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Exploratory Student Resources

 

Being Undeclared

Most first-year students are unsure about their educational direction. Studies show that two-thirds of the students who declare their major on their college application change it two or three times before they graduate. Many high school students come to college as undeclared because they have multiple interests. Not being ready to choose their major does not make them less serious about their education.

At MSMC a significant portion of the requirements for a bachelor’s degree are the general education courses. These requirements are the same for all majors. Early completion of these courses allows students to make progress toward completing their degree and to explore subject areas that can assist them in choosing a major and career.

 

Can students be exploratory and graduate in four years at Mount St. Mary’s College?

Yes! You can start at MSMC as an exploratory student, choose a major, and graduate in four years. Obviously, there is a limit as to how long you can stay “exploratory” and still be able to complete your bachelor’s degree requirements on time. It depends on what courses you take and what major you choose. If you decide on a major by the end of your freshman year, you should be able to graduate in four years. In order to do this, it is important that you begin the exploration process early in the first semester.

 

General Studies Requirements

As a traditional liberal arts college, Mount St. Mary's recognizes the value of a well-rounded education. The general studies requirements at MSMC facilitate the student's intellectual exploration and growth. The following General Studies Curriculum applies to all bachelor degrees except for the Bachelor of Music and the Bachelor of Science, which do not require a foreign language. Students may not take general studies courses on a credit/no-credit basis, and must receive a grade of ‘C-’ or better.

Find out more about how to access your general requirements.

 
 
Exploratory Student Resources
Mount St. Mary’s College provides several resources and tools to help students explore and select their major. The Academic Advisement and Career Centers offer advising services, major and career workshops, career planning and career exploration courses designed to guide students during their major exploration. In addition, resources are available on the "What Can I Do With A Major In...? webpage, which allows students to explore career options for a wide variety of majors.
 
So, what are you going to do with your Life?
Some students start college knowing exactly what they'd like to major in. Others don't know what to major in, or have a career goal but no knowledge of what majors will get them there. Most find themselves switching majors during college. No matter where you fall in this range, there is help available to guide you in the right direction. Check out the College Board for some tips.  Also, make sure to see a list of Majors and Minors offered at the Mount! Finally, you can access additional information regarding the majors offered at the Mount by visiting the undergraduate website.
 
What if there are two majors you would like to do, but do not know which to choose? Then Double Major! Students who wish to earn a degree with a double major must observe the following requirements:
  1. The two majors may be in the same or different degree programs. The student must determine the primary major and satisfy the general studies requirement for the degree of that major. The other major is considered the secondary major.
  2. All requirements for both majors must be met, including all upper division work, foreign language, and any additional requirements.
  3. The department chairpersons of both major areas must approve the student's completion of the requirements for the major.
  4. A second major may be earned in the same academic area, but no more than 9 upper division units may satisfy requirements in both majors.
 
If double majoring may be too much, why not Minor in the other instead!
A minor should enrich a student's major, allow for specialization within a major, broaden a student's career options, and encourage exposure to other academic disciplines. While most disciplines require 18 units to complete a minor, some departments require additional units. In addition to the requirements for individual academic disciplines, a student must complete three upper division courses (9 units) for a minor that are not also being used to fulfill requirements for the major, general studies, or another minor. The deadline for declaring a minor will be the end of the student's junior year.
 
OK, so you looked at what MSMC offers, you do not see anything that you are excited about and you are wishing you can create your own major? Well, this is your opportunity to do that! MSMC allows student to individually design their own major!
The Individually Designed Major program is available to students interested in giving further creative direction to their own education. These students are encouraged to utilize alternative modes of education and to assume leadership in initiating educational and cultural experiences. Admission to the Individually Designed Major program presumes the ability on the part of the student to engage in independent study. Freshmen are eligible to pursue an IDM after the successful completion of their first semester at Mount St. Mary's College.
Information is available in the Advisement Center and from the Baccalaureate dean.
 
 
 

Career Services Department

The Career Services Department is another valuable resource which aims to educate and support students by providing guidance and resources for career placement. The department can also aide in internship placement, volunteer experience, as well as assist with resumes writing and mock interviews. To learn more and visit their webpage, click on the title link above.

 

Studying Abroad

Let us not limit exploration only to things here at the Mount! The college offers various opportunities for students to explore beyond Los Angeles! Why not consider studying in another college out of state or out of the country for an out of the box experience? Many locations are available to explore abroad!