Boston College Academic Calendar operates on a traditional semester system with Spring 2026 classes beginning Monday, January 12, 2026, and Fall 2026 classes starting Monday, August 31, 2026.
The university, located at 140 Commonwealth Avenue in Chestnut Hill, Newton, Massachusetts, publishes its official academic calendar through the Office of the Registrar, serving approximately 15,000 students across six undergraduate and graduate schools.
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Understanding Boston College’s 2026 Academic Structure
Boston College follows a semester-based academic year divided into three primary terms: Spring, Summer, and Fall. The institution operates as a private Jesuit Catholic research university, maintaining distinct academic traditions, including religious observances that impact the calendar structure.
The 2026 calendar reflects Boston College’s commitment to both rigorous academic schedules and the Jesuit educational mission, incorporating specific religious holidays such as Easter Break and Holy Thursday into the academic framework.
Boston College vs. Boston University: Critical Distinction
Boston College (bc.edu) is physically located in Chestnut Hill, a section of Newton, Massachusetts, approximately 6 miles west of downtown Boston. This geographic reality often creates confusion with Boston University (bu.edu), a separate institution located in Boston proper with an urban campus integrated directly into the city.
Key Differences:
| Institution | Domain | Location | Founded | Religious Affiliation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston College | bc.edu | Chestnut Hill, Newton, MA | 1863 | Jesuit Catholic |
| Boston University | bu.edu | Boston proper (urban) | 1839 | Methodist-founded (now secular) |
Boston College Academic Calendar Spring 2026 Semester
BC Spring 2026 classes begin Monday, January 12, 2026, marking the start of the second semester of the 2025-2026 academic year. The semester concludes with final examinations from Monday, May 4, 2026, through Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Critical Spring 2026 Dates
| Date | Event | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, January 12, 2026 | Spring 2026 classes begin | First day of instruction |
| Monday, January 19, 2026 | Martin Luther King, Jr. Day | No classes university-wide |
| Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | Add/drop deadline | Last date for course changes online |
| Monday, February 16, 2026 | Drop deadline (no W grade) | Undergraduate day students only |
| Monday, March 2 – Saturday, March 7, 2026 | Spring Vacation | No classes for one week |
| Wednesday, April 1, 2026 | Thesis submission deadline | Master’s and doctoral candidates for May 2026 graduation |
| Thursday, April 2 – Monday, April 6, 2026 | Easter Weekend | Classes resume at 4:00 p.m. Monday |
| Monday, April 20, 2026 | Patriots’ Day | No classes (Massachusetts state holiday) |
| Tuesday, April 21, 2026 | Substitute Monday schedule | Tuesday follows Monday class schedule |
| Thursday, April 23, 2026 | Withdrawal deadline (W grade) | Last date to withdraw officially |
| Friday, May 1, 2026 | Study Day | No classes for undergraduate day students |
| Monday, May 4, 2026 | Study Day until 4:00 p.m. | Exams begin at 4:00 p.m. for undergraduates |
| Tuesday, May 5 – Tuesday, May 12, 2026 | Term Examinations | No exams on Sunday, May 10 |
| Monday, May 18, 2026 | Commencement | University graduation ceremony |
Spring 2026 Academic Calendar: Add/Drop and Withdrawal Policy
Boston College maintains strict deadlines for course registration changes. Undergraduate and graduate students must add or drop courses by Wednesday, January 21, 2026, using the EagleApps online registration system. This deadline falls nine days after the semester begins, providing students limited time to assess course fit.
Full-time undergraduate day students have an extended window to drop courses without receiving a “W” (withdrawal) grade. The no-penalty drop deadline is Monday, February 16, 2026, allowing students 35 days from the start of classes to make final decisions about their course load.
Students who need to withdraw from courses after February 16 must do so by Thursday, April 23, 2026, and will receive a “W” grade on their transcript. This withdrawal deadline falls 101 days into the semester, providing flexibility for students facing academic or personal challenges.
Spring Break 2026: Travel and Planning Information
Boston College’s Spring Vacation runs from Monday, March 2, 2026, through Saturday, March 7, 2026, providing students with six consecutive days away from classes. This break occurs approximately eight weeks into the semester, positioned between mid-term examinations and the final exam period.
