Three Misericordia Degrees for Computing Careers
Misericordia University appears in our ranking of the Top 10 IT Degrees Online (Bachelor’s).
At Hafey-McCormick Hall, the College of Arts & Sciences provides a 121-credit, four-year B.S. in Computer Science based on ACM guidelines for Misericordia University Cougars to develop marketable programming skills during courses like Applied Network Design with an optional Pre-DPT specialization. Chaired by Dr. Zhen Ma, the B.S. in Business Administration delivers a 121-credit, IACBE-accredited curriculum with six concentrations, including Management Information Systems to teach computerized database methods, for 97 percent job placement. The B.S. in Information Technology builds 121-credit emphases for IT Security, Game Programming, and Internet Programming with accelerated, 7.5-week courses online on Blackboard or at Luzerne County Community College. Undergrads could also join Sigma Beta Delta, intern with IBM Corporation, earn CISSP certification, study away in Edinburgh, access the Insalaco Center for Career Development, pursue the MBA, and work the IT Student Helpdesk.
About Misericordia University
Misericordia University originated on August 15, 1924, when the Religious Sisters of Mercy founded a women’s Catholic college named “heart of mercy” in Latin for the Wyoming Valley. In September 1924, College Misericordia welcomed an inaugural class of 37 ladies to its original 100-acre Luzerne County campus. In 1935, Misericordia was regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges. After the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Misericordia created the Alternative Learner’s Project (ALP). In 1983, Misericordia notably graduated Mike Dunleavy, the future Governor of Alaska. In 1999, College Misericordia launched the Guaranteed Placement Program to aid job searches. Six years later, Misericordia debuted its first doctorate degree in physical therapy. On August 24, 2007, the Misericordia University name was adopted. In 2008, Misericordia joined the MAC Freedom Conference for NCAA Division III athletics. In Fall 2014, Misericordia’s earliest five-year bachelor’s to master’s program was developed.
Endowed for $52.4 million, Misericordia University now employs 137 full-time and 179 part-time faculty to teach 2,566 Cougars of all faiths online or on its 123-acre Dallas campus in Northeast Pennsylvania’s Back Mountain region with 40+ clubs like the Business Professional Association. In 2016, Misericordia received the PICPA Award for Teaching Excellence. In 2020, Misericordia won a CASE District II Bronze Excellence Award. Misericordia University accepted the 2019 Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce Pride of Place Award too. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Misericordia 192nd with the 204th best social mobility. On Niche, Misericordia boasts America’s 217th safest environment, 253rd top value, and 315th most conservative students. The Wall Street Journal placed Misericordia University 396th overall. WalletHub picked Misericordia 27th for campus experience and 78th for student outcomes. College Factual named Misericordia 51st for Catholic education and 334th for computer science degrees.
Misericordia University Accreditation Details
On April 30, 2019, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) acknowledged the receipt of the satisfactory Periodic Review Report from Misericordia University to continue the Level VI accreditation status through the next 2023-24 evaluation under President Thomas J. Botzman, PhD, an American Council on Education Fellow. Located 119 miles down Interstate 476 in Philadelphia, this sizeable six-state Northeast Region accreditor is authorized by the U.S. Department of Education to check Misericordia’s 37 baccalaureate, 11 master’s, and three doctoral majors. Further, the B.S. in Business Administration: Management Information Systems was accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) in April 2014.
Misericordia University Application Requirements
Enrollment at Misericordia University is classified “moderately difficult” by Peterson’s because 1,357 of the 1,823 Fall 2018 applicants were chosen for competitive 74 percent acceptance. First-year Cougars seeking the B.S. in Computer Science or similar majors must show academic readiness. Completing a college-prep secondary curriculum or the GED is required. Passing three high school math courses plus biology and physics is recommended. Freshmen must rank in the top half of their class or hold cumulative GPAs above 2.5. Undergrads need a minimum 930 SAT or 18 ACT score. If taken before March 2016, SAT scores above 850 are sufficient. The Class of 2022 reported an average 3.36 GPA, 1120 SAT, and 24 ACT mark. The Honors Program mandates a 3.25 overall GPA or better. Transfers must have finished 15+ accredited college credits with 2.0 or higher GPAs. At least 30 bachelor’s credits must be taken in residence at Misericordia. International students also need a minimum 500 TOEFL pBT or equivalent score.
Misericordia University conveniently has a rolling admissions policy with no deadlines. Priority dates are November 1st for Spring, April 1st for Summer, and July 1st for Fall though. Current respective start dates are January 13th, May 22nd, and August 26th. The Accelerated Program begins courses every 7.5 weeks in August, October, January, March, May, and July. Accordingly, submit the Misercordia Application by paper for $35 or online for free. Forward official academic transcripts to 24 Founders Circle in Dallas, PA 18612. Directly send test reports using SAT/TOEFL code 2087 or ACT code 3539. Attach supporting materials, such as the college clearance form, immunization record, autobiographical essay, and resume. Contact (866) 262-6363 or admiss@misericordia.edu with questions.
Tuition and Financial Aid
For 2019-20, Misericordia University is charging full-time B.S. in Computer Science majors $32,800 annually. General student fees are $1,760 total each year. Residing at the Dallas campus’ dorms like McGowan Hall adds $7,780 to $9,530 for yearly room rent. Unlimited meal plans with 200 Cougar Points for Metz Dining Hall adds $6,420 extra. Misericordia budgets $1,250 for textbooks and $1,000 for miscellaneous expenses. Annual bachelor’s attendance equals about $51,030 on-site or $36,810 living at home. Studying part-time incurs $615 per credit. Off-campus and online Accelerated Degree options bill $430 per credit. Non-traditional students also pay $30 per credit for fees.
According to the NCES College Navigator, the Student Financial Services Office in Mercy Hall (Building 16) links 100 percent of new full-time Misericordia Cougars to tuition aid averaging $20,866 apiece for $9.05 million combined. University funds include the Non Pennsylvania Resident Grant, Mission Grant, Legacy Award, Sibling Grant, Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation Scholarship, Alumni Discount, Academic Merit Scholarship, Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship, Institutional Award, Wells Fargo Foundation Scholarship, Jeremy Kuba Memorial Scholarship, Von Drach Memorial Scholarship, and Partners in Business Scholarship. The McAuley Award presents $1,000 to $5,000 each year to outstanding undergrads with a long tradition of community service. The Sister Mary Glennon Scholarship covers full tuition for freshmen reaching the minimum 3.7 GPA and 1250 SAT scores. Federal resources, such as the Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant and Pell Grant, require FAFSA forms coded 00324700. Pennsylvanians can also claim the PHEAA State Grant, PACAC Scholarship, Horatio Alger Scholarship, CORE Philly Scholarship, Sue Wiseman Scholarship, and more.
Continue learning about Misericordia University at the Computer Science Department website.
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