Mount Saint Mary's University - CA Reviews

"I cannot say how much MSMU creative writing program has changed my life and changed my writing. I was constantly impressed with the support provided by the instructors and the constructive feedback provided in workshops. I have since been published in four literary journals/ magazines and continue to use the skills I learned in this program to help refine my writing. I wish that I could have spent even more time in the program than I did, but sadly this is only a 2 year program."

"Mount Saint Mary's University creative writing program was a great experience. The program offers the ability to try numerous forms of writing to include: novel, poetry both short and long form, playwriting, screenwriting, short stories and memories. You are encouraged to try multiple types of writing and all the professors are very encouraging. The feedback you receive is constructive and helped me as a writer to grow. The class sizes were small enough that you knew everyone. This was important when you attended classes that included a workshop component as everyone's writing was workshopped at each class. One thing I found interesting is that a number of people came in saying they wanted to write novels. However, many of them did their thesis work in other creative writing areas (playwriting, screenwriting, poetry). Without the exposure students wouldn't realize they had a talent in another area of creative writing. I can't say enough good things about the professors, everyone who taught there also was active in the field that they taught in, so our novel professor is a successful novelist, our screenwriting professor works as a screenwriter, this way you aren't just hearing theory, but learning from those who are actively pursuing careers in those fields. One of the best and long lasting things about the program is the other students. I've made friendships that will last a lifetime. Some of us have formed a small writing group and meet often so we can still hold each other accountable and keep our writing going forward. In all writing having a "community" is important as the actual task is singular having people to share your work and encourage you has helped me to move forward and stay focus. I wouldn't have thought this important except it was something that was discussed while we were there. If I had to do it again I would chose this school."

"Although small, MSMU was a great school that provided me with the learning I needed to continue my education and career. The small classes optimized student learning and made me feel engaged in the subject matter. It was perfect for what I needed at that time in my life. I think I would have felt lost and disengaged at a large college/university."

"I loved the community at Mount Saint Mary's University. As an all-women university (with the exception of the Nursing and Music male students) it felt like a safe place to express your ideas, thoughts and it challenged you academically. Although the Film program was new and had a lot of things that needed progress there are two professors there who I learned a lot from and provided incredible support for students, were incredible. I learned so much from them and felt comfortable asking questions. Mount Saint Mary's University also supports women in leadership roles, well women in any role but they challenged us to be our best selves with great opportunities like Preparing Women to Lead which provides women with the opportunity to visit Washington D.C. Also, our annual Women's Leadership Conference and She Should Run conference. I completely appreciate the community I got to experience at MSMU while receiving an education. Visit the campus and enjoy the wonderful views, that itself will convince you."

"Mount Saint Mary's university was a wonderful experience and I felt adequately prepared and encouraged to get my masters after graduating. The quality of the teachers and the personal attention you receive is unparalleled to many other seemingly more prestigious universities. I felt supported and prepared to work in the field of psychology and am currently obtaining my MSW at USC."

"This MBA was convenient for full-time workers and had multiple locations in Maryland to attend in-person classes. My advisor was great, and I really enjoyed in-class discussions getting to know faculty."

"Excited to see where this program goes. Great opportunity and some fantastic instructors. Do your homework on who is teaching the classes. The draw of the program are the working professionals who are able to come and teach because classes are only on the weekends. Only USC and UCLA can offer that type of draw for weekday classes."

