How to Apply

Start your application today! Applications are accepted and reviewed year-round, and no entrance exams (GRE or GMAT) are required.

How to Apply

Degree-Seeking Students

  • Complete your application.

  • Request official transcripts from all schools previously attended. Mail to:

    Graduate Programs
    Mount Mercy University
    1330 Elmhurst Drive NE
    Cedar Rapids, IA 52402-4797

  • Some programs require letters of recommendation and other materials. Please see program-specific requirements below.
  • NOTE: Per government policy, international students are unable to attend fully-online university programs in the United States. Unfortunately, we are unable to admit international students to online-only programs.

Certificate-Seeking Students

Readmits or Non-Degree Seeking Students

Continuing Education Students

  • Complete a brief application to enroll in workshop courses for BoEE recertification or graduate credit.

Graduate Requirements by Program

Applicants desiring admission to a master's degree program apply through the Graduate Admissions Office and must meet the graduate admissions criteria. To be considered for admission, an applicant must:

  • Hold an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university or an equivalent degree from an accredited institution outside the United States. Documentation of degree equivalencies must be submitted by an agency authorized to do so.

  • Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities previously attended

  • Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 (3.25 for MSN and 3.5 for DNP) and an undergraduate record that reflects ability to be successful in graduate studies. (Students with a GPA less than 3.00 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)

  • Provide a personal statement that demonstrates solid writing skills and motivation for graduate studies. (See application form for further instruction)

  • Submit two letters of recommendation, preferably from faculty and/or work supervisors, who can attest to an applicant’s ability to be successful in graduate studies. (See application form for further instruction)

  • Complete any requirements from the specific area of study.

Final admission decisions rest with the program director. In all cases, admission requirements can be waived at the discretion of the program director.

  • Bachelor’s degree in education (if adding an endorsement in Special Education, Reading, ESL, and Effective Teaching, or Early Childhood Inclusive Classroom)

  • A valid teaching license or be eligible for a teaching license if seeking an endorsement in Special Education, Reading, or ESL, or Early Childhood Inclusive Classroom

  • Resume that lists past and current teaching or work experience

  • Teacher Leadership requires an additional interview with the program director if undergraduate or other graduate degree is not in education
    • Additional coursework beyond what's listed in the catalog may be required for those students without a degree in education and/or teaching license
  • NOTE: Per government policy, international students are unable to attend fully-online university programs in the United States. Unfortunately, we are unable to admit international students to this program.

  • Bachelor’s or master's degree in education 

  • GPA of 3.0 or above

  • Minimum of two years PK-12 teaching experience

  • Current standard Iowa teaching license

  • Program Director approval

  • NOTE: Per government policy, international students are unable to attend fully-online university programs in the United States. Unfortunately, we are unable to admit international students to this program.

  • Personal interview with program faculty

  • Resume that documents volunteer or professional experience in a human service area

  • Submit the names and contact information for two individuals that can speak to your ability to succeed in the Marriage and Family Therapy Program. (See application for further instruction).

  • Currently working at least part-time in the field of business (ongoing requirement for at least part-time work during program)
    • Requirement can be waived by program director

  • Some students may be asked to participate in a personal interview with program director

  • A student may be admitted to the MBA program prior to completing the prerequisite courses
    • Prerequisite courses include BC 265 Principles of Accounting I, BC 266 Principles of Accounting II, EC 252 Microeconomic Principles, and MA 130 Finite Mathematics. Course descriptions can be found in the catalog
    • Upon admission, the student will meet with an academic advisor and receive an advising form indicating prerequisite courses that need to be completed and in what order
    • The student may enroll in either accelerated or traditional classes to complete prerequisite courses at the tuition rate for those classes
    • MBA grading polices will be in effect for all MBA and prerequisite classes taken at Mount Mercy

  • Currently working at least part-time in the field of business (ongoing requirement for at least part-time work during program)
    • Requirement can be waived by program director
  • Some students may be asked to participate in a personal interview with the program director

  • Three years of full-time work experience (recommended)

  • Personal interview with program director and additional writing sample may be requested

