Gwynedd Mercy University ( v 8-11-21 )
AY2021-2022 Graduate Academic Catalog
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 :
1 . Field experience / positions held relating to 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 .
• 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 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 Objectives ( PLOs ) are met .
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