Gwynedd Mercy University 2026-2027 University Catalog
currency through prior coursework, work experience, and scholarship sufficient to warrant a more extensive review of prior learning. A rubric will be utilized by a team of two faculty members for that review.
The most likely profile of the prospective student is the practitioner-scholar with deep knowledge as evidenced by coursework, scholarship, or professional experience.
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. The Prior Learning Assessment process may determine that specified competencies not evidenced 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. 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 are to 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:
• Field experience / positions held relating to research and practice.
• Scholarship evidenced by publication in print or electronic media.
• Scholarship evidenced by conference participation and / or presentations.
• 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.
• 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.
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