MCLA Scholar Program

A growing number of MCLA students engage in significant independent scholarly work during their undergraduate years with little formal recognition of their achievements. The MCLA Scholar Program recognizes outstanding work by conferring the MCLA Scholar designation at graduation and on official college transcripts. This designation will assist students in their future career and educational endeavors. This program will also provide clear standards for independent work and scholarship to which prospective and current students can aspire and work towards.

To be eligible for the MCLA Scholar, students must meet the following criteria:

• At least two semesters (minimum of 2 credits) of Independent Study or equivalent experience in one academic discipline. Participation in a summer research program (i.e. the MCLA Summer Research Institute, REU, or similar) is equivalent to 1 semester of independent study. This work must be independent, substantive, and conducted under the supervision of a faculty mentor.
  
  
• Evidence of professional scholarship in the form of one of the following: a presentation at the MCLA Undergraduate Research Conference, a presentation at a regional/national undergraduate or professional conference, a public art show, exhibit, or performance, or work on art commissions.
  
  
• A minimum GPA of 3.30 or the equivalent of the cum laude graduation honor.
  
  

A letter of support from the independent study faculty advisor. A review committee of two faculty (from different disciplines and selected from individuals serving on the Undergraduate Research Advisory Board) and the Dean of Academic Studies will review all the applications and letters to confer the MCLA Scholar designation. The MCLA Scholar designation should also be indicated on the students' official transcript.

Please submit completed application:

  Application

Application deadlines for 2024-2025: before December 2nd or April 1st.

Any questions, please contact Dr. Ann Billetz or 413.662.5345