MESA Program Requirements
SMC Students pursuing the majors below can join the MESA Program.
Science
- Biology (Micro, Molecular, Botany, Marine, Zoology)
- Pre-Medicine Biology (Anatomy, Physiology)
- Neuroscience (Psychology Research)
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Geology
- Physical Geography
- Astronomy
- Physical Anthropology
- Environmental Studies/Science
- Solar Energy/Photovoltaic Installation
Technology
- Computer Programming
- Computer Science
- Database Application Developer
- Web Programmer
- Computer Information Systems
Engineering
- Biological Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Mechanical/Civil/Electrical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Computer Engineering
Mathematics
- Mathematics Applied/Computational
- Mathematics Teaching
- Statistics
* Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, meet your counselor to discuss options. You’re encouraged to explore other major possibilities.
The following programs at SMC are currently not eligible for the MESA program:
- Associates Degree in Nursing
- Respiratory Therapy
- Major: Declared a calculus-based major in math, science, or engineering.
- Academic Goal: Plan to transfer to a four-year institution (and do not already hold a Bachelor’s degree).
- GPA: Hold a 2.2 or higher GPA.
- First-Generation Student: Neither parent/guardian has earned a bachelor's degree or higher in any country
- Financial Need: Identify as economically disadvantaged (Pell Grant, Cal Grant, CA Dream Act, Federal Work Study, CalFresh, or a household income at/below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines).
- Residency: Are a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or AB 540/DACA student.**
**If you do not meet the above residency requirement, we still encourage you to apply to be considered for SMC's STEM programming.
Program Orientation
Once admitted to the program, members of the incoming cohort must attend a Program Orientation.
STEM Program Courses
Students in the cohort must complete the following courses during their first year of program participation:
- Counseling 12
- Counseling 15
- Science 10
Counseling Appointments
Each student must attend at least two counseling appointments during each regular semester (Fall and Spring).
STEM Workshops
Each student in the cohort must attend at least three STEM Workshops during each regular semester (Fall and Spring).