Academics

Mary Baldwin offers the bachelor of arts and the bachelor of science degrees. Completion of a B.A. or B.S. typically requires four years of full-time study after the standard American 13 years of elementary and secondary education. The student must earn 132 semester hours for a degree, usually around 40-45 semester-long courses of which 11 are taken each year.

All students are required to complete a liberal arts core in the humanities, arts, natural sciences, social sciences, mathematics, women's studies, writing, and physical education. International students are exempt from the 6-hour international education requirement. All students must also select a major, which comprises at least 33 hours of specialized study. Most international students find that more small examinations, compositions, research projects and classroom participation are required than they may be accustomed to.

An option frequently of interest to international students allows students to consult with faculty to design their own majors. Examples of self-designed majors include International Business Studies and American Studies. Especially capable, ambitious students can choose to complete two majors.

English as a Second Language (ESL) courses are offered in both the fall and spring semesters. All international students who enter Mary Baldiwn in the fall semester take a special international section of MBC101: Introduction to College, intended to support the students' transition to a new culture and learning environment.

The academic year at American colleges generally runs from late August to mid-May with a three or four week break around the end of December to coincide with Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year's Holidays. Many colleges also offer summer terms, and it is quite common for international students to attend summer sessions at other colleges to get extra credit.

At Mary Baldwin, there are two full semesters, one in the fall and one in the spring, and then there is May Term which lasts for 3 1/2 weeks, in which the students take only one course. The May Term permits an intensive experience and facilitates educational field trips under the instructor's guidance to other countries as well as places like New York, Washington, and New Orleans.

• Academics at Mary Baldwin
  • General Education Requirements
  • The Academic Catalog
  • The Academic Calendar
• Academic support resources
  • Learning Skills Center
  • Writing Center
  • Computer Resources
  • The Library
  • The Sena Center for Student Life and Career Development
• Cosmos International Club

Questions? Contact the Admissions Office.