Admission

Sociology major Nick Owen came to Woods because he was seeking to complete his degree while working. As a program director at Action for Boston Community Development, he leads initiatives to fight food insecurity in the Greater Boston area, and he did not want to put this vital work on hold.

“It’s huge to be able to take a mix of in-person, hybrid, and online courses without sacrificing quality, in a diverse learning environment,” Owen said. “I’m a reflective person, and Woods strikes a unique balance between big-picture thinking and practical skill-building.”

Even as Owen’s studies at Woods have dovetailed with the career he’s already building, courses like Examined Life and Designing Your Career have helped him consider the future, and classes like Data Visualization have helped him build new skills.

“I was interning at the Mayor’s Office in Boston, and I also had another job at the time,” Daniel said. “As a Black woman and a first-gen college student, it was very important to me to finish my bachelor’s, and Woods came into my life at the right time.”

Working with her advisor, Daniel was able to take all of her courses after work, almost entirely online. For her, the quality of a BC education was evident throughout, undiminished by the format.

“The discussions and group projects made me more comfortable with public speaking and leadership,” she said, noting that she feels more able to take initiative and make herself heard. “I feel I have the education, resources, and knowledge to make a change myself.”

Daniel’s commitment has paid off—today, she is chief of staff for the Mayor’s Office of Language and Communications Access, where she helps residents across Boston access essential translation and interpretation services.

“Transferring my credits was seamless, and going to Woods ended up being one of the best decisions I’ve made,” she said.

“BC Woods is the third college I’ve attended, and the transfer experience here was the smoothest I’ve had,” said Otto Haeg, an applied liberal arts major who came to Woods after stints at The University of the South (Sewanee) and St. Olaf College. “The people are what made the difference—I connected with [Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions] Anna Hughes immediately, and everyone was eager to help.”

Although she grew up in northern Virginia, Cate Hartnett spent most football-season Saturdays cheering for a team from further north: Boston College. Her father, Michael B. Hartnett, had become an Eagles fan while studying at BC Law, and BC was her team—and her dream school.

When it came time to apply to college, though, she pursued an opportunity to play collegiate basketball at Wheaton. She joined the team, but the stresses of the student-athlete experience led her to take time off from school. When she heard that the Woods College for Advancing Studies offered degree completion programs, the possibility of finishing her college journey at BC thrilled her, but it seemed like a long shot.

“I wondered if I was cut out for it, because I had gone through a lot and left another school,” Hartnett said. But when she enrolled in a non-degree College Writing course in the fall of 2019 to test the waters, the people she met made her feel like BC was within reach after all.

“Everyone at Woods, from the admissions counselors to my advisors, professors, and classmates, made me feel like I had my own valuable story to tell,” she said. By the following fall, Hartnett was enrolled as a full-time psychology major.

“On my first day, I climbed the stairs and saw Gasson Hall,” she said. “I grew up dreaming of what going to BC would be like, but it has been better than I even imagined.”

Hometown: Originally from Macedonia in Greece, living in Roslindale MA the last eighteen years. 

Program: B.A., Corporate Systems Marketing

Favorite class or professor? I can't single out any class or professor because each is a unique experience. The Woods College family consists of remarkable people, professors, advisors, dean, and students. After each course, I take with me the knowledge in the subject I study and the experience of socializing with students of all ages who, through their personal experiences and skills, become transmitters of knowledge. It is beautiful and human to meet people from different cultures and to develop lifetime relationships with them through shared interests and goals.

Why does the Woods College work for you? When I came to live in the USA, my initial goal was to start a family; studies were not in the plan. But God decided to give me another family, through which I grew spiritually, and this is none other than Boston College. As a full-time employee of Dining Services in Boston College, I am taking the opportunity and the advantage of the free tuition, which is part of our benefits to help us study at Woods College. The night classes are very convenient for every working person more though for working women, who have the chance to add more to their daily routine. 

Hometown: Saugus, MA

Program: B.A., Criminal Justice (Pre Law Track)  

Favorite class or professor? My favorite classes would have to be Social Political Philosophy by Professor Melissa Fitzpatrick and Intro to Criminology by Kristin Bullwinkel. Both classes are amazing and really opened my eyes to how education is more than the content of the lesson plan and are taught by two kind and strong women that I'm glad I got to meet! 

Why does the Woods College work for you? Since attending, one of the biggest strengths would be the flexibility. There were times with COVID that I needed to go at a different pace than my peers to balance work and school life. I found that the flexibility here allows me to go the pace that is healthy for me but to also feel like i'm not lagging behind due to the strong advising system. Additionally, it has allowed me to get involved on campus being an RA, joining the Asian Caucus eboard and AHANA Pre-Law Student Association, and much more! 

Hometown: Melrose, MA

Program: B.A., Psychology 

Favorite class or professor? This is a tough question, but I would have to say Global Literature with Professor Sarr. The books my classmates and I read were interesting and  allowed us to vicariously travel through the books, (considering that we could not safely travel at the time due to COVID restrictions) and understand the different experiences of the characters from different parts of the world. The course was not structured in the typical way of answering specific questions about the reading material. Most of the questions were applicable to real life situations and it allowed us to become more open-minded to the way others think and live outside of Western society. Additionally, answering these types of questions allowed us to apply our external studies and experiences and share our different perspectives with each other for a more holistic comprehension of the books read.

Why does the Woods College work for you? The Woods College works for me because of the flexibility it provides. The courses are held once a week. Woods College also provides the option to enroll in day school courses. I am able to work while in school and the undergraduate academic journey is essentially at my own pace. At the Woods College, I feel less pressure to obtain my B.A in the standard rate of four years. Furthermore, it allows me to enjoy the process of learning more and really cherish the time I have left! 

Hometown: Boston, MA

Program: B.A., Psychology 

Favorite class or professor? I do not really have a favorite professor. All of my professors have been great.

Why does the Woods College work for you? I am a mother to two children, so the timing works with my schedule. 

Hometown: Boston, MA

Program: B.A., Psychology 

Favorite class or professor? One of my favorite classes has been Moral Theology with Dr. Welch. I'd have to say that the value and influence of this course has helped me continue to reflect on personal values while fine tuning my ability to prioritize personal responsibilities. Dr. Welch's curriculum and leadership has strengthened my commitment to holding myself accountable morally while also recognizing the need to serve others.

Why does the Woods College work for you? The Woods College works for me as it offers a personal, thoughtful well guided approach to learning. Support is readily available through your Advisor allowing you to map out your academic future in an easy to understand format. Additionally, all of the Professors that I have worked with have been more than accessible, supportive and responsive.

Hometown: Boston, MA

Program: B.A., Criminal & Social Justice    

Favorite class or professor? This is a difficult question to answer because I have had many favorite professors and classes. Law and Society with Judge Menno, Business Law with Professor Powers, and White Collar Crime with Professor McConville. I enjoyed all of these classes because they all taught me knowledge which not only I can use in my everyday life, but knowledge which is beneficial for everyone else whom I may be surrounded by. To know that one day I may apply this knowledge to help those around me is extremely important and valuable to me.

Why does the Woods College work for you? Woods College provides the best program for me because it gives me the opportunity to work full time during the day while being able to attend high quality classes during the evenings which are taught by enthusiastic professors.