethical leadership, quantitative analysis, communication, project management, and risk management. Through elective courses, students can align their degree and professional goals.
Core Curriculum
A distinguishing characteristic of liberal arts education is a required Core curriculum. The Bachelor of Arts programs require the following Core courses:
- The Examined Life
- 2 English courses:
- College Writing
- Literary Works or other Core literature course
- 2 Philosophy courses (one of which should be an Ethics course)
- 2 Theology courses
- 2 Social Science courses
- 2 History courses (one must be non-Western)
- 1 Quantitative Reasoning course
- 1 Natural Science course
- 1 Arts course
- 1 Engaging Diverse Perspectives Course
- Designing Your Career
Major Requirements
- ADEC1101 Principles of Economics (satisfies a Social Science Core requirement)
- ADMT1801 Data Analysis and Probability (satisfies a Quantitative Reasoning Core requirement)
- ADBM/ADCO1143 Corporate Communication听
- ADAC1081 Financial Accounting
- ADIT3300 Project Management
- ADFN1010 Principles of Finance
- ADCO/ADMK2201 Digital Marketing Strategy
- ADBM1510 Management and Organizational Behavior
- ADLA2400 Business Law
- ADSY4001 Strategic Leadership
- Two Business elective courses
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Apply analytical skills in a systematic manner to define a business problem/challenge or opportunity, develop potential solutions, select the 鈥渂est鈥� solution using the information/performance data available at the time, and prepare an implementation (rollout) and evaluation plan鈥攚ith metrics for measuring successes and/or failures, as well as strategies for action-planning based on performance against these metrics.听
- Translate strategic objectives into measurable plans and deploy the necessary resources in the most effective manner to achieve the desired results.听
- Apply management theories to solve contemporary business problems.
- Participate in and lead small and large group projects, working within defined time constraints, and allocating available resources to achieve the desired results.
- Solve problems using a defined approach that enables them to turn information into quantitative data and analyze that data to develop potential solutions.听
- Use data analysis skills to find relationships among various types and sources of data and be able to use that data to enhance their understanding of an issue and strengthen their conclusions.听
- Communicate effectively in writing, person-to-person, and through presentations to large and small groups using a variety of electronic applications.听
- Apply working knowledge of risk management to identify and mitigate risks in organizations.听
- Examine all situations through an ethical lens and apply principles of ethical decision-making in a business context
- Assess the possible legal, environmental, financial, and human resource impacts of their decisions with an emphasis on the effects on historically marginalized groups along with the impact on the overall performance of the organization.
- Optimize the use of skills of all individuals in their respective organizations by developing long-term solutions that recognize the ability of each individual鈥攁nd integrate those skills to create a more talented, diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment.
B.A., Cybersecurity
The B.A. in Cybersecurity prepares students to succeed in the ever-changing cyber ecosystem.
This program emphasizes risk management, risk tolerance, and risk mitigation as well as the implementation of security controls and compliance with regulatory requirements necessary to achieve the level of risk tolerance acceptable to a particular organization.
The cybersecurity program provides a robust baseline of skills needed to adapt to changes in business, technology, and threat environments. The degree program introduces advanced topics within cybersecurity including ethical hacking, incident response and disaster recovery, security within the software development framework, and the legal and regulatory aspects of cybersecurity.
Core Curriculum
A distinguishing characteristic of liberal arts education is a required Core curriculum. The Bachelor of Arts programs require the following Core courses:
- The Examined Life
- 2 English courses:
- College Writing
- Literary Works or other Core literature course
- 2 Philosophy courses (one of which should be an Ethics course)
- 2 Theology courses
- 2 Social Science courses
- 2 History courses (one must be non-Western)
- 1 Quantitative Reasoning course
- 1 Natural Science course
- 1 Arts course
- 1 Engaging Diverse Perspectives Course
- Designing Your Career
听
Major Requirements
Requirements for Major:
- ADIT2500 Cybersecurity Fundamentals
- ADEN 2650 Writing with Precision
- ADIT2000 Computer Security
- Programming Elective (Choose One)
- ADIT1990 C++ Programming
- ADIT1985 Python Programming
- ADIT2100 Computer Networks
- ADIT2750 Systems Analysis and Design
- ADIT4110 Ethical Hacking
- ADIT3500 Laws, Frameworks, and Policies in Cybersecurity
- ADIT3650 Incident Response and Disaster Recovery
- ADIT3102 DevOps Automation and Cloud Security
听
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Discuss articulately and efficiently with large groups of diverse stakeholders, both technical and non-technical, to effectively demonstrate and communicate security concepts and the value of a modern cybersecurity program.
