Woods College of Advancing Studies
As one of the schools that make up Boston College, the James A. Woods, S.J., College of Advancing Studies (Woods College) fosters students’ rigorous intellectual development coupled with Ignatian, ethical, and personal formation to prepare them to make an impact in the workforce in a global society. Within the context of the Boston College environment, Woods College promotes the care and attention to the human person that is the hallmark of Jesuit Catholic education. In addition, our faculty and students engage in significant applied academics that enriches the culture and addresses important societal needs.
Woods College offers the atmosphere of a small college within the environment of a large university. Students benefit from personalized attention while accessing the full range of resources available at Boston College.
Graduate Programs
The James A. Woods, S.J., College of Advancing Studies offers graduate degree programs that focus on the application of knowledge and skills to professional practice. The graduate programs combine academic and workplace experience to enable students to enhance their professional competencies thereby facilitating career development and advancement. With an applied focus, each graduate program in Woods College offers programs to provide effective and efficient learning opportunities for students to develop complex knowledge and skills with the goal of preparing students to address current and future professional and societal challenges.
Woods College graduate program directors, faculty, and advisors help direct prior learning and work experience toward degree completion and career advancement through coursework and applied projects.
Woods College offers the following Master-level degree programs.
- Master of Science in Applied Analytics
- Master of Science in Applied Economics
- Master of Healthcare Administration
- Master of Science in Leadership
- Master of Science in Sports Administration
- Master of Science in Sports Analytics
- Dual Master of Science in Applied Economics and Applied Analytics
- Dual Master of Science in Applied Economics and Sports Analytics
Woods College offers graduate-level certificates in the following areas.
Applied Economics Graduate Certificates
- Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics
Leadership Graduate Certificates
- Graduate Certificate in Corporate Communications and Marketing
- Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management
- Graduate Certificate in Leadership
- Graduate Certificate in Management and Organizational Excellence
- Graduate Certificate in Project Management
Sports Management Graduate Certificates
- Graduate Certificate in Executive Sports Leadership
- Graduate Certificate in Sports Analytics
- Graduate Certificate in Student-Athlete Development
Master of Science in Applied Analytics (On Campus and Online)
Program Description
The Master of Science in Applied Analytics offers practical curriculum in advanced analytics with emphasis on Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence approaches. The focus of the program is to equip students to carry out analytics on a variety of data sets in terms of size and complexity, identify patterns and causal relationships, derive results and turn them into actionable insights, and, ultimately, communicate the insights to a variety of audiences in order to influence business or policy decisions. The curriculum instills analytic rigor, with appreciation for interaction with non-technical audiences and the need for communication and influencing skills. In addition, as a part of Boston College’s focus on formation and service to others, the ethical side of analytics is also considered whether directly through the Model Governance course or indirectly through interactions and instruction in other courses.
Graduates of MS in Applied Analytics program will be able to perform cutting-edge analytic work and be able to take data projects through the complete lifecycle from inception to delivery of insights. They will be able to communicate their findings to non-technical audiences and understand the implications of their recommendation on actual business and/or policy actions and outcomes. In short, graduates of the MS in Applied Analytics will do analytics not for sake of analytics, but to drive real impact.
The Master of Science in Applied Analytics is a ten-course degree program. The program can be completed in a twelve-month period, but is designed to be flexible in meeting student needs, allowing students to attend full- or part-time. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for admission in the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. All undergraduate majors are encouraged to apply.
Program graduates will be able to:
- Design analytic approaches to solve complex problems
- Understand and deploy advanced analytic techniques in search of actionable insights
- Use machine learning and artificial intelligence tools and approaches to leverage data for business and policy decision-making
- Draw insights from analytics and communicate them clearly to non-technical audiences
- Drive real impact based on results and insights from analytics
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university (minimum GPA 3.0)
- Official academic transcripts from colleges/universities where courses were completed
- Personal Statement
- Letters of Recommendation (Two)
- Resume
- Application Fee
- Prerequisite courses: Statistics and Calculus I*
- Optional—GRE (reporting code 7534) or GMAT (reporting code44X-HX-47)—recommended for students with lower undergraduate GPA
*Note: CLEP exam score of 56 or higher is acceptable in lieu of a passing grade from an accredited undergraduate program.
International Students—Additional Admission Requirements
In addition to the general requirements listed above, international students have the following requirements:
- TOEFL (minimum 90–100 range) (reporting code 3276) or IELTS (minimum 6.5–7.5 range) from within the past two years, unless they have completed their undergraduate degree at a regionally-accredited U.S. institution, or a foreign institution in which English is the medium of instruction.
- Detailed course-by-course transcript evaluation indicating conferral of an undergraduate degree that is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (see transcript requirements for international students).
Degree Requirements
Ten courses are required to complete the Master of Science in Applied Analytics.
Foundational Requirements (All Required, 6 Credits*)
- ADAN7220 Mathematical Methods for Machine Learning I
- ADEC7301 Data Analysis
*Students who have taken Linear Algebra in their undergraduate studies can obtain Course Equivalence for ADAN 7220. Students who have completed advanced Statistics courses such as Econometrics in their undergraduate studies can obtain course equivalence for ADAN/ADEC 7310. Course Equivalence does not result in reduction of required credits, but allows students to enroll in electives instead of fundamental courses.
