8 Reasons to Pursue One of Mount Saint Mary’s University’s Graduate Programs

When considering graduate school, it quickly becomes clear that you have a lot of critical decisions to make. From the graduate program you choose to the financial aid opportunities you take advantage of, navigating the graduate school decision process can be overwhelming for many students. 

We know you have a lot of options, and for that reason, we have outlined some of the need-to-know reasons why you should choose to pursue graduate studies at Mount Saint Mary’s University Los Angeles.

Ready to learn more about choosing Mount Saint Mary's University for graduate school? Request more information today, and we will make sure to connect with you

1. Intimate class and cohort sizes

In graduate school, it is imperative that you get the one-on-one academic support and professional mentorship that you deserve. At the Mount, we ensure that our graduate program cohort and class sizes are small, allowing you to connect with professors and industry professionals and receive individual attention and mentorship that will help you get the most out of your graduate education. 

You will leave the Mount with professional connections that will guide and support you as you navigate the workforce for years to come.

2. Options for specialization

Each individual’s professional path is unique, and for this reason, we make it possible for many of our graduate students across academic programs to choose various specializations or areas of emphasis, depending on their individual interests.

For instance, students in our MFA program in Film, Television and Photography have numerous concentration, certificate and dual degree programs to choose from — all designed for specific student needs and career trajectories. 

Further, our graduate psychology students are given the opportunity to prepare for licensure (such as Marriage and Family Therapy) — depending on their long term psychology career goals.

3. Downtown Los Angeles location

The Mount’s Doheny Campus, where our graduate degree programs are offered, is centrally located to all that downtown Los Angeles has to offer, including LA Live, the Historic Core, Disney Music Hall, Olvera Street, Union Station (connected by the Expo Line, only a few blocks away), Little Tokyo, Koreatown and the Theater, Jewelry, Fashion, Flower and Financial Districts.

Read more about our Doheny Campus here.

4. Flexible options for working professionals

At Mount Saint Mary’s, we are dedicated to making education accessible to the busy, driven professionals who choose MSMU for graduate school. We offer both in-person and online graduate-level courses — with options designed to fit the schedules of working professionals. 

For instance, in our two-year MFA in Creative Writing program, students are able to choose whether or not to take courses online or on campus each semester. Similarly, all of our Professional Development Certificate programs are offered online (although you do not have to be pursuing graduate school in order to obtain one of these certificates).

5. Expert faculty with on-the-ground experience

Our graduate-level coursework is taught by industry experts in their respective focus areas. Passionate about student success, the Mount’s diverse faculty and student body round out the learning experience by providing a variety of worldviews and cultural perspectives.

At the Mount, you can expect to learn with and from driven, passionate and expert industry leaders who will serve as an invaluable resource throughout your academic journey and professional career.

6. A diverse, inclusive environment dedicated to social change and justice

Mount Saint Mary’s is proud to foster one of the most diverse campuses in the nation. We are known nationally for our research on gender equity, innovative health and science programs and commitment to community service.

By confronting gender inequality and transforming the lives of students by securing federal grants for research, we are committed to producing ethical, compassionate professionals who make a positive impact in their respective fields.

7. Opportunities for experiential learning

At the Mount, we believe in the power of learning-by-doing. We offer multiple options for real-world professional experiences including internships and fieldwork. 

From our very own Hollywood Studio for developing artists to clinical immersion programs for future mental health practitioners (and every discipline in between), the Mount will serve as a launching pad for your dream career by giving you practical experience that you can immediately apply to your coursework and beyond.

8. Competitive tuition sticker price

Graduate school is an investment of time, energy, and money, but we are proud to offer affordable tuition for our graduate students. We also offer opportunities for financial assistance including scholarships, loans and tuition reduction programs. 

You can explore our financial aid and our tuition and aid options to learn more.

One UNSTOPPABLE education — connect with us about MSMU’s graduate programs

At Mount Saint Mary’s, we believe it is our responsibility to respond to the needs of the times. And the times are calling for strong, confident and resilient leaders. And we’re prepared to answer that call.

We are committed to your success, and we are dedicated to helping you find your place in a community of compassionate, driven changemakers who all want to leave the world a better place.

If you are ready to experience one Unstoppable education at the Mount, then please request more information, schedule an appointment with us or start your online application today.