The Spring Vacation period differs from the Easter Break, which occurs later in the semester (April 2-6, 2026). This distinction reflects Boston College’s Jesuit Catholic identity, maintaining religious observances separate from the traditional academic break.
Easter Weekend 2026: Religious Observance Schedule
Boston College observes Easter Weekend with an extended break honoring its Catholic tradition. Classes are canceled on Holy Thursday (April 2), Good Friday (April 3), and the full Easter Weekend (April 4-5, 2026). Classes resume at 4:00 p.m. on Easter Monday, April 6, 2026.
This four-day observance reflects the university’s commitment to its Jesuit mission, distinguishing Boston College from secular institutions. Students should plan accordingly, as university facilities may have modified hours during this period.
Spring 2026 Final Exam Schedule: Undergraduate and Graduate Courses
Boston College maintains separate examination schedules for undergraduate and graduate courses. Undergraduate final exams occur from Monday, May 4, 2026, through Tuesday, May 12, 2026, with no examinations scheduled for Sunday, May 10, 2026.
Undergraduate Course Exam Times Spring 2026
The undergraduate exam schedule follows a grid based on regular class meeting times during the semester. Students should verify their specific exam times through the Agora Portal as the end of the semester approaches.
Sample Undergraduate Exam Schedule:
| Class Meeting Time | Exam Day | Exam Time |
|---|---|---|
| MWF 8:00 a.m. | Monday, May 4 | 4:00 p.m. |
| MW 9:00 a.m. or MWF 9:00 a.m. | Tuesday, May 12 | 9:00 a.m. |
| MW 10:00 a.m. or MWF 10:00 a.m. | Wednesday, May 6 | 9:00 a.m. |
| MW 12:00 p.m. or MWF 12:00 p.m. | Friday, May 8 | 9:00 a.m. |
| TTH 8:00/8:30 a.m. or TTH 9:00 a.m. | Tuesday, May 5 | 9:00 a.m. |
| TTH 10:30 a.m. | Monday, May 11 | 9:00 a.m. |
Undergraduate courses meeting at 5:00 p.m. or later follow the class meeting pattern for examinations, with exams scheduled at the regular class time during the exam week.
Common Exam Schedule Spring 2026
Boston College schedules common examinations for courses with multiple sections, allowing centralized administration. Common exams for Spring 2026 occur at 4:00 p.m. on specific exam days:
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.:
- MGMT3099 Strategic Management
- CSCI2271 Computer Systems
- ACCT1021 Financial Accounting
Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.:
- CSCI1101 Computer Science I
- CSCI1102 Computer Science II
- MKTG1021 Marketing Principles
Friday, May 8, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.:
- MATH1100 Calculus I
- MATH1101 Calculus II
- BZAN2021 Coding for Business
Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.:
- BZAN1021 Operations Management
- PHYS2101 Introduction to Physics II
Monday, May 11, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.:
- Make-up exams for all courses scheduled for common exams
Graduate Course Examinations
Graduate course examinations follow a simplified structure. Graduate exams occur at the usual class meeting time and location during the exam week based on the day the class regularly meets:
| Regular Class Day | Exam Day | Exam Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday only, MW, MWF, or MTH | Monday, May 11 | Class time |
| Tuesday only or TTH | Tuesday, May 5 | Class time |
| Wednesday only | Wednesday, May 6 | Class time |
| Thursday only | Thursday, May 7 | Class time |
| Friday only | Friday, May 8 | Class time |
Courses designated as combined undergraduate/graduate levels follow the undergraduate course exam schedule.
Boston College Academic Calendar Summer 2026
Boston College offers multiple summer session formats in 2026, accommodating diverse student needs across undergraduate and graduate programs. The Full Summer Term runs from Wednesday, May 13, 2026, through Friday, August 14, 2026, spanning 94 days.
Full Summer Term 2026
The Full Summer Term serves both undergraduate and graduate students seeking a complete summer semester experience. Classes begin Wednesday, May 13, 2026, and conclude Friday, August 14, 2026.