"I grew up playing baseball when I was three years old. I dreamed about being a major-league baseball player and I would do all the batting stances and try to imitate them. In one practice, I would try to perform the Derek Jeter jump throw for shortstop. In another I would try to get the same stance as Cal Ripken Jr. with the fingers moving before the pitch with the knees bent sort of dramatically. As I got older and played in high school it seemed like I would have a great chance to play in college. I went to a camp for players looking to go to Florida for a week and train with college coaches and a few coaches from the St. Louis Cardinals. Even as I prepared to go, I still looked for a players swing to practice keeping my hands through the ball. Albert Pujols was how I got my swing back. I did well at the camp, unfortunately injuries kept from playing sports in college. I knew what I wanted to do from there. It was time to prepare for law school and grad school in Economics and Political Science. In my undergraduate studies at Mount St. Marys University I took two classes that involved sports. Those classes were: Sports Law and Business & Economics of Sports. In the Sports Law class, we discussed cases that dealt with coaches leaving one school and if that is a violation of their contract. We also discussed what we thought about the cases, such as, should student athletes be paid, should coaches be able to leave with no consequences, and what we thought about the NCAA. In the Business and Economics of Sports class, we: bought players for a fantasy football team, and were a team in a set market and had to set prices for concessions and tickets for each game using an equation. These classes, without a doubt, had to be my favorite. Whenever I was having a down day I knew that these classes would cheer me up. They combined two of the things I love most. Sports and the Law, and Economics and Sports. In my senior year, I decided to take the LSAT and the GRE back to back. I took them in December and had filled out a many of applications for law school. After the test I was nervous about being accepted. This would be the best thing for me. It would be a dream come true, to be a lawyer like my grandfather and be in the field I love. In January of 2015 I got the call that I was accepted into Valparaiso University School of Law. I was extremely happy that knew that I could do what I wanted to as long as I worked hard and was confident. However, after graduation in May of 2015, the cost of law school and not being confident I would have a job in the field of sports, I decided to take a year off to become familiar with the area of law in general. I worked for a law firm and I was involved in Tax Law cases. I thought that I would see a business/econ/financial side of the law that would interest me. It did not. I knew that if I were to attend law school I needed to be sure I at least had contacts and an avenue to enter the sports world. My experience at the law firm was not satisfying and lead to discussions with my family about a Masters in Sports Management. I talked to a few professors from different schools and they were positive that this would be a better road than law school to help me get into the field. After researching the program at the Mount, I decided this is the next step for me. The environment is exactly what I want to be in again. Being able to work with my professors and at the same time working with my classmates as work towards this goal of having contacts and relationships in the field that we will need after we graduate. Personally, I bring an extremely determined attitude to the program. I have worked towards every goal I wanted even when people doubted me. My hard work and determination to be successful allowed me to achieve a double major and minor in undergraduate school and admission to law school. My mother is the most influential person in my life. I would have to say that my brother and my father are also extremely influential in my life. She always told me to do everything with confidence, have respect for yourself and others, and to be happy. My father went with me when I was playing sports and pushed me to do extra. He wanted to see me practice until I got it perfect and play hard no matter what. Today, that rings true. No matter if I am having a bad day or great day, I should always work hard. My brother is influential in my life because he is the one who wants to major in Sports Management in undergraduate school. Seeing the opportunities that await him reminded what this Maters program will do for me. I like how we both learn from each other; and I am confident this will help us both succeed. He is my best friend and he is always there for me. This program through at Mount St Marys will give me exactly what I am looking for. I know the professors will push me to the next level. I also know that this program will provide me with opportunities that I will take advantage of and succeed. The passion is what I have and have found in here and that is why it is a place where I will feel right at home."

"Choosing to come to MSMU is one of the best decisions I've ever made. I take my classes at night after a long day of work. Dr. Bishop teaches both of my classes this semester and I couldn't have asked for anyone better. She really engages the students and takes our opinions into consideration. I enjoy the overall atmosphere on campus. Everyone, faculty and students, are welcoming and open. They are more than willing to help with issues or if you're struggling with classwork."

"No books, just random magazine articles. I asked about this before enrolling....was told some courses don't have books. When I went to enroll in the next term I started checking all the future classes. None had books. In California colleges and universities must list required books at registration. So perhaps this has caused the awkwardness of no books. Its a great brick and mortar school. Wait a bit for them to work out the quirks and check back."

"Guaranteed classes is the biggest plus. Small class size and access to professors is a positive. Surrounding neighborhood is not that great and traffic is bad...but that is the case in all los angeles schools."

"You are guaranteed your classes which is the benefit provided to you for the extra cost associated with a small private university. Then entire department and faculty are available and communication is quite easy with staff. They are updating their computer based school portals, so there are some kinks. But, overall the school has been a worthwhile experience."