Admission

Admission

Whether you’re passionate about early childhood education, mental health counseling, or institutional research, our high-quality programs and world-renowned faculty mentors will prepare you to use your gifts in the service of others.

Why LSEHD?

Collaborate with esteemed faculty, explore new frontiers of research, and discover how education can improve human lives across all their dimensions.

How to Apply

Choose a Program

Search for a program that fits your needs and goals. Choose from undergraduate, master's, doctoral, and nondegree programs, with in-person and online options.


Prepare Your Materials

Research application requirements and deadlines for your specific program and prepare your documents. Familiarize yourself with tuition and aid opportunities, including resources to support you as you seek financial aid and scholarships.


Complete Your Application

For graduate program admission, fill out the BC application. For undergraduate admission, fill out the Common App.

Tuition & Aid

$1,764

cost per credit for graduate programs

361

graduate assistantship positions

$11.4M

financial aid awarded each year

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice

Our research, curriculum, and community culture are centered around disrupting the forces that marginalize, while fostering an environment where people of all identities can thrive.

Meet the Admissions Team

Katharine Nelson
Katharine Nelson
Assistant Dean
Graduate Enrollment Management

617-552-4214
X
Katharine Nelson

Katharine Nelson

Assistant Dean

Graduate Enrollment Management

| 617-552-4214

Carolyn Looker
Carolyn Looker
Associate Director
Graduate Admissions & Financial Aid

617-552-4572
X
Carolyn Looker

Carolyn Looker

Associate Director

Graduate Admissions & Financial Aid

| 617-552-4572

Maryna MacDonald
Maryna MacDonald
Associate Director
Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid

617-552-4193
X
Maryna MacDonald

Maryna MacDonald

Associate Director

Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid

| 617-552-4193

Nicole Bruno
Nicole Bruno
Assistant Director
Graduate Recruitment & Admission

617-552-4189
X
Nicole Bruno

Nicole Bruno

Assistant Director

Graduate Recruitment & Admission

| 617-552-4189

Christian Olenoski
Christian Olenoski
Assistant Director
Graduate Recruitment & Admission

617-552-4182
X
Christian Olenoski

Christian Olenoski

Assistant Director

Graduate Recruitment & Admission

| 617-552-4182

Gabriela Soares Alvares
Gabriela Soares Alvares
Admissions Specialist
Graduate Recruitment & Admission

617-552-3613
X
Gabriela Soares Alvares

Gabriela Soares Alvares

Admissions Specialist

Graduate Recruitment & Admission

| 617-552-3613

Student Ambassadors

Photo of Leslie Alvarez Leslie Alvarez Leslie Alvarez

Leslie Alvarez

Class of 2026

Photo of Leslie Alvarez

In my free time, you can usually find me curled up with a good book or planning our next adventure with my husband and our sassy chihuahua, Heidy. I’m passionate about exploring new cultures, especially through food, and I love trying out dishes from all over the world. Learning new languages is another way I stay connected to the wonderful world around us.

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Program: M.Ed. in Global Perspectives: Teaching, Curriculum, and Learning Environments

What are your academic interests? My academic and career interests revolve around empowering girls through education and international development. I'm passionate about continuing my work in the humanitarian space, where I can focus on creating lasting and meaningful educational opportunities for girls around the world. By building on my experience and knowledge, I want to make a real difference in global initiatives that help young women reach their full potential.

Why BC? I chose the M.Ed. in Global Perspectives: Teaching, Curriculum, and Learning Environments at Boston College because it connects deeply with my passion for promoting inclusive and innovative education, particularly in girls’ education and empowerment. My journey as an English teacher across seven countries, along with my Peace Corps service in Ecuador, and my current role at Women’s Global Education Project, has given me firsthand insight into the global challenges facing education. Boston College’s strong focus on social justice and its outstanding reputation in education make it the perfect place for me to grow and continue making a difference on a global scale.

Photo of Taelor Anderson Taelor Anderson Taelor Anderson

Taelor Anderson

Class of 2026

Photo of Taelor Anderson

I am a huge college hockey fan, so BC is a fantastic place for me to be. In my free time, I also crochet, and I’ve been acting in theater for the past 9 years. 

Hometown: Boise, ID

Program: M.S. in Applied Statistics and Psychometrics

Email: taelor.anderson@bc.edu

What are your academic interests? After spending 2 years participating in cognitive psychology research at Boston University, I have become very interested in how children understand science and perceive themselves as scientists. In order to continue advancing in this field, I need a better understanding of the mathematics behind social science research.