- Detect, analyze, identify, prioritize, and resolve security vulnerabilities, threats, risks, and breaches using appropriate tools.
- Develop cybersecurity programs, policies, and procedures to manage enterprise security risks.
- Apply security principles and practices to maintain operations in the presence of risks and threats.
- Demonstrate foundational knowledge of risk management strategies, including calculation of risk, evaluating risk tolerance, compensating controls, and risk management planning.
- Evaluate and communicate the human role in security systems with an emphasis on ethics, social engineering vulnerabilities, and training.
- Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
- Discuss relevant laws, regulations, and frameworks as they apply to cybersecurity operations.
- Describe professional, ethical, legal, security, and social issues and responsibilities related to computing and cybersecurity.
- Upon additional review, the ability to achieve the following industry certifications: Cisco鈥擟CNA, CompTIA鈥擭etwork+, CompTIA鈥擲ecurity+, CompTIA鈥擟ySA+, EC-Council Ethical Hacking, ISACA鈥擟RISC, ISACA鈥擟ISA, ISACA鈥擟ISM, (ISC)虏鈥擟CSP, (ISC)虏鈥擲SCP, (ISC)虏鈥擟ISSP, ITIL Foundations.
B.A., Digital Communication
Acquire an in-depth understanding of the many ways communication affects鈥攁nd is affected by鈥攎odern societies. The Digital Communications degree prepares students for a field that relies on technology channels to share and receive information. Students will develop skills to critically analyze information and present it persuasively and effectively.
Core Curriculum
A distinguishing characteristic of liberal arts education is a required Core curriculum. The Bachelor of Arts programs require the following Core courses:
- The Examined Life
- 2 English courses:
- College Writing
- Literary Works or other Core literature course
- 2 Philosophy courses (one of which should be an Ethics course)
- 2 Theology courses
- 2 Social Science courses
- 2 History courses (one must be non-Western)
- 1 Quantitative Reasoning course
- 1 Natural Science course
- 1 Arts course
- 1 Engaging Diverse Perspectives Course
- Designing Your Career
Major Requirements
Requirements for Major:
- ADCO1005 Introduction to Communications
- ADCO1020 Survey of Mass Communication
- ADBM/ADCO1143 Corporate Communications
- ADCO2001 Writing for the Digital Space
- ADCO/ADMK2201 Digital Marketing Strategy
- ADCO/ADMK3201 Social Media Marketing听
- ADCO3002 Digital Storytelling
- ADCO4050 Strategic Communications
- Three Communications or Marketing elective courses
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Communicate effectively across different channels and mediums, both verbal and written, for personal and professional purposes.
- Identify communication opportunities where a new, strategic plan would benefit a business or organization.
- Create a strategic communications and/or marketing plan for a business or organization, leveraging the newest tool, resources, and trends to achieve business goals.
- Present data and information in a way that tells a compelling story and drives influence within a team or organization.
- Evaluate existing marketing and communications campaigns in order to optimize tactics for long-term success.
- Possess a fundamental understanding of the ethical and legal ramifications of various communication scenarios.
- Work collaboratively, as a part of a team, to implement a strategic communications plan for a local entity and report back on the successes and opportunities observed.
B.A., Economics
Want to understand how consumers and businesses alike behave? For students aspiring to master the theory and practical skills central to our market-driven world, our program provides a 360-degree understanding of economic dynamics in modern societies.
Students aiming to become bankers, business managers, market researchers, budget analysts, or others working in careers where they need to know the intricacies of economies will be well-suited for success with this degree. Students learn to differentiate between market structures and analyze case studies using theories of economic growth, unemployment, and inflation.
