Welcome to Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. I invite you to explore our wonderful institution, located in the beautiful Berkshires in western Massachusetts. Since 1894, the College has provided our students with the opportunity to experience a quality academic experience at an affordable cost.

To prepare students for the future, our curriculum emphasizes the development of strong analytical and communication skills. Complementing our liberal arts offerings are professional programs including computer science and information systems, business administration and education , as well as abundant research opportunities in programs such as biology, physics, and psychology.

MCLA offers 14 degree programs, including a new program we added last year in Arts Management. Based in the fine and performing arts, with complementing business and communications classes, this program is preparing students to undertake the work of arts administration. The Berkshire Hills Internship Program (B-HIP), is a key component of this major where MCLA students – as well as other college students from across the country – work at nearby cultural institutions such as North Adams’ Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art – MASS MoCA .

I also am excited to announce the completion of a $1 million, state-of-the-art, synthetic turf field at our Athletic Complex, which allows our student-athletes to play soccer and other sports no matter what weather conditions might be. This upgrade comes on the heels of drainage improvements to another field, a new press box, and six newly renovated tennis courts. And, our campus television production studio recently upgraded to the latest digital equipment, including Avid editing stations, the technology used for most of today’s primetime television shows and major feature films.

Also new to campus is our renovated Murdock Hall, which reopened in the fall of 2006 following its $8.5 million renovation. Originally opened in 1897, this landmark building greeted a new generation of students this fall following its $8.5 million renovation, which features state-of-the-art, wireless classrooms with new presentation equipment and furniture. In addition, Murdock Hall now features new computer labs, departmental offices for business, computer science, and sociology on three different floors, as well as conference rooms and a variety of meeting areas.

Come visit our campus, where you will be welcomed by caring faculty, staff, and administrators who are committed to their students’ success. As Berkshire County’s public college, we are committed to providing a rich education that is both accessible and affordable. I hope you will consider joining our thriving and energetic community.

Sincerely,

Mary K. Grant, Ph.D.
President of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
Class of 1983