Policies

The computation of the cumulative GPA does not include challenge examinations, CLEP, Prior Learning Experience (PLA), developmental courses, or transfer credits.

Gwynedd Mercy University 2026-2027 University Catalog Graduate Student Transfer Credits Graduate credits, typically not to exceed six, taken at other accredited institutions prior to matriculation, may be applied toward the master’s degree. The official transcript for transfer of credit must be on file prior to acceptance of credits for transfer.

Students are exempt from taking the respective placement exam if they meet one of the following exemptions: • A score of at least three (3) on the Advanced Placement Test in English (Language and Composition) and/or mathematics (Precalculus, Calculus or Statistics) • A score of at least 35 on the SAT Reading test • A score of at least 680 on the SAT Evidence-based Reading and Writing Section and/or Math Section • A score of at least 29 on the ACT English Test and/or Math Test • Transfer credits for college-level English composition courses or college-level mathematics courses (earned grade of C or better) through the official acceptance of transfer credits by the Registrar’s Office at GMercyU Students will have access to online placement assessments through Canvas within one week of making their admission deposit.

Transcripts from other colleges and universities are evaluated by the Admissions Office and Registrar’s Office, in consultation with the Dean, to determine Gwynedd Mercy University's course equivalencies for appropriate transfer credits. Transfer students who matriculate at Gwynedd Mercy University beginning in Spring 2025 are required to earn a minimum of 30 credits at GMercyU to earn a bachelor’s degree; students who matriculate prior to Spring 2025 are required to earn a minimum of 50 credits at GMercyU to earn a bachelor’s degree. These courses will not be accepted for credit transfer and will not count toward graduation. 3. No transfer credits may replace the Signature Seminars. Some Schools do allow for exceptions to this policy; each is evaluated on an individual basis. 5. Challenge examinations carrying a grade of "P" or "S" completed at another regionally accredited institution may be accepted in transfer within the general education or major component of a degree program; each is evaluated on an individual basis. 6. Training and experience within a branch of the military that has been evaluated for credit by the American Council on Education may be acceptable for transfer credits. These credits are considered for transfer on an individual basis.

The Registrar’s Office is responsible for the official transfer of credit.

Prior Learning Assessment: This is a formal process and procedure for the granting of credit for life experience. Students may apply for prior learning credits at any time prior to their last semester before graduation; however, students must have earned at least 30 credits at Gwynedd Mercy University before credits will be applied to the transcript. Application for prior learning includes the submission of a detailed portfolio that demonstrates the college-level learning. The learning experience demonstrated and verified through prior learning assessment (PLA) must have the academic equivalence of college-level learning. For information on preparing a prior learning assessment portfolio for nursing, see below.

Student will be awarded 95 credits of advanced standing credits.

External Transfer Students who meet admission eligibility requirements and transfer at least 32 transferable credits may earn a BSN in 3 years. Chemistry courses taken outside GMercyU will be evaluated for equivalency on a case-by-case-basis. Summer Fast Track Students with 45 transferable credits may begin their studies in the summer semester before their first Fall term and earn a BSN in 2½ years.

Minimum total semester hour credits in the major: 27 Minimum total semester hour credits required for degree: 62 Transfer information for Associate Degree: Prior to matriculation at Gwynedd Mercy University, a student who accrued 24 or more credits from other universities, may have the FYE/UNV credits fulfilled with appropriate transfer credits.

Transfer information for Bachelor degree: • Prior to matriculation at Gwynedd Mercy University, a student who accrued 24 or more credits from other universities, may use appropriate transfer credits to fulfill the FYE/UNV credits. • All transfer students must take one Signature Seminar and Senior Capstone • No transfer credits may replace the Signature Seminar.

Academic Criteria for Admission, Progression and Retention Program Admissions Requirements and Procedures: Biology applicants are required to have units in biology, chemistry, algebra I, algebra II and geometry or equivalent within the required 16 high school units. To receive credit for courses taken elsewhere, students must submit a transcript, and the program may request a course syllabus to appropriately evaluate course equivalency.

Internal transfers will meet with the program director to discuss their interest, the requirements of the program, and the transfer of credits from their previous major. Course credits from another accredited institution will be accepted if they correspond to the courses offered at Gwynedd Mercy University and if the course grades are C or higher (C- is not an acceptable grade for transfer).

Internal transfers will meet with the Program Director to discuss their interest, the requirements of the program, and the transfer of credits from their previous major. Course credits from an associate of science, bachelor of science or bachelor of arts degree in Public Health will be accepted, if they correspond to the courses offered at Gwynedd Mercy University and if the course grades are C or higher; C- is not an acceptable grade for transfer.

Transcripts of students who are transferring from another CSWE BSW program will be evaluated, and social work credits will be accepted if they correspond to the courses offered at Gwynedd Mercy University. All accepted transfer credits must have received a grade of C or better.

Academic Criteria for Admission, Progression and Retention Program Admissions Requirements and Procedures: Natural Science applicants are required to have units in biology, chemistry, algebra I, algebra II and geometry or equivalent within the required 16 high school units. To receive credit for courses taken elsewhere, a transcript must be submitted, and the program may request a course syllabus to appropriately evaluate course equivalency.