Core Curriculum
A distinguishing characteristic of liberal arts education is a required Core curriculum. The Bachelor of Arts programs require the following Core courses:
- The Examined Life
- 2 English courses:
- College Writing
- Literary Works or other Core literature course
- 2 Philosophy courses (one of which should be an Ethics course)
- 2 Theology courses
- 2 Social Science courses
- 2 History courses (one must be non-Western)
- 1 Quantitative Reasoning course
- 1 Natural Science course
- 1 Arts course
- 1 Engaging Diverse Perspectives Course
- Designing Your Career
Major Requirements
Requirements for Major:
- ADEC1101 Principles of Economics (satisfies a Social Science Core requirement)
- ADMT1100 Calculus 1 (prereq for ADEC3201/3202) (satisfies a Quantitative Reasoning Core requirement)
- ADMT1353 Statistics or ADMT1805 Applied Statistics
- ADEC3201 Microeconomic Theory
- ADEC3202 Macroeconomic Theory
- ADEC3515 Econometric Methods
- Five upper-level economics elective courses
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Bring theories of economic growth, unemployment, and inflation to bear on the analysis of particular case studies.
- Characterize and distinguish between different market structures.
- Relate models of consumer and firm behavior to particular case studies.
- Bring different macroeconomic models to bear on the analysis of the national economy.
- Communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
- Evaluate economic policies and decision making with an ethical lens.
B.A., Information Technology
The Information Technology undergraduate program is structured to provide students with a holistic understanding of the field of IT and allow them to explore specialized electives that cater to industry-specific needs. It includes core concepts such as operating systems and database management as well as advanced topics like automation and cloud security.听 The curriculum is designed with an applied focus, offering hands-on learning experiences that mirror real-world scenarios.听 There is an emphasis on integrating technology-driven teaching methodologies and tools to replicate the environment students will encounter in their professional lives.
Core Curriculum
A distinguishing characteristic of liberal arts education is a required Core curriculum. The Bachelor of Arts programs require the following Core courses:
- The Examined Life
- 2 English courses:
- College Writing
- Literary Works or other Core literature course
- 2 Philosophy courses (one of which should be an Ethics course)
- 2 Theology courses
- 2 Social Science courses
- 2 History courses (one must be non-Western)
- 1 Quantitative Reasoning course
- 1 Natural Science course
- 1 Arts course
- 1 Engaging Diverse Perspectives Course
- Designing Your Career
Major Requirements
- ADIT1400 Python
- ADIT2050 Operating Systems
- ADIT2200 Database Management
- ADIT2000 Computer Security
- ADIT3300 Project Management
- ADIT4000 Systems Architecture
- Four Information Technology elective courses
Students in the Information Technology major are strongly encouraged to take ADMT1004 Finite Probability as their Quantitative Reasoning Core requirement.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will/will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of core information technologies, including proficiency in programming languages, database management, networking, and cybersecurity, and apply this knowledge in various real-world contexts.听
- Develop strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. They will be able to analyze complex problems, identify and evaluate possible solutions, and implement the most effective solutions using information technology tools.听
- Understand the ethical, legal, and societal implications of information technology. This involves recognizing the potential impacts of technology on individuals, organizations, and society as a whole and making responsible decisions in the design and implementation of IT systems.听
- Communicate technical information to various audiences both orally and in writing.
- Work collaboratively in teams, reflecting the importance of collaboration in the field of IT.听
- Understand how information technology aligns with business strategy and contributes to achieving organizational goals. This includes the ability to analyze business needs, design IT solutions that meet those needs, and manage IT projects to successful completion.听
- Upon additional review, the ability to achieve the following industry certifications:听
- CompTIA A+: Pursued by students who have studied basic IT operations and technologies.听
- CompTIA Network+: Pursued by students who've taken courses in networking fundamentals.听
- CompTIA Security+: For students who've delved into basic cybersecurity concepts.听
- Cisco's CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate): For those who've studied networking.听
- Microsoft's MTA (Microsoft Technology Associate) or MCSA (Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate): Relevant for student who've studied Windows servers (operating system), databases, or other Microsoft technologies.听
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect 鈥� Associate: For students who've been introduced to cloud computing, specifically with Amazon Web Services.听
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Ideal for student who've covered advanced cybersecurity topics.听
- Project Management Professional (PMP): For those who've taken the project management course.听
- CompTIA Project+: For those who've taken the project management course.
B.A., Psychology
Do you wonder why we do what we do and what makes us tick? Seek the answers through this flexible program, which covers aspects of many applied areas in psychology. Whether you enroll full or part-time, you'll study with leading practitioners and industry experts as you learn to apply key theories from the field of psychology to solve real-world issues at work, in your community, and in society. Courses are offered weekends, nights, online, and in a hybrid format.