Critical Deadlines:
- Add/drop/change grading option deadline: Wednesday, May 20, 2026
- Withdrawal deadline: Friday, August 7, 2026
Undergraduate Summer Sessions 2026
Undergraduate students have access to two six-week sessions designed for intensive coursework:
BC Summer Session Undergraduate 1:
- Classes start: Wednesday, May 13, 2026
- Classes end: Friday, June 26, 2026
- Add/drop deadline: Wednesday, May 20, 2026
- Withdrawal deadline: Friday, June 19, 2026
BC Summer Session Undergraduate 2:
- Classes start: Monday, June 29, 2026
- Classes end: Friday, August 7, 2026
- Add/drop deadline: Sunday, July 5, 2026
- Withdrawal deadline: Tuesday, August 4, 2026
Chemistry Department Summer Sessions
The Chemistry Department operates specialized intensive sessions:
Chemistry 1:
- Classes: Thursday, May 28, 2026 – Wednesday, June 24, 2026
- Add/drop deadline: Tuesday, June 2, 2026
- Withdrawal deadline: Sunday, June 21, 2026
Chemistry 2:
- Classes: Monday, July 6, 2026 – Friday, July 31, 2026
- Add/drop deadline: Friday, July 10, 2026
- Withdrawal deadline: Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Summer 2026 University Holidays
Boston College observes three federal holidays during Summer 2026, resulting in canceled classes:
- Monday, May 25, 2026: Memorial Day (no classes)
- Friday, June 19, 2026: Juneteenth (no classes)
- Friday, July 3, 2026: Independence Day observed (celebrating July 4)
Boston College Graduate School Summer 2026 Calendars: Program-Specific Dates
Boston College’s graduate schools maintain distinct summer calendars reflecting specialized program structures. Students enrolled in graduate programs should reference their specific school’s calendar for accurate registration and deadline information.
Carroll School of Management Graduate Summer 2026
The Carroll School (CSOM) operates three graduate summer sessions:
GSOM Summer 1:
- Dates: Wednesday, May 13 – Wednesday, June 24, 2026
- Add/drop deadline: Tuesday, May 19, 2026
- Withdrawal deadline: Sunday, June 21, 2026
GSOM Summer 2:
- Dates: Monday, June 29 – Thursday, August 6, 2026
- Add/drop deadline: Sunday, July 5, 2026
- Withdrawal deadline: Monday, August 3, 2026
GSOM Summer 3:
- Dates: Monday, June 1 – Friday, June 26, 2026
- Add/drop deadline: Saturday, June 6, 2026
- Withdrawal deadline: Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Lynch School of Education Graduate Summer 2026
The Lynch School (GSEHD) divides summer into two primary sessions:
GSEHD Summer 1:
- Dates: Wednesday, May 13 – Wednesday, July 1, 2026
- Add/drop deadline: Wednesday, May 20, 2026
- Withdrawal deadline: Wednesday, June 24, 2026
GSEHD Summer 2:
- Dates: Thursday, July 2 – Friday, August 14, 2026
- Add/drop deadline: Thursday, July 9, 2026
- Withdrawal deadline: Friday, August 7, 2026
School of Social Work Summer 2026
The Boston College School of Social Work (SSW) operates seven distinct summer sessions, providing maximum flexibility for social work graduate students:
| Session | Start Date | End Date | Add/Drop Deadline | Withdrawal Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSW Summer 1 | Friday, May 15 | Saturday, June 13 | Wednesday, May 20 | Wednesday, June 10 |
| SSW Summer 2 | Tuesday, May 19 | Thursday, June 18 | Sunday, May 24 | Monday, June 15 |
| SSW Summer 3 | Tuesday, May 19 | Thursday, July 23 | Tuesday, May 26 | Thursday, July 16 |
| SSW Summer 4 | Thursday, May 28 | Thursday, July 30 | Thursday, June 4 | Thursday, July 23 |
| SSW Summer 5 | Thursday, July 2 | Tuesday, August 4 | Tuesday, July 7 | Saturday, August 1 |
| SSW Summer 6 | Wednesday, July 1 | Tuesday, August 11 | Tuesday, July 7 | Saturday, August 8 |
| SSW Summer 7 | Thursday, May 28 | Tuesday, June 30 | Tuesday, June 2 | Monday, July 27 |
Boston College Academic Calendar Fall 2026 Semester
BC Fall 2026 classes begin Monday, August 31, 2026, launching the first semester of the 2026-2027 academic year. The semester extends through final examinations ending Monday, December 21, 2026.
