Gwynedd Mercy University 2025-2026 University Catalog 146
7. Personal interview with program faculty.
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.
Internal / External Transfers: The Admission requirements and process are the same for transfer students whether internal or external.
Curriculum Sequence: Students’ curriculum sequence is based on their cohort upon entry into the program. Students should review their cohort schedule and speak with their Academic Advisor for further information on their curriculum sequence. Students are not permitted to take more than two courses at the same time without prior permission of the Program Director.
Academic Standards / Grade Requirements: Students in the Counseling Program( regardless of area of study) are required to meet all University and College of Arts, Sciences, and Professional Studies academic standards and grade requirements as indicated in the Graduate Catalog. In addition to the University and College of Arts, Sciences, and Professional Studies standards, students in the Counseling Program are required to earn a grade of“ B” or better in all Core Curriculum and field placement courses( Practicum and Internships). Core Curriculum courses are indicated on the student’ s curriculum sheet. Students in the Counseling Program also need to be aware of the following academic requirements. The minimum major and cumulative GPA of 3.0,( B) average is required to remain in good standing. One grade of C + is permitted( for non-Core / Field courses), but a 3.0 grade point average must be maintained throughout the program. Students may only retake two( 2) courses in which they earned a C or C + unless by special permission from the Program Director. A grade of C requires the student to retake the course. Students may retake an individual course only one time. Students may not earn any grade below a C and remain in the program.
Attendance Policy: The Counseling Program defines attendance in the same manner as the University does for all online graduate courses: Online students are considered present for the week if they post to a discussion forum or submit any assignment or other deliverable during the instructional week( Monday – Sunday). Failure to actively engage in the course by posting to discussion forums or submitting assignments will result in an official absence and a lower grade. In addition, there are specific attendance expectations in several Counseling courses. These courses include but are not limited to the program field courses( weekly 1.5 hours synchronous group supervision), the program skills courses, and the Special Topics Residency course. Attendance is mandatory for the required residency in the Counseling Program. Attendance in field course weekly group supervision is also mandatory. Unexcused absences may result in a lower final grade and / or program dismissal. More information is available in the Counseling Program Student Handbook.
Students in the Counseling Program need to be aware of the following online graduate program attendance policy: Should a student fail to attend a course for two consecutive weeks, the student will be administratively withdrawn from the course and program.
Academic Progress, Probation, and Program Dismissal: Counselor trainees in the Master of Counseling Program are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the ethical codes of the American Counseling Association and the American School Counseling Association. Counselor trainees are expected to demonstrate proficiencies in the following areas: academic knowledge, counseling skills and professional dispositions( behavior and demeanor appropriate for counselors). Deficiencies found in any