I am interested in doing graduate work in Irish Studies. What programs do you offer?

Irish Studies has wide ranging graduate programs within the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Students may obtain an MA with a concentration in Irish History, an English department MA in Irish Literature and Culture; a PhD with a major field in Irish History; and a PhD in English with a concentration in Irish Literature.

The Masters Degree in Irish Literature and Culture offers English Department candidates the opportunity to design an interdisciplinary course of study drawing from a wide range of fields, including literature, Irish language, history, women’s studies, American studies, fine arts, music and cultural studies. Boston College's PhD program in English also attracts top doctoral candidates in Irish literature who work closely with Irish Studies faculty.

For information about these programs (incl. admissions requirements, GREs, etc.) please email the English Department at english@bc.edu. Or visit the Graduate Programs in English website.

Students may also specialize in Irish History in a range of graduate programs offered by the History Department. For information about these programs (incl. admissions requirements, GREs, etc.) please contact the History Department: email history@bc.edu or visit the Graduate Programs in History website.

In either case, admissions is handled through the Graduate School of Arts & Science. Applications and program materials are available on the Grad School's website. If you would like to make arrangements to take graduate classes prior to being enrolled as a formal student, contact the Graduate School or visit their web site about applying as a Special Student (allows students to take up to 2 graduate courses in the specific department they are interested in applying to). For more information and admission questions, contact GSAS at gsasinfo@bc.edu.

Graduates of both our masters and doctoral programs typically pursue careers in public and higher education, teaching Irish Studies, English, history and art. Alumni of the Irish Studies doctoral program hold faculty positions at the National University of Ireland, Dublin, the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, the University of South Florida, Le Moyne College, and other four-year institutions. Information about the application process can be found on the Boston College Admissions homepage.

Graduate students are a vital part of Irish Studies at Boston College. Students contribute to the intellectual and social life of the program and add a genuine sense of community to Irish Studies at Boston College. Their contribution to events, lectures, courses and colloquia enhance the experience of all involved in the Irish Studies. Graduate students have made their presence known in the field by publishing articles in major journals in North America, Britain and Ireland. They have given papers at major conferences in North America, Ireland, Britain and Scandinavia. Graduate students have sponsored national conferences that have drawn students from all over North American and Ireland to discuss current research in Irish Studies.

Irish Studies courses are currently posted on our web site: www.bc.edu/irish.