Graduate Admission

The Office of Graduate Admission

https://www.merrimack.edu/admission/graduate/
978-837-3563
graduate@merrimack.edu

Admission Policy

The following policies and procedures apply to the graduate admissions processes only. While the information stated in this document is complete and accurate to the best of our abilities, the policies detailed in this document in no way serve as a contract. Requirements vary by graduate program. The policies outlined in this document will undergo periodic review.

Application and Enrollment Requirements

Applications are accepted only through our admission portal. Once fully completed, they are reviewed by the Graduate Admission Committee of the Office of Graduate Admission. Specific programs may require additional application components than those listed below and/or have stricter admissions requirements.

Applicants are required to create an account by registering a username and password in order to start an application, save it, and log back in at any time to complete it before submission. 

A complete application to a graduate program must include:

• Online application - The online application may be completed and submitted at any time, as admissions review occurs on a rolling basis. It is not necessary to submit all materials simultaneously. There is no application fee.

• Official college transcript(s) - Official transcripts are required and must reflect all courses taken and grades and credentials received from all institutions attended. Transcript(s) need to be issued by the appropriate records office of the institution and must be stamped and authenticated. Transcript(s) must show courses and grades from all years of study, not just the final year(s). If credits were transferred between one or more institutions, separate transcripts must be submitted for each institution attended unless course title, level, grades and credits earned at each previous institution appear on the transcript(s) submitted to Merrimack.

• Resume - A resume or CV that contains a summary of relevant job experience and education is required. A statement of relevant activities, awards, and interests may also be submitted.

• Personal statement - All applicants are required to submit a personal statement (500-1,000 words) explaining their interest in the program and their future goals. Some programs have additional essay requirements, and applicants are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the requirements of the program to which they are applying.

• Recommendations - *One professional or academic recommendation is required. Recommenders may submit a letter of recommendation or complete the recommendation form provided by the Office of Graduate Admission. Select programs provide the option to submit contact information for a reference instead of a formal letter of recommendation. * The CAGS program requires two letters of recommendation. 

• Documentation of the conferral of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited institution in the United States or a comparable degree from a foreign academic institution, reflected in a final official transcript, must be submitted before a student can be matriculated.

• Some programs may require an interview prior to admission.

• Standardized test scores are optional.

The following programs have additional requirements:

• Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS): Students interested in applying to the CAGS program must address in their personal statement why they are interested in the CAGS program and if they are interested in obtaining administrative licensure (or not). In addition, if students are looking for licensure, they must have their principal or supervisor submit a letter of recommendation, on school letterhead, stating that they recommend (student) for the CAGS program and they would be willing to supervise (student) during his/her practicum. The principal must list their license number in the letter and the number of years they have held that license. Students applying to the CAGS program must have a second letter of recommendation from another member of their school community who holds a leadership position, i.e. assistant principal, curriculum coordinator, department head, etc. 

• Higher Education: The program requires one letter from a college/university professor, college administrator or a current supervisor.

• Community Engagement: The program requires one letter from a college professor or one letter from a supervisor in a non-profit, higher education or K-12 setting.

• Teacher Education: The program requires that one letter of recommendation address the applicant’s capacity for leadership and professionalism, and their ability to succeed in this program. Letters should be from a direct supervisor or college professor who can address the applicant’s interest and potential for success in a graduate education program. Please submit MTEL or copy of current license, as appropriate.

• School Counseling: The program requires one letter of recommendation that can speak to the applicant’s capacity for leadership and professionalism, and their ability to succeed in the graduate program. Please submit MTEL or copy of current license, as appropriate.

• Clinical Mental Health Counseling: The program requires one letter of recommendation which addresses the applicant’s readiness to work in the therapeutic setting. 

• Communication: In addition to the personal statement, the program requires a writing sample for students that have a GPA below 3.0. The writing sample can be something previously written, such as academic, professional, creative, or portfolio work (research paper, opinion piece, newsletter article, press release, market analysis paper). It may be included when the student is applying or they can add it after they have submitted the online application. They will have access to an application portal to upload these materials.

Additional Requirements for International Students:

• International college transcripts must be evaluated by World Education Services (WES), Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE), SpanTran or CED. A course-by-course evaluation must be sent directly to Merrimack College Graduate Admission from one of these evaluation agencies in order to be considered official.

