Cooperative Academic Agreements

Cooperative Academic Agreements

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
3+4 Accelerated Program in Medicine
Mercyhurst University and the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) School of Medicine have an affiliation agreement that pledges our commitment to the training of future medical practitioners by giving students the opportunity to complete their medical education in two phases. Phase I consists of three years of undergraduate and pre-med education at Mercyhurst University, and Phase II consists of four years of medical education at LECOM School of Medicine. In consultation with an advisor, a program of study that follows the guidelines stipulated in the plan of agreement will be created. 

2+3 and 3+3 Accelerated Program in Pharmacy
Mercyhurst University and the Lake Erie University of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM)School of Pharmacy have an affiliation agreement that pledges our commitment to the training of future pharmacy practitioners by giving students the opportunity to complete their pharmacy education in two phases. Phase I consists of two or three years of undergraduate and pre-pharmacy education at Mercyhurst University, and Phase II consists of three years of pharmacy education at LECOM School of Pharmacy. In consultation with an advisor, a program of study that follows the guidelines stipulated in the plan of agreement will be created. 

New York Chiropractic University
Accelerated program in Chiropractic Medicine
Mercyhurst University and New York Chiropractic University have entered into an affiliation agreement that will allow students to matriculate into the Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine program at New York Chiropractic University following their third year of study at Mercyhurst University. This matriculation is contingent upon successful completion of transition requirements which are available on the biology department website and can be obtained from the Pre-Health Advisor at Mercyhurst University. Upon successful completion of the student’s first year at New York Chiropractic University, a Bachelor of Art degree in biology will be awarded to the student from Mercyhurst University. 

Ohio University of Podiatric Medicine
3+3 Accelerated program in Podiatric Medicine
Mercyhurst University and the Ohio University of Podiatric Medicine have entered into an affiliation agreement that will allow students to matriculate into the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program at the Ohio University of Podiatric Medicine following their third year of study at Mercyhurst University. This matriculation is contingent upon successful completion of transition requirements, which are available on the biology department website and can be obtained from the Pre-Health Advisor at Mercyhurst University. Upon successful completion of the student’s first year at the Ohio University of Podiatric Medicine, a Bachelor of Art degree in biology will be awarded to the student from Mercyhurst University. Following successful completion of three years of study at the Ohio University of Podiatric Medicine, the student will be awarded the doctoral degree in Podiatric Medicine.

Duquesne University School of Law
Duquesne University School of Law in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Mercyhurst University have a “3-3 program,” in which after three years of academic study at Mercyhurst University, and subject to specific conditions which are a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 for three years at Mercyhurst (96 credit hours), completion of all undergraduate curriculum in major field and liberal studies requirements, a minimum LSAT score in the 60th percentile (155+), be recommended by the Vice President for Academic Affairs and participate in an interview with the Dean of Admissions of Duquesne University School of Law for completion of the J.D. degree. Each student in this early admission program will be awarded a bachelor’s degree by Mercyhurst University after successful completion of the first year at the Duquesne University School of Law. See the Pre-Law Advisor in the Office of Career Services. 

Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in Cleveland, Ohio and Mercyhurst University have a “3-3 program,” in which after three years of academic study at Mercyhurst University, and subject to specific conditions which are a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 for three years at Mercyhurst (96 credit hours), completion of all undergraduate curriculum in major field and liberal studies requirements, a minimum LSAT score in the 60th percentile (155+), be recommended by the Vice President for Academic Affairs and participate in an interview with the Dean of Admissions of Cleveland-Marshall College of Law for completion of the J.D. degree. Each student in this early admission program will be awarded a bachelor’s degree by Mercyhurst University after successful completion of the first year at the Cleveland Marshall College of Law. See the Pre-Law Advisor in the Office of Career Services.

Rochester Institute of Technology
4 + 1 Accelerated MBA Program
Mercyhurst University has established an agreement with Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) whereby qualified students who have earned a bachelor’s degree can accelerate their MBA program. A maximum of six MBA foundation courses maybe waived. A grade of “B” or better in the undergraduate courses may qualify for waiver of graduate level coursework. The courses must also be no older than five years upon matriculation into the MBA degree program. Students must apply to RIT for admission into the program and meet the required minimum GMAT and GPA requirements. 

Fashion Institute of Technology
The Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.), an accredited institution offering programs in a variety of areas including Fashion Merchandising, sponsors a visiting student program which allows students throughout the United States to study for a full year, an opportunity which provides excellent social, cultural, and professional advantages. Students studying for a full year at F.I.T. will graduate with an associate degree from F.I.T. in addition to their baccalaureate degree from Mercyhurst. Prior to applying to participate in the F.I.T. visiting student program, Mercyhurst students must consult with the director of the Fashion Merchandising program. Students apply in December the year before attendance, which can be either junior or senior year. F.I.T. sets minimum standards for acceptance: a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher. This G.P.A. does not guarantee acceptance F.I.T retains the right to access transcripts from all universities attended and selects the most qualified students. Students may be able to use a prorated amount of institutional financial aid to offset the tuition and fee expenses at F.I.T.; contact the Office of Student Financial Services for more information about the proration policy.

Professional School Preparation Programs
Mercyhurst students interested in professional careers in such fields as law, dentistry, medicine, osteopathy, pharmacy and veterinary medicine may choose a major from among a variety of academic disciplines. Students are urged early in their freshmen year to consult with one of the University’s Pre-Professional Advisors to assist them in determining an appropriate major, minor, choice of courses, and to learn the educational requirements necessary for entrance into professional schools. 

Pre-Health Professions Advisory Program
The University has a Pre-health Professions Advising, which provides specialized counseling and advisement to students regarding all aspects of becoming a healthcare professional. The advisors work with students on course selection, career direction, and preparation for admittance exams (e.g. MCAT’s). Advisors also assist students with the application process and final preparations for going on to professional school. Additional information is available by contacting:

Michael A. Elnitsky, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Chair, Department of Biology
Director of Pre-Health Advising
Mercyhurst University
501 East 38th Street, Erie, PA. 16546
Phone: 814-824-2346 or E-mail: melnitsky@mercyhurst.edu

Degrees & Certificates
Course Descriptions