Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles: A Complete Guide for Students
Mount Saint Mary’s University (MSMU), Los Angeles is a private Catholic liberal arts university located in California. Established in 1925 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, the university is known for its strong focus on women’s leadership, social justice, diversity, and academic excellence.
With two beautiful campuses in Los Angeles, MSMU offers a close-knit, supportive learning environment while being part of one of the most vibrant and dynamic cities in the world. For students looking for a personalized education, small class sizes, and values-driven learning, Mount Saint Mary’s University is an excellent choice.
In this article, we will cover everything about Mount Saint Mary’s University Los Angeles, including its history, campuses, academic programs, rankings, admission process, tuition fees, scholarships, and student life.
History of Mount Saint Mary’s University
Mount Saint Mary’s University was founded in 1925 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet (CSJs), a Catholic religious order dedicated to education and service. From its beginning, the university has been committed to empowering women and providing higher education opportunities to students from diverse backgrounds.
Over the decades, MSMU has grown into one of the leading women’s universities in California, while also welcoming men in its graduate and adult undergraduate programs. The university is widely recognized for its emphasis on leadership, social justice, and community engagement.
Campuses of Mount Saint Mary’s University
Mount Saint Mary’s University has two campuses in Los Angeles:
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Chalon Campus – Located in the Santa Monica Mountains, this is the original campus, offering stunning views of Los Angeles. It hosts the undergraduate women’s college and most liberal arts programs.
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Doheny Campus – Located near downtown Los Angeles, this campus houses graduate programs, adult undergraduate programs, and weekend/evening college courses.
Both campuses provide students with access to modern facilities, libraries, research centers, and a supportive academic environment.
Academic Programs at MSMU
Mount Saint Mary’s University offers over 35 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in fields like business, education, health, and creative arts.
Popular Undergraduate Majors
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Nursing (BSN)
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Psychology
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Business Administration
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Biology
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Film, Media & Communication
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English & Liberal Arts
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Political Science
Graduate Programs
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Master of Business Administration (MBA)
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Master of Education (M.Ed.)
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Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
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Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
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Creative Writing (MFA)
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Counseling Psychology (MFT)
MSMU is especially well-known for its nursing and health sciences programs, which are highly respected in California.
University Rankings
Mount Saint Mary’s University is consistently ranked among the best regional universities in the western United States. Some highlights include:
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Ranked among the Top Regional Universities (West) by U.S. News & World Report.
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Recognized as one of the Top Performers in Social Mobility for helping students from low-income backgrounds succeed.
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Ranked among the best nursing programs in California.
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Known for its commitment to diversity and women’s leadership.
Admission Requirements at MSMU
Admission at Mount Saint Mary’s University is holistic, focusing on academic performance, personal achievements, and leadership potential.
Undergraduate Admission Requirements
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High school diploma or equivalent.
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GPA of 2.8 or higher (competitive programs may require more).
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SAT or ACT scores (optional).
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Personal essay and letters of recommendation.
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Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo) for international students.
Graduate Admission Requirements
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Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
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GPA of 3.0 or higher.
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GRE/GMAT scores (varies by program).
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Statement of purpose and recommendation letters.
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Proof of English proficiency for international applicants.
Tuition Fees at Mount Saint Mary’s University
Tuition at MSMU varies depending on the program:
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Undergraduate tuition: Around $47,000 per year.
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Graduate tuition: Around $17,000 – $22,000 per year, depending on the program.
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Additional costs: Housing, meals, books, and personal expenses may add around $15,000 – $18,000 annually.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Mount Saint Mary’s University offers generous scholarships and financial aid to both domestic and international students.
Undergraduate Scholarships
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Mount St. Mary’s Merit Scholarship – Based on GPA and academic achievements.
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Catholic High School Grant – For students from Catholic schools.
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Leadership and Service Awards – For students with strong community service.
Graduate Scholarships
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Program-specific scholarships (e.g., nursing and education).
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Graduate assistantships and fellowships.
Over 95% of MSMU students receive financial aid, making it one of the most supportive universities in terms of affordability.
Student Life at MSMU
Student life at Mount Saint Mary’s University is supportive, diverse, and focused on community engagement.
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Clubs and Organizations – More than 40 student clubs including cultural groups, academic societies, and leadership programs.
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Athletics and Fitness – Intramural sports, fitness centers, and wellness programs.
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Leadership Programs – MSMU emphasizes women’s leadership development through seminars, workshops, and internships.
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Diversity and Inclusion – The university is home to a diverse student body, with strong representation from Hispanic, Asian, and international students.
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Los Angeles Advantage – Being located in L.A., students enjoy access to internships, cultural events, and career opportunities in business, entertainment, healthcare, and technology.
Why Choose Mount Saint Mary’s University?
Here are some reasons why students choose MSMU:
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Small Class Sizes – Personalized attention and mentorship.
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Women’s Leadership – Strong focus on empowering women in education and careers.
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Location in Los Angeles – Access to industries, internships, and cultural diversity.
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Strong Nursing & Health Programs – Highly ranked in California.
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Values-Driven Education – Catholic values with a focus on social justice and service.
Conclusion
Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles, is a unique institution that combines academic excellence, personalized learning, and values-driven education. With strong programs in nursing, business, psychology, and liberal arts, MSMU offers students the tools they need to succeed in their professional and personal lives.
Located in one of the most vibrant cities in the world, MSMU provides students with endless opportunities for internships, cultural experiences, and career growth. Whether you are looking for a close-knit women’s college experience or a graduate program in a dynamic setting, Mount Saint Mary’s University Los Angeles is an excellent choice.
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