This is an archived copy of the 2015-16 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.mtmercy.edu.

Admission

Admission as a Degree Seeking Student

Applicants desiring admission to Mount Mercy graduate programs apply through the Graduate Admissions Office and must meet the graduate admissions criteria. Final admission decisions rest with the academic program. To be considered for admission, an applicant must:

  1. Hold an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university or an equivalent degree from an accredited institution outside the United States. Documentation of degree equivalencies must be submitted by an agency authorized to do so.
  2. Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 and an undergraduate record that reflects ability to be successful in graduate studies. (Students with a GPA less than 3.00 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.)
  3. Provide a personal statement that demonstrates solid writing skills and motivation for graduate studies. (See application form for further instruction.)
  4. Submit two letters of recommendation, preferably from faculty and/or work supervisors, who can attest to an applicant’s ability to be successful in graduate studies. (See application form for further instruction.)
  5. Complete any requirements from the specific area of study.

Program specific requirements are as follows:

Master of Arts in Criminal Justice

  1. Resume that documents educational background, professional experience, and volunteer involvements.

Master of Arts in Education

  1. Bachelor’s degree in education (special education and reading only)
  2. A valid teaching license or be eligible for a teaching license if seeking an endorsement in special education or reading.
  3. Resume that lists past and current teaching or work experience.

Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy

  1. Personal interview with program director.
  2. Resume that documents volunteer or professional experience in a human service area.
  3. Personality inventory test.

Master of Business Administration

  1. At least 24 years old.
  2. Three years of full-time work experience. (Provide a resume to document this work experience).
  3. Currently working at least part-time in the field of business (ongoing requirement for at least part-time work during program). Requirement can be waived by Program Director.

Master of Science in Nursing

  1. Current and valid Iowa registered nurse (RN) license. NOTE:  Nursing courses with a clinical component may not be taken by a person:  a) Who has been denied license by the Board;  b) Whose license is currently suspended, surrendered, or revoked in any U.S. jurisdiction;  c) Whose license or registration is currently suspended, surrendered, or revoked in another country due to disciplinary action. International students without current Iowa RN license may be admitted based on review by Program Director.

  2. Currently working at least part-time as a nurse (ongoing requirement for at least part-time work during program).
  3. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing program, other undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university, or an equivalent degree from an accredited institution outside of the United States. Undergraduate record should reflect ability to be successful in graduate studies. If undergraduate degree is not a BSN, a BA or BS, an associates degree in nursing, and the Mount Mercy RN-BSN courses, NU 470 Population Based Nursing,  NU 471 Professional Aspects of Nursing, and NU 472 RN-BSN Practicum Seminar.
  4. Undergraduate statistics course with a minimum grade of C (C- not acceptable).
  5. All Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) students must meet administrative requirements including criminal background check, health insurance coverage, immunization status compliance, CPR, and malpractice insurance prior to starting their capstone practicum.
  6. All non-native English speakers are required to take TOEFL and complete interview with Program Director.

Master of Strategic Leadership

  1. At least 24 years old.
  2. Three years of full-time work experience (provide a resume to document this work experience).
  3. Currently working at least part-time in the field of business (ongoing requirement for at least part-time work during program). Requirement can be waived by Program Director.

An application is complete when the applicant submits the following required items:

  1. A completed Mount Mercy application, including personal statement and two letters of recommendation.
  2. Official transcripts of all previous academic work from which undergraduate and graduate grade point averages can be computed. Transcripts should be mailed directly to the Graduate Admissions Office. Official transcripts must be submitted in a sealed envelope and display the appropriate seal and signature of the institution.

MBA Admission

A student may be admitted to the MBA program prior to completing the prerequisite courses. Upon admission, the student will meet with an academic advisor who will provide the student with an advising form that indicates the prerequisite courses that need to be completed and in what order. The student may enroll in either accelerated or traditional classes to complete prerequisite courses at the tuition rate for those classes. However, the MBA grading polices will be in effect for all MBA and prerequisite classes taken at Mount Mercy.