Fall 2026 Key Dates
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, August 31, 2026 | Fall 2026 classes begin | First day of instruction |
| Monday, September 7, 2026 | Labor Day | No classes university-wide |
| Wednesday, September 9, 2026 | Add/drop deadline | Last date for online course changes |
| Thursday, September 10, 2026 | Mass of the Holy Spirit | Classes canceled noon-1:15 p.m. |
| Friday, September 25 – Sunday, September 27, 2026 | Family Weekend | University programming for families |
| Thursday, October 8, 2026 | Drop deadline (no W) | Undergraduate day students |
| Monday, October 12, 2026 | Fall Break | No classes |
| Tuesday, October 13, 2026 | Substitute Monday schedule | Tuesday follows Monday classes |
| Saturday, November 7, 2026 | Grading option change deadline | Undergraduate students |
| Wednesday, November 25 – Friday, November 27, 2026 | Thanksgiving Holidays | Three-day break |
| Tuesday, December 1, 2026 | Thesis deadline | December 2026 graduation |
| Tuesday, December 1, 2026 | Withdrawal deadline (W grade) | Last official withdrawal date |
| Friday, December 11, 2026 | Study Day | Undergraduates only |
| Monday, December 14 – Monday, December 21, 2026 | Term Examinations | No exams Sunday, December 20 |
Fall 2026 Boston College Academic Calendar: Registration Timeline
Registration for Fall 2026 opens in stages throughout Spring 2026, with priority access determined by class year and program:
Registration Opens:
- Friday, April 10, 2026: Graduate and undergraduate Woods College, graduate programs begin
- Monday, April 13, 2026: Undergraduate Class of 2027 (seniors)
- Tuesday, April 14, 2026: Undergraduate Class of 2028 (juniors), Law School 2L/MLS
- Wednesday, April 15, 2026: Law School 1L Class of 2028
- Thursday, April 16, 2026: Undergraduate Class of 2029 (sophomores)
- Tuesday, April 21, 2026: Continuing School of Social Work students
- Monday, June 1, 2026: Incoming School of Social Work students
- Friday, August 7, 2026: Messina College Class of 2028
- Wednesday, August 19, 2026: Incoming CSTM students
Registration appointment times for undergraduate day students become available in EagleApps in late March 2026, allowing students to view their specific registration windows.
Fall 2026 Mass of the Holy Spirit
Boston College observes the Mass of the Holy Spirit on Thursday, September 10, 2026, a significant Jesuit tradition marking the academic year. Classes are canceled from noon to 1:15 p.m., allowing the university community to participate in this religious ceremony.
Fall 2026 Break Schedule
Fall Break occurs on Monday, October 12, 2026, providing students with a one-day respite mid-semester. The following day, Tuesday, October 13, 2026, follows a Monday class schedule to maintain instructional time.
Thanksgiving Holidays span Wednesday, November 25, through Friday, November 27, 2026, offering students three consecutive days away from classes. This break typically extends to five days when combined with the weekend, allowing students to travel home for the holiday.
Boston College Academic Calendar 2026: Half-Term Course Information
Boston College offers half-term courses during the fall and Spring semesters, providing intensive learning experiences in compressed timeframes. Half-term courses meet for approximately seven weeks rather than the full semester, allowing students to complete coursework at an accelerated pace.
Students interested in half-term offerings should consult the official academic calendar for specific start and end dates, as these courses maintain distinct add/drop deadlines separate from full-semester courses.
Registration Calendar and Priority Access: Understanding the System
Boston College implements a priority registration system based on class year and program affiliation. Undergraduate students receive registration appointment times viewable through EagleApps, staggering access to prevent system overload and ensure equitable course access.
Spring 2027 Registration Timeline
Registration for Spring 2027 opens in Fall 2026, following the established priority structure. Students should monitor EagleApps for their specific registration appointment times, which typically release several weeks before the registration period begins.
Graduate students in specialized programs (Law School, Carroll School of Management, School of Social Work) receive registration access based on program-specific calendars that may differ from undergraduate timelines.
Accessing Boston College’s Official Academic Calendar
Students access the official Boston College academic calendar through bc.edu at the academic calendar page maintained by the Office of the Registrar. The university also provides Google Calendar subscription options, allowing students to sync official dates directly to personal calendars.