Core Requirements (All Required, 12 Credits)
- ADAN/ADEC7430 AI Algorithms I/Big Data Econometrics
- ADAN7500 Algorithmic Ethics and Governance—from Traditional to AI/ML
- ADAN7603 AI Algorithms II
- ADAN7905 AI/ML Software Tools and Platforms
Project Requirements (All Required, 3 Credits)
- ADAN8888 Applied Analytics Project
Electives Requirements (Selected from the Following, Minimum of 9 Credits**)
- ADAN/ADEC7320 Regression Models/Econometrics
- ADAN7399 Computer Vision
- ADAN/ADEC7406 Predictive Analytics/Forecasting
- ADAN/ADEC7410 Operations Research
- ADEC7421 Applied Econometrics for Causal Inference
- ADEC7422 Economic Modeling for Policy Analytics
- ADAN7431 Natural Language Processing
- ADAN/ADEC7470 Advanced Econometrics
- ADAN7520 Product Management in Machine Learning
- ADAN7735 Visual Analytics
- ADAN7800 Foundations of Generative AI: Techniques, Tools, and Applications
- ADEC7910 Software Tools for Data Analysis
*In consultation with their Advisor and/or Program Director, students can take other electives from the Applied Economics program.
**Students who have undergraduate preparation that allows for a course equivalence for Fundamental Courses, can take 6 credit hours of electives and possibly take electives from other programs at WCAS with permission of the Program Director.
Scheduling and Tuition
Program courses are scheduled ordinarily meeting one time per week starting in the late afternoons on weeknights and during the day on Saturdays. Courses meet face-to-face or online in a variety of formats. Students can complete the program in either modality or combine classes according to their schedule.
Information about tuition rates for the 2025–2026 academic year is available on the Tuition and Fees page.Students are assessed a registration fee each semester they enroll in courses.
Master of Science in Applied Economics (On Campus and Online)
Program Description
The Master of Science in Applied Economics offers a practical and comprehensive curriculum to students interested in acquiring skills related to the analysis and interpretation of data across a variety of fields. Through training in Economic theory, graduates will be equipped to understand the context of data they are analyzing, and through training in cutting-edge analytic techniques, they will be able to analyze the data, interpret and present results to decision makers, and make recommendations bolstered by the results of the data analysis. The focus of the program is on preparing graduates to use rigorous analytic approaches to provide actionable insights for their organization. The program provides individuals with extensive training in the tools and methods necessary for understanding complex policy issues, industry trends, and analytic strategies within fields and industries including health care, finance, marketing, and environmental policy. These skills are developed within a curricular framework that emphasizes reflective, people-centered, ethical decision making reflected in a Jesuit, Ignatian tradition. The program is intended for individuals seeking to begin or advance their careers in industry, policy and government, or non-profit sector.
The Master of Science in Applied Economics is a ten-course degree program. The program can be completed in a twelve-month period, but is designed to be flexible in meeting student needs, allowing students to attend full- or part-time. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for admission in the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. All undergraduate majors are encouraged to apply.
Program graduates develop career skills that include:
- Use of economic models to analyze the choices made by consumers, investors, firms, and governments
- Utilizing macro and microeconomic models in order to analyze business, policy, and social issues and decisions
- Interpreting and analyze macroeconomic data to formulate economic policy and to evaluate the impact of macroeconomic events and forces on their organization
- Practical knowledge of data analysis including econometric and non-econometric approaches
- Applying economic models and econometric techniques in the context of economic analysis in order to address practical business or policy issues
- Use of statistical/econometric software packages
- Ability to evaluate the ethical ramifications of economic policy proposals
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university (minimum GPA 3.0)
- Official academic transcripts from colleges/universities where courses were completed
- Personal Statement
- Letter of Recommendation (Two)
- Resume
- Application Fee
- Prerequisite courses: Principles of Microeconomics,* Principles of Macroeconomics,* Statistics,* Calculus I,* and Calculus II**
- Optional—GRE (reporting code 7534) or GMAT (reporting code44X-HX-47)—recommended for students with lower undergraduate GPA
*dzٱ:CLEP exam score of 56 or higher is acceptable in lieu of a passing grade from an accredited undergraduate program.
**Calculus II may be taken concurrently during your first semester of study. This requirement can also be fulfilled by taking ADEC3510 Mathematics for Economists (these prerequisite courses do not count toward the degree).
International Students—Additional Admission Requirements
In addition to the general requirements listed above, international students have the following requirements:
- TOEFL (minimum 90–100 range) (reporting code 3276) or IELTS (minimum 6.5–7.5 range) from within the past two years, unless they have completed their undergraduate degree at a regionally-accredited U.S. institution, or a foreign institution in which English is the medium of instruction.
- Detailed course-by-course transcript evaluation indicating conferral of an undergraduate degree that is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (see transcript requirements for international students).
Degree Requirements
Ten courses are required to complete the Master of Science in Applied Economics.
