Allegheny College and Mercyhurst University Announce 4+1 Graduate Pathway in Education

Allegheny College and Mercyhurst University have announced a new articulation agreement that creates an accelerated pathway for Allegheny College students to earn graduate degrees in education at Mercyhurst.

The agreement establishes a 4+1 program allowing qualified Allegheny College students to complete a bachelor's degree at Allegheny and then earn a Master of Science in Secondary Education (MSSE) or Master of Science in Special Education (MSSPED) from Mercyhurst in approximately one additional year.

Through the partnership, eligible students with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA from Allegheny College will receive guaranteed admission consideration to Mercyhurst's graduate education programs. Students begin graduate coursework during the summer following their graduation from Allegheny College and complete the master's degree the following summer.

"This partnership reflects our shared commitment to preparing outstanding educators," said Richard McCarty, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Mercyhurst University. "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."

Under the agreement, certain Allegheny College education courses may count toward graduate requirements at Mercyhurst when students earn a grade of B or higher, allowing participants to enter the program with advanced standing.

Allegheny College students interested in careers in education will benefit from this streamlined route to professional licensure and graduate study," said Celia Cook-Huffman, Provost and Dean of the Faculty at Allegheny College. "This collaboration strengthens the academic connections between our institutions while providing our students with an efficient path to advanced credentials.

Students enrolled in the program will complete their undergraduate degree at Allegheny College before enrolling in Mercyhurst's graduate program. Participants must also meet requirements for Pennsylvania teacher certification, including passing the appropriate PRAXIS II examinations and completing required clearances during the program.

The agreement will be reviewed every five years and supports ongoing collaboration between the two institutions in advising, recruitment, and program promotion.