Nitze Scholars Program Requirements

1. Breadth and Depth of General Study. Successful completion of 128 semester hours (44 upper-division), the same as for all St. Mary's College students, including specific requirements for graduation in an approved major.
2. GPA. The attainment and maintenance of a 3.50 cumulative GPA, so that the student is eligible for graduation with Latin honors. Furthermore, all of the course requirements listed below must be completed with a grade of C or better.
3. Advanced Proficiency. Demonstration of satisfactory completion of advanced proficiency in at least two of the following three proficiency areas. (Both of the advanced proficiency requirements may be satisfied by examination -- Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or St. Mary’s proficiency. If the student does not satisfy advanced proficiency in all three areas, he or she must satisfy the general education proficiency requirement in the remaining area.)
1. Writing: Either ENGL 201 -- Advanced Composition, or ENGL 270 -- Creative Writing
2. Mathematics: MATH 151 -- Calculus
3. Foreign Language: One 4-credit course in a foreign language at the 200 level or higher. This requirement may be satisfied through intensive foreign language study taken during a study-abroad program that has been previously approved by the Scholars Program director and foreign language faculty. The latter will evaluate the student's level of competency upon return to St. Mary’s College.
4. Leadership Seminar. Successful completion of the Scholars Seminar on Leaders and Leadership.
5. Leadership/Service Tutorial. Successful completion of a 2-credit tutorial on leadership and service. This tutorial, led by the Director or Assistant Director of the Scholars Program, is organized around a series of visits by Paul H. Nitze Senior Fellows.
6. Additional Interdisciplinary Seminar. Successful completion of a seminar linked to a Study-Tour Abroad sponsored by the Scholars Program.
7. History. Successful completion of HIST 105 -- Legacy in the Modern World.
8. Literature. Successful completion of at least one literature course.
9. Laboratory Course. Successful completion of at least one laboratory course in astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, or physics.
10. Liberal Studies Plan. Presentation, approval, and successful completion of a liberal studies plan of education. This plan will follow the spirit of the St. Mary's College general education requirements, as well as state regulations for public institutions, but will be geared to the individual's strengths, experiences, and goals. This plan will include at least 12 credits of coursework, none of which satisfy any other Scholars Program requirements and which, ordinarily, will represent three different and distinct disciplines. Moreover, none of the 12 credits can be required for the student's major, unless the student is majoring in more than one discipline.
11. Leadership/Service Portfolio. Completion and approval by the Scholars Committee of a service and leadership portfolio. Though an ongoing process, this portfolio must be submitted for approval during the student’s final term.
12. St. Mary's Project. Successful completion of an 8-credit St. Mary's Project.