Grad programs grow outside the gates The year was 2004, and the reputation of Mercyhurst’s Research and Intelligence
graduate oferings in autism, secondary education, and—new in fall 2017—criminal justice administration (CJA). “The criminal justice graduate program is Mercyhurst’s oldest graduate program, and we have a vast network of alumni resources right here in our region,” said Maria Garase, Ph.D., CJA program director. “For us, the opportunity to take our program online opens it up to alumni across the country who want to further their education, or to the coworkers of our alumni, who are generally very impressed with how well Mercyhurst prepares its grads.” Long known as an innovator in educating teachers of all grade levels, Mercyhurst recently seized the opportunity to ofer a Master of Science in secondary education entirely online. In addition to a master’s, this program ofers grads the opportunity to earn their Pennsylvania teaching certifcation. “When you major in a science or humanities feld, it can take some time to fgure out exactly what you want to do with your degree. There are so many potential careers to choose
from,” said Amy Burniston, director of the secondary education graduate program. “Not surprisingly, many students fnd inspiration in what drew them into their chosen major in the frst place: their high school teachers. They realize they want to make that same impact on future generations, and our program gives them a quick and convenient way to achieve their goal.” For Mercyhurst alumni interested in pursuing online graduate education, Mercyhurst’s online graduate programs refect many of the same strengths of the undergraduate Laker experience. “Without the engaged, caring faculty, these programs just would not work,” said Travis Lindahl, director of graduate and continuing education, and an organizational leadership alum. “Opportunity and convenience are what make these programs attractive, but it’s still ‘the Mercyhurst way’ that makes them stand out from our competitors.”
Analyst Program (RIAP) had spread far beyond Erie. Mercyhurst grads were in high demand at nearly every intelligence agency and frm in the D.C. Metro area. Looking to capitalize on RIAP’s reputation, the college’s leadership settled on an innovative method of program delivery: ofer it online. Through corporate partnerships and word of mouth, online graduate courses in intelligence studies were flled, cohorts were educated in the RIAP way, and Mercyhurst online education was born. Thirteen years later, graduate-level education and the credentials that come with it are more in demand than ever. For some students, it’s a springboard for a promotion. For others, it’s the key ingredient needed for a career change. For everyone, it’s tough to ft grad studies into a life flled with family, work and community obligations. Since the inception of the fagship intelligence studies program, Mercyhurst’s online graduate programs have grown to include organizational leadership and, most recently,
To learn more, visit mercyhurst.edu/graduate .
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