Core Requirements (All Required, 15 Credits)
- ADEC7200 Applied Macroeconomic Theory
- ADEC7201 Applied Microeconomic Theory
- ADEC7310 Data Analysis
- ADEC7320 Econometrics
- ADEC7500 Ethics, Economics and Public Policy
Electives Requirements (Selected from the Following, 15 Credits*)
- ADEC7101 Directed Readings and Research
- ADEC7220 Linear Algebra and Vector Calculus
- ADEC7340 Advanced Urban and Regional Economics
- ADEC7350 Economics of Banking and Insurance
- ADEC7360 Financial Economics
- ADEC7370 Applied Stress Testing for Economists
- ADEC7380 Empirical Health Economics
- ADEC7390 Empirical Money and Banking
- ADEC7460 Predictive Analytics/Forecasting
- ADEC7410 Operations Research in Applied Economics
- ADEC7420 Development Economics
- ADEC7421 Applied Econometrics for Causal Inference
- ADEC7422 Economic Modeling for Policy Analytics
- ADEC7430 Big Data Econometrics
- ADEC7450 Private Sector Development and Economic Growth
- ADEC7500 Ethics, Economics and Public Policy
- ADEC7510 Law and Economics
- ADEC7520 Transfer Pricing
- ADEC7530 Measuring Business Cycles, Trends and Growth Cycles
- ADEC7550 Empirical Labor Economics
- ADEC7735 Visual Analytics
- ADEC7810 Empirical Behavioral Economics
- ADEC7820 Economics of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- ADEC7830 Communication and Leadership in Applied Economics
- ADEC7840 Management of Projects in Applied Economics
- ADEC7910 Software Tools for Data Analysis
- ADEC7920 Market Research and Analysis
- ADEC7930 Fundamentals of Private Equity
- ADEC7940 Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
- ADEC8880 Directed Practicum
*Students can also take electives from the Applied Analytics program in consultation with their advisor and Program Director.
Scheduling and Tuition
Program courses are scheduled ordinarily meeting one time per week starting in the late afternoons on weeknights and during the day on Saturdays. Courses meet face-to-face or online in a variety of formats. Students can complete the program in either modality or combine classes according to their schedule. Students who complete the required courses for the Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics will be awarded the Certificate at the time of conferral of the Master degree.
Information about tuition rates for the 2025–2026 academic year is available on theTuition and Feespage. Students are assessed a registration fee each semester they enroll in courses.
Master of Healthcare Administration (Online)
Program Description
The Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program provides a comprehensive perspective of our health systems by incorporating contemporary challenges and emerging trends from across healthcare related industries. The MHA program fosters academic growth, supports career development, and prepares graduates to drive organizational change across rapidly transforming health systems.
The Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) is a twelve-course degree program for part-time and full-time students who are at various career stages. Most students choose to take one course every seven weeks (two courses per semester) and complete the program in two years. Some students elect to take more than one course every seven weeks to progress more quickly through the curriculum. The accelerated courses, which are offered in seven-week sessions, help students gain knowledge in core areas across our health systems.
Students come from across the nation, and from a broad range of settings, including health systems management, insurance providers, as well as biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical device industries. The program also attracts new graduates, and others who aspire to pivot into healthcare related industries, along with individuals wanting to further develop and/or advance their careers.
With three starting points each year (August, January, and May), applications for admissions are accepted on a rolling basis.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university (minimum GPA 3.0)
- Official academic transcripts from colleges/universities where courses were completed
- Personal Statement
- Letter of Recommendation (Two)
- ܳ
- Application Fee
Note: Applicants whose undergraduate GPA is below 3.0 will be considered for admission. Such applications will be considered holistically, including letters of recommendation, personal statement, and professional experience.
International Students
Applicants requiring a university-sponsored student visa to enroll in this program are currently not eligible to apply.
Degree Requirements
Twelve courses are required to complete the Master of Health Administration, nine core courses and three electives for a total of 43 to 45 credits.
Core Requirements (All Required, 37 Credits)
- ADHA7000Blueprints of Care:Mapping Health Systemsand Structures for Population Health (4 credits)
- ADHA7010 From Capitol to Clinic: The Intersection of Health Policy and Practice (4 credits)
- ADHA7015 Innovative Leaders: Transformational Health Leadership (4 credits)
- ADHA7025 The Price of Care: Financial Decision-Making in Healthcare (4 credits)
- ADHA7035 Innovation in Action: Teams Driving Changes in Health (2 credits)
- ADHA7040 High Reliability Healthcare: Quality Improvement Methods and Tools (4 credits)
- ADHA7045 From Data to Decisions: Health and Healthcare Analytics (4 credits)
- ADHA7050 Smart Healthcare: Digital Strategies and Business Models (4 credits)
- ADHA7055 The Architecture of Strategy: Generating Sustainable Healthcare Paradigms (4 credits)
- ADHA7090 Insight and Impact: Discerning Solutions for Social Justice in Health (3 credits)
Elective Requirements (Two Courses Selected from the Following, 6 to 8 Credits)
- ADHA7005 Management Theory and Organizational Behavior (4 credits)
- ADHA7020 Workforce Development (4 credits)
- ADHA7033 Health Ethics & Law (4 credits)
- ADHA7060 Project Management (3 credits)
- ADHA7065 Product Development and Marketing in the Digital Age (3 credits)
- ADHA7070 Medical Device Regulations (3 credits)
- ADHA7075 Drug Discovery and Product Regulations (3 credits)
- ADHA7080 Special Topics (3 credits)
- ADHA7101 Readings and Research (1-4 credits)
Scheduling and Tuition
Program courses are offered online asynchronously with an optional weekly discussion hour.
Information about tuition rates for the 2025–2026 academic year is available on the Tuition and Fees page. Students are assessed a registration fee each semester they enroll in courses.
