Boston College, established in 1863, initially focused on a core curriculum emphasizing the higher Arts and Sciences. The early campus administration consisted of a pair of prefects charged with overseeing studies and discipline. By 1914, the position of a dean overseeing "the College" was created. As the campus expanded, additional schools, including the Graduate School and Law School, were established. By 1936, the College of Arts and Sciences was formally named, with a dedicated dean responsible for its administration. Today, the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences is appointed by the President of Boston College and approved by the trustees. This dean reports to the Academic Vice President and Dean of Faculties and is responsible for appointing, evaluating, and managing the faculty within the College of Arts and Sciences.

Though there have been many changes and innovations in the curriculum of the College of Arts and Sciences, the College’s purpose has remained clear: to provide a sound foundation of liberal learning in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences that prepares students for more specialized study in majors and for the larger challenge of leading a good life. With the resignation of Dean Joseph Quinn during the 2006-2007 academic year, the university announced a planned reorganization which saw the closure of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and the redistribution of curricular programs offered through it to the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences. Administrative oversight over graduate programs was reallocated to two created positions within the Dean's Office and Provost's Office.

In 2015, the College was renamed the Robert J. Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences in recognition of a large financial gift made by Robert Morrissey, Class of 1960.