Mercyhurst University and Allegheny College announced on Thursday a new articulation agreement that creates an accelerated pathway for Allegheny students to earn graduate degrees in education at Mercyhurst in Erie.
The agreement establishes a 4+1 program allowing qualified Allegheny students to complete a bachelor’s degree at the college and then earn either a master’s in science in secondary education or master’s in science in special education from the university in an additional year.
Students must have a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.0 to be considered for the program. They would begin coursework during the summer following their graduation and complete it in the following summer. Some students can enter the program in advanced standing based on their grades.
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to preparing outstanding educators,” said Richard McCarty, provost and vice president of academic affairs at Mercyhurst. “By creating a clear and efficient pathway from undergraduate study to graduate teacher preparation, we are expanding opportunities for students while helping address the growing demand for well-prepared teachers.”
This announcement comes not even a week after Mercyhurst announced it would cut its men’s hockey program and eight of its academic programs: art therapy, Chinese (minor), music therapy, physics, public health, respiratory therapy, Russian and sociology.
Mercyhurst did not respond to requests from The Meadville Tribune about these cuts and how they might affect any new partnerships.
In the announcement last Friday, Mercyhurst President Kathleen Getz said that as the institution marks its centennial, it is making decisions based on long-term viability and student demand.
“The university remains strong, with positive enrollment momentum and continued investment in academic programs, applied learning initiatives and industry partnerships,” the statement reads.
Allegheny’s Jennifer Winge, vice president for enrollment management, didn’t address the cuts when asked about them but said Allegheny continues to experience strong momentum of its strategic goals, which includes implementing new academic programs while “providing a robust and diverse selection of accelerated and dual degree programs for Allegheny students.”
Partnering with Mercyhurst is one of the options in teaching, including agreements with the University of Pittsburgh and Xavier University.
“We are happy to support the region’s educational partners and our students by providing options that will fit their personal and career goals,” Winge said.
The agreement will be reviewed every five years and supports ongoing collaboration between the two institutions in advising, recruitment and program promotion. Students enrolled in the program will have to meet requirements for Pennsylvania’s teacher certification and complete the proper clearances.