Degrees and Requirements

Mount Holyoke’s primary degree is the bachelor of arts. In addition, the College offers dual-degree programs, a master of arts in psychology, and other programs.

Bachelor of Arts

The artium baccalaureus, or bachelor of arts degree, is the cornerstone of the Mount Holyoke curriculum. Students pursue a rigorous, well-rounded course of study that includes work in the humanities, science and mathematics, and social sciences. All students must complete 128 semester credits (one standard course equals 4 credits).

The College's distribution requirement is designed to acquaint students with a wide range of knowledge and encourage them to explore new areas of interest. At least 68 credits must be earned from course work outside the major department, across the three curricular divisions: humanities, science and mathematics, and social sciences. Mount Holyoke proudly requires not just this distribution across divisions of knowledge, but also a foreign language (intermediate knowledge of a language you have studied before, or elementary knowledge of a language new to you), and a multicultural course.

For a complete explanation of requirements see the course catalogue.

Dual-Degree Programs

Mount Holyoke offers several dual-degree options in partnership with three outstanding, accredited institutions. Engineering students can earn both a bachelor of arts degree from Mount Holyoke and a bachelor of science degree in engineering from the California Institute of Technology, the University of Massachusetts, or the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College.

Second Bachelor's Degree

Mount Holyoke welcomes students interested in earning a second bachelor's degree. Interested students should apply to the Frances Perkins Program.

Postbaccalaureate Studies

The Postbaccalaureate Studies Program is designed for individuals who have already earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited college and who now wish to pursue a coherent course of undergraduate study. The majority of postbaccalaureates plan to apply to medical school or other health programs, though other areas of study are available. Interested students should apply to the Frances Perkins Program.

Other Degrees and Certificates

The College also offers:

• Certificate for International Guest Students
• Five College Certificates (can be used to fulfill minor requirement)
• Master of Arts in Psychology
• Nexus Program
• Teacher Licensure