Graduate Admissions Application Requirements
As a working professional, we know your time is valuable. Below you will find the resources and information you need to make applying to GMercyU stress-free.
Contacts
- Interested in our Master of Occupational Therapy? Contact Kathy Hosack at hosack.k@gmercyu.edu or 215-542-4699.
- Contact gradadmissions@gmercyu.edu or 215-641-5541 if you're interested in:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Graduate Business Certificates
- Master of Public Health (MPH)
- Speech-Language Pathology
- For all other online graduate programs, admissions counselors are available for any questions you may have along the way at 844-707-9064. We're on a rolling admissions calendar, so you should know shortly after your file is complete if you've been accepted into the program of your choice. (Nursing program applications may take a little longer to review.)
How to Apply to GMercyU
The first step in applying to a GMercyU graduate application is to complete an application form. Please choose your program from the list below for the application and program-specific admission requirements:
Business
Business Administration (MBA)
Business Certificates (three options: Leadership, Healthcare Administration, or Strategic Management)
Counseling
Counseling Master's and Certificates
Education
Master of Education programs (MSed)
Educational Leadership Doctoral Program (EdD)
ABD Completion Program Executive Doctorate of Educational Leadership (ABD EdD)
Special Education Supervisor Certification (as part of EdD program)
Online Superintendent Letter of Eligibility (as part of EdD program)
Special Education Certificate program (for teachers with or without a master's degree)
Post-Master’s Certification Programs
Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing programs (MSN)
Post-Master’s Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Occupational Therapy
Master of Occupational Therapy (MSOT)
Public Health
Master of Public Health (MPH)
Speech-Language Pathology
Speech-Language Pathology Prerequisite Program
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Application Requirements – Accelerated Master of Business Administration
To qualify for admission to any of our MBA programs or Business Certificates, you must:
- Complete and sign your application
- Provide an official college transcript showing completion of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited college or university, normally with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Provide two supervisory letters of recommendation
- Provide proof of English language proficiency in the form of official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) results if English is not your native language
Please note: If your undergraduate major was not in business, accounting, economics, or another related field, you may need to take prerequisite courses before beginning your MBA. We offer six one-credit foundation courses in an online, self-paced format. Each class takes approximately 15 to 20 hours to complete.
Transcripts must be submitted by your college(s) to GMercyU. Transcripts**, recommendation letters, and other required documents can be submitted to:
MBA Enrollment Office
Gwynedd Mercy University
1325 Sumneytown Pike
P.O. Box 901
Gwynedd Valley, PA 19437
**Official transcripts may also be submitted electronically by your admissions counselor, or via eScrip or Parchment.
Apply Now!
Application Requirements – Master of Science in Nursing Programs
To qualify for admission to any of our MSN programs, you must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Provide official university transcripts proving a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in your BSN
- Submit a completed application form with fee
- Show that you have taken a basic statistics course equivalent to three semester hours and a physical assessment course equivalent to two semester hours
- Provide evidence of current RN licensure
- Provide evidence of current clinical practice experience as a registered nurse*
- Submit two letters of reference from professional nurses
- Compose and submit a statement of professional goals prior to scheduling an interview with graduate faculty
- Schedule a personal interview with a graduate faculty member from the appropriate area of specialization
- If English is not your native language, you must provide proof of a minimum score of 575 on the TOEFL examination.
Prior to beginning your courses, you will also need to prove that you have current professional liability insurance and complete a health form.
* Applicants to pediatric programs should have demonstrable pediatric experience.
Please submit your transcripts**, recommendation letters, and other required documents to:
Master of Science in Nursing Enrollment Office
Gwynedd Mercy University
Assumption Hall
1325 Sumneytown Pike
P.O. Box 901
Gwynedd Valley, PA 19437
**Official transcripts may also be submitted electronically by your admissions counselor, or via eScrip or Parchment.
Apply Now!
Application Requirements – Post-Master’s Nurse Practitioner Certificate
To qualify for admission to the NPC, you must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a master’s degree in nursing from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Provide official university transcripts proving a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in your MSN program
- Provide evidence of current RN licensure
- Provide evidence of current clinical practice experience as a registered nurse*
- Submit a completed application form with fee
- Submit two letters of reference from professional nurses
- Compose and submit a statement of professional goals prior to scheduling an interview with graduate faculty
- Schedule a personal interview with a graduate faculty member from the appropriate area of specialization
- If English is not your native language, you must provide proof of a minimum score of 575 on the TOEFL examination.