This major is ideal for students who want to analyze human behavior through the lenses of developmental history, social sciences, cognitive psychology, and civil society. You鈥檒l also learn the theory and practice of psychological counseling and apply foundational principles of developmental and cognitive psychology to case studies while considering the field鈥檚 ethical dimensions.
Core Curriculum
A distinguishing characteristic of liberal arts education is a required Core curriculum. The Bachelor of Arts programs require the following Core courses:
- The Examined Life
- 2 English courses:
- College Writing
- Literary Works or other Core literature course
- 2 Philosophy courses (one of which should be an Ethics course)
- 2 Theology courses
- 2 Social Science courses
- 2 History courses (one must be non-Western)
- 1 Quantitative Reasoning course
- 1 Natural Science course
- 1 Arts course
- 1 Engaging Diverse Perspectives Course
- Designing Your Career
Major Requirements
Requirements for Major:
- ADPS1100 Introductory Psychology (satisfies a Social Science Core requirement)
- ADPS1153 Research Methods for the Social Sciences
- ADMT1805 Applied Statistics (satisfies a Quantitative Reasoning Core requirement)
- ADPS1261 Developmental Psychology
- ADPS2272 Cognitive Psychology
- ADPS4001 Psychology in Context (must first complete ADMT1805, ADPS110, ADPS1153, ADPS1261, and ADPS2272)
- Six psychology elective courses
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Interpret and evaluate psychological phenomena by engaging in scientific reasoning and dynamic problem solving in broad, multi-disciplinary contexts
- Identify and evaluate trustworthy scholarly resources; articulate ways in which context shapes research questions and findings; and interpret basic statistical analyses found within those resources.
- Evaluate and apply the ethical standards of the psychology field in their professional and personal lives.
- Propose solutions to civic, social, and global problems through the creative application of psychological theories and constructs while recognizing society鈥檚 inherent diversity and the ways in which that diversity impacts those psychological theories and constructs.
- Create effective communication materials in written, oral, and digital formats, including the correct implementation of the APA style.
Fifth Year and Advanced Standing Programs for Boston College Students
Accelerated Program for Boston College Undergraduate Economics Students (Enrolled at the Woods College, Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences, or Carroll School of Management)
Woods College of Advancing Studies is proud to offer Boston College students an option for accelerated completion of the Master of Science in Applied Economics program. This option is available to students with significant previous economics course work, including Economics majors and minors in the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences as well as to students with Economics concentration in the Carroll School of Management. Students enrolled in the accelerated program will have to complete eight courses in WCAS, which is possible to achieve within one calendar year of entry into the program.
Benefits
Under the terms of this agreement, qualified students are eligible for:
- Waiver of application fee
- Waiver of Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
- Preferred admission without the competition of the rest of the applicant pool
- Credit for Microeconomic Theory (ECON2201 or ECON2203) and Macroeconomic Theory (ECON2202 or ECON2204) courses if the courses are completed with a grade of B or better. These credits will count as fulfilling the requirement of taking Applied Microeconomic Theory (ADEC7201) and Applied Macroeconomic Theory (ADEC7200).
- Option to complete the eight remaining course requirements in one additional calendar year
Qualifications
- Anticipated successful completion of a bachelor鈥檚 degree in May of senior year
- Overall GPA of 3.30 or above
- Grade of B or better in prerequisite courses: Principles of Economics, Statistics, Calculus I, and Calculus II*
- Submission of all Applied Economics application materials by the end of the semester in which the student will graduate. In order to receive priority consideration for WCAS financial aid, students should apply in the fall semester of their senior year.
*Calculus II course can be taken after the admission into the program.
Accelerated Program for Boston College Undergraduate Students (enrolled at the Woods College, Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences, or Carroll School of Management)
Woods College of Advancing Studies is proud to offer Boston College students an option for accelerated completion of the Master of Science in Leadership. Students enrolled in the accelerated program will have to complete eight courses in WCAS, which is possible to achieve within one calendar year of entry into the program.
Benefits
Under the terms of this agreement, qualified students are eligible for:
- Waiver of the application fee;
- Waiver of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE);
- Preferred admission without the competition of the rest of the applicant pool;
- Advanced standing for up to two upper-level courses that student has completed at 色花堂; Graduate Program Director to approve.