Our address is:
Merrimack College
Graduate Admission
315 Turnpike Street
North Andover, MA 01845

If electronic delivery is available, please have your official course-by-course evaluation sent to graduate@merrimack.edu.

• Proof of English Proficiency - All applicants whose first language is not English and who have not earned an academic degree in the U.S. must submit proof of English proficiency. This graduate entry requirement to Merrimack College can be demonstrated in any of the following ways:

  • A minimum TOEFL score of 84 on the internet-based test (with a minimum of 21 on the writing subset)

  • A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 with no band below 6.0

  • A minimum PTE Academic score of 56

  • A minimum Duolingo score of 110

• Declaration of Finances - This form must be completed by all students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents who intend to be enrolled full-time at Merrimack College. The form must be accompanied by current (no older than three months) proof of funding for the first year of studies in the form of a notarized bank letter, which clearly states the name of the student/applicant in the letter.

• Copy of Passport

• Visa - A Visa needs to be obtained before students start their study in the graduate program

Students may only apply to one program for any given term. Any additional applications will be automatically denied admission. Only the first submitted application will be considered.

Admissions Policies and Processes

Admission Prerequisites

Some graduate programs may have required prerequisites that will not count toward a degree.

Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the prerequisites for their program of interest. Prerequisite coursework can be taken at any accredited college or university, including Merrimack College. Prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade B (3.0 GPA) or better prior to enrolling in classes at Merrimack. For questions about prerequisite coursework, please contact graduate@merrimack.edu.

Admission Review

Once complete, applications are reviewed by the Graduate Admission Committee. The Graduate Admission Committee reviews undergraduate GPA, course of study and curriculum in addition to relevant job or internship experience, personal or professional accomplishments or demonstrated leadership, letters of recommendation, and an applicant’s goals for the program as outlined in their personal statement.

Admission Timeline

Admission to the traditional graduate programs is on a rolling basis. Some programs and fellowship programs may have different application deadlines. Additional details are available on the Graduate Admission website.

Verification of Credentials

It is the policy of the Office of Graduate Admission to verify all credentials submitted in support of an application. All transcripts, recommendations, publications, standardized test scores, and supplemental materials must be traceable to their source in order to confirm their authenticity. Written materials submitted by an applicant may be subject to review for the purpose of identifying plagiarism.

Final Transcripts

All students must have submitted final transcripts, with proof of bachelor’s degree earned, by the end of the first month of the first semester or a registration hold will be placed on the student’s account. At that time the student will be prevented from registering for following semesters until proof of degree is received.

Official transcripts should be mailed to:

Merrimack College

Office of Graduate Admission

315 Turnpike Street

North Andover, MA 01845

Admission Deposit

Admitted students who wish to accept their offer of admission must submit a deposit. The deposit is non-refundable and will be applied toward the student’s tuition bill. The exact deposit amount will be announced in the admission decision letter.

Deferment Policy and Process

If an admitted student would like to defer their admission, the following two items are required:

1. A written request

2. Deposit received

An admission deferral may be requested for one term or one academic year. Students may only defer their admission once. Students who do not matriculate after deferring will need to reapply.

Reapplication and Readmission Policy

Applicants to a graduate program who did not attend or did not complete the program and applicants who have been denied admission must submit a new application to be considered for admission. The new application must include all required documents to be reviewed. All supporting materials must be updated. Deposits for previous applications or enrollments do not count towards new applications or enrollments. If admitted, the applicant must submit a new deposit.

Prospective students who are reapplying and who had previously submitted all documents may use those documents for their new application for up to one calendar year from date of submission.

Prospective students who have been admitted to a term, but who do not deposit for that term, can request in writing to have their application reviewed for the following term without submitting a new application but with no guarantee of admission. This request can only be made once and for only one term.

Responding to Offers of Admission

Prospective students must accept offers of admission by depositing as indicated in the instructions contained in their offer letter.

Transfer Credit

Matriculated graduate students may request to transfer a maximum of 25% of the total credits for their degree program from another institution. Credits may transfer only if they meet the following criteria:

1. The earned grade for the course is a B (3.0 GPA) or better.

2. The credits were earned in an accredited graduate program, or at an accredited graduate institution.

3. The courses submitted for transfer credit were earned within the past 6 years. 

4. The courses submitted for transfer credit are not being counted toward the conferral of another graduate degree at Merrimack College or another institution. 

