Mount Saint Mary's University Los Angeles: An Overview
Mount Saint Mary's University Los Angeles is a private Catholic institution with a history rooted in the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. The university sits on a hillside campus in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, offering views of the city and proximity to cultural and professional resources. It is a four-year, coeducational university that serves a primarily undergraduate population with a focus on career-oriented liberal arts education.
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The institution holds regional accreditation through the WASC Senior College and University Commission. Programs are designed to combine academic rigor with practical experience, and the university emphasizes social justice, service learning and ethical leadership as part of its educational mission.
Academic Programs and Areas of Study
Mount Saint Mary's University Los Angeles offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The university organizes its academic offerings through schools of arts and sciences, business, and education. Common areas of study include business administration, nursing, education, psychology, communication, and liberal studies. Graduate programs typically target working professionals and may include formats such as evening and weekend classes.
Students can pursue traditional on-campus study or, in some cases, hybrid formats that blend in-person and online coursework. The curriculum emphasizes writing, critical thinking and experiential learning through internships and community-based projects.
Undergraduate Programs
- Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Graduate Programs
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Arts in Education
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Other graduate options depending on semester offerings
Campus Life and Student Experience
The Brentwood campus provides a traditional college setting within Los Angeles. Residence halls, a library, student center, and athletics facilities support student life. The university fields teams in NCAA Division II athletics, offering students the opportunity to compete in a range of sports.
Student organizations, campus ministries, and service programs are part of the co-curricular environment. The university's Catholic identity shapes its values and community expectations, though students of all faith backgrounds are welcome.
Admission Process and Requirements
Admission to Mount Saint Mary's University Los Angeles is based on a holistic review of the applicant's academic record, standardized test scores where submitted, personal statement, and letters of recommendation. The university typically considers the rigor of a student's high school curriculum, grade point average, and extracurricular involvement.
Prospective students can apply through the university's online application portal. Key requirements generally include:
- Completed application form
- Official high school transcripts or GED
- SAT or ACT scores (test-optional policies may apply; verify current requirements)
- Personal essay or statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- Application fee or fee waiver request
Transfer students and graduate applicants follow separate procedures tailored to their credentials. International students may need to submit additional documentation, including proof of English proficiency and financial certification.
Tuition, Financial Aid and Scholarships
Tuition and fees at Mount Saint Mary's University Los Angeles vary by program and enrollment status. The university provides a net-price calculator on its website to help families estimate costs after institutional and federal aid. Financial aid options include federal grants, loans, work-study, and institutional scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria.
| Aid Type | Details | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Pell Grant | Need-based, does not require repayment | Eligibility depends on FAFSA results |
| Institutional Scholarship | Merit or need-based award | May require separate application |
| Federal Student Loans | Subsidized and unsubsidized options | Repayment begins after leaving school |
| Work-Study | Part-time campus employment | Based on financial need |
Prospective students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid early and to consult the university's financial aid office for personalized guidance.
Why Choose Mount Saint Mary's University Los Angeles
Mount Saint Mary's University Los Angeles offers a campus environment that blends academic preparation with values-based education. Its location in Los Angeles provides access to internships, cultural institutions, and professional networks across industries including healthcare, education, business, and the arts. The university's commitment to service and community engagement gives students opportunities to apply classroom learning in real-world settings.
For students seeking a medium-sized university with close faculty interaction and a structured campus experience, Mount Saint Mary's University Los Angeles presents a distinctive option within the Los Angeles higher education landscape.