- Option to complete the eight remaining course requirements in one additional calendar year.
听
Qualifications
- Anticipated successful completion of a bachelor's degree from 色花堂 in May of senior year
- Overall GPA of 3.30 or above
- Submission of all the application materials by the published Boston College deadline.
Interested students should contact the Woods College Office of Admissions with any further questions.
Minors
The Woods College of Advanced Studies offers a variety of minors open to Woods College students. Minors at Woods College consists of at least 15 credits and at most 24 credits. Of these credits, only one course can be double counted in the major or core.听No more than half of the minor may consist of transfer credits. Students must successfully complete at least 12 credits at Woods College before applying to a Minor program.
Students must take:
- No more than one course at the 1000 level
- No more than two courses at the 2000 level
- At least one course between the 3000-4000 level
Business
Minor Requirements
- ADEC1101 Principles of Economics听
- ADAC1081 Financial Accounting
- ADBM4001 Strategic Leadership
- ADBM1510 Management and Org Behavior听
- One elective course from:
- ADBM/ADCO1143 Corporate Communication
- ADLA2400 Business Law
- ADBM/ADET2650 Entrepreneurship
- ADCO/ADMK2201 Digital Marketing Strategy
- ADIT3300 Project Management
- ADFN1010 Principles of Finance
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this minor, students will be able to:
- Apply analytical skills in a systematic manner to define business challenges or opportunities, develop potential solutions, and evaluate their success.
- Translate strategic objectives into measurable plans that deploy the necessary resources in the most effective manner to solve business problems within defined constraints.
- Employ data analysis skills to enhance understanding of a business problem and identify solutions that are supported by the data.
- Communicate effectively across business contexts, both in writing and verbally, and give multimedia presentations to large and small groups using a variety of technology applications.
- Apply a working knowledge of risk management strategies to identify and mitigate risks in organizations.
- Examine all situations through an ethical lens and apply principles of ethical decision-making in a business context.
- Develop long-term solutions that optimize the strengths of individuals who make up diverse teams and advance an inclusive and equitable organizational approach and environment.
Criminal and Social Justice
Minor Requirements
- ADCJ1100 Introduction to Social Justice
- ADCJ1101 Principles of Criminal Justice
- ADCJ2011 Criminology or ADCJ2001 Crime and Punishment
- ADCJ3010 Criminal Law and Procedure
- One course from the Systemic and Social Challenges or interdisciplinary CSJ elective courses
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this minor, students will be able to:
- Appraise the power dynamics of policy, social norms and biases in determining how criminal laws are made and enforced.
- Apply established and emerging psychological and sociological theories to explain criminal behavior.
- Identify and propose interdisciplinary approaches to resolve critical criminal and social justice issues, recognizing that these issues are both evolving and contested, as demonstrated in real-life case studies.
- Employ oral and written communication to effectively interact within a variety of audiences and contexts.
- Articulate the competing ethical issues surrounding criminality and punishment and advocate for a course of action informed by ethical principles that serve the common good.
- Explain the roles of the key components of the criminal justice system: law enforcement, the courts, and corrections.
- Integrate historic social, cultural, legal, economic, and political events into a coherent explanation of the current state of American institutions.
- Distinguish the constitutional protections of people who are suspected to have committed a crime, those who are accused of having committed a crime, and those who are convicted.
- Explain how legislation and judicial decisions affect criminal justice policies and practices.
- Apply criminal and constitutional law to specific facts employing legal reasoning skills.
Cybersecurity
Minor Requirements
- ADIT1200 Cybersecurity Fundamentals
- ADIT2000 Computer Security
- ADIT2100 Computer Networks听
- ADIT2300 Systems Analysis and Design
- ADIT3500 Laws, Policies, and Frameworks in Cybersecurity
- ADIT4100 Ethical Hacking
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this minor, students will/will be able to:
- Articulately and efficiently discuss cybersecurity concepts and the value of modern cybersecurity measures with a diverse range of stakeholders, including both technical and non-technical groups. This includes tailoring communication to meet the needs and understanding of different audiences.
- Detect, analyze, identify, prioritize, and resolve security vulnerabilities, threats, risks, and breaches using appropriate tools and methodologies. This outcome ensures that students are prepared to handle real-world cybersecurity challenges proactively.