  • Current and valid registered nurse (RN) license
    • NOTE: Nursing courses with a clinical component may not be taken by a person: 
    • Who has been denied license by the Board
    • Whose license is currently suspended, surrendered, or revoked in any U.S. jurisdiction
    • Whose license or registration is currently suspended, surrendered, or revoked in another country due to disciplinary action
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing program, other undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university, or an equivalent degree from an accredited institution outside of the United States
    • Undergraduate record should reflect ability to be successful in graduate studies
    • If undergraduate degree is not a BSN, students may be admitted with a BA or BS, an associate degree in nursing, and the Mount Mercy RN-BSN courses, NU 470 Population Based Nursing,  NU 471 Professional Aspects of Nursing, and NU 472 RN-BSN Practicum Seminar completed with a minimum grade of B (B- not acceptable)
       
  • Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.25 in all graduate and undergraduate coursework 
  • An undergraduate statistics course with a minimum grade of C (C- not acceptable)
    • A student may be admitted at the discretion of the program director prior to completing this prerequisite

  • Two letters of recommendation addressing professionalism, clinical skills, critical thinking, and communication skills.

  • All MSN students must meet administrative requirements, including criminal background check, health insurance coverage, immunization status compliance, CPR, and malpractice liability insurance prior to completion of the first MSN course

  • All non-native English speakers are required to take TOEFL or equivalent English language proficiency assessment and complete an interview with the program director
  • NOTE: Per government policy, international students are unable to attend fully-online university programs in the United States. Unfortunately, we are unable to admit international students to this program.

  • Hold an MSN degree from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Current and valid Iowa registered nurse (RN) license
    • Cannot be denied, suspended, surrendered or revoked in any U.S. or international jurisdiction

  • Current resume/CV

  • Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 in all graduate and undergraduate coursework 

  • Three letters of recommendation addressing professionalism, clinical skills, critical thinking, and communication skills   
     
  • An undergraduate statistics course with a minimum grade of C (C- not acceptable) with the last 5 years is a prerequisite for admission
    • If not completed prior to admission, course can be completed in DNP curriculum 

  • Personal interview with DNP program Director

  • All non-native English speakers are required to take TOEFL or equivalent English language proficiency assessment and complete an interview with the program director

  • All DNP students must meet administrative requirements including criminal background check, health insurance coverage, immunization status compliance, CPR, and malpractice liability insurance prior to the first day of class

  • Additional Admission Requirements (for NP applicants):
    • Letter from NP program documenting clinical hours completed in NP education (course work & clinical hours are subject to adjustment based on gap analysis—must have minimum of 1,000 hours for DNP)
    • Current and valid Iowa registered nurse (RN) and advanced practice registered nurse (ARNP/APRN) licenses. Cannot be denied, suspended, surrendered or revoked in any U.S. or international jurisdiction
    • Current NP certification in any specialty area

  • Hold a Master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university or an equivalent degree from an accredited institution outside the United States. Documentation of degree equivalencies must be submitted by an agency authorized to do so.

  • Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 in graduate level coursework.

  • Submit the names and contact information for three individuals that can speak to your ability to succeed in the Marriage and Family Therapy Program. (See application for further instruction).

  • Personal interview with program faculty.

Contact Graduate Admissions

We look forward to welcoming you to Mount Mercy! We're here to help you reach your educational goals and answer any questions throughout the admissions process. 

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Jorie Dillman

Coordinator of Graduate Admissions
jdillman@022aode.com | (319) 363-1323 x7531

Jorie works with:

  • Prospective students and applicants for MBA, MSL, and MSSCM
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Lori Johnson

Administrative Coordinator, MAEd and MSEd Programs
lajohnson@022aode.com | (319) 363-1323 x1870

Lori works with:

  • Prospective students and applicants for MAEd and MSEd
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Erin Koehn

Graduate Clinical and Administrative Coordinator, MSN and DNP Programs
ekoehn@022aode.com | (319) 363-1323 x1718

Erin works with:

  • Prospective students and applicants for MSN and DNP
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Makenzie Lueth

Graduate Admissions Recruiter/Olson Clinic Manager
mlueth@022aode.com | (319) 363-8213 x1047

Makenzie works with: 

  • Prospective students and applicants for MA-MFT and PhD-MFT
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Graduate Programs


319-363-1323
CRST International Graduate Center
1650 Matterhorn Drive NE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 52402