Mercyhurst College

Mercyhurst College

Frequently Asked Questions

This section will hopefully answer the questions you have about the Department of  Intelligence Studies.

Categories

Undergraduate Program

 

Can I transfer into the Undergraduate Program?

Yes, the college currently operates under a trimester system. Transfer students are permitted to apply and enroll on a rolling basis. All transfer applicants must submit: A completed undergraduate admissions application, Official high school transcript or GED, Official college transcript(s), ACT, SAT results (if taken). Learn more about the transfer process.

What housing options are there?

Learn more about freshman housing.

What core courses are required?

See the following page for a list of core courses required: Visit the Page.

What types of subjects can I minor in?

Mercyhurst College offers a wide range of subjects in which to minor. The most common minors for the intelligence studies program are history, political science, criminal justice, computer science, and languages. For a complete list of minors see the course catalog.

What type of research projects do the students work on while in the program?

In many of the intelligence classes students are assigned a research project. To read more about the type of projects please visit the News page where many student projects are highlighted.

 

Do you offer an Undergraduate Certificate Program in Intelligence Studies?
We do not offer an undergraduate certificate in this program at this time.

 

Graduate Program

How can I apply for the Graduate Program? What are the requirements?

Please view this .pdf file on how to apply for the Graduate Program and all necessary requirements.

Do you offer a Graduate Certificate Program in Applied Intelligence?

Yes, we do offer graduate certificates in this program.

Is a security clearance required for admission into the Graduate Program?

No, a security clearance is not required.

Do I have to pass a language test in order to be admitted to the Graduate Program?

While some background in foreign languages is helpful for success in the program, study in this area is not required for admission.

What are the requirements for admission into the Graduate Program?

The Applied Intelligence Program will follow the same admissions requirements as Mercyhurst College’s other master’s programs: Administration of Justice, Special Education, and Organizational Leadership. These criteria shall assist an Applied Intelligence Program admissions committee in selecting and admitting those best qualified to accomplish work at the graduate level. Students who seek admission to graduate education at Mercyhurst must have the following:

  1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. Official transcripts are required.
  2. A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 overall, with at least 3.0 in their major field.
  3. Satisfactory scores from the Miller Analogies Test or the Graduate Record Exam.
  4. A one-page essay outlining the student’s educational expectations and career aspirations.
  5. A completed application form and an application fee of $35 (online application is free).
  6. Letters of recommendation from three educational or professional contacts or employers. Use the following form.
  7. A personal interview. While some background in Foreign Languages, Political Science, History, Statistics and Computer Applications is helpful for success in the program, study in all course areas are not required for admission. However, we do prefer students who have some formal background in some of these areas. During the personal interview, the nature of the program is explained and the applicant’s academic and professional background is discussed in order to determine whether the Applied Intelligence program will meet the applicant’s needs.

 

When are applications accepted/due for the Graduate Program?

Applications to the graduate degree in applied intelligence are accepted between Oct. 1 and March 31 of each year for the following fall term. The Graduate Student Admissions Committee will begin reviewing completed applications on January 15 for highly qualified candidates. Students admitted to this program may begin their studies in the fall term only. Only full-time enrollment is available.

How many graduate students does the Department of Intelligence Studies accept into the M.S. in Applied Intelligence Program?

The Department of Intelligence Studies typically accepts a cohort of 25 students into the graduate program each fall term.

Does the Graduate Program run on a standard semester system?

The graduate program in applied intelligence operates on a three-term calendar. Fall, winter and spring terms are each 10 weeks long.

 

Financial Aid

Do you offer financial aid?

Please visit this page for financial aid information.

Adult Students

Can I still apply to your program if I have been out of  high school for longer than four years?

Yes, you will be considered an adult undergraduate student and the tuition and fees are slightly different than a traditional undergraduate student. Please view this page for more details.

What is an adult applicant?

Applicants are eligible to be admitted as adults, and be eligible for the reduced tuition rates when 4 calendar years have passed since his/her high school graduation.

Exceptions may include an individual who:

  • is married
  • has a legal dependent other than a spouse
  • is a graduate student
  • is a ward of the court/parents are deceased/lives independently of parents
  • is a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces
  • has worked full time for at least 2 years and is independent
Are scholarships available to adult students?

Mercyhurst does not have scholarships available to adult students.

Admissions

How can I plan a visit to see your college campus?

To arrange an appointment, call the admissions office at 1-800-825-1926, Ext. 2202, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Locally, call 824-2202.

How can I obtain a copy of the college brochure?

Use the Request Information Form to request one. 

Do you offer a PhD program in intelligence studies?

We do not offer any PhD programs.

Do you offer online courses or distance learning?

We do offer an online Graduate Certificate in Applied Intelligence.

What types of organizations are likely to hire me after I complete the program?

Graduates of the program have been hired by a whole range of government and non-government organizations

Where can I find the complete curriculum and course descriptions for the program?

A complete curriculum of the college can be found in the college course catalog.

Where can I find information on the academic calendar?

Information for when the program begins, and other academic dates is available on the academic calendar

When is a good time to send in my application if I am still in high school?

Please view this page for a timetable of suggested tasks to begin preparing for college.

Where is the program located? Do you have any international stations?

The program is only offered at Mercyhurst's main campus in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Do you accept international students?

We do accept internation students. For more information please check our international students informational page.

Where can I view an online virtual tour of the campus?

Please visit this page for an online virtual campus tour.

With whom is the college accreditated?
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
3624 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-2680
Phone: (215)662-5606
Visit the Page.

Veterans Services

Am I entitled to benefits if I have served/am serving in the military?

If you have served our country in the Active Duty Military, the Reserves or the National Guard you may be eligible for education benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill.

Tuition and Fees

How much does the program cost?

Information on undergraduate and graduate program tuition an fees is available on this page.