MCLA in the fall

Undergraduate Experience

AN EDUCATION THAT WORKS FOR A LIFETIME
All together, the education and experiences we offer at MCLA elevate you as a whole individual, a leader, and a communicator, fully empowered to make your impression on the world.

 

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

MCLA has more than 80 areas of study, including plenty of minors and concentrations. See our list of programs.

Class on the quad
Having a really great, well-rounded education has helped in more ways than one.
—JESSICA RUSSO ’12
Director of admissions, marketing, and patient accounts for North Adams Commons. Political Science major.

Our Academic Approach

Professor in classroomMCLA’s curriculum is designed to be broad, meaning you’ll learn way more than what your major requires. You’ll begin your studies with an interdisciplinary core curriculum designed to challenge you.

Our professors want to ensure that once you’re out making your impression on the world, you’re prepared to solve complex problems and communicate effectively with people from all backgrounds—invaluable skills that employers look for when hiring (or considering you for a promotion).

Impact Experiences

We don’t just teach you in class and hope you apply your knowledge in the world someday—MCLA students put that knowledge to the test through what we call impact experiences. These take many forms, depending on your interest and major, but include things like leadership opportunities, internships, research, and travel.

Things you might do:

  • Establish a new club
  • Create your own show at Gallery 51
  • Design a virtual reality lab to help your friends learn chemistry
  • Pitch your business ideas to successful entrepreneurs
  • Spend spring break in Cuba, San Francisco, or Japan

ACCELERATED AND JOINT DEGREES

Did you know you can complete a business degree in three years (then stick around to finish your MBA)? Or transfer seamlessly into law school, or a doctor of physical therapy program?

HONORS PROGRAM

If you’re up for the challenge, join a close-knit community of scholars dedicated to exchanging innovative ideas and personal knowledge.

TEACHER LICENSURE

MCLA started as a teachers’ college. Today, students who complete our teacher licensure courses have a 98% pass rate on the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure.

COMMUNITY BASED LEARNING

In the past ten years, over 1,900 MCLA students have completed 22,262 community based learning hours for 31 professors. These students have helped identify and solve pressing community needs, worked with and learned from community leaders, and enriched their academic learning.

DO MORE THAN ONE THING

MCLA students are creative, active, and motivated—many double-major, or choose minors and concentrations that enhance their educational experience, offer a creative outlet, or connect to their primary area of study.

20%
Students opt to double-major
60%
Students have at least one minor or concentration
Top 10
Voted a Top 10 Public College by U.S. News and World Report
Browse Our Programs

Questions? Contact Us

413.662.5410
admissions@mcla.edu 

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

375 Church Street
North Adams, MA 01247

Wish You Were Here?

We Do Too
MCLA Trailblazer teammates