She received her B.A. and M.A. in psychology from George Washington University in 1957 and 1958, and her Ph.D. in philosophy from Harvard University in 1970. Formerly a Professor of Philosophy at Brandeis University, Sissela Bok is currently a Senior Visiting Fellow at the Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Harvard School of Public Health.

Her brother, Jan Myrdal is a controversial writer and journalist. She is married to Derek Bok, former president (1971-1991) and interim president (2006-2007) of Harvard. Her daughter, Hilary Bok, is also a philosopher.

She was awarded the Courage of Conscience award on April 24, 1991, "for her contributions to peacemaking strategies in the tradition of her mother".