Non-Degree Students
Students come to St. Mary’s from diverse backgrounds and, at times, for reasons other than earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. These students may be working professionals who attend classes for professional advancement, adults taking their first steps to return to college, non-St. Mary’s students earning college credits to transfer to their home institution, and individuals wishing to change careers, or pursue academic work for personal enrichment. The College is committed to meeting their educational goals in a manner consistent with its mission as a small, four-year liberal arts college. The faculty and staff at St. Mary’s College are committed to help these non-degree continuing education students in their educational pursuits, and they welcome people of all ages to the St. Mary’s classrooms. The Offices of Academic Services and the Registrar provide non-degree students with registration and academic advising services. Prospective non-degree students must meet with the Associate Dean of Academic Services to discuss their plans and needs. The maximum course load for students registering through non-degree continuing education is 11 credit hours. Non-degree students are expected to maintain a good academic standing. See “Academic Standing” under the “Academic Misconduct and Probation” section for guidelines for good academic standing.
Concurrent Enrollment
St. Mary’s College encourages qualified local high school students to enroll in the Concurrent Enrollment Program. Qualified students may enroll in a limited number of courses through non-degree continuing education (not to exceed 11 credit hours per semester). A concurrent enrollment form that contains the required signature is available from a school guidance counselor, the Glendening Hall Service Desk, or the Office of Academic Services in Glendening 230. It is also available on the Academic Services website. Prospective concurrent enrollment students must meet with a staff member from the Office of Academic Services.
Charlotte Hall Fellowship Program
As part of the Concurrent Enrollment Program, the College grants Charlotte Hall Fellowships to a maximum of 13 students attending St. Mary’s County high schools. Charlotte Hall Fellows are chosen competitively on the basis of excellent academic performance, teacher recommendations, and promise of success as college students. Once admitted, fellows are eligible to take up to four credit hours of course work in either the fall or the spring semester of their senior year of high school with tuition costs absorbed by the College. For further information, contact the Office of Academic Services.
Summer Session
St. Mary’s College offers credit courses and other special programs during a summer session of six weeks. The session provides courses in many disciplines for St. Mary’s college students as well as for students who attend other colleges and universities. Faculty members occasionally offer special courses during the summer which are not offered during the academic year. First-year students who have been admitted for fall enrollment may begin their studies during the summer rather than wait for the fall semester. Many new students have found that attendance during the summer session facilitates the transition from secondary school to college. The maximum course load for summer session is normally eight semester hours; students may take 12 credits at the summer per-credit tuition rate. Students wishing to take more than 12 credits must a) obtain written permission from their academic adviser prior to registration, and b) pay full-time tuition and fees. See Course Load under Academic Policies for details.
On-campus housing is limited. Students officially enrolled in classes, enrolled in the Historical Archaeological Field School, or working on- or off-campus for at least 25 hours per week are eligible to live on-campus during the summer. Information about summer housing is available from the Office of Residence Life. Further information about course offerings and fees is available by contacting the Office of the Registrar.
Historical Archaeological Field School at St. Mary’s City
The St. Mary’s City Field School in Historical Archaeology enables students from various disciplines to participate in the ongoing research program investigating the development of Maryland’s first settlement and 17th-century capital, as well as its early Native American cultures. Undergraduate credits may be earned through St. Mary’s College of Maryland. For further information, contact the director of the Archaeology Field School, St. Mary’s City Commission, St. Mary’s City, Md. 20686, 240-895-4974, or email Timr@digshistory.org
Summer Study Tours
The Office of International Education and individual professors offer study tours to various countries including Greece, India, Mexico, Thailand, Peru, and England. For information, contact the Office of International Education.
Internships, Independent Study and Directed Research
Summer opportunities for credit-bearing internships and independent studies are available by individual appointment and contract. See the Career Development Center for internships and department professors for independent study plans.