As a top ten public college, MCLA has a lot to offer: more than 100 scholarships, a liberal arts curriculum that helps students learn across academic disciplines, tons of student activities, and support ranging from student-led tutoring to the TRIO Program, which focuses on helping low- income, first-generation, or disabled students get the most out of their college experience.
These are all important facets—and no doubt part of why MCLA also continues to appear on U.S. News’ list of best colleges for social mobility—but the MCLA community, who work here, live here, and learn here, has more to say about why MCLA has been named a Top Ten College for nine of the last 11 years, and keeps climbing the rankings lists each year.
"I think MCLA is a top college because of the quality of education it provides," said Domenica Gomez ’23, who attends MCLA while working as an admission ambassador, giving tours to prospective students. "Throughout my college experience I have had the opportunity to receive one-on-one assistance from professors that genuinely care about your educational success and
make long-lasting connections that will help shape my future."
Kayla Hollins ’12, MCLA’s director of admission, came to MCLA from New York City and has helped thousands of students learn more about the College before they apply.
"MCLA is a top ten college because it is filled with true trailblazers—first generation students, students who live far from campus, undeclared students, and more," she said. "These are students who took a chance on our small community—and our community continues to deliver a quality education. MCLA is a place for all students to learn how to be a leader. As an alum, I pride myself on being a Trailblazer, and as the director of admission, I hope to recruit more of us to the institution."
MCLA professors bring their classes to experience everything in the Berkshires, from tracking salamanders in the MCLA forest and Mount Greylock State Reservation to working with museum staff on arts and education projects.
"We have incredible access to the arts," said Professor of Art Melanie Mowinski. "MASS MoCA, the largest contemporary art museum in the country, is one of our teaching labs. I think that experiential element related to the arts, the environment, and the beauty of the land is what continues to make us a top ten school."
"I think the institution, meaning the people who are at its core, understand and stay true to the ultimate mission: providing a quality affordable liberal arts education to a student population that is not especially advantaged," said Dennis Ducharme ’82, president of the MCLA Alumni Association. "The college provides amazing support through a great student to faculty ratio and with many layers of services geared to maximize retention and graduation rates. The result is an educational experience that puts our students on an upward trajectory, both financially and as engaged members of their communities."
Want to learn more about MCLA? Talk to the Office of Admission, or plan a visit, at www.mcla.edu.
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
MCLA to Host Graduate Programs Info Session at BIC
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will host information sessions for its graduate programs: Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Education (MEd) on Tuesday, May 14 at 5 p.m. at the Berkshire Innovation Center in Pittsfield.
A virtual session will be held on May 30 at noon.
Prospective students are invited to meet with faculty, students, and staff to learn more about how to continue their education in two of MCLA's programs designed to support the rising workforce needs in the Berkshires and beyond.
According to a press release:
The MBA program is committed to redefining the educational experience by focusing on real-world application that drives meaningful change in the region's businesses and organizations. The program combines the best liberal arts principles with modern business studies, equipping students with the critical thinking skills needed to excel in today's dynamic business environment. It is a part-time 30-credit program structured in an accelerated hybrid learning model for working professionals and in partnership with the Berkshire Innovation Center (BIC).
The MEd Program offers a thoughtful blend of classroom and fieldwork experiences that prepare students to make a meaningful impact in their school communities. Programs include: MEd with Initial Licensure, Professional Teacher Licensure with MEd, MEd with Individualized Plan of Study Non-Licensure, Accelerated +1 Bachelor's Degree with MEd
To register: ?MCLA Graduate Information Sessions or contact the Office of Graduate and Continuing Education at 413-662-5575.
The closure was announced on the store's Facebook page late Sunday night, where it immediately drew comments of remembrance and well-wishing.
click for more
Spring arriving in all its raucous and deliberate awakening is heralded by a symphony of vanguard spring peepers, hyla crucifer, that transform the cold and drear into a circus of vivacious trilling. click for more
The fate of the facility attached to Brayton School has been in limbo since the closure of the pool last year because of structural issues and the departure of the Berkshire Family YMCA in March.
click for more
The School Committee will be presented next week with a $20 million spending plan for fiscal 2025 that includes closing Greylock School and a reduction of 26 full-time positions.
click for more