Mercy College
MerLIN Online Learning Program
Dobbs Ferry, NY 10533
Distance Learning Program
MerLIN, the Mercy Long-distance Instructional Network, offers courses without time restrictions, wherever students have access to the Internet. The same high-quality educational experience is available online as in Mercy's traditional courses. There are currently more than 3,000 students matriculated for degrees or taking individual courses in the program. Each semester more than 200 courses are offered through MerLIN. Courses are convenient but not self-paced. Faculty members have incorporated weekly online discussions and Web-based activities and assignments in their MerLIN courses. Students must be prepared to log in to their courses a minimum of three times per week.
Learning and communication in a MerLIN course takes place in a group environment with other students and the professor. Courses incorporate streaming media for audio and video, hyperlinks, and synchronous chat. Students enrolling in a MerLIN course must have basic computer and Internet skills, including word processing, e-mail, and Web searching. Access to a computer with a modem (at least 56 kbs) as well as an Internet service provider is necessary. A sound card and speakers are recommended
All Online Learning Program courses are taught by experienced Mercy College faculty members. More than 80 percent of the 75 faculty members teaching in the program have a doctorate or other terminal degree
Programs of Study
The Online Learning Program offers the Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in banking, Master of Science in direct marketing, Master of Science in Internet business systems, Bachelor of Arts in business administration, Bachelor of Science in computer science, Bachelor of Science in psychology, and Associate of Arts or Associate of Science in liberal studies degrees.
College services available to the traditional student are provided to distance learning students, including access to the College's library, computer support, and student advising. Individual and group tutoring is available to students studying via MerLIN. An online bookstore allows students to purchase all textbooks via the Internet.
Mercy College accepts transfer credit from accredited institutions of higher education. In order to have credits accepted in transfer, a student must be matriculated in a degree program, and the credits must be applicable to degree requirements. A maximum of 75 credits may be accepted in transfer from an accredited two-year institution and a maximum of 90 credits from a four-year institution. Up to 18 credits can be earned through CLEP's general examinations.
Applying for Distance Education
All students are required to have an admission interview. Individual arrangements can be made for telephone interviews. Some applicants may be required to take a placement examination. Individual graduate and undergraduate programs may have additional requirements
Students may complete an application on line or on paper via mail. First-time distance learning students are required to take an online orientation course that covers the basics of how to log in, participate in courses, send and receive messages, and access the online resources.
Costs
Undergraduate tuition in 2000-01 was $4250 per semester for 12 to 18 credits and $355 per credit for less than 12 credits. Graduate tuition was $435 per credit for M.B.A., M.S. in direct marketing, and M.S. in Internet business systems programs and $525 per credit for the M.S. in banking program. There is a $35 application fee for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Financial Aid
Financial assistance is available in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and employment for eligible matriculated students. All students requesting financial assistance are requested to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Mercy College awarded $310,000 in scholarships and $1.5 million in grants to students last year.
For Additional Information
Joy Colelli, Vice President of Enrollment Management
Dr. Frank McCluskey, Director of Online Learning
Mercy College
555 Broadway
Dobbs Ferry, New York 10533
Telephone: 914-674-7527
Fax: 914-674-7382