You will also need to demonstrate that you have completed the following courses (or an equivalent) during your MSN program:
- Pathophysiology (Graduate Level) = 3 credits
- Pharmacotherapeutics for Adv. Practice Nursing = 3 credits
* Applicants to pediatric programs should have demonstrable pediatric experience.
Please submit your transcripts**, recommendation letters, and other required documents to:
Post-Master's Nurse Practitioner Certificate Enrollment Office
Gwynedd Mercy University
Assumption Hall
1325 Sumneytown Pike
P.O. Box 901
Gwynedd Valley, PA 19437
**Official transcripts may also be submitted electronically by your admissions counselor, or via eScrip or Parchment.
Apply Now!
Application Requirements – Doctor of Nursing Practice
To qualify for admission to the DNP program, you must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a master’s degree in nursing from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Provide official university transcripts proving a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in your MSN
- Provide a completed online application
- Provide official proof of satisfactory achievement on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)*
- Provide proof of current professional certification as an APRN and RN licensure in one of the 50 states or U.S. territories
- Submit official, sealed transcripts from all colleges or universities attended**
- Provide proof of current professional liability insurance
- Provide a current resume/CV reflecting a minimum of two years’ prior clinical experience as an APRN
- Submit three letters of reference from other APRNs (one may be from a physician)
- Complete and submit a personal goal statement
- Complete an interview with a faculty member once the application is complete
- Recent graduates of a nursing master's degree may apply, but you will need to obtain APRN certification before beginning clinicals.
* This requirement can be waived for applicants with a graduate GPA of 3.5 or greater.
** Your transcripts should show that you have taken an undergraduate statistics course equivalent to three semester hours and undergraduate and graduate physical health assessment courses.
Please submit your transcripts**, recommendation letters, and other required documents to:
Doctor of Nursing Enrollment Office
Gwynedd Mercy University
Assumption Hall
1325 Sumneytown Pike
P.O. Box 901
Gwynedd Valley, PA 19437
**Official transcripts may also be submitted electronically by your admissions counselor, or via eScrip or Parchment.
Apply Now!
Application Requirements - Master of Science in Education Programs (MSEd)
- Complete the online Admissions application
- You will need a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
- Provide sealed transcripts from every college or university attended
- Minimum GPA of 3.0*
- Submit a writing sample stating your professional and academic goals (one-page, double-spaced)
- Provide two references from supervisors (forms are provided on the application)
*All GPAs scored on a 4.0 scale. If you have a GPA lower than 3.0, you can still apply. Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Note: GMercyU's Online Master of Science in Educational Administration is designed for Pennsylvania teachers who already hold an Instructional 1 certificate.
Please submit your transcripts**, recommendation letters, and other required documents to:
MS Ed Enrollment Office
Gwynedd Mercy University
Assumption Hall
1325 Sumneytown Pike
P.O. Box 901
Gwynedd Valley, PA 19437
**Official transcripts may also be submitted electronically by your admissions counselor, or via eScrip or Parchment.
Apply Now!
Application Requirements – Educational Leadership Doctorate Program (EdD)
To qualify for admission to our EdD in Educational Leadership, you must provide:
- A master’s degree in a field related to your preferred area of concentration from an institution accredited by the Middle States Association, or comparable accreditation, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Official graduate and undergraduate transcripts
- A completed application form with fee
- A Graduate Record Examination score of 155 or higher or a Miller Analogy Test percentile of 65 or higher (waived if you had a graduate GPA of 3.5 or greater)
- A professional resume showing a minimum of three years’ relevant experience
- Three letters of reference from persons in leadership roles in your chosen area of concentration attesting that you have the ability to engage in studies at the doctoral level and to conduct research
- A personal interview with a member of the graduate faculty representing the applicant’s preferred area of concentration (in person or via electronic means, if distance is a factor)
- A written statement of your professional goals and topic of research interest
- A 750-1000 word sample of your writing abilities
- Official results showing a minimum score of 550 (written), 213 (computer), or 79 (Internet) on the TOEFL examination if your first language is not English
Personal interviews may be required for any candidates as determined by the admissions committee. After enrollment, you will also need to obtain a Child Abuse Clearance, Criminal Background Check, and Federal Criminal History.
Please submit your transcripts**, recommendation letters, and other required documents to:
EdD Enrollment Office
Gwynedd Mercy University
Assumption Hall
1325 Sumneytown Pike
P.O. Box 901
Gwynedd Valley, PA 19437
**Official transcripts may also be submitted electronically by your admissions counselor, or via eScrip or Parchment.
Apply Now!
