Professional Science Masters in Biotechnology
The PSM in Biotechnology at Saint Mary's is a two-year, 40-credit hybrid program de...
B.A. in Integral Curriculum of Liberal Arts
Moraga, California
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The Integral Program of Liberal Arts at Saint Mary's College is a distinctive four-year curriculum centered on a "Great Books" approach. It offers an integrated sequence of seminars, tutorials, and laboratories, encouraging students to engage directly with primary texts from the Greco-Roman, Asian, and Christian traditions. The program's core philosophy is that students should ask their own questions and work out their own thoughts through deep reading and vigorous discussion. It fosters a tight-knit community among students and faculty (referred to as "tutors"), promoting intellectual exchange and personal growth. The Integral Program aims to develop highly articulate and critically thinking individuals with a profound grasp of foundational ideas that continue to shape human society.
Curriculum: The Integral Program's curriculum is chronologically structured and entirely integrated, building upon itself through its unique course types. Students take six Seminars where they read and discuss primary texts from four thousand years of literature and philosophy, moving from ancient Greek and Roman texts to Medieval, Renaissance, Enlightenment, and 19th-20th century works. The curriculum also includes six semesters of Mathematics Tutorials, where students work through proofs from texts by mathematicians like Euclid and Galileo, and five semesters of Language Tutorials, focusing on grammar, syntax, and translation of ancient Greek texts. Additionally, students engage in Laboratories for hands-on experiments in astronomy, biology, and physics, and a Music Tutorial to learn analysis and performance. The entire 74-unit sequence uses primary texts rather than textbooks, ensuring direct engagement with original thought. The program culminates in a Senior Essay (INTEG 496), a significant piece of written work.
Research Focus: The Integral Program at Saint Mary's College, while not a traditional research-intensive program in the STEM sense, deeply cultivates a form of intellectual research through its core methodology. Students are constantly engaged in "conversational inquiry" and are expected to "work out their own thoughts" by critically analyzing complex primary texts. This involves a continuous process of intellectual investigation, formulating questions, distinctions, and arguments based on rigorous reading. The program's emphasis on reading foundational texts in mathematics and science means students learn about scientific discovery and philosophical inquiry from original sources, effectively "researching" the history of ideas and scientific thought. The capstone Senior Essay serves as a formal research project, requiring students to synthesize their learning and present a well-developed argument.
Industry Engagement: The Integral Program at Saint Mary's College prepares its graduates for a broad spectrum of occupations by developing highly transferable skills that are valued across various industries. The program explicitly states that its graduates gain "the thinking ability, self-discipline, and leadership skills needed to pursue careers and graduate degrees in many fields." While not focused on specific industry partnerships in the way a business or science program might be, the Integral Program's rigorous approach to critical thinking, problem-solving, and persuasive communication is highly sought after by employers. The college highlights that Integral students are successful in fields such as "Business, Medicine, Teaching, Law, Writing, [and] Psychology," indicating the versatility of the degree. The program also offers "Internships & Careers" guidance, suggesting support for students in finding practical experiences.
Global Perspective: The Integral Program inherently fosters a global perspective by encompassing a vast array of intellectual traditions that have shaped the world. The curriculum includes "primary texts from the traditions that have shaped our world," explicitly mentioning the "Greco-Roman, Asian, and Christian traditions." Students "track the history of ideas up to the present day through the work of Confucius, Plato, Nietzsche, Austen, Dostoevsky, and more," ensuring exposure to diverse cultural and philosophical viewpoints. By reading these texts as parts of "coherent traditions of thought," students gain a nuanced understanding of how different cultures have addressed fundamental human questions. This broad, cross-cultural intellectual engagement cultivates a profound global perspective, enabling graduates to understand and navigate complex global issues with a deep historical and philosophical awareness.
Location
Moraga, California
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 59251
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Saint Mary's College of California is dedicated to making high-quality education accessible and affordable for students from around the world. To support this commitment, the college offers a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically for international students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a desire to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Merit-Based Scholarships: All international undergraduate applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships at the time of admission no separate application is required. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements, standardized test scores (if submitted), extracurricular involvement, and personal accomplishments.
International Excellence Scholarship: This competitive award recognizes exceptional international students who exhibit outstanding academic performance and global leadership. Students selected for the International Excellence Scholarship may receive additional financial support beyond standard merit scholarships. Selection is based on a holistic review of the application, essays, and achievements.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While financial aid for international students is limited, some need-based assistance may be available on a case-by-case basis. Students are encouraged to communicate directly with the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid to explore all available options.
External Scholarships and Sponsorships: International students are also encouraged to apply for external scholarships from global organizations, private foundations, and government-sponsored programs. The college provides guidance and resources to help students identify and apply for third-party funding opportunities that can supplement institutional aid.
Graduates of Saint Mary's College of California's B.A. in the Integral Curriculum of Liberal Arts are exceptionally versatile thinkers and communicators. Their deep engagement with foundational texts across philosophy, literature, mathematics, and science cultivates unparalleled critical analysis skills, allowing them to dissect complex problems and formulate innovative solutions.
Lawyer/Legal Professional (requires J.D. for lawyer): The intensive reading, critical analysis, and argumentation skills honed in the Integral Program provide an exceptional foundation for legal studies and a career in law, public policy, or advocacy.
Educator/Professor (K-12 or Higher Education): Graduates are well-suited to teach various subjects (e.g., humanities, philosophy, history) in K-12 settings (with additional certification) or pursue graduate degrees to become university professors, leveraging their deep knowledge and pedagogical skills.
Writer/Editor/Content Strategist: The rigorous focus on clear, persuasive, and analytical writing makes Integral graduates ideal for roles in publishing, journalism, technical writing, marketing, or content creation across various industries.
Management Consultant: Businesses value the Integral graduate's ability to think critically, solve complex problems, and communicate effectively, making them strong candidates for consulting roles that require strategic analysis and advisory skills.
Non-profit Program Manager/Administrator: The program's emphasis on ethical reasoning and understanding societal structures prepares graduates to lead or manage programs in non-profit organizations, social justice initiatives, or community development.
Public Relations/Communications Specialist: Their strong verbal and written communication skills, coupled with an understanding of human psychology and cultural contexts, make them effective in managing public perception and crafting compelling narratives.
Human Resources Specialist: The ability to understand human behavior, mediate conflicts, and promote fair practices, developed through the study of diverse philosophies and human interactions, is highly valuable in human resources, talent management, and organizational development.
Data Analyst (with additional training): While not a direct STEM degree, the rigorous training in mathematical reasoning through original texts equips Integral graduates with strong analytical and logical thinking skills, making them well-prepared to learn data analysis tools and enter this growing field.
Policy Analyst: The capacity for in-depth research, critical evaluation of arguments, and understanding of historical and philosophical underpinnings of society makes Integral graduates strong candidates for analyzing and shaping public policy.
Entrepreneur/Business Leader: The self-discipline, independent thinking, and problem-solving abilities cultivated in the Integral Program are essential qualities for starting and leading successful businesses, allowing graduates to innovate and adapt in dynamic markets.