Internal/External Transfers: A maximum of six credits may be transferred from another institution. To receive credit for courses taken elsewhere, submission of a transcript must be submitted, and the program may request a course syllabus to appropriately evaluate course equivalency.

To receive credit for courses taken elsewhere, submission of a transcript must be submitted, and the program may request a course syllabus to appropriately evaluate course equivalency. Course credits from another accredited institution will be accepted if they correspond to the courses offered at Gwynedd Mercy University and if the course grades are C or higher (C- is not an acceptable grade for transfer).

Gwynedd Mercy University 2026-2027 University Catalog Internal/External Transfers: A maximum of six credits may be transferred from another institution. To receive credit for courses taken elsewhere, submission of a transcript must be submitted, and the program may request a course syllabus to appropriately evaluate course equivalency. Foundation counseling courses (PSY 212 and PSY 321) may not be transferred into the minor from another institution. Internal/External Transfers: A maximum of six credits may be transferred from another college.

Gwynedd Mercy University 2026-2027 University Catalog Internal/External Transfers: A maximum of six credits may be transferred from another institution. To receive credit for courses taken elsewhere, submission of a transcript must be submitted, and the program may request a course syllabus to appropriately evaluate course equivalency.

Academic Criteria for Admission, Progression and Retention Internal/External Transfers: A maximum of six credits may be transferred from another institution. To receive credit for courses taken elsewhere, submission of a transcript must be submitted, and the program may request a course syllabus to appropriately evaluate course equivalency.

Internal/External Transfers: A maximum of six credits may be transferred from another institution. To receive credit for courses taken elsewhere, submission of a transcript must be submitted, and the program may request a course syllabus to appropriately evaluate course equivalency. Transfers: A maximum of 6 credits may be transferred from another University.

For Coursework Requirements, see Program Handbook and Curriculum Sheets Academic Criteria for Admission, Progression and Retention Major Requirements: Minimum GPA 3.0 Two letters of recommendation Statement of purpose Transfer Credits Students may transfer up to 9 eligible graduate credits, subject to academic review and approval or the terms of an established Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Time to completion may vary depending on the number of transfer credits accepted toward the degree.

Internal/External Transfers: Up to six credits from a related master’s-level degree can be transferred. Transfer credit will be reviewed on an individual basis. Students may retake a maximum of 2 courses in which they earned a C or C+. Students may retake an individual course only one time.

Transfer Credits: Graduate credits, not to exceed 50% of the program, earned at other accredited institutions may be accepted toward coursework requirements. The official transcript for transfer of credit must be on file prior to acceptance of credits for transfer. Students may retake a maximum of 2 courses in which they earned a C or C+. Students may retake an individual course only one time.

Transfer Credits: Internal transfer credit or credit from another previously attended accredited University will be reviewed by the Program Director for determination of acceptance. For the master’s degree, transfer credit will not exceed 6 credits. Transfer credit to be considered for the master’s degree must not exceed 5 years beyond the application date for consideration. Transfer credit consideration is on a case-by-case basis.

Internal/External Transfers: Internal transfer credit or credit from another previously attended accredited university will be reviewed by the Program Director for determination of acceptance. For the master’s degree, transfer credit will not exceed 6 credits. Transfer credit to be considered for the master’s degree must not exceed 5 years beyond the application date for consideration. Transfer credit consideration is on a case-by-case basis.

Internal/External Transfers: Internal transfer credit or credit from another previously attended accredited University will be reviewed by the Program Director for determination of acceptance. For the master’s degree, transfer credit will not exceed 6 credits. Transfer credit to be considered for the 172

Transfer credit consideration is on a case-by-case basis.

Internal/External Transfers: Up to 6 credits from a related master’s-level degree can be transferred. Transfer credit will be reviewed on an individual basis. Students may retake a maximum of 2 courses in which they earned a C or C+. Students may retake an individual course only one time.

Gwynedd Mercy University 2026-2027 University Catalog Transfer Credits: Graduate credits, typically not to exceed six, earned at other accredited institutions in a master’s program prior to matriculation may be applied toward the doctoral degree. The official transcript for transfer of credit must be on file prior to acceptance of credits for transfer. Students may retake a maximum of 2 courses in which they earned a C or C+. Students may retake an individual course only one time.

Transfer Credits: Graduate credits, typically not to exceed six, earned at other accredited institutions in a master’s program prior to matriculation may be applied toward the master’s degree. The official transcript for transfer of credit must be on file prior to acceptance of credits for transfer. Students may retake a maximum of 2 courses in which they earned a C or C+. Students may retake an individual course only one time.

Gwynedd Mercy University 2026-2027 University Catalog Transfer Credits: Graduate credits, typically not to exceed six, earned at other accredited institutions in a doctoral program prior to matriculation, may be applied toward the doctoral degree. The official transcript for transfer of credit must be on file prior to acceptance of credits for transfer. Students may retake a maximum of 2 courses in which they earned a C or C+. Students may retake an individual course only one time.

