BCLA Academics
LMU’s academic excellence is fueled by a vibrant culture of innovation and a dynamic learning environment that embraces the future. While learning alongside world-class faculty and researchers, you'll have opportunities to take your academic journey to places across the globe. Bellarmine students discover their passion and personalize their study through 23 majors and 30 minors in humanities, social sciences and interdisciplinary fields. Here, intellectual rigor, inclusivity, and groundbreaking research come together, empowering students to generate new knowledge that impacts individuals and communities worldwide.
BCLA Advising
The BCLA Advising Center is your partner in navigating the rich and rewarding experience of a liberal arts education. Our professional academic and faculty advisors are dedicated to fostering your growth throughout your journey at BCLA, ensuring you are well-prepared for success both in college and beyond. Embracing the Jesuit tradition of cura personalis—care for the whole person—we are committed to providing personalized attention and the resources you need to thrive academically, personally, and professionally.
With our guidance, you will be empowered to become an active, engaged, and independent learner, fully equipped to leverage BCLA’s vast array of resources and seize the numerous opportunities that the University offers. We are here to support your holistic development and encourage you to connect with us to explore and plan your path as a student in the Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts.
Faculty
BCLA’s professors are not only dedicated educators and researchers but also pioneers who shape their fields across the University. They bring an integrated, multi-disciplinary perspective to students at all levels—undergraduate, graduate, and professional. As respected thinkers, researchers, and award-winning innovators, our faculty members are at the forefront of their professions and disciplines. Beyond our campus, our faculty's talents enable them to influence the world in various impactful ways. Their expertise is frequently sought by major media, and their research plays a crucial role in shaping policy and public conversations. Through their books, peer-reviewed articles, and other creative or scholarly contributions, they are generating new knowledge and redefining how their disciplines are perceived and understood. Whether you’re seeking personalized guidance during office hours, eager to delve into a specific research area, or excited to explore new ideas, our faculty is here to enrich your academic journey at LMU.
Heart of LMU
The Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts (BCLA) is at the heart of LMU’s commitment to developing the whole person within the Catholic, Jesuit, and Marymount traditions. BCLA promotes a liberal arts education for all LMU students that emphasizes learning for its own sake, encourages historical understanding, nurtures critical thinking and communication skills, and promotes global and diversity awareness. In BCLA, we stress the significance of a holistic education that prepares students not only for their careers but for a fulfilling life. Through our Core Curriculum and diverse disciplines, we prepare students to be thoughtful, engaged learners who make meaningful contributions to the world.
Fulbright Scholars Program
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program fosters global connections and expands perspectives through academic, professional, and cross-cultural experiences. Partnering with over 140 countries, it provides exceptional opportunities for graduating college seniors, graduate students, and young professionals across various disciplines. Participants pursue graduate study, conduct research, or teach English abroad. LMU's Office of National and International Fellowships supports students interested in applying for Fulbright Awards, offering valuable resources to guide them through the application process and maximize their chances of success.
Honors Program
The University Honors Program at LMU offers a vibrant community of scholars dedicated to intellectual exploration and personal growth. Beyond achieving academic success, students engage in deep inquiry, research, and creative work that pushes their limits. The program emphasizes cultivating a lifelong capacity for learning, applying one's talents to effect positive change, and fostering an appreciation for diversity. Students develop critical thinking skills, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose, equipping them to navigate complex challenges and make meaningful contributions both in college and beyond.
Phi Beta Kappa Society
LMU houses the Omega of California chapter of the Phi Beta Kappa Society (PBK). PBK is the nation's most prestigious academic honor society. It has chapters at 287 colleges and universities in the United States, 50 alum associations, and more than half a million members worldwide. Noteworthy members include 17 U.S. Presidents, 41 U.S. Supreme Court Justices, and more than 140 Nobel Laureates. The mission of PBK is to champion education in the liberal arts and sciences, foster freedom of thought, and recognize academic excellence.
Scholarships
Scholarships and awards are a form of financial aid that does not require repayment. The Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts provides numerous scholarships and awards for eligible students. To be considered for a scholarship, you should apply through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) system. Additionally, several awards are offered through BCLA Departments and Programs. BCLA students are encouraged to review the scholarships and award listings to determine the best award that matches their interests and long-term goals.
Outcomes
LMU regularly surveys its graduates, and the results consistently show the success of our alumni. The data indicates that respondents are either employed, pursuing graduate studies, or engaged in post-graduate or military service. This underscores the effectiveness of an LMU education grounded in the liberal arts. Such an education provides students with critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, as well as the ability to understand and articulate their value. This data reflects the high demand for these skills in the professional world.