Why BC? I chose to pursue applied statistics after earning a bachelors in psychology so I could become a more well rounded researcher in the future. Boston College has one of the best statistics programs to reach this goal. I love the city of Boston, as I have been living here for the past 4 years already. The faculty are great and the community is even better. 

Photo of Sofi Block Sofi Block Sofi Block

Sofi Block

Class of 2026

Photo of Sofi Block

I love everything active and outdoors, but particularly long-distance running! I ran my first marathon in April 2024, and I intend to run many more, hopefully working towards an Ironman triathlon or an ultramarathon one day. I am also a theater kid at heart, so I love singing in a cappella groups, tap dancing, and seeing shows whenever I can.

Hometown: Sudbury, MA

Program: M.A. in Mental Health Counseling

Email: sofia.block@bc.edu

What are your academic interests? The ultimate goal is to become a wilderness therapist, because I see nature as a way to aid in the healing process that therapy facilitates. I am mainly interested in working with high schoolers and college students, because there is so much identity searching and navigating of life transitions at that age. I want to take my time and try out different paths within this career field, so I am starting with this more generalized Master’s in Mental Health Counseling with plans to get a wilderness therapy certification later on.

Why BC? During my undergraduate experience, I decided that I wanted to become a therapist because I want to help people in the most genuine and validational way possible. The Mental Health Counseling program at Boston College appealed to me because it has some of everything! It includes plenty of courses that feel very practical and applicable, such as Career Development, Multicultural Issues, and Ethical and Legal Issues in Mental Health. On top of that, I can pick multiple elective courses throughout the program, and I look forward to my field placement during the second year because I want to gain practical experience. I fell in love with BC’s beautiful campus, as well as its abundance of resources and real community for graduate students.

Photo of Grace Calogero Grace Calogero Grace Calogero

Grace Calogero

Class of 2025

Photo of Grace Calogero

I enjoy traveling and have loved exploring new places in New England! I love filling my time by trying new restaurants, being outdoors, and reading.

Hometown: Alexandria, VA

Program: M.A. in Higher Education / Concentration in Student Affairs

What are your academic interests? After graduating from my program, I hope to work in an academic advising setting. I love meeting students and helping them in their own academic and career journey. 

Why BC? I chose the Boston College Higher Education program because of the amazing faculty we have here at the Lynch School. I also was attracted to the program based on the opportunities and connections I found through the Higher Ed Interview Days. I love being in a program that encourages academic and professional growth through our graduate assistantships.

Photo of Derek Keough Derek Keough Derek Keough

Derek Keough

Class of 2025

Photo of Derek Keough

I love hiking, kayaking, and getting outside as much as possible. I enjoy playing all types of sports and am a big Boston sports fan. When I am not working, you can usually find me exercising, listening to a podcast, spending time with my family, or walking with my dog, Remi.

Hometown: Kingston, MA

Program: M.Ed. in Educational Leadership & Policy / Concentration in Educational Policy Development

Emailderek.keough@bc.edu

What are your academic interests? I hope to enter the world of school leadership as a department head or a dean of faculty. I enjoy all aspects of independent school life and connecting with students, families, and alumni, and hope to work with these stakeholders in future leadership roles.

Why BC? I chose the online M.Ed. program in Educational Leadership & Policy because it really aligned with my professional goals and was extremely compatible with my demands as a full-time teacher, coach, and parent. The courses in the program and the quality of each faculty member ensure that I am receiving a top-notch education that I can immediately put into practice. Also, the flexibility of having a fully-online program that is broken down into weekly modules allows me to work at my own pace without being overburdened. I also love that I have a great community of classmates from across the country who are taking this journey with me. 

Photo of Maryam  Kotb Maryam Kotb Maryam Kotb

Maryam Kotb

Class of 2025

Photo of Maryam  Kotb

My hobbies change all the time! Right now I am interested in crocheting, running, and flexibility training. I would describe myself as a busybody, so all of my interests involve some form of movement. Even when I'm sitting down, I am often crocheting.

Hometown: Cairo, Egypt

Program: M.Ed. in Elementary Education and Moderate Support Needs (Dual Degree)

Email: kotbm@bc.edu

What are your academic interests? Special and inclusive education has always been very important to me. After graduating, I plan on using my master's degree to work in inclusive education either as a special education teacher or homeroom teacher. My ultimate goal is to create a space where all learners feel safe and excited to learn. 

Why BC? When I was looking for graduate programs, I struggled to find a program that equally emphasized special education and elementary education. I knew I wanted to work as a teacher, but I was not sure which one I wanted to pursue long term, and I worried that getting a master's degree in just one would be limiting later on. I was excited by the program at Boston College, since I did not need to compromise on my options. Along with the course work, I was looking forward to the two practicum courses in the program that would provide me with experience in both options, and help me decide what path I want to take after graduation.