Application Requirements – ABD Executive Doctorate of Education Completion Program
To qualify for admission to our ABD EdD in Educational Leadership, you must provide:
- Proof of All But Dissertation (ABD) or Advanced to Doctoral Candidacy status from a regionally accredited institution
- A portfolio of coursework, scholarship, and career evidence for the Prior Learning Assessment
- Official graduate transcripts
- A completed application form with fee
- A resume showing professional experience and academic scholarship
- Three letters of reference from persons in leadership roles in your chosen area of concentration attesting that you have the ability to engage in studies at the doctoral level and to conduct research
- A personal interview with a member of the graduate faculty representing the applicant’s preferred area of concentration (in person or via electronic means, if distance is a factor)
- Evidence that you have received a minimum score of 550 (written), 213 (computer), or 79 (Internet) on the TOEFL examination if English is not your first language.
Applicants who cannot meet one or more of the above requirements are encouraged to contact the Program Director for a review of qualifications. After enrollment, you will also need to obtain a Child Abuse Clearance, Criminal Background Check, and Federal Criminal History.
Please submit your transcripts**, recommendation letters, and other required documents to:
ABD Enrollment Office
Gwynedd Mercy University
Assumption Hall
1325 Sumneytown Pike
P.O. Box 901
Gwynedd Valley, PA 19437
**Official transcripts may also be submitted electronically by your admissions counselor, or via eScrip or Parchment.
Apply Now!
Admission Requirements – Counseling Programs
Applicants for admission to the MS in Counseling Program must meet the following requirements:
- A Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education
- Completion of the following undergraduate prerequisite
- General Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Psychology Theory or other foundational course (3 credits)
- Submission of official transcripts from all academic institutions attended
- Earned a minimum grade point average (GPA) of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Acceptable scores on the Graduate Record Examination (See below). This requirement is waived for;
- Applicants whose GPA is above a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or
- Applicants who currently possess a graduate degree
Quantitative Reasoning score of 292 or higher for admission of students into the Counseling
Program with a GPA lower than a 3.0. Students taking the GRE must also complete the Analytical
Writing test.
- Completion of the Gwynedd Mercy University Graduate Application
- Submission of two letters of recommendation
- An academic who can attest to the applicant’s academic ability (preferred) and
- A professional or supervisor who can attest to the applicant’s professional
qualification, abilities, and temperament for the field
- A personal statement (3-5 pages maximum) that addresses the following:
- Who you are and your reasons for choosing a career in counseling
- Why you have chosen GMercyU’s online counseling program
- What being a counselor means to you and your personal characteristics that make you uniquely suited for such a career
- Your expectations of learning in an online program
- Your ability to meet these expectations
- How you plan to complete the field placement demands of the program
- A group interview with program faculty
Post-Graduate Programs
- Completion of master's degree from an accredited institution of Higher Education
- Submission of official transcripts from all academic institutions attended
- A minimum cumulative Graduate grade point average (GPA) of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Completion of the Gwynedd Mercy University Graduate Application
- Submission of two letters of recommendation
- An academic who can attest to the applicant’s academic ability (preferred) and
- A professional or supervisor who can attest to the applicant’s professional qualification, abilities, and temperament for the field
Applicants for admission will be considered based on their academic ability, disposition for the
counseling profession, expression of interests and goals, life experience, and interview.
See graduate catalog for requirements for Internal/External Transfers and International Students.
Please submit your transcripts**, recommendation letters, and other required documents to:
Counseling Enrollment Office
Gwynedd Mercy University
Assumption Hall
1325 Sumneytown Pike
P.O. Box 901
Gwynedd Valley, PA 19437
**Official transcripts may also be submitted electronically by your admissions counselor, or via eScrip or Parchment.
Apply Now!
Admission Requirements – Special Education Certificate
To qualify for admission to our post-master’s certificate in special education, you must provide:
- Proof you have obtained a master’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0*
- Official transcripts from every college or university attended
- Proof of a current Pennsylvania Instructional I Certificate
- A completed application form with fee
- A current professional resume
- A writing sample stating your professional and academic goals (one page, double-spaced)
- Two completed supervisory reference forms
- A minimum score of 550 (written), 213 (computer), or 79 (Internet) on the TOEFL examination if English is not your native language
*If your GPA was lower than 3.0, we encourage you to apply for evaluation on a case by case basis. Personal interviews may be required for any candidates as determined by the admissions committee.
