Scholastic Certificate Program

Overview

Mount Saint Joseph's Scholastic Certificate Program encourages students to discover and develop their talents while promoting deepened engagement in academic pursuits, the extracurricular life of the school, and real-world community involvement. Through an integrated program of classroom and experiential learning, students pursue opportunities to apply newfound skills, enhance their creativity, and reflect on their learning and personal growth.

Eligibility

All students are eligible to be considered as candidates for one or more Scholastic Certificate. Formal application to the program can begin as early as the second semester of freshman year via the completion of an intent form in conjunction with the sophomore year course selection process.

By declaring intent, students formalize their enrollment in Mount Saint Joseph's STEM, Business, Arts & Humanities and/or Civic Action Certificate Programs and gain priority access to related programs, symposia, and field trips.

Requirements

To earn a certificate, students must fulfill certain criteria for academic achievement and extracurricular involvement. There are many possible paths that can lead to this distinction, and students are encouraged to pursue individualized interests within the flexible framework of the program.

Certificates are earned by successful completion of coursework (minimum 3.5 GPA in discipline; minimum 3.0 GPA overall) and the accumulation of activity points gained through participation in extracurriculars, summer programs, internships, and other community involvement.

Result

Students in the STEM, Business, Arts & Humanities, and Civic Action Certificate Programs are designated as such on their transcripts when applying to colleges senior year. Certificate award winners earn this designation on their final high school transcripts, as well as special recognition at the Senior Awards and Graduation ceremonies.

Explore the Programs

List of 4 items.

STEM Certificate Program
The STEM Certificate Program is designed for students interested in bilogical sciences, physical sciences, advanced mathematics, engineering, computer science, and/or cybersecurity.

Potential coursework includes:
- AP Cybersecurity, AP Computer Science, Introduction to Engineering, Honors Robotics, Honors Python Programming, Matlab
- AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, AP Physics “C”–Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism, Honors Physics, Honors Anatomy & Physiology, Honors Sustainability, Honors Genetics & Biotechnology, Forensic Science, Environmental Science, Physics
- AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, Multivariable Calculus, AP Statistics, Honors Precalculus, Honors Applied Statistics, Honors Calculus
Opportunities to get involved and earn credit for STEM activities include but are not limited to:
- 3D Modeling Club
- ACE (Architecture, Construction, and Engineering) Mentoring Program & Competition
- Beekeeping Club
- Biology Exploration & Research Club
- CyberPatriot Team
- Engineering Club
- Summer Workshops in Environmental Leadership
- Fire Protection Engineering
- Genetics Engineering
- FTC Robotics Team
- Maryland Math League
- MSJ-TV Technical Production Crew
- Sports Medicine Club
Business Certificate Program
The Business Certificate Program is designed for students interested in business, economics and finance, and/or who are interested in entrepreneurship and managing their own business.

Potential coursework includes:
- AP Microeconomics
- Honors Accounting
- Personal Finance & Investment Strategies (required)
- Business/Finance/Entrepreneurship
- Business Law
Opportunities to get involved and earn credit for Business activities include but are not limited to:
- Business Club
- Investment Club
- Personal Finance Challenge
- Business-related internships/shadow experiences
Arts & Humanities Certificate Program
The Arts & Humanities Certificate Program is designed for students interested in creative expression or in pursuing more deeply liberal arts disciplines, including literature, languages, history, and/or philosophy.

Potential coursework includes:
- African American Literature, British Literature, World Literature, AP English Literature & Composition, AP English Language & Composition
- World Language levels III, IV and AP in Spanish, Italian, and (Mandarin) Chinese
- U.S. Government & Civics, Modern America, AP Psychology, AP U.S. Government & Politics, AP Human Geography
- Creative Writing, Multimedia Journalism, Philosophy
- Fundamentals of Art, Digital Art, Advanced Digital Art, Advanced Painting & Drawing, AP Art & Design program
- Piano I/II/III, Guitar I/II/III, Symphonic Band, Percussion, Jazz Band, String Orchestra
- Digital Music Production, Honors/AP Music Theory, Chorus, Theatre I/II
Opportunities to get involved and earn credit for Arts & Humanities activities include but
are not limited to:
- A Cappella Group, Musical Chairs Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Pit Band (for Musical Theatre productions)
- HOLA (Hispanic Outreach and Leadership Association), Asian Student Union, Black Student Union
- MSJ TV – Broadcast Team and Writing Staff, The Quill – online student newspaper and media productions, Speech and Debate – Baltimore Catholic Forensics League Competitor, Tower Yearbook Staff, The Carpenter (student creative writing publication) Editorial Staff
- It’s Academic team, Mock Trial team, Model United Nations, Theatre productions (actors & stage crew)
Civic Action Certificate Program
The Civic Action Certificate Program is designed for students who are called to investigate and address contemporary challenges as active, informed citizens of the 21st century. Students learn how to seek elective civic engagement at the local, state, national, or global level as they explore issues and critically interpret events in the intersecting fields of law, government, civil service, public policy and media.

Requirements:
- Junior Year: Enrollment in U. S. Government & Civics (Honors or College Prep level)
- Senior Year: Completion of the Citizen Gael Capstone Project. In consultation with a faculty advisor, students design and implement a real-world project of consequence in an area of interest.
Extracurricular activities (during any year) that apply to the Civic Action Certificate Program include but are not limited to:
- Mock Trial Team
- Model United Nations
- National History Day Competition
- Rho Kappa – service work related to civics & citizenship