Study Away Opportunities
Study Away Opportunities
As a traditional liberal arts university, Mount Saint Mary's recognizes the value of the study away experience. Students who participate are given the opportunity to gain knowledge and cultural awareness as an integral part of their liberal arts education. The Mount allows qualified students to participate in approved programs. The study away programs include, but are not limited to the international exchange programs, the Sisters of St. Joseph College Consortium Exchange, and multiple study abroad options. The international exchange options include Nanjing University, Gannan Normal University, Jinling College of Nanjing University, Richmond University, Universidad Anahuac Mayab, or University of Shiga Prefecture.The Sisters of St. Joseph College Consortium Exchange is a consortium agreement that allows students from the Mount to attend any of the other schools for one semester. The member schools are: Avila University (MO), Chestnut Hill College (PA), Elms College (MA), Fontbonne University (MO), Regis College (MA), St. Catherine University (MN), The College of St. Joseph (VT), and The College of Saint Rose (NY) For a complete list of possible options, visit the Study Away portal page www.msmu.edu/academics/study-away. Each program provides students with unique and valuable experiences at other institutions while earning Mount credit. Students must be in "good standing" as indicated by Student Affairs to participate in these programs.
Qualified students may study in one of these programs for one semester in their junior or senior year. The minimum GPA requirement to participate is a cumulative 3.0. Students may pick up applications and course information in Academic Advisement. Students interested in studying away must attend a mandatory information session during the semester prior to their desired semester away. The institutional deadlines to file an application and a Transfer of Credit form are April 1, for Fall semester, and October 1, for Spring semester (Weekend/Evening College students must submit Summer semester forms by March 1). All students who study away must obtain approval from the Director of Study Away in order to be eligible for financial aid. Finally, students who participate in one of these programs must attend a pre-departure session.
Mount Saint Mary’s University encourages students to participate in the Study Away Program. Students must complete the appropriate academic year Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have the information sent to Mount Saint Mary’s University as well as the Aid Renewal Request Form. Study Away students must follow the same deadlines as students not participating in the program. Students must provide the Office of Student Financing with a breakdown of costs for their semester. They will be reviewed as a "resident" student and their cost of housing will be taken into consideration during the analysis of their file. Study Away students do not qualify for Federal Work Study or Mount Work funds while away, but may be awarded work monies when they return to campus. If a student receives any type of outside award, including a scholarship or stipend from their Study Away program, they must report it to the Office of Student Financing so it can be considered in the evaluation of their aid. All students participating in Study Away programs are required to meet with both the Office of Student Financing and the Business office. Any additional questions regarding funding of Study Away programs should be directed to the Office of Student Financing.
The GPA earned by a student on these programs is included in the student's overall GPA, and is also used for the conferral of honors at graduation. Each program may have additional requirements. Please consult the Academic Advisement for more information.