La. R.S. 17:2073

St. Mary's Academy, an institution for the education of young ladies, domiciled in the Parish of Natchitoches, is hereby authorized to grant diplomas to its graduates and confer literary degrees, of Mistress of Art, Master of Art, and such other degrees as are conferred by similar institutions, upon their graduates and others that may be deemed worthy of such honors. In conferring these degrees the academy shall be governed by such rules, regulations and forms, as it may adopt.