Master of Science in Leadership (On Campus and Online)
Program Description
The M.S. in Leadership (MSL) is designed to create the leaders the world needs now. It is based on Ignatian values that translate to leadership excellence. The degree program summarizes this philosophy of leadership excellence in three principles that inspire commitment to and capabilities for transforming one’s leadership: enriching one’s self; engaging all; and creating the future.
The program’s learning outcomes include striving to serve a higher purpose; cultivating self-awareness and commitment to life-long learning and growth; demonstrating care and compassion for all; and thinking critically and comprehensively to formulate and resolve complex, ill-structured challenges and problems.
The M.S. in Leadership consists of six core courses and four elective courses. For the elective options, students may select a concentration (4 courses) or four of the leadership elective courses.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university (minimum GPA 3.0)
- Official academic transcripts from colleges/universities where courses were completed
- Statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation (two) Note: At least one academic recommendation is required if the applicant has graduated within the past five years,
- Resume
- Application Fee
- Optional—GRE (reporting code 7534) or GMAT (reporting code44X-HX-47)— recommended for students with lower undergraduate GPA
Tracks
When applying to the MSL, applicants will have to select either the Leadership Track or the Executive Track. Admission to either of the two tracks is dependent on an applicant’s level of professional experience.
Leadership Track: The Leadership Track is the pathway for applicants who are early in their careers. Applicants with less than 8 years of full-time work experience should apply for this track.
Executive Track: The Executive Track of the MS in Leadership is the pathway for applicants who have a minimum of 8 years of full-time work experience. Successful applicants to the Executive Track not only have significant years of work experience, but also demonstrated leadership experience including managing people, processes, or projects.
International Students—Additional Admission Requirements
In addition to the general requirements listed above, international students have the following requirements:
- Interview (in person or online)
- TOEFL (minimum 90–100 range) (reporting code 3276) or IELTS (minimum 6.5–7.5 range) from within the past two years, unless they have completed their undergraduate degree at a regionally-accredited U.S. institution, or a foreign institution in which English is the medium of instruction.
- Detailed course-by-course transcript evaluation indicating conferral of an undergraduate degree that is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (see transcript requirements for international students).
- Note, because of its online format, the executive track does not support F-1 visas.
Degree Requirements
Core Requirements
Students will complete the core requirements for the track that they were admitted under—leadership or executive.
Leadership Core Requirement (All Required, 18 Credits)
- ADLP7000 Daring to Lead
- ADLP7001Leading Through Words: Crafting Impactful Messages
- ADLP7002 The Self-Aware Leader
- ADLP7003 Leading Change from the Middle
- ADLP7004 Problem Solving Through Critical Thinking
- ADLP7005Leading with and for Others
Executive Core Requirements (All Required, 18 Credits)
- ADLP7500Leading Thinking for Executive Decision-making
- ADLP7501 Fostering Dignity and Belonging
- ADLP7502 Emotional and Social Intelligence Deep Dive
- ADLP7503Leading at the Crossroads of Change
- ADLP7504Innovation through Problem-Solving
- ADLP7505 Activating the Soul, Heart, and Mind of Leadership
Elective Requirements
Students choose 12 credits (4 courses) from the following leadership electives below to complete their degree program. If a student wants to receive recognition for the completion of a concentration, then they would need to complete 12 credits (4 courses) from one of the concentrations listed below.
Corporate Communications and Marketing Concentration
- ADLP8300The CCO Toolkit: Strategic Communications for Organizational Success*
- ADLP8301Mastering Media and Public Relations
- ADLP8302 Business & Marketing Analytics
- ADLP8304 Social Media Influence and Content Creation
- ADLP8305 Cross Cultural Communication
- ADLP8306 Evolution of Marketing Strategies in the Digital Era
- ADLP8307 Crisis Management and Communications
- ADLP8350 The CMO’s Guide to Integrated Marketing Strategies
- ADLP8351 The Power of Strategic Storytelling
* Required for the concentration
Human Resources Management Concentration
- ADLP8500 Human Resource Development
- ADLP8501Pathway to CHRO: Strategies for HRM*
- ADLP8502 The Future of Work
- ADLP8503 HR Analytics
- ADLP8505 Just Leadership: Creating Inclusive Workplaces
- ADLP8506 Re-Imagining Performance Management
* Required for the concentration
Management and Organizational Excellence Concentration
- ADLP8100 Power, Influence, and Persuasion
- ADLP8101 The Flourishing Leader: Cultivating Well-being and High Performance
- ADLP8102 Leading High Performing Teams
- ADLP8103 Art and Science of Strategy
- ADLP8201 GenAI for Business Leaders
Project Management Concentration
- ADLP8600 Project Management*
- ADLP8601 Risk Management/Quality Management
- ADLP8602 Stakeholder Management and Procurement
- ADLP8603 Agile Methodologies
- ADLP8604 Agile Product Ownership
- ADLP8605 Leveraging Data in Project Management
* Required for the concentration
Scheduling and Tuition
Program courses are ordinarily scheduled starting in the late afternoons on weeknights. Courses meet face-to-face and most courses are offered online. All Executive Track core courses are offered online only.
Information about tuition rates for the 2025–2026 academic year is available on the Tuition and Fees page. Students are assessed a registration fee each semester they enroll in courses.