Option for the All But Dissertation (ABD), Doctoral Candidate, or Advanced to Doctoral Candidacy Student Overview: This option, which utilizes a structured and rigorous Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) process involving comprehensive portfolio assessments of the level, quality and quantity of student competencies mastered through prior coursework, experiential learning, and scholarship, may permit a doctoral student to provide evidence of learning equivalent for up to 27 credit hours in a 54-credit hour doctoral program. Eligibility: Through this option, students’ prior learning will be assessed through a two-part process. First, the student’s application materials will undergo a preliminary assessment to determine if the ABD demonstrates currency through prior coursework, work experience, and scholarship sufficient to warrant a more extensive review of prior learning.

Gwynedd Mercy University 2026-2027 University Catalog 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. Through the Prior Learning Assessment process, specified competencies not evidenced may be mastered through an individualized practicum course, EDU 838, with variable credit, ranging from 3 to 6 credit hours. • A portfolio for Prior Learning Assessment that demonstrates currency in the applicant’s discipline and/or leadership in education.

Transfer Credits: Graduate credits, typically not to exceed six, earned at other accredited institutions in a doctoral program prior to matriculation may be applied toward the doctoral degree. The official transcript for transfer of credit must be on file prior to acceptance of credits for transfer. Students may retake a maximum of 2 courses in which they earned a C or C+. Students may retake an individual course only one time.

Option for the All But Dissertation (ABD), Doctoral Candidate, or Advanced to Doctoral Candidacy Student Overview: This option, which utilizes a structured and rigorous Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) process involving comprehensive portfolio assessments of the level, quality and quantity of student competencies mastered through prior coursework, experiential learning, and scholarship, may permit a doctoral student to provide evidence of learning equivalent for up to 27 credit hours in a 54-credit hour doctoral program. Eligibility—ABD in Any Academic Discipline: Through this option, the prior learning of students who are ABD in any academic discipline will be assessed through a two-part process. First, the student’s application materials will undergo a preliminary assessment to determine if the ABD demonstrates currency through prior coursework, work experience, and scholarship sufficient to warrant a more extensive review of prior learning. 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.

• A portfolio for Prior Learning Assessment that demonstrates currency in the applicant’s discipline and/or leadership. The selection of courses and substitutions thereto may be made with approval of the Program Director through the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) process.

Transfer Credits: Graduate credits, typically not to exceed six, earned at other accredited institutions in a doctoral program prior to matriculation, may be applied toward the doctoral degree. The official transcript for transfer of credit must be on file prior to acceptance of credits for transfer.

This option, which utilizes a structured and rigorous Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) process involving comprehensive portfolio assessments of the level, quality and quantity of student competencies mastered through prior coursework, experiential learning, and scholarship, may permit a doctoral student to provide evidence of learning equivalent to 27 credit hours in a 54-credit hour doctoral program.

Option for the All But Dissertation (ABD), Doctoral Candidate, or Advanced to Doctoral Candidacy Student Overview: This option, which utilizes a structured and rigorous Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) process involving comprehensive portfolio assessments of the level, quality and quantity of student competencies mastered through prior coursework, experiential learning, and scholarship, may permit a doctoral student to provide evidence of learning equivalent for up to 27 credit hours in a 54-credit hour doctoral program. Eligibility—ABD in Any Academic Discipline: Through this option, the prior learning of students who are ABD in any academic discipline will be assessed through a two-part process.

Gwynedd Mercy University 2026-2027 University Catalog currency through prior coursework, work experience, and scholarship sufficient to warrant a more extensive review of prior learning. 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. • A portfolio for Prior Learning Assessment that demonstrates currency in the applicant’s discipline and/or leadership.

Internal and external transfers will be accepted on a space available basis only. Advanced standing through credit transfer is possible and handled individually.

Additional criteria for eligibility for admission with advanced standing to Gwynedd Mercy University are described in this catalog in the Admissions section.

Official transcripts from all institutions attended must be submitted and will be evaluated by the Registrar for equivalency. External transfer applicants seeking admission into the Bachelor of Health Science (BHS) program who have previously earned an Associate of Science (AS) degree and hold an active National Board for Respiratory Care Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential are eligible to apply for advanced standing. Previously completed respiratory care courses at other institutions will be evaluated for transfer equivalency and applied toward the curriculum as appropriate.

Students eligible for the BHS degree after the third year (due to the acceptance of transfer credits) should complete the RRT credentialing process within one year of graduation to maintain good standing with the program.

Internal/External Transfers: Students may transfer a maximum of 6 transferable credits. The courses to be transferred will be evaluated for equivalency to the courses at Gwynedd Mercy University.

3.00 Only required of those seeking transfer credit into the Master's Program, PK12 Concentration 3.00 Public policy, common mind-sets, and individual dispositions can be changed through writings, teachings, organizing, and advocating social change through a broad range of media, social settings, and involvements.

Total credits include transfer credits earned at another institution and credits earned at Gwynedd.