- Apply security principles and practices to maintain safe operations in the presence of risks and threats. This includes developing strategies to ensure continuous operation and integrity of systems under potential cyber attacks.
- Demonstrate a foundational knowledge of risk management strategies, including the ability to calculate risk, evaluate risk tolerance, implement compensating controls, and develop comprehensive risk management plans.
- Evaluate and communicate the critical role humans play in security systems, emphasizing social engineering vulnerabilities, and the importance of targeted training to mitigate human errors.
- Describe the professional, ethical, legal, and social issues and responsibilities related to computing and cybersecurity, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of the field鈥檚 broader context.
- Prepare for industry-recognized certifications, such as Cisco 鈥� CCNA, CompTIA 鈥� Network+, CompTIA 鈥� Security+, ITIL Foundations, and (ISC)虏 鈥� SSCP, equipping students with the qualifications needed to advance in their careers.
Digital Communications
Minor Requirements
- ADCO1005 Introduction to Communications
- ADCO3002 Digital Storytelling
- ADCO/ADMK 2201 Digital Marketing Strategy听
- ADCO/ADMK 2300 Social Media Marketing听
- One Communication or Marketing elective course
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this minor, students will/will be able to:
- Communicate effectively across different channels and mediums, both verbal and written, for personal and professional purposes听
- Identify communication opportunities where a new, strategic plan would benefit a business or organization
- Create a strategic communications and/or marketing plan for a business or organization, leveraging the newest tool, resources, and trends to achieve business goals
- Present data and information in a way that tells a compelling story and drives influence within a team or organizaton
- Evaluate existing marketing and communications campaigns in order to optimize tactics for long-term success
- Possess a fundamental understanding of the ethical and legal ramifications of various communication scenarios
- Work collaboratively, as a part of a team, to implement a strategic communications plan for a local entity and report back on the successes and opportunities observed
Economics
Minor Requirements
- ADEC1101 Principles of Economics
- ADEC3201 Microeconomic Theory
- ADEC3202 Macroeconomic Theory
- ADEC3515 Econometric Methods
- One Economics elective course
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this minor, students will be able to:
- Bring theories of economic growth, unemployment, and inflation to bear on the analysis of particular case studies.
- Characterize and distinguish between different market structures.
- Relate models of consumer and firm behavior to particular case studies.
- Bring different macroeconomic models to bear on the analysis of the national economy.
- Communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
- Gain insight into the moral dimension of economic policies and decision-making.
English
Minor Requirements
- Completion of the Core English requirements: ADEN1054 College Writing and ADEN1060 Literary Works (or other core literature course).
- One Non-Western Literature elective.
- Three English elective courses.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this minor, students will/will be able to:
- Compose an original, clear and well organized papers by analyzing high-quality evidence and applying appropriate conventions
- Read closely, interpret and analyze literary texts
- Gather and utilize evidence from secondary sources to support an interpretation of a literary text and articulate a critical position or interpretation in a thesis statement;听
- Recognize and analyze the influence of cultural, historical, and social contexts on works of literature
Entrepreneurship
Minor Requirements
- ADBM/ADET2650 Entrepreneurship
- Four elective courses from:
- ADBM2103 Digital Commerce听
- ADCO/ADMK2201 Digital Marketing Strategy听
- ADET2104 Social Entrepreneurship for Business and Nonprofits听
- ADET3101 Business Planning for New Ventures听
- ADET3102 Design and Prototyping for Entrepreneurs听
- ADET3103 Funding for New Ventures听
- ADET4105 Design Your Entrepreneurship Deep Dive
- ADMK3210 Marketing Data Analytics听
- ADSY4001 Strategic Leadership听
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this minor, students will/will be able to:
- Apply entrepreneurial thinking, innovative problem-solving, and business planning skills in a variety of industry sectors, organizations, and career paths
- Plan and validate the feasibility of an entrepreneurial project as a startup venture or in a corporate or nonprofit setting
- Develop innovative product and service ideas into entrepreneurial opportunities
- Research target markets and competitors, create simple prototypes, collect and analyze customer feedback, and build realistic financial projections
- Effectively communicate mission statements, value propositions, business pitches and marketing messages in formats appropriate for various audiences
- Create a go-to-market plan for a startup idea, including customer acquisition, product pricing, and distribution strategies, resource needs, and a 3-year financial plan for operations and sustainable growth
- Apply communications and critical thinking skills to presenting startup pitches, integrating peer feedback, and providing constructive feedback for the entrepreneurial ideas of colleagues
- Develop collaborative leadership, communications, analytical thinking, and team building skills to achieve entrepreneurial goals
Forensic Science
Minor Requirements
- FORS5318 Forensic Science (Fall - CSON)
- FORS5315 Victimology (Fall - CSON)
- FORS5317 Forensic Mental Health (Spring - CSON)
- Three elective courses from the approved list on the Woods College Minors webpage
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this minor, students will be able to:
- Students construct a "pathway" plan tailored to their major and career interests
- Emphasizes critical thinking about the role of science and algorithms in society
- Prepares students for careers in forensic science, law enforcement, legal professions, and related fields
- Interdisciplinary approach drawing from various schools and departments at Boston College
History
Minor Requirements
- Completion of History Core requirements.