Master of Science in Sports Administration (On Campus, Hybrid, and Online*)
*Only working professionals in the sports industry may complete this program online
Program Description
The mission of the Master of Science in Sports Administration (MSSA) program is to prepare graduate students with skill sets to become the next generation of ethical leaders, decision makers, educators, and managers in the sport industry. The Sport Administration program promotes the pursuit of excellence by providing: curricular and co-curricular educational experiences; faculty with extensive current real-world experience, and opportunities for student engagement and service learning in partnership with Boston College Athletics, regional colleges and universities as well as the Boston professional sport teams.
The Master of Science in Sports Administration program provides opportunities and experiences for students to achieve the following outcomes:
- Apply knowledge and skills to develop best-practice approaches within sports administration
- Apply knowledge gained from coursework to sports administrative experiences
- Demonstrate problem-solving, communication and critical thinking skills reflective of humanistic, Catholic, and Ignatian ideals about personal and social issues within sports-related organizations
- Formulate career opportunities through professional development, networking, and career coaching
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university (minimum GPA 3.0)
- Official academic transcripts from colleges/universities where courses were completed
- Personal Statement
- Letter of Recommendation (Two) *If the student has graduated less than 5 years ago, an academic recommendation is required
- Resume
- Application Fee
- Optional—GRE (reporting code 7534) or GMAT (reporting code44X-HX-47)— recommended for students with lower undergraduate GPA
International Students—Additional Admission Requirements
In addition to the general requirements listed above, international students have the following requirements:
- Interview (in person or online)
- TOEFL (minimum 90–100 range) (reporting code 3276) or IELTS (minimum 6.5–7.5 range) from within the past two years, unless they have completed their undergraduate degree at a regionally-accredited U.S. institution, or a foreign institution in which English is the medium of instruction.
- Detailed course-by-course transcript evaluation indicating conferral of an undergraduate degree that is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (see transcript requirements for international students).
Course Offerings
Core Requirements (All Required, 15 Credits)
- ADSA7501 Survey of Sports Administration
- ADSA7502 Sports Marketing and Communication
- ADSA7503 Sports Finance
- ADSA7504 Sports Law and Compliance
- ADSA7585 Sports Leadership & Ignatian-based Ethics
Select one of the following:
- ADSA9001 Sports Administration Internship
- ADSA9902 Applied Sports Administration Project
Elective Requirements (Selected from the Following, 12 Credits)
- ADSA7506 Athlete Entrepreneurship: Exploring Opportunities Created by NIL
- ADSA8002 Issues and Challenges Affecting the Student-Athlete
- ADSA8003 Globalization of Soccer in the United States
- ADSA8004 Diversity and Inclusion in Sports
- ADSA8005 Health & Wellness in Athletics & Sports Admin
- ADSA8007 Revenue Generation in Sports
- ADSA8008 Sport Psychology
- ADSA8010 Coaching for Performance & Student Athlete Development
- ADSA8012 Sports Media and Public Affairs
- ADSA8015 Sports Analytics
- ADSA8018 The Athletic Director
- ADSA8020 Operations and Event Management
- ADSA8025 Sport Security and Event Management
- ADSA8030 The Business of the NFL
- ADSA 9102 Applied Goal Achievement*
- ADSA9102 Applied Sports Administration Project*
- ADLP7003 Leading Change from the Middle*
- ADLP8102 Leading High Performing Teams*
*Permission from the MSSA Program Director is required to register. At the discretion of the MSSA Graduate Program Director, these courses may be used as a substitute for a core requirement.
Scheduling and Tuition
Program courses are ordinarily scheduled, meeting one time per week starting in the evenings on weeknights. Courses meet face-to-face, hybrid, and online. Students can complete the program in either modality or combine classes according to their schedule.
Information about tuition rates for the 2025–2026 academic year is available on the Tuition and Fees page. Students are assessed a registration fee each semester they enroll in courses.
Master of Science in Sports Analytics (On Campus and Online)
Program Description
The Master of Science in Sports Analytics program at Boston College equips students to meet the growing demand for data-literate professionals in the evolving sports industry. As sports organizations increasingly rely on data to drive decisions—from player performance and marketing to revenue generation and compliance—there is a need for professionals who can analyze data, interpret its significance, and communicate insights clearly to diverse audiences. The program prepares students to navigate this environment by emphasizing both technical skills and industry-specific knowledge from coursework in data analytics, sports administration, and economics.
The program has three primary goals:
- To equip students with the technical and domain-specific skills necessary for careers in sports analytics
- To foster critical thinking and ethical decision-making
- To prepare students to work effectively across various areas of the sports industry, including performance analysis, marketing, and operations
Through hands-on learning and interdisciplinary coursework, graduates will be well-prepared to interpret and apply complex data to real-world challenges in sports—helping organizations make informed, ethical decisions and gain a competitive advantage.
The Master of Science in Sports Analytics program provides opportunities and experiences for students to achieve the following learning outcomes:
- Analyze or improve on-field or on-court performance
- Forecast sales and revenues
- Evaluate marketing efforts
- Enhance player recruitment strategies
- Support student-athlete health and wellness
- Uphold commitments to initiatives like Title IX
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university (minimum GPA 3.0)
- Completion of both an undergraduate Calculus I and Statistics course
- Official academic transcripts from colleges/universities where courses were completed
- Personal Statement
- Letter of Recommendation (Two) *If the student has graduated less than years ago, an academic recommendation is required
- Resume
- Application Fee
- Optional—GRE (reporting code 7534) or GMAT (reporting code44X-HX-47)— recommended for students with lower undergraduate GPA
International Students—Additional Admission Requirements
In addition to the general requirements listed above, international students have the following requirements:
- Interview (in person or online)
- TOEFL (minimum 90–100 range) (reporting code 3276) or IELTS (minimum 6.5–7.5 range) from within the past two years, unless they have completed their undergraduate degree at a regionally-accredited U.S. institution, or a foreign institution in which English is the medium of instruction.
