Degree Requirements
Liberal Arts Courses
Liberal Arts courses play a central role in the academic structure and philosophy of Saint Mary's College. Students receive a broad education that provides a durable foundation for critical and independent thinking.
Courses for the Major
Students entering the LEAP program are qualified to challenge by examination several of the required dance courses for the major at Saint Mary's (up to 30 units). This significantly reduces the amount of time needed to earn the Bachelor's degree and frees students to pursue their individualized courses of study.
Assessment of Life Experience Learning
With its emphasis on thinking and writing, and on exploration of theories of adult development, the Personal and Professional Assessment course contributes to the goals of a liberal arts education. The main product of this course is the Experiential Learning Portfolio, an organized and comprehensive presentation of the student's knowledge gained through experience. Students who desire credit through evaluation submit their portfolios to the College after completing the Personal and Professional Assessment course.
Calendar
LEAP course work is completed in three or four years. There are four terms: Fall, January, Spring, and Summer. LEAP courses meet once a week for 8- 10 weeks. Since LEAP is an individualized program, the time it takes each student to earn the degree will vary.
Degree Completion
In order to be awarded the Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Mary's College, a student will:
1. Complete the 10-course LEAP curriculum.
2. Fulfill general education requirements, which include:
- 2 Humanities courses;
- 1 Math/Computer Science course;
- 2 Social Science courses;
- 1 English Composition course; and
- 1 Religious Studies course.
To fulfill these requirements, students may:
- Transfer in credit from previous college course work.
- Concurrently take lower/upper division courses at an accredited community or state college.
- Earn course credit through experiential learning.
- Take LEAP electives, online courses, or additional on-campus course work at Saint Mary's College.
3. Attain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0
4. Complete 120 semester units of credit.
