Immaculata University
College of Graduate Studies
Immaculata is a fully accredited Catholic liberal arts university. Founded in 1920 by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the university began the College of Graduate Studies in 1983. The expansion of program offerings in the College of Graduate Studies is only one example in the university's history of Immaculata's continuing commitment to meeting the needs of a rapidly changing, highly complex and diversified society. Immaculata's tradition of excellence and creative, responsive innovation is exemplified in its College of Graduate Studies, now in its 25th year. Total enrollment at Immaculata University is approximately 2,700. The graduate student body of 1200 women and men comprises recent college graduates, professionals with several years of experience in their field, and those returning to study after a number of years.
The Community
Immaculata's 390-acre campus overlooks the rapidly growing Chester Valley and is located in Frazer, Pennsylvania, on the Main Line, about 20 miles west of Philadelphia. Proximity to Philadelphia provides access to a great many cultural, academic and recreational facilities. The university's close working relationships with the surrounding community offer excellent resources for internships, practica, and professional experiences.
Programs of study and degree requirements
Immaculata University offers programs of study leading to the Master of Arts in applied communication, counseling psychology, cultural and linguistic diversity (bilingual studies and teaching English to speakers of others languages), educational leadership and administration, music therapy, nutrition education (with an ADA dietetic internship), and organizational leadership ( with concentrations in organizational effectiveness and health care). Also available are curricula leading to the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in educational leadership and administration and to the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in clinical psychology, and the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in clinical School Psychology. Pennsylvania certification for school nurses, school superintendents, intermediate unit directors, elementary and secondary school teachers, school psychologists, elementary and secondary school guidance counselors, principals, special education teachers, and supervisor for curriculum and instruction, special education, and specialty areas is also offered. Certificates are available in teaching English to speakers of others languages (TESOL), organizational effectiveness, existential-humanistic theoriesand applications and health care.
The total semester hours required in each master's program are as follows: 48 credits in counseling psychology (51 with elementary or secondary school counselor certification; 60 with school psychologist certification); 36 credits in cultural and linguistic diversity; 36 credits in educational leadership (9 additional credits for principal certification and 9 additional credits for elementary certification): 60 credits in music therapy; 39 credits in nursing, 45 credits in nutrition education; 39 credits in organizational leadership and 36credits in applied communication.
An unusual feature of the programs is the liberal arts focus in the required 9-credit core curriculum. The core, along with course work in the area of specific concentration, provides an integrative, holistic, and humanistic approach to graduate education. Through close, ongoing advisement, the curriculum and available career counseling, each student's personal development is assisted and monitored while he or she acquires the strong theoretical and practical preparation necessary for responsible professional practice.
The College of Graduate Studies is sensitive to the needs of the adult learner. Classes are offered in the late afternoon, evenings and weekends to accommodate both part-time and full-time students. Innovative accelerated courses covering special topics are offered in intensive time blocks for elective credit or seminar experience.
Students leaving Immaculata University's graduate programs typically are quickly engaged in positions with the helping professions. Many students come to Immaculata University's graduate programs to study part-time, while continuing their full-time employment with an eye toward advancement as a result of their studies. Other graduates report that their degree at Immaculata University has allowed them to make a complete career change, and that they have generally found employment within a few months of graduation in fields that are closely allied to their studies. Employers frequently report their satisfaction with the quality and depth of preparation they find in the Immaculata graduates they hire.
Facilities & Resources
Gabriele Library is a freestanding 52,000 square-foot library offering a quite place to study with the latest advances in Internet and electronic access. With subscriptions to Sage Premiere, PsycArticles, PsycBooks, Academic Search, CINAHL, Proquest Nursing, Business Source, JSTOR and LEXIS-NEXIS the Gabriele Library serves the needs of students researching in the areas of education, psychology, business, science, humanities, health and other fields by providing access to over 19,000 journals. These resources are in addition to the fully-integrated on-line book catalog. The library provides students with wireless connectivity, an
Expenses and Aid
Tuition is $540 per credit for 500- and 600-level courses and $750 per credit for 700-level courses. The practicum fee varies with the program. The graduation fee is approximately $100.
Housing
Limited on-campus housing may be available, although most students commute to campus. The College is located in a rapidly growing suburban area offering many off-campus housing options, the cost of which varies widely.
Financial Aid
Seventy percent of the students receive financial aid, Federal Stafford Student Loans (subsidized and unsubsidized) and Federal Perkins Loans are available to students enrolled at least half-time in any degree seeking program. The Federal Work-Study Program is open to graduate students. Merit scholarships are awarded in a competitive process.
How to Apply/ Application
The deadline for those seeking admission to the Psy.D. programs are January 15 for a Summer start and February 1 for a Fall start. Application deadlines for the Ed.D. programs are June 1 for a Fall start, November 1 for a Spring start and March 1 for a Summer start. The application fee is $50. Applications to the master's and certification/certificate programs are welcomed throughout the year and should be accompanied by a $40 application fee.
Applicants are to forward official transcripts of all completed undergraduate and graduate work, three recommendations from academic and professional sources, and a writing sample. Application materials, interview appointments, and campus visit information are available by writing, calling, or e-mailing the College of Graduate Studies, Immaculata University. Open houses are held three times per year in March, July and October.
Additional requirements include acceptable scores on either the Miller Analogies Test or the Graduate Record Examinations. Music therapy applicants are required to take a music entrance examination. Educational leadership and administration program candidates must provide a copy of their teaching certificate. Applicants should contact the Graduate Office for more specific requirements and information.
Who to contact
Executive Director of Graduate Admission
Immaculata University
1145 King Road
Immaculata, Pennsylvania 19345-0500
Telephone: 610-647-4400 Ext.3211 or 3212
Fax: 610-993-8550
E-Mail: srollison@immaculata.edu