5. All courses submitted for transfer credit at the time of application were completed prior to the student’s admittance into the program.  

6. All courses submitted for transfer credit include official transcripts, course descriptions, and syllabi for review.

All transfer credits must be reviewed and approved in writing by the corresponding graduate program director in order for the credits to be used to complete the program. 

Graduate programs may adopt more restrictive transfer credit criteria.

Appeal of Admission Denial

Admission is denied when a prospective student fails to meet the minimum admission requirements of the program to which they have applied.  If a student believes there are extenuating circumstances that should be considered, they may appeal the admission decision. Prospective students wishing to appeal a denial can write a letter of appeal to the Office of Graduate Admission.

Conditional Admit

Conditional admission can be awarded to prospective students who have met all requirements for admission except for final official transcript or Declaration of Finance form. Conditionally-admitted applicants must provide the required document within the timeline outlined in their decision letter. 

Students conditionally-admitted pending their final official transcript may enroll in course(s); however, all students must submit final transcripts, with proof of bachelor’s degree earned, by the end of the first month of the first semester or a registration hold will be placed on the student’s account. At that time the student will be prevented from registering for following semesters until proof of degree is received.

International Students conditionally-admitted pending the Declaration of Finance Form may not take courses or earn credits until they can successfully prove proof of funding, at which point they may be fully admitted into the program.

Provisional Admit

Provisionally-admitted students must satisfy the additional requirements outlined in their decision letter before they can be fully admitted to their intended graduate program and matriculate. Once the additional requirements are met, their original application, along with their new grades, will be re-reviewed by the Graduate Admission Committee which will decide on whether the student can be fully admitted.

Provisionally-admitted students should take the following steps to register for classes:

• Contact the program director in order to determine an appropriate course of action.

• Depending on the program, a provisionally-admitted student may be able to take up to two graduate courses (eight credits) as a non-matriculated graduate student while working towards completing additional requirements.

• Students may take additional required classes at another accredited institution of their choice, but must get prior written permission from the program director prior to registering, as some courses may not be accepted as satisfactory transfer credits. Additionally, only courses with a grade of B (3.0) or better will be accepted.

• Please note that non-matriculated students must check with the Office of Financial Aid to determine their eligibility for financial aid under the provisionally-admitted status.

• Once a student has completed the required classes, they should update the Office of Graduate Admission at graduate@merrimack.edu. All transcripts outside of Merrimack College can be mailed to the following address:

Merrimack College

Office of Graduate Admission

315 Turnpike Street 

North Andover, MA 01845

Non-Matriculated Student Status

Students can take up to two courses (eight credits) without being accepted into a degree program.

Before registering for a graduate course, non-matriculated students must submit an official transcript to the Office of Graduate Admission indicating the conferral of a bachelor’s degree. Please note international students cannot take courses under the non-matriculated status.

Change in Program of Graduate Study

Admission for graduate study is admission to a specific program. Therefore, a student is not free to change graduate programs at will. Students seeking to change from one graduate program to another need to withdraw from their initial program as well as reapply to the new program. Previous acceptance into one graduate program does not guarantee acceptance into another.

The Double Warrior Program

For Merrimack undergraduate students, the Double Warrior scholarship provides a) one to two free graduate courses taken during their senior year (this is an optional benefit), and b) a minimum of 25% off tuition scholarship for the remaining credits taken in their graduate program (if students do not take graduate courses during their senior year, they will still qualify for the Double Warrior Scholarship upon full enrollment in a graduate program. After graduating as an undergraduate student, students must be admitted to a graduate program to receive the Double Warrior scholarship as a graduate student. See the Eligibility For and Taking Courses as a Double Warrior Senior section below.

For Merrimack alumni, the Double Warrior scholarship covers a percentage off of tuition for all credits taken in their graduate program.

Some graduate programs may not offer any or all benefits. The following graduate programs are not currently included in the Double Warrior fast-track application process: fellowship programs, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and certificate programs (excluding CAGS). Additionally, many of the online programs are not eligible for the classes or discounts. Please check in with the Graduate Admissions office to confirm program eligibility.