- Detailed course-by-course transcript evaluation indicating conferral of an undergraduate degree that is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (see transcript requirements for international students).
Course Offerings
Ten courses are required to complete the Master of Science in Sports Analytics.
Foundational Requirements (All Required, 6 Credits*)
- ADAN7220 Mathematical Methods for Machine Learning I
- ADAN7310 Data Analysis
*Students who have taken Linear Algebra in their undergraduate studies can obtain Course Equivalence for ADAN 7220. Students who have completed advanced Statistics courses such as Econometrics in their undergraduate studies can obtain course equivalence for ADAN7310. Course Equivalence does not result in reduction of required credits, but allows students to enroll in electives instead of fundamental courses.
Core Requirements (All Required, 18 Credits)
- ADAN7320 Econometrics
- ADAN7430 ML/AI Algorithms I
- ADSA7501 Survey of Sports Administration
- ADSA7585 Sports Leadership & Ignatian-based Ethics
- ADSA8015 Sports Analytics
- ADSA9902 Applied Sports Administration Project
Elective Requirements (Selected from the Following, 6 Credits)
- ADAN7399 Computer Vision
- ADAN7410 Operations Research in Applied Economics
- ADAN7431 Natural Language Processing
- ADAN7520 Product Management in Machine Learning
- ADAN7630 AI Algorithms II
- ADAN7800 Foundations of Generative AI: Techniques, Tools, and Applications
- ADAN7915 AI/ML Software Tools and Platforms
- ADEC7470 Advanced Econometrics
- ADEC7610 Empirical Sports Economics
- ADEC7840 Management of Projects in Applied Economics
- ADSA7502 Sports Marketing and Communication
- ADSA7503 Sports Finance
Scheduling and Tuition
Program courses are ordinarily scheduled, meeting one time per week starting in the evenings on weeknights. Courses meet face-to-face, hybrid, and online. Students can complete the program in either modality or combine classes according to their schedule.
Information about tuition rates for the 2025–2026 academic year is available on theTuition and Feespage. Students are assessed a registration fee each semester they enroll in courses.
Dual Master of Science in Applied Economics and Applied Analytics (On Campus and Online)
Program Description
To prepare students to work in the field of Analytics and to understand the data analytic component of the Applied Economics field, the Woods College offers a dual degree program in Applied Economics and Applied Analytics.
Application Requirements
Applicants should apply to each program separately and must be independently admitted into both programs. Applicants must satisfy all requirements for admission for both programs, including necessary background courses.
Course Offerings
Core Requirements (All Required, 15 Credits*)
- ADAN7220 Mathematical Methods for Machine Learning I
- ADEC7301 Data Analysis
- ADEC7320 Econometrics
- ADAN/ADEC7430 AI Algorithms I / Big Data Econometrics
- ADEC7460 Predictive Analytics/Forecasting
*Students who have taken Calculus II and Linear Algebra in their undergraduate studies can obtain Course Equivalence for ADAN 7220. Students who have completed advanced Statistics courses such as Econometrics in their undergraduate studies can obtain course equivalence for ADAN/ADEC 7310. Course Equivalence does not result in reduction of required credits, but allows students to enroll in electives instead of fundamental courses.
MSAE Core Requirements (All Required, 6 Credits)
- ADEC7200 Applied Macroeconomic Theory
- ADEC7201 Applied Microeconomic Theory
MSAA Core Requirements (All Required, 6 Credits)
- ADAN7905 AI/ML Software Tools and Platforms
- ADAN7603 AI Algorithms II
Ethics Requirements (Choose One, 3 Credits)
- ADEC7500 Ethics, Economics, and Public Policy
- ADAN7500 Algorithmic Ethics and Governance—from Traditional to AI/ML
Applied Research Project Requirements (3 Credits)
- Applied Research Project would combine topics in Analytics and Economics.
Electives Requirements (Select Two Courses from MSAE and Two Courses from MSAA, 12 Credits)
- Confirm elective selections with Graduate Program Director.
Dual Master of Science in Applied Economics and Sports Analytics (On Campus and Online)
Program Description
The Master of Science in Applied Economics & Sports Analytics is a dual degree interdisciplinary program that combines economic theory with data science to prepare students for impactful decision-making in the sports industry and beyond. Students gain hands-on experience through real-world projects, using advanced tools in econometrics, game theory, and predictive modeling to solve challenges in sports and related sectors. Graduates leave with a strong foundation in applied economics and a specialized skill set in sports analytics, ready to lead in various data-driven roles.
Application Requirements
Applicants need to apply to each program separately and must be independently admitted into both programs. Applicants must satisfy all requirements for admission for both programs, including necessary background courses.
