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 833-588-5953. 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)
Master of Educational Administration (MSEA)
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

Occupational Therapy
Master of Occupational Therapy (MSOT) 

Speech-Language Pathology
Speech-Language Pathology Prerequisite Program
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Application Requirements – Accelerated Master of Business Administration

Application deadline: July 25
Admissions requirements deadline: August 1
Deposit deadline: August 8

• 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

Apply Now!

 

Application Requirements – Business Certificates

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

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 
• 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 
• 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

Acceptable GRE Scores: Gwynedd Mercy University requires a combined Verbal Reasoning and
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
• Provide a 500 word (two pages, double spaced) personal statement in which you address the following three prompts:
  • Discuss your career goals and how you believe GMercyU’s graduate counseling program and the specific concentration you are choosing will prepare you for your future path.
  • Discuss what you believe it will take to be successful academically in an online graduate counseling program and why you believe you have the characteristics and ability to meet the challenge.
  • GMercyU's core values include integrity in word and deed, respect for the dignity of each person, service to society, and social justice in a diverse world. How do these values relate to the profession of counseling?

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 
• 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
• 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
• 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 20 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 via OTCAS

 

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 MSSLP Program. Please see the SLPP website for details. 

Transcripts must be submitted by your college(s) to GMercyU. To be considered official, transcripts must be sent from school to school — any transcripts submitted by the student cannot be deemed "official." 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 

Apply Now!

 

Admission Requirements – Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Applications are currently being accepted for a Fall 2025 program start. GMercyU's MSSLP program participates in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS). Please apply using CSDCAS.*

Admission to the MSSLP 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 MSSLP 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 MSSLP 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 MSSLP 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 MSSLP 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 MSSLP Program.

*Visit CSDCAS about their application fee and fee waivers.

Apply Now via CSDCAS

 

 

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.