Photo of Alyssa Healey Alyssa Healey Alyssa Healey

Alyssa Healey

Class of 2026

Photo of Alyssa Healey

Outside of academics, I love running, hiking, and exploring the outdoors. I also really enjoy attending arts performances, including concerts, shows, and dance showcases. 

Hometown: Hull, MA

Program: M.Ed. in Special Education for Moderate Support Needs

Email: alyssa.healey@bc.edu

What are your academic interests? In my academic studies, I greatly enjoy challenging my own beliefs and assumptions, and I love learning from the experiences and perspectives of others. As an aspiring elementary education teacher, I am passionate about learning new strategies to support all learners and I am greatly interested in conversations regarding intersectionality and education. 

Why BC? After just my first year as an undergraduate at Boston College, I knew I wanted to pursue my master’s degree at this institution as well. I quickly fell in love with not just the beautiful campus, but the communities I found within the Lynch School and BC as a whole. I feel so fortunate to study special education and urban education with professors who are devoted to teaching for social justice and caring for the whole person. As we learn and discuss theories in our courses, Boston College provides the opportunity to simultaneously teach with—and learn from—educators within the Boston community. Thus, when pursuing a degree in the Lynch School, I was able to join communities within and beyond the physical boundaries of campus. 

Photo of Alice Ghislaine Musabe Alice Ghislaine Musabe Alice Ghislaine Musabe

Alice Ghislaine Musabe

Class of 2026

Photo of Alice Ghislaine Musabe

I enjoy spending time with friends and family, writing poetry, watching TV shows, dancing to afrobeat music, and being near water. I also have a passion for good food, particularly baked goods and various cuisines such as Isombe, jollof rice, oxtail, fried rice, and more. Finally, I have a strong desire to travel to numerous countries across different continents. Some of the places on my current bucket list include Tanzania, Ghana, Bali, Korea, France, and Brazil.

Hometown: Kamembe, Rwanda

Program: M.A. in Mental Health Counseling

Email: musabea@bc.edu

What are your academic interests? I am passionate about increasing awareness of mental health, especially within diverse communities. My dream career would involve working as a family and children's therapist in both the USA and an African country. I also hope to continue advocating for and writing about mental health and feminism to help the youth heal and thrive. 

Why BC? I was impressed by the number of states where a Boston College degree in Mental Health Counseling would allow me to work and the level of mentorship that BC professors offer to us students. Additionally, I love BC's location, as Boston is a hub of many great hospitals serving a diverse population, an environment in which I envision launching my career.

Photo of Mahima Nambiar Mahima Nambiar Mahima Nambiar

Mahima Nambiar

Class of 2026

Photo of Mahima Nambiar

When I'm not studying, you'll find me cooking up a storm, dancing to my favorite tunes, or exploring local hidden gems. I'm also committed to giving back through animal rescue and kitten fostering initiatives. These activities bring me happiness and fulfillment.

Hometown: Kerala, India

Program: M.A. in Research and Evaluation Methods

Email: mahima.nambiar@bc.edu

What are your academic interests? Following my master's, I aim to pursue a Ph.D. in education, focusing on assessment and evaluation methodologies. As a future academic, I aspire to drive educational innovation, inform policy, and mentor aspiring educators. My ultimate goal is to become a leading expert, bridging research and practice to enhance student outcomes.

Why BC? Boston College's M.A. in Research and Evaluation stood out to me as a transformative opportunity to elevate my teaching expertise, inform data-driven instruction, and ultimately benefit my students and community. As an educator, I sought a program that would enhance my practice, inform my leadership, and inspire my students. Boston College's reputation, faculty expertise, and commitment to social responsibility made it the clear choice. I chose Boston College to amplify my impact as a teacher, leverage research-informed practices, and create a brighter future for my students. This program will empower me to drive positive change.

Photo of John W. Preston Jr. John W. Preston Jr. John W. Preston, Jr.

John W. Preston Jr.

Class of 2026

Photo of John W. Preston Jr.

I have a deep personal interest in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, my wife, my two Barbie daughters, my superhero son, and traveling. Nothing is more important to me than exploring new places and creating lasting memories with them. These aspects of my life keep me grounded and inspired, fueling both my personal and professional pursuits.

Hometown: Venus, Texas

Program: M.S. in Data Science

Email: prestoj@bc.edu

What are your academic interests? My academic and career aspirations include pursuing a government role within the data science field, where I can apply my skills to serve the public good. This interest has been sparked by my amazing wife who has served in the United States Navy for over thirteen years. Alternatively, I aim to give back through education by becoming a professor, sharing my knowledge and experience with the next generation in this dynamic and evolving discipline of data science.