Course Offerings
Foundational Requirements (All Required, 6 Credits*)
- ADAN7220 Mathematical Methods for Machine Learning I
- ADAN7310 Data Analysis
*Students who have taken Linear Algebra in their undergraduate studies can obtain Course Equivalence for ADAN 7220. Students who have completed advanced Statistics courses such as Econometrics in their undergraduate studies can obtain course equivalence for ADAN7310. Course Equivalence does not result in reduction of required credits, but allows students to enroll in electives instead of fundamental courses.
Core Requirements (All Required, 24 Credits)
- ADAN7230 Econometrics
- ADAN7430 ML/AI Algorithms
- ADEC7201 Applied Microeconomic Theory
- ADEC7201 Applied Macroeconomic Theory
- ADSA7501 Survey of Sports Administration
- ADSA7585 Sports Leadership & Ignatian-based Ethics
- ADSA8015 Sports Analytics
- ADAN8888 Applied Analytics Projec
Applied Economics Elective Requirements (Selected from the following, 6 Credits)
- ADEC7101 Directed Readings and Research
- ADEC7220 Linear Algebra and Vector Calculus
- ADEC7340 Advanced Urban and Regional Economics
- ADEC7350 Economics of Banking and Insurance
- ADEC7360 Financial Economics
- ADEC7370 Applied Stress Testing for Economists
- ADEC7380 Empirical Health Economics
- ADEC7390 Empirical Money and Banking
- ADEC7406 Predictive Analytics/Forecasting
- ADEC7410 Operations Research in Applied Economics
- ADEC7420 Development Economics
- ADEC7421 Applied Econometrics for Causal Inference
- ADEC7422 Economic Modeling for Policy Analytics
- ADEC7430 Big Data Econometrics
- ADEC7450 Private Sector Development and Economic Growth
- ADEC7500 Ethics, Economics and Public Policy
- ADEC7510 Law and Economics
- ADEC7520 Transfer Pricing
- ADEC7530 Measuring Business Cycles, Trends and Growth Cycles
- ADEC7550 Empirical Labor Economics
- ADEC7810 Empirical Behavioral Economics
- ADEC7820 Economics of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- ADEC7830 Communication and Leadership in Applied Economics
- ADEC7840 Management of Projects in Applied Economics
- ADEC7900 Software Tools for Data Analysis
- ADEC7920 Market Research and Analysis
- ADEC7930 Fundamentals of Private Equity
- ADEC7940 Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
- ADEC8880 Directed Practicum
- ADAN7399 Computer Vision
- ADAN7431 Natural Language Processing
- ADAN7530 Product Management in Machine Learning
- ADAN7603 AI Algorithms II
- ADAN7905 AI/ML Software Tools and Platforms
- ADAN8888 Applied Analytics Projects
Sports Administration Elective Requirements (Selected from the following, 6 Credits)
- ADSA7506 Athlete Entrepreneurship: Exploring Opportunties Created by NIL
- ADSA8002 Issues and Challenges Affecting the Student-Athlete
- ADSA8003 Globalization of Soccer
- ADSA8004 Diversity and Inclusion in Sports
- ADSA8005 Health & Wellness in Athletics & Sports Admin
- ADSA8007 Revenue Generation in Sport
- ADSA8008 Sport Psychology
- ADSA8010 Coaching for Performance & Student Athlete Development
- ADSA8012 Sports Media and Public Affairs
- ADSA8015 Sports Analytics
- ADSA8020 Operations and Event Management
- ADSA8025 Sport Security and Event Management
- ADSA8030 The Business of the NFL
Sports Analytics Elective Requirements (Selected from the following, 6 Credits)
- ADAN7800 Foundations of Generative AI: Techniques, Tools, and Applications
- ADEC7470 Advanced Econometrics
- ADEC7610 Empirical Sports Economics
- ADSA7502 Sports Marketing and Communication
- ADSA7503 Sports Finance
Graduate Certificates
The Graduate Programs at Woods College of Advancing Studies offer several graduate certificates. Each certificate requires the completion of several courses that build students’ knowledge and skills that are aligned with industry needs.
Prospective students may apply for a certificate program without becoming a Masters’ program student. Students who are or will be enrolled in one of the Masters’ degrees, may only take a graduate certificate if the certificate is fully outside their degree program.
A certificate may be completed at the same time as a degree program only if the certificate and degree program are independent of one another. Once a student is enrolled in a graduate degree program, the certificate, if within the same program, will become a concentration. Students may complete only one concentration in a degree program.
If a student completes a graduate certificate and within 5 years enters a degree program, the graduate certificate may be applied toward the degree program, if those courses are determined to be the equivalent of courses required for the degree.
For more information about the graduate certificates please contact the respective Graduate Program Directors or Graduate Student Advisors.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university (minimum GPA 3.0)
- Official academic transcripts from colleges/universities where courses were completed
- Personal Statement
- Letter of Recommendation (One)
- Resume
- Application Fee
Note: Applicants whose undergraduate GPA is below 3.0 will be considered for admission. Such applications will be considered holistically, including letter of reference, personal statement, and industry experience. For particular applicants, they may take a course within the certificate program as “non-degree student” and, if they pass the course with a B or better, their application to the certificate program may be reconsidered.
International Students
Applicants requiring a student Visa to enroll in the graduate certificate programs are currently not eligible to apply for the graduate certificate. For international students who do not need a student Visa, they may be considered for all the graduate certificates except for the Cybersecurity Graduate Certificates.
Graduate Certificate Completion Requirements
- Students must receive at least a grade of C for each course credited toward the certificate.
- Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 to receive a certificate of completion.
- Certificate requirements should be completed within two years of initial enrollment.
Data Analytics Graduate Certificate (On Campus and Online)
Offered by the M.S. in Applied Economics Program
Offered by the M.S. in Applied Economics Program—All four courses are offered in 7-week terms and can be completed in 8 months. The courses are for-credit and can be transferred into the Boston College degree program. Students enrolling in this graduate certificate must have completed a college-level statistics course.
Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics
Requirements (All Required, 12 Credits)
- ADEC7301 Data Analysis
- ADEC7320 Econometrics
- ADEC7430 Big Data Econometrics
- ADEC7406 Predictive Analytics/Forecasting
Leadership Graduate Certificates (On Campus and Online)
Offered by the M.S. in Leadership Program
The courses are for-credit and can be transferred into the Boston CollegeMaster of Science in Leadership degree program.
Graduate Certificate in Corporate Communications and Marketing
Core Requirement (3 Credits)
- ADLP8300 The CCO Toolkit: Strategic Communications for Organizational Success
Elective Requirements (3 courses selected from the following, 9 Credits)
- ADLP8301Mastering Media and Public Relations
- ADLP8302 Business & Marketing Analytics
- ADLP8304 Social Influence and Content Creation
- ADLP8305 Cross Cultural Communication
- ADLP8306 Evolution of Marketing Strategies in the Digital Era
- ADLP8307 Crisis Management and Communications
- ADLP8350 The CMO’s Guide to Integrated Marketing Strategies
- ADLP8351 The Power of Strategic Storytelling
Graduate Certificate in Leadership
Requirements (4 courses selected from the following, 12 credits)
- ADLP7000 Daring to Lead
- ADLP7002 The Self-Aware Leader
- ADLP7003 Leading Change from the Middle
- ADLP7004 Problem Solving through Critical Thinking
- ADLP8102 Leading High Performing Teams
Graduate Certificate in Human Resources
Core Requirements (3 Credits)
- ADLP8501 Pathway to CHRO: Strategies for HRM
Elective Requirements (3 courses selected from the following, 9 credits)
- ADLP8500 Human Resource Development
- ADLP8502 The Future of Work
- ADLP8503 HR Analytics
- ADLP8505 Just Leadership: Creating Inclusive Workplaces
- ADLP8506 Re-Imagining Performance Management
Graduate Certificate in Management and Organizational Excellence
Requirements (4 courses selected from the following, 12 credits)
- ADLP8100 Power, Influence and Persuasion
- ADLP8101 The Flourishing Leader: Cultivating Well-being and High Performance
- ADLP8102 Leading High Performing Teams
- ADLP8103 Art and Science of Strategy
- ADLP8201 GenAI for Business Leaders
Graduate Certificate in Project Management
Core Requirement (3 Credits)
- ADLP8600 Project Management
- ADLP8601 Risk Management/Quality Management
- ADLP8602 Stakeholder Management and Procurement
- ADLP8603 Agile Methodologies
- ADLP8604 Agile Product Ownership
- ADLP8605 Leveraging Data in Project Management
Graduate Certificate in Management and Organizational Excellence
Requirements (4 courses selected from the following):
- ADLP8000 The Art and Science of Strategy
- ADLP8100 Power, Influence, and Persuasion
- ADLP8101 Flourishing Through Inclusion
- ALDP8102 Leading High Performing Teams
- ALDP8201 AI for Leaders
Sports Management Graduate Certificates (Online and Select Courses on Campus)
Offered by the M.S. in Sports Administration Program
The courses are for-credit and can be transferred into the Boston CollegeMaster of Science in Sports Administration degree program.
Graduate Certificate in Executive Sports Leadership
Executive Sports Requirements (All Required, 6 Credits)
- ADSA9101 Executive Sports Leadership Seminar
- ADSA9102 Applied Goal Achievement
Leadership Requirement (1 course selected from the following, 3 Credits)
- ADLP7003 Leading Change from the Middle
- ADSA7585 Sports Leadership and Ignatian Based Ethics
Elective Requirements (One course required, 3 Credits)
Confirm elective selections with the Graduate Program Director.
Graduate Certificate in Sports Analytics
Core Requirements (All Required, 9 Credits)
- ADEC7310 Data Analysis
- ADEC7320 Econometrics
- ADSA8015 Sports Analytics
Elective Requirements (One Required, 3 Credits)
- ADSA7501 Introduction to Sports Management
- ADSA7502 Sports Marketing and Communication
- ADSA7503 Sports Finance
Graduate Certificate in Student-Athlete Development
Core Requirements (All Required, 9 Credits)
- ADSA8002 Issues and Challenges Affecting the Student-Athlete
- ADSA8004 Diversity and Inclusion in Sports
- ADSA8008 Sport Psychology
Elective Requirements (One Required, 3 Credits)
- ADSA7504 Sports Law and Compliance
- ADSA7506 Athlete Entrepreneurship: Opportunities Created by Name, Image, and Likeness
- ADSA8005 Health and Wellness
- in Athletics and Sports Management
Non-Degree Students
Non-degree students are individuals interested in taking graduate courses for academic credit but not in applying for a degree. A brief non-degree application form must be completed and submitted online. Non-degree students may enroll in Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters. Most graduate courses are only available to non-degree students with approval from the respective Graduate Program Director.