Please submit your transcripts**, recommendation letters, and other required documents to:
Special Education Certificate Enrollment Office
Gwynedd Mercy University
Assumption Hall
1325 Sumneytown Pike
P.O. Box 901
Gwynedd Valley, PA 19437
**Official transcripts may also be submitted electronically by your admissions counselor, or via eScrip or Parchment.
Apply Now!
Admission Requirements – Special Education Supervisor Certification
To qualify for admission to our post-master’s certification in special education supervision, you must provide:
- Proof you have obtained a master’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0*
- Official transcripts from every college or university attended
- A completed application form with fee
- A current professional resume demonstrating significant experience in special education environments
- A writing sample stating your professional and academic goals (one page, double-spaced)
- Two completed supervisory reference forms
- A minimum score of 550 (written), 213 (computer), or 79 (Internet) on the TOEFL examination if English is not your native language
Students who enroll in our Executive Doctorate of Educational Leadership program also can pursue their Special Education Supervisor Certification.
*If your GPA was lower than 3.0, we encourage you to apply for evaluation on a case by case basis. Personal interviews may be required for any candidates as determined by the admissions committee.
Please submit your transcripts**, recommendation letters, and other required documents to:
Special Education Supervisor Certification Enrollment Office
Gwynedd Mercy University
Assumption Hall
1325 Sumneytown Pike
P.O. Box 901
Gwynedd Valley, PA 19437
**Official transcripts may also be submitted electronically by your admissions counselor, or via eScrip or Parchment.
Apply Now!
Admission Requirements – Online Superintendent Letter of Eligibility
To earn your superintendent letter of eligibility, you must meet the admissions requirements for our Executive Doctorate in Educational Leadership degree program.
This EdD program option focuses on preparing candidates for the superintendency in Pennsylvania. If you wish to obtain certification as a superintendent in another state, you will need to check with your state’s board of education to determine whether GMercyU’s program meets its requirements.
Please submit your transcripts**, recommendation letters, and other required documents to:
Superintendent Letter of Eligibility Enrollment Office
Gwynedd Mercy University
Assumption Hall
1325 Sumneytown Pike
P.O. Box 901
Gwynedd Valley, PA 19437
**Official transcripts may also be submitted electronically by your admissions counselor, or via eScrip or Parchment.
Apply Now!
Admission Requirements – Post-Master’s Education Certification Programs
To qualify for admission to our post-master’s education certification programs, you must provide:
- Proof you have obtained a master’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0*
- Official transcripts from every college or university attended
- Proof of a current Pennsylvania Instructional I Certificate
- A completed application form with fee
- A current professional resume demonstrating at least five years of full-time teaching experience
- A writing sample stating your professional and academic goals (one page, double-spaced)
- Two completed supervisory reference forms
- A minimum score of 550 (written), 213 (computer), or 79 (Internet) on the TOEFL examination if English is not your native language
*If your GPA was lower than 3.0, we encourage you to apply for evaluation on a case by case basis. Personal interviews may be required for any candidates as determined by the admissions committee.
Please submit your transcripts**, recommendation letters, and other required documents to:
Post-Master's Education Certification Enrollment Office
Gwynedd Mercy University
Assumption Hall
1325 Sumneytown Pike
P.O. Box 901
Gwynedd Valley, PA 19437
**Official transcripts may also be submitted electronically by your admissions counselor, or via eScrip or Parchment.
Apply Now!
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) Program
To qualify for admission to the MSOT program, you must meet the following requirements:
- Applicants to our MSOT Program can apply online using the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS)*.
- You will need a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
- You should hold a minimum overall undergraduate and prerequisite course GPA of 3.0 or greater.
- Complete a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer or paid work experience under an Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR®).
- Submit two letters of recommendation attesting to the applicant’s academic and professional abilities (one must be from an OTR®). Letters of recommendation are submitted through the OTCAS application.
- Submit an essay answering questions relative to your views of occupational therapy, why this career is a good fit for you, and the types of goals you may have for yourself in the future. Essays are submitted through the OTCAS application.
- Conduct an interview with members of the Occupational Therapy faculty.
- Attest to being able to meet the essential functions of occupational therapy practice.
* non-refundable application fee to OTCAS will apply
Apply Now!
Master of Public Health Program
No GRE is required. Admission requirements for the online MPH degree program will include:
- Transcripts from all undergraduate institutions you attended; please submit any post graduate work as well.