MSN Admission

A student may be admitted to the MSN program prior to completing the prerequisite courses (statistics or NU 470 Population Based Nursing, NU 471 Professional Aspects of Nursing, and NU 472 RN-BSN Practicum Seminar for RN students who do not have a BSN). Students will need to complete all prerequisite courses with acceptable grades, prior to taking MSN courses.

International Students

Mount Mercy welcomes international students to its campus, recognizing that they enrich the educational experience for all students by contributing to the intellectual, social, and cultural diversity of the Mount Mercy community. The following additional items are required for admission for international students:

  1. Official or true certified copies of the applicant’s post-secondary academic record (transcripts, examination scores, mark sheets, etc.) evaluated by a Foreign Credential Evaluation Agency
  2. Documentation of English language proficiency for all non-native speakers of English. (TOEFL, Step Eiken, IELTS or equivalent). TOEFL test scores accepted:
    1. 550 on the paper-based version (scores between 500-550 may be accepted upon an interview with the Program Director) or 79 on internet version (iBT) or 213 on computer-based total.
    2. Proof of comprehension and conversational proficiency as indicated by a 23 or higher on the TOEFL speaking sub-section and interview with the Program Director (phone interview can be substituted). Program Directors may waive the English language proficiency test scores upon interviewing a student who meets one of the following criteria:
      1. Undergraduate education in English
      2. Worked in United States in a professional job for more than 1 year
      3. Studied for at least two semesters in the United States
      4. English is native language
  3. Students who are applying for an F-1 visa must also provide a Certificate of Finance form or letter with Affidavit from the Bank stating that they have sufficient funds to study in the U.S. The Certificate of Finance form can be found and downloaded from our web site.

Graduate Special Student Status (or Non-degree Status)

A student with a baccalaureate degree who wishes to earn graduate credit, but not a graduate degree, may be accepted for admission to study as a graduate student with special status. Up to 9 semester hours earned as a graduate student with special status with a grade of “B” or above may be applied to a graduate degree at Mount Mercy upon admission to the program and with the approval of both the Associate Provost and the Program Director. Special student status students are not eligible for financial aid.

Transfer Policies

Upon admission to the program, students may transfer in graduate courses with the approval of the Program Director. The maximum number of transferable credit hours is 9. Credit allowance for graduate courses is considered on an individual basis; however, students must have earned a “B” or higher for the course to be considered. Course syllabi, college catalog, and a sample of previous course work may be requested for consideration of a class. While enrolled at Mount Mercy, students should not enroll for academic credit at other institutions without the permission of the Associate Provost. Approval, via a petition, must be granted prior to a course being taken at another institution and will only be granted for extenuating circumstances.

Readmission

When a student withdraws or is terminated from any of the graduate programs at Mount Mercy, a recommendation will be made by the Program Director at the time of withdrawal or termination about whether the student will be eligible for readmission. Documentation of this recommendation will be maintained. The student who has withdrawn or has been terminated from any graduate program and wishes to be readmitted will be considered for readmission by the Program Director according to the following criteria: the recommendation made by the Program Director at the time of the student’s withdrawal or termination and evidence the student has improved in all needed areas. Students who wish to be readmitted to a graduate program must complete the application process.

Policy on Undergraduate students taking graduate classes

Mount Mercy seniors who meet the following criteria may take graduate courses for credit. Students must have:

  1. Senior status
  2. Be eligible for admission to graduate study or secure permission from the Program Director
  3. Limit their load to a maximum of 15 credits for the semester, including undergraduate and graduate credits
  4. Secure the approval of the department in which they wish to earn graduate credit. Undergraduate students may earn a maximum of 12 graduate credits.

Graduate credits earned under this policy may be applied to a graduate program only with the approval of the appropriate Program Director. Students are not permitted to pursue a graduate and undergraduate degree concurrently.

Delayed Admissions

Students have one year from date of acceptance to begin classes. Students who do not enroll for classes within the year deadline must reapply for admission.