transfer faq
Transfer students, particularly junior-year transfers, should be aware that they may not be able to fulfill all College and Liberal & Civic Studies requirements on a schedule that will enable them to graduate “on time.” Many transfer students arrive at Saint Mary’s College needing to complete specific lower-division requirements before they can take the required number (17) of upper-division courses by their hoped-for graduation date. Transfer students can often make up requirements by taking summer-session courses.
Frequently Asked Questions by Transfer Students
What kinds of requirements might delay my graduation?
Because the Liberal & Civic Studies Program requires 4 levels of a foreign language, students who are admitted with fewer than 2 levels of a language may need to take summer courses in a language. It is also possible that students may be missing pre-requisites for the Mathematics 1 requirement, or other minor requirements.
Can sign language fulfill the language requirement?
American Sign language fulfills the requirement, but transfer students must plan to take these courses off-campus, which can pose additional scheduling difficulties.
When should I enroll in the L&CS core courses?
Transfer students entering Saint Mary’s College in their junior year should enroll in Forum 1 immediately, in their first semester on campus. Because of required spacing of the Program’s sequence (Forum 1, Forum 2, Assessment & Portfolio, Senior Forum), transfer students who have fewer than 2 full years (4 semesters) to complete for graduation will not be admitted to the Liberal & Civic Studies Program unless they plan to postpone their graduation date.
Which course requirements can transfer students most easily take during the summer?
Students can generally satisfy the first 3 levels of their language requirement at community colleges during the summer. The fourth level may be available at a 4-year college, or at Saint Mary’s. A physical science course that includes a lab is also a good choice for summer, as well as a biological science course that includes a lab. However, SMP students are required to take the equivalent of our Biology 50-51, “General Biology.”
How can I learn about Liberal & Civic Studies course requirements?
You can pick up our Guide to the Liberal & Civic Studies Program at the Program office in Galileo 211B. You should also meet with an advisor as soon as possible to determine accurately what requirements you must still complete and to complete a careful program leading to a timely graduation.
How do I get an advisor?
You will be assigned an advisor when you declare Liberal & Civic Studies as your "major." If you are not yet assigned an advisor and need advice before you can register for classes, you should contact the Program Director, Marsha Newman (x4605) or the Program Coordinator, Deep