- One Non-Western History elective.
- Three History elective courses.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this minor, students will/will be able to:
- Analyze the impact of major historical events, movements, and figures, especially in the context of geopolitics and global economics
- Evaluate primary sources, secondary sources, or both to gain knowledge of main ideas and general trends in historiography
- Contextualize historical events in light of ethical considerations and contemporary issues including social justice and the distribution of power.
- Produce an independent research assignment that results in an interpretation of an historical event, actor, or movement
Information Technology
Minor Requirements
- ADIT 2000 Computer Security
- ADIT 2050 Operating Systems
- ADIT 2200 Database Management
- ADIT 4000 Systems Architecture
- One Information Technology elective course
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this minor, students will/will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of core information technologies and the ability to apply this knowledge in various real-world contexts. This includes proficiency in programming languages, database management, networking, and cybersecurity.
- Develop strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. They will be able to analyze complex problems, identify and evaluate possible solutions, and implement the most effective solutions using information technology tools.
- Understand the ethical, legal, and societal implications of information technology. This involves recognizing the potential impacts of technology on individuals, organizations, and society as a whole and making responsible decisions in the design and implementation of IT systems.
- Communicate technical information to various audiences both orally and in writing.听
- Collaborative in teams, reflecting the importance of collaboration in the field of IT.
- Understand how information technology aligns with business strategy and contributes to achieving organizational goals. This includes the ability to analyze business needs, design IT solutions that meet those needs, and manage IT projects to successful completion.
Philosophy
Minor Requirements
- Completion of the Philosophy Core requirements.
- One Non-Western Philosophy elective.
- Three Philosophy elective courses.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this minor, students will/will be able to:
- Identify the core ideas of important philosophical movements and figures and compare/contrast their approaches to enduring philosophical questions and engage in these centuries long conversations听
- Analyze issues through the lens of a variety of philosophical schools of thought to articulate their own approaches to philosophical questions
- Reflect on the relationship between ethical and moral thought and their Application to our life听
- Thoughtfully and critically respond to moral and ethical issues raised in philosophy听
- Interpret contemporary issues听 in light of questions of philosophical theory听
- Articulate an original argument on a philosophical issue by applying research and logical reasoning
- Express and defend a philosophical ideas听 stance听 in discussions with peers听
Political Science
Minor Requirements
- ADPO1041 Fundamental Concepts of Politics
- ADPO4005 Comparative Politics
- Three Political Science elective courses.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this minor, students will be able to:
- Discuss and analyze political institutions and processes in consideration of major theories of politics.
- Formulate an argument about a political process or event supported by evidence听
- Research and evaluate scholarship in order to place political events in historical, national, and theoretical contexts.
Psychology
Minor Requirements
- ADPS1100 Introductory Psychology
- ADPS1261 Developmental Psychology
- ADPS2272 Cognitive Psychology
- Two Psychology elective courses
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this minor, students will/will be able to:
- Interpret and evaluate psychological phenomena by engaging in scientific reasoning and dynamic problem solving in broad, multi-disciplinary contexts
- Identify and evaluate trustworthy scholarly resources; articulate ways in which context shapes research questions and findings; and interpret basic statistical analyses found within those resources.
- Evaluate and apply the ethical standards of the psychology field in their professional and personal lives.听
- Propose solutions to civic, social, and global problems through the creative application of psychological theories and constructs while recognizing society鈥檚 inherent diversity and the ways in which that diversity impacts those psychological theories and constructs.
