MCLA at a Glance

Nestled in the rolling hills of the Berkshires, MCLA offers students the experience of a small private college at a public cost. MCLA provides students with an ideal learning environment, combining rigorous academic training with broad opportunities for learning outside the classroom.

MCLA’s small size fosters a tight-knit community among students and faculty. The curriculum at MCLA emphasizes the development of strong analytical and communication skills that prepares students for the workforce. We offer rigorous professional programs in computer science and information systems, business administration and education, and abundant research opportunities in programs such as biology, physics and psychology. Our educational philosophy is that students learn best by actively participating in their own education, and our curriculum provides opportunities for independent study, service learning, and study abroad.

The unique natural beauty, diverse cultural community and extraordinary recreational opportunities of the Berkshires provide the ideal setting for a rich learning and growing experience.

Make It Your Choice . . . MCLA . . .

History:

• Founded in 1894 as North Adams Normal School
• In 1932 the Normal School became the State Teachers College of North Adams
• In 1960, the college changed its name to North Adams State College and added professional degrees in Business Administration and Computer Science
• By 1976, the enrollment had grown from 800 to 2,000 students
• In 1997, the name changed to Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA), reflective of specialty school status within the Massachusetts State College public system

The Public Liberal Arts College of Massachusetts

• Member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC>)
• Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of “ America’s Best Colleges”
• Noted by Newsweek as a “ Hot College” in the category “Most for Your Money”
• Faculty to student ratio of 1:13 & an average class size of 18 students
• Extensive study abroad opportunities
• College-wide Honors Program
• Service learning integrated into MCLA’s curriculum
• Cross enrollment with our neighboring institution, Williams College
• Member of National Student Exchange

Academic Excellence

• Highly qualified faculty, representing a wide range of disciplines and expertise
• Annual Undergraduate Research Conference: student research projects
• Wireless campus and laptop requirement
• MCLA Gallery 51: college managed art gallery in downtown North Adams
• Berkshire Hills Internship Program (BHIP) unites students in the Arts with professionals at the cultural venues in the Berkshires.
• Host institution for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiatives
• Home to the Berkshire Wireless Learning Initiative (BWLI)

Professional Preparation:

• Bachelor degree programs in: Business Administration, Biology, English/Communications Computer Science & Information Systems, Education and Physics. Professional program concentrations in Social Work, Pre-Law, and Athletic Training .
• 3 + 2 Physics/Engineering program with UMass-Amherst
• Teacher Licensure programs available from pre-K through 12th grade
• Vast array of internship opportunities based on students major and interest.
• Masters of Education and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS)

Fall 2007 Enrollment:

• 1,850 total enrollment including graduate students
• 1,550 Undergraduate students
• 75% from Massachusetts, 15% from New York, 18 states represented
• 60% female; 40% male
• Admission Cycle: 1,500 freshmen applicants; 342 freshmen enrolled; 250 transfer applications; 155 transfer students enrolled (60% from community colleges)
• Highest enrolled programs: English/Communications, Business, Education, Fine & Performing Arts, Psychology, Sociology
• 950 students live on-campus

Affordability:

• Tuition & fees at MCLA total $6,300 per year for MA residents
• Tuition & fees at MCLA for New York residents total $6,800 per year.
• Room & Board costs total $7,200 per year
• 75% of MCLA students receive some form of Financial Aid
• 14 million dollars in financial aid distributed annually
• Merit scholarships available at the time of admission
• MCLA offers tuition reduction through the New Board of Higher Education(NEBHE) program. Residents from Maine and Rhode Island residents majoring in English/Communications (Media) qualify and can expect to pay $6,800 per year for tuition and fees. Residents from Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont and Rhode Island who major in Arts Management also qualify for this reduction this reduced tuition rate. Residents from Rhode Island would also qualify if they major in Athletic Training.
• Southern Vermont residents qualify for a tuition reduction based on “proximity rule’ or distance from MCLA (all major programs)

Location:

• Located in the Berkshires in the northwest corner of Massachusetts
• City of North Adams , MA : population of 14,700
• Three-hour drive from New York City and Boston
• Closest major airport: Albany, NY (one-hour drive)
• Three major ski resorts/areas within miles of campus
• Mount Greylock, tallest peak in the state is located in North Adams
• Home of Mass MoCA (world renowned contemporary art museum and complex)
• Variety of recreational and cultural activities in the area

Admission:

• Rolling Admission; applications are reviewed beginning in early December for fall admission
• Spring admission: applications are reviewed beginning in October for January enrollment
• Fast-Track admission is rolling based on module start dates.
• Admission criteria for first year student is based on high school record, SAT I or ACT scores and personal statement Transfer student admission based on academic performance at previous college (s).
• Early Action (non-binding) for fall enrollments: December 1 deadline
• Average high school GPA for entering freshmen class of fall 2007: 3.0, SAT I: 1060

Recent Speakers:

• Bob Simon of CBS News’ 60 Minutes, Hardman Lecture Series
• Author Tracy Kidder, Convocation speaker 2005
• Senator Edward Kennedy, Commencement speaker 2006
• Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley, Commencement speaker 2007
• Derrick Jackson, columnist for The Boston Globe, Hardman Lecture Series
• Ghanashyam Ojha, senior reporter, Kathmandu Post, Nepal, Daniel Pearl Fellow Journalist in Residence
• Jonathan Kozol, award-winning author in education and urban issues, Leadership Academy speaker
• Former Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis
• ABC News Correspondent Dan Harris, Hardman Lecture Series
• Environmentalist Bill McKibben, Hardman Lecture Series
• Coming in March 2008 to the Hardman Lecture Series: Mariane Pearl, French freelance journalist and reporter and columnist for Glamour magazine. She is the widow of Daniel Pearl, the Wall Street Journal reporter who was kidnapped and murdered by terrorists in Pakistan. Pearl’s memoir, A Mighty Heart, was adapted for the film, A Mighty Heart.