Why BC? I chose Boston College for my Master's in Data Science because, as a retired photographer, I wanted to transition into a field that would allow me to stay in a creative space while delving into more substantive career opportunities. After researching several programs, I found that Boston College uniquely aligned with my values, particularly in its commitment to ethical, mission-driven education that enhances the human condition. The college's focus on clear, principled decision-making and service to all through diverse roles resonated with me. Additionally, this program challenges me to step out of my comfort zone, pushing me to develop new skills and apply my creative talents in a new, innovative field. This combination of factors made Boston College the perfect choice for my continued education.

Photo of Danielle  Topaz Danielle Topaz Danielle Topaz

Danielle Topaz

Class of 2026

Photo of Danielle  Topaz

In my free time, I love exploring thrift stores for unique finds, baking new recipes, practicing yoga to stay grounded, and getting lost in a good book. These activities help me unwind and keep a balance between my academic and personal life.

Hometown: Seattle, WA

Program: M.A. in School Counseling

Email: danielle.topaz@bc.edu

What are your academic interests? I'm passionate about supporting students' mental health and development, which is why I'm pursuing a career in school counseling. My academic interests focus on counseling techniques, child and adolescent psychology, and strategies for promoting social-emotional learning in schools. Ultimately, I aim to advocate for students' well-being and help create inclusive, supportive school environments.

Why BC? I chose Boston College for my Master's in School Counseling because it felt like the right fit for me. The focus on social justice and community engagement really stood out, and I love that BC emphasizes both practical experience and advocacy work. Plus, the supportive community made me feel safe and confident that I’ll grow both personally and professionally here. Being in Boston with access to diverse schools is a big bonus too!

Photo of Jacqueline Wade Jacqueline Wade Jacqueline Wade

Jacqueline Wade

Class of 2025

Photo of Jacqueline Wade

My personal hobbies include indoor plant collecting, reading, and traveling with my family.

Hometown: Mattapan, MA

Program: M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education / Donovan Urban Teaching Scholar

Email: jacqueline.wade@bc.edu

What are your academic interests? My career goal is to become a reading specialist who works with individuals that struggle to gain or improve literacy skills. My academic goal is to develop the necessary skills that will allow me to understand my students' reading challenges, frustrations, and aspirations, and provide them with the support and encouragement they need to be successful.

Why BC? I chose BC specifically for the Donovan Urban Teaching Scholars Program, because I wanted to learn more about social justice. I am a kindergarten teacher and I want to lay the foundation for their future learning by instilling essential academic, social, and emotional skills through the lens of social justice. I felt that BC would support my goals to create equity for all within my classroom and learn critical theories that require action and systemic change to achieve equal outcomes.

Photo of Nianyao (Vesper)  Xiao Nianyao (Vesper) Xiao Nianyao (Vesper) Xiao

Nianyao (Vesper) Xiao

Class of 2025

Photo of Nianyao (Vesper)  Xiao

I love reading sci-fi, and The Three-Body Problem is my favorite! I particularly enjoy sci-fi that explores moral dilemmas, philosophical themes, and feminist perspectives (like some Korean Sci-Fi). I also practice yoga, go jogging, practice buddhism sometimes, and play the keyboard.

Hometown: Anhui, China

Program: M.A. in Mental Health Counseling / Urban Scholars Cohort

Email: nianyao.xiao@bc.edu

What are your academic interests? I’m still exploring because there are so many interesting things I want to try! Currently, I’m interested in intimate partner violence among LGBTQ+ populations, maternal mental health, children with ASD, and families struggling to care for loved ones with severe mental health disorders.

Why BC? I used to work in finance before transitioning into the counseling field. The Mental Health Counseling program at Boston College offers me extensive guidance and hands-on experience in counseling skills, which is valuable for someone like me who is starting from scratch. I've met many incredible people here, such as my Lab Leader, Highsmith, and my second-year mentor, Jasmine, who have made my life here wonderful and my internship seeking process more manageable. Additionally, BC is a prestigious institution with a strong reputation among many employers, which will greatly benefit us in our job search. I also appreciate the countless opportunities and the safe community provided by Boston. Our internship sites in Boston include numerous renowned schools, universities, hospitals, and community clinics.

Questions?

Nondegree Coursework

Interested in taking a course before applying to a program?

Admission for nondegree students is rolling. We do encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible prior to the first day of the semester. As a nondegree applicant you are not required to pay the $75 application fee. However, applicants will need to submit an official, sealed transcript from their undergraduate institution.

link  

Upcoming Admissions Events

Ambassadors Link

Quick Links