- Create effective communication materials in written, oral, and digital formats, including the correct implementation of the APA style.
Sociology
Minor Requirements
- ADSO1001 Introductory Sociology
- ADSO2501 Sociological Theories
- Three Sociology elective courses.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this minor, students will be able to:
- Analyze the relationship between individuals, societal structures and institutions as well as systemic inequalities
- Discuss sociological theories and evaluate
- Research, analyze and communicate sociological scholarship
Professional Studies Certificate: Cybersecurity
The Professional Studies Certificate is an end in itself for some students. For others, it may be applied toward completion of a bachelor鈥檚 degree. Whatever one鈥檚 ultimate goal, whether to qualify for promotion, initiate a career change, or earn an undergraduate degree, a Professional Studies Certificate can help to achieve that objective. The Woods College offers a professional studies certificate in Cybersecurity.
Certificate requirements include the following:
- Students must receive at least a grade of C for each course credited toward the certificate.
- Certificate requirements should be completed within two years of initial enrollment for non-degree students, and prior to degree completion for students already enrolled in a degree program; courses are permanently retained on the student record.
Cybersecurity Certificate
This Cybersecurity Certificate听emphasizes risk management, tolerance and mitigation by implementing security controls and compliance with regulatory requirements that achieve a level of risk tolerance acceptable to the organization. The Cybersecurity certificate program lays the foundation for security professionals to achieve success providing a robust baseline of skills needed to adapt to changes in business, technology, and threat environments.
Certificate Requirements
- ADIT1200 Cybersecurity Fundamentals
- ADIT2000 Computer Security
- ADEN2650 Writing with Precision
- ADIT2100 Computer Networks
- ADIT2300 Systems Analysis and Design
- One programming elective course from:
- ADIT1400 Python Programming
- ADIT1450 C++ Programming
Academic Honors
Degree with Honors
For information regarding academic honors printed in the Commencement program, visit the听Policies and Procedures: Undergraduate Academic Regulations, Degree with Honors听section of the catalog.
Undergraduate Graduation Awards
Awards at commencement recognize a distinguished scholastic record, special accomplishments in various academic fields, and qualities of outstanding character, leadership, community engagement, and demonstrated loyalty to the college.
Dean's List
The Woods College Dean's List recognizes the achievement of undergraduate students semester by semester. Students with a GPA of 3.700 or above in the B.A. programs will be placed on the Dean's List. In order to be eligible for the Dean's List, students must earn at least eight or more credits in courses evaluated with a letter grade. Students must not have withdrawals, pass/fail grades, or incompletes in the semester in question.听
Non-Degree Students
Applying as a Non-Degree Student
There are two types of non-degree students: 1) students who wish to take courses before they matriculate in a degree or certificate program and 2) life-long learners, those who are taking courses solely for personal enrichment. All non-degree students must complete an application. Once non-degree students have been admitted, they will be assigned to an academic advisor who will assist them in selecting appropriate courses.
Most Woods courses are open to non-degree students (with certain exceptions for courses in specific degree or certificate programs). The non-degree option is not intended for full-time study. Non-degree students will be limited to two courses per semester. Should a student wish to take more courses in a semester, they will need to apply to a degree or certificate program.听
Non-degree students are not eligible for need-based or merit-based financial aid from Boston College or for most federally and state-funded assistance plans. (See specific assistance programs for exceptions.) However, non-degree work may qualify for reimbursement under employer-sponsored tuition remission development programs.听
Continuation as a Non-Degree Student
Non-degree students who wish to take courses before they matriculate in a degree or certificate program may take up to a maximum of 16 credits if they are an undergraduate non-degree student or 2 courses if they are a graduate non-degree student before they are required to matriculate into a degree or certificate program. If students plan on transitioning to a degree or certificate program, they will be required to submit an application. Regardless of when non-degree students begin taking courses, they will be held to the academic program and policies at the time of acceptance into a degree or certificate program.
Life-long learners have no limit to the number of courses they can take as long as they remain in good academic standing. The life-long learner designation is not intended to lead to a degree or certificate.
Academic Standing as a Nondegree Student
Non-degree students will be held to the academic standing standards as undergraduate and graduate degree-seeking students. For details related to academic standing, please refer to the Woods College鈥檚 "Academic Policies" website and the 鈥淎cademic Standing鈥� section.