Program Overview

Introduction to Messina College

Messina College offers a two-year associate's degree program built on the excellence of Boston College's Core Curriculum. The program provides a strong foundation for bachelor's degree studies and a wide range of careers. Courses are primarily taught on the Brookline Campus by dedicated Messina College faculty, with opportunities to take courses with faculty on the Chestnut Hill Campus.

By the Numbers

• 2-year program
• 20 courses required
• 4 majors available
• 15-20 average class size

Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to give students a broad understanding of the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

First Year

Students explore BC's Core Curriculum and take classes related to their major, including three required classes:

• First-Year Writing: includes a weekly workshop to provide individualized feedback and support.
• First-Year Discovery Seminar: offers an introduction to Messina College's four majors, important learning strategies, and a chance to explore career possibilities.

Second Year

• Participation in BC's for-credit service learning program over the summer.
• Completion of a credit-bearing internship or clinical rotation during the fall semester.
• Finish the remaining Core courses, complete the requirements for the major, and take a course on the Chestnut Hill Campus each semester.

Sample Course Schedule

Year 1

• Summer (7 credits): First-Year Writing, First-Year Discovery Seminar
• Fall (10 credits): Examining Self, Community, and Society, Statistics, Literature Core
• Spring (12 credits): General Biology, Public Speaking, Major Course 1, Major Course 2

Year 2

• Summer (6 credits): Philosophy of the Person, God, Self, and Social Responsibility
• Fall (13 credits): Ecology & Sustainability of Our Living Planet, Major Course 3, Major Course 4, Messina Internship
• Spring (12 credits): Introduction to Theater or Drawing 1, History 1 or 2, Major Course 5, Major Course 6

Majors

Messina College offers four associate's degree majors:

• Applied Data Science: Students gain skills in data processing, management, and visualization, and learn fundamentals of computer programming.
• General Business: Students develop an overview of the various functional areas of business and skills in finance, accounting, operations, marketing, and business law.
• Applied Psychology & Human Development: Students develop an understanding of concepts, issues, and theories related to children's learning and development.
• Health Sciences: Students gain practical skills in patient care through classroom and clinical placements, preparing them for careers in the healthcare industry.

Internships

All students complete an internship or clinical rotation in their second year, earning credit and gaining valuable work experience. The internship is accompanied by a 3-credit seminar course that allows students to connect their experience to academic and professional goals, reflect on professional skills, and communicate evidence of competency to prospective employers.

Cybersecurity Certificate

The Cybersecurity: Policy & Data Privacy Certificate provides students with advanced knowledge in cyber threats, cybersecurity policy, incident response, and data privacy. The certificate is offered through a partnership with the Boston College Law School and is taught by BC Law faculty and industry experts.

• Requirements: Six online classes and two in-person sessions.
• Timeline: Asynchronous classes can be completed at the student's own pace, with one in-person session per semester.
• Cost: No additional cost for enrolled Messina students.
• Registration: Students must contact the Associate Dean at Messina College for more information and to register.