Gwynedd Mercy University 2025-2026 University Catalog 179
education.
Applicants who meet the first-level currency assessment shall submit a more detailed portfolio; whereby prior learning experiences are matched to learning objectives of each course in the program. Competency requirements will be considered met when prior learning experience demonstrates strong evidence of course-level learning objective mastery.
Through the Prior Learning Assessment process, specified competencies not evidenced may be mastered through an individualized practicum course, EDU 838, with variable credit, ranging from 3 to 6 credit hours.
The option for the ABD requires that a minimum of 27 hours of coursework( 50 % of the program) shall be completed at Gwynedd Mercy University.
Admission Requirements
• ABD, Advanced to Doctoral Candidacy in education, or equivalent documented academic status from a regionally accredited institution.
• A portfolio for Prior Learning Assessment that demonstrates currency in the applicant’ s discipline and / or leadership in education. This portfolio may include evidence of currency of prior coursework, including such documents as transcripts of coursework, work experience in the field, letters, scholarship, certificates, work samples, descriptions of work experiences, and evidence of competitive grant awards. Portfolios may be compiled electronically.
• Each applicant’ s coursework, work experience in the field, grantsmanship, and scholarship will be evaluated independently by the graduate faculty. Currency in the discipline is more than just a function of the recency of coursework. It may also be demonstrated by some combination of the following:
1. Field experience / positions held relating to educational research and practice; 2. Scholarship evidenced by publication in print or electronic media; 3. Scholarship evidenced by conference participation and / or presentations; 4. Scholarship evidenced by the award of grants.
• Official graduate transcripts including that of the doctoral course of study.
• A résumé showing professional experience and academic scholarship.
• Three( 3) letters of recommendation attesting to knowledge in discipline or education.
• A personal interview with a member of the graduate faculty. For applicants where distance or other considerations are factors, an electronic medium may be utilized for the interview.
• A finding of eligibility by two faculty members, one through the personal interview and the other through a review of documentation. A rubric shall be utilized for this review.
• Evidence that non-U. S. applicants have received a minimum score of 550( written), 213( computer), or 79( internet) on the TOEFL examination.
Applicants who cannot meet one or more of the above requirements are encouraged to contact the Program Director for a holistic review of qualifications.
Course of Study and Curriculum Sequence for ABD Option: See Program Handbook for course of study and suggested curriculum sequence. A minimum of 27 credit hours must be completed at Gwynedd Mercy University. The course of study is a combination of required courses, to be completed by all students in this option, and individually determined courses selected to ensure that all Program Learning