The calendar includes:
- Semester start and end dates
- Add/drop and withdrawal deadlines
- University holidays and breaks
- Exam periods
- Commencement dates
- Registration timelines
EagleApps: Course Registration and Student Information System
EagleApps serves as Boston College’s primary student information system for course registration, schedule viewing, and academic record access. Students use EagleApps to:
- Register for courses during designated windows
- Add or drop courses by published deadlines
- Change grading options (letter grade to pass/fail)
- View registration appointment times
- Access final exam schedules
- Check degree audit information
The system replaced legacy systems and centralizes student academic functions in a single platform accessible through student credentials.
Program-Specific Calendars: Law School, Carroll School, and Specialized Programs
BC Law School Academic Calendar 2026
Boston College Law School maintains a separate academic calendar reflecting the JD program structure. The Law School academic calendar 2025-2026 includes distinct orientation dates, exam periods, and graduation ceremonies specific to legal education requirements.
Law students should reference the Law School-specific calendar published through the Law School administration, as dates may differ from the undergraduate calendar.
Carroll School of Management Calendar Variations
The Carroll School of Management operates specialized programs, including MBA formats, following a consecutive three-semester structure. Graduate business students should consult the Carroll School graduate programs calendar for accurate dates reflecting their specific cohort and program format.
Woods College of Advancing Studies
The Woods College serves continuing education students with flexible scheduling. Woods College courses often follow different session structures than traditional undergraduate courses, with registration opening earlier to accommodate adult learners’ planning needs.
Boston College Commencement 2026: Graduation Ceremony Information
Boston College holds its main University Commencement ceremony on Monday, May 18, 2026, celebrating graduates from all undergraduate and graduate programs. Summer classes scheduled prior to 4:00 p.m. are canceled on Commencement Day.
Individual schools and programs may hold additional diploma ceremonies and recognition events surrounding the main University Commencement. Graduate students should verify program-specific graduation requirements and ceremony details with their respective schools.
Thesis and Dissertation Deadlines
Master’s and doctoral candidates must submit signed and approved copies of their theses or dissertations by specific deadlines:
- May 2026 graduation: Wednesday, April 1, 2026
- August 2026 graduation: Friday, July 31, 2026
- December 2026 graduation: Tuesday, December 1, 2026
Important Boston College Policies: Withdrawal, Grading Options, and Academic Standards
Withdrawal Policy
Students withdrawing from courses after the drop deadline receive a “W” (withdrawal) grade on their transcript. The withdrawal deadline for Spring 2026 is Thursday, April 23, 2026, and for Fall 2026 is Tuesday, December 1, 2026.
Official withdrawal requires action through appropriate channels (Associate Deans’ offices for undergraduates, program administrators for graduate students). Students who stop attending courses without official withdrawal receive failing grades.
Grading Option Changes
Undergraduate students may change courses from letter grade to pass/fail (or vice versa) by published deadlines:
- Spring 2026: Wednesday, April 1, 2026
- Fall 2026: Saturday, November 7, 2026
Universities limit pass/fail options to specific course types and quantities. Students should consult their academic advisors before changing grading options to understand the impacts on major requirements and GPA calculations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Boston College Academic Calendar 2026
When does Boston College Spring 2026 start? Spring 2026 classes begin Monday, January 12, 2026.
What are Boston College spring break dates for 2026? Spring Vacation runs from Monday, March 2, 2026, through Saturday, March 7, 2026.
When is Boston College Commencement 2026? The University Commencement ceremony occurs on Monday, May 18, 2026.
When does Fall 2026 start at Boston College? Fall 2026 classes begin Monday, August 31, 2026.
What is the Boston College academic calendar add/drop deadline? For Spring 2026, the deadline is Wednesday, January 21, 2026. For Fall 2026, the deadline is Wednesday, September 9, 2026.
Does Boston College have fall break in 2026? Yes, Fall Break occurs on Monday, October 12, 2026.
When are Boston College finals Spring 2026? Final examinations run from Monday, May 4, through Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Is Boston College on a semester or quarter system? Boston College operates on a traditional semester system with Fall, Spring, and Summer terms.
Contacting the Office of the Registrar
Students with questions about the Boston College academic calendar 2026 should contact the Office of the Registrar:
Office of the Registrar 140 Commonwealth Avenue Chestnut Hill, MA 02467 Phone: 617-552-3300
The Registrar’s office provides authoritative information on:
- Academic calendar dates and deadlines
- Registration procedures
- Transcript requests
- Enrollment verification
- Academic policies
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