Graduate students enrolled at least half time (a minimum of four credits per semester) in the Double Warrior program may qualify for financial aid in the form of Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans as well. The Double Warrior scholarship cannot be combined with other Merrimack scholarships including fellowships.

Eligibility For and Taking Courses as a Double Warrior Senior

Undergraduate students who have a minimum of a 2.75 cumulative undergraduate GPA, are in good standing, and meet all of the prerequisites for the graduate program they intend to apply to (including completion of required prerequisite courses) are eligible to take graduate courses during their senior year through the Double Warrior program. Students must earn a B or better in each of the graduate courses they take during their senior year.

The two free classes must be taken during the fall or spring semesters of a student’s senior year. They cannot be taken during either the summer term when a student is a rising senior or during any semester after the student has graduated from their undergraduate program (including the summer term). Graduate courses taken after a student has graduated from their undergraduate program qualify for the Double Warrior scholarship.

To prepare to enroll in graduate courses, undergraduate students should start working with their academic advisor to plan out courses as early as freshman year. Then, if their schedule allows and they are ready to enroll in a graduate course for their senior year, they must first complete the Double Warrior Enrollment Form. Graduate Admission will then put the student in touch with the corresponding graduate program director who will advise the student on which course(s) to take. The program director will then communicate the course(s) back to Graduate Admission who will work with the Office of the Registrar to have the student registered.

Undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 12 undergraduate credits to remain in Merrimack student housing and to continue to receive undergraduate financial aid. Graduate credits taken through the Double Warrior program do not count toward those 12 undergraduate credits.

Courses cross-listed as graduate/undergraduate courses may be taken for either undergraduate or graduate credit, but not both. Students in the Double Warrior program wanting to gain graduate credit for a cross-listed course must register for it as a graduate course.

Applying for a Graduate Degree Through the Double Warrior Program

Once an undergraduate student is a senior and is ready to apply to their intended graduate program, they must submit an online application to the graduate program (https://gps.merrimack.edu/apply/). The recommendations and personal statement requirements on the graduate application will be waived.

Records Maintenance and Disposal

All admission documents, including academic records sent from other institutions, become part of the official college file. Admission materials are archived after 12 months.  If applicants 1) do not register for courses within the period for which the offer of admission is valid; 2) have been denied admission; 3) do not respond to requests for additional information; or 4) fail to submit complete applications, including all official transcripts and test results, 5.) Request Deferral.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Merrimack College is firmly committed to the practice of equal opportunity. Every student is entitled to an environment free of discrimination, which erodes dignity and morale. The College prohibits discrimination of any kind. Discrimination constitutes a serious infraction of College policy as well as a violation of state and federal law. Any member of the Merrimack College community who discriminates against, excludes, degrades or otherwise devalues another on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, mental or physical disability, or other lawfully protected categories will be disciplined accordingly, up to and including dismissal. It is the policy of Merrimack College to administer all decisions without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, mental or physical disability, or other lawfully protected categories.

Graduate Admission Conduct Policy

Admission to graduate study is contingent upon meeting college expectations of appropriate conduct. For Double Warrior students, the Office of Graduate Admission will consult with the Office of the Dean of Students on any conduct issues during undergraduate study and reserves the right to deny students based on any reports of inappropriate conduct.  Any offer of admission a student may receive is based on the premise that the student has conducted and will continue to conduct themself, academically and otherwise, in accordance with Merrimack College’s community values, policies, and standards of behavior.

By submitting a graduate application, applicants understand and affirm that all the information provided is accurate, complete, and their own work, and agree that the College may verify this information. If there is new information that changes the accuracy of answers after submission of an application, the applicant is obligated to inform the Graduate Admissions Office immediately. Should the College learn of any misrepresentation or omission of the facts on an application–whether at the time of submission or later–the College reserves the right to rescind the offer of admission.

Per College policy, applicants must report any conduct that may result, or has resulted, in any disciplinary or other similar negative action against them, including actions that occur after receiving an admissions offer. The College has the right to rescind or defer an offer of admission if conduct at any time does not meet the high levels of personal and academic integrity that was demonstrated in the student’s application, or if the College learns of information that changes the underlying basis for admission decision. Some examples include, but are not limited to, changes in academic performance; a failure to graduate from their current institution; recent disciplinary action or disciplinary action that was not previously disclosed; or engaging in conduct that indicates a serious lack of judgment or integrity.