- A 250-500 word essay identifying a public health issue in your community and how an MPH would help you address this issue
- Two letters of reference from people who can speak to your ability to succeed in and benefit from the MPH program, ideally academic or professional references from instructors or supervisors
- A current resume or curriculum vitae
- Access to a computer and internet connection in order to successfully complete online coursework
Applications are reviewed holistically to make a determination of applicants’ ability to thrive in our graduate program. We look for:
- Demonstrated academic ability in your undergraduate transcript, generally defined as:
- A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a four-point scale or the equivalent, and
- Consistent academic performance in math, science, and writing intensive courses.
- Note: While a GRE is not required, those with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0 or lacking in the above courses may submit GRE scores for consideration.
- Strong written communication skills, assessed through:
- Your essay
- Transcripts
- References
- A strong interest in the field of public health and addressing the health needs of communities. Keep in mind that:
- Our program welcomes those who are currently working in the field of public health, career changers and recent graduates. Your personal experience is valued.
- Public health is an interdisciplinary field, so all academic backgrounds are relevant.
- Your essay will help us understand why you are interested in public health. It is okay if you do not yet have a specific career goal or public health area identified, as you will have the opportunity to explore the field during the MPH program. If you have public health experience or detailed public health career goals, please share those in your essay and resume.
All application materials must be submitted through the SOPHAS application.
*Since this is a fully online program, GMercyU cannot sponsor any student VISAs for the MPH degree. For international students interested in the MPH Program, we recommend that you first check with your government's policies to determine if they accept online U.S. degrees as a valid degree before considering this program.
Apply Now!
Admission Requirements – Speech-Language Pathology Prerequisite Program
The GMercyU SLPP program uses a rolling admissions approach with an application deadline of June 1 for enrollment in fall courses. With this method, completed applications are reviewed as they are received, select candidates are invited for an interview, and subsequently, admission decisions are made until the program is full.
The required materials include:
- Application
- Official transcripts from all undergraduate coursework (minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 based on a 4.0 scale)
- Current resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
All application requirements can be emailed to gradadmissions@gmercyu.edu. After all application materials are submitted, students who meet the program requirements will be contacted by a faculty member of the SLPP program to set up an interview. For the 2024-25 application cycle, interviews will be held virtually via Zoom.
Students who complete 3 of the 7 courses in the SLPP program will earn preferred application status for the GMercy U MS SLP Program. Please see the SLPP website for details.
Transcripts must be submitted by your college(s) to GMercyU. *Official transcripts can be sent electronically to GMercyU via Parchment to gradadmissions@gmercyu.edu or mailed directly from the issuing school to:
Speech-Language Pathology Enrollment Office
Gwynedd Mercy University
Admissions House
1325 Sumneytown Pike, PO Box 901
Gwynedd Valley, PA 19437
Admission Requirements – Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Applications are currently being accepted for a Fall 2024 program start. GMercyU's MS SLP program participates in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS). Please apply using CSDCAS.
Admission to the MS SLP Program is only available on a full-time basis. Earned baccalaureate degree and all prerequisite courses must all be completed by July 30th of the enrollment year. Applicants must have a complete CSDCAS application, with all materials submitted by January 15th, the admissions deadline. Applicants are responsible for submitting timely transcripts to CSDCAS and confirming that all of the requested materials have been successfully submitted and received with CSDCAS. Applications will not be reviewed until they are both complete and verified.
The MS SLP Program assumes the primary responsibility for the admission of its graduate students. The faculty review applications, conduct interviews, and offer admission to its selected applicants beginning in February for the start of the MS SLP Program in August.
The required materials due to CSDCAS include:
- Transcripts from all undergraduate coursework
- 2 letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional references
- Personal Statement - Complete a personal statement following the directions on the CSDCAS GMercyU admissions webpage
Baccalaureate Degree: Applicants are required to successfully complete a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university prior to the start of the MS SLP Program and should hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (based on a 4.00 scale).
Interview: An interview is required for admission into the MS SLP program. The Admissions Committee will conduct a preliminary review of all complete applications submitted by January 15th. After this initial review, qualified applicants will be contacted to schedule an admissions interview.
Graduate Record Examination: Gwynedd Mercy University does not require the GRE for admission into the MS SLP Program.
Additional GMercyU Application Information
Gwynedd Mercy University is committed to maintaining a positive learning, working, and living environment that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. Gwynedd Mercy University does not discriminate against any applicant for admission to or employment at the University because of race, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, color, marital status, veteran status, genetic characteristics, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law (“Protected Classes”). This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, financial aid, educational services, and student programs and activities, as well as to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to, recruitment, selection, hiring, placement, transfer, promotion, training, compensation, benefits, discipline, and termination. The University will not tolerate unlawful acts of discrimination or harassment based upon Protected Classes, or related retaliation against or by any employee or student.