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Educational Benefits for UPMC Employees

Mercyhurst University  is proud to affiliate with UPMC in offering professional development and continuing education opportunities.

Leaders in transforming health care, UPMC is known for embracing clinical and technological innovation, research, and education, while providing outstanding and compassionate patient care. Mercyhurst University shares these values and is proud to affiliate with UPMC in offering professional development and continuing education opportunities for UPMC employees of all levels.

From advanced nursing education to leadership training to cyber security and data innovations, Mercyhurst provides transformational educational experiences, preparing leaders to make a difference. Our flexible, student-centered programs — with online and on-campus options available — encourage critical skill acquisition and professional growth, with experienced full-time faculty supporting and engaging students through experiential coursework and personalized mentorship. 

Graduate Programs

Integrative Nursing Leadership

Master of Science in Nursing (online)

Designed for BSN-educated nurses looking to enhance their leadership skills, this online program a uniquely focused curriculum to help you advance in your professional development. Integrative health includes the engagement of patients as informed and empowered partners in health, leading to better health outcomes. With an emphasis on resiliency, patient safety, and integrative health, this MSN program prepares nurse leaders to apply health and well-being strategies with patient populations as well as the health care team members that they lead. To learn more, visit the MSN Program for Nurses webpage.

Organizational Leadership

Master of Science (online) | Graduate Certificate (online)

This program complements almost every academic and professional background, providing a theoretical and practical framework for professionals to articulate their own leadership philosophy and put leadership theories into practice in professional settings. The OL program is an excellent alternative for those considering MBA programs, though it differs in several key ways. Whereas MBA programs primarily focus on organizational rules and functions, the OL program emphasizes entrepreneurship, vision and strategy, team building, motivation and empowering others to meet needs. To learn more, visit the Organizational Leadership webpage.

Cyber Security

Master of Science (online or on campus) | Graduate Certificate (online)

Cyber Security prepares professionals to analyze cyber threats to computer systems, networks and networked devices, and protect those systems from cyber attacks. The program also addresses the legal, regulatory and ethical issues related to cyber security and privacy, and effectively communicate complex cyber security information. Successful completion of the program should allow grads to pass the CompTIA’s Security+ certification, ISC2’s Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) certification, and ISC2’s Associate designation. To learn more, visit the Cyber Security webpage.

R.N. to BSN Program

For nurses who have already completed an associate degree in nursing or a diploma in nursing, the RN to BSN Program offers the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in two years or less. This program combines asynchronous online nursing courses with occasional synchronous class meetings, which you can attend either on campus (Tuesday or Thursday evenings) or online via webcam, making for a flexible program that works with your schedule. You’ll develop the skills to deliver enhanced outcomes for your patients while advancing your career as a clinician, manager, educator, or scholar. To learn more, visit the RN to BSN Program webpage

RN to BSN tuition is set at only $325 per credit, making it one of the most affordable programs of its kind in the region. When you consider employer benefits and reimbursements, scholarships, grants and other sources of financial aid, many students can attend with little to no out-of-pocket cost.

Graduate Tuition and Admissions

In recognition of our nursing leaders, Mercyhurst has partnered with UPMC to offer a special MSN tuition rate of $300 per credit, a savings of nearly 30 percent. This special rate sets total cost for the 32-credit program, including registration costs, at $10,110. When considering available employer benefits and reimbursements, many students can earn an MSN with little to no out-of-pocket cost.

The Organizational Leadership master’s program $1,299 per course. At $433 per credit, that’s less than half the tuition price of comparable master’s programs. In the other graduate programs listed above, UPMC employees are eligible for special graduate tuition pricing of $1,755 per course ($585 per credit) — a discount of up to 30 percent.

Applicants for these graduate programs must submit:

  • A completed (free) online application
  • All official transcripts from accredited higher education institutions
  • One recommendation from a supervisor or faculty member

Applicants for the MSN program must also have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree (must be conferred) and an unencumbered RN license (any state).

Once you’ve been admitted and you’ve received your Mercyhurst student credentials, be sure to complete the UPMC Employer Reimbursement Enrollment Request Form.

For questions about the programs, tuition, or the admissions process, please contact Graduate Admissions at grad@mercyhurst.edu or 814-824-3351.

Online Learning

Mercyhurst University’s online master’s and graduate certificate programs are excellent options to develop the skills needed to advance your career from anywhere in the world. Mercyhurst provides online students with opportunities for engagement with classmates, direct connections with experienced faculty, and flexible, convenient coursework.

The curricula for these online programs are excellent fits for working professionals. As online learning has becoming increasingly popular in higher education, it is essential for colleges and universities to maintain the same educational standards across on-campus and online course delivery. Mercyhurst’s Office of Distance Learning ensures online course delivery is consistent and predictable for an engaging, rewarding student experience. 

Each online course is carefully mapped out to provide you with a guided learning experience. Courses progress sequentially, building on previous concepts to help you gain mastery of the course material. In addition to lectures and individual assignments, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with classmates and professors in real time through group projects, review sessions, debates and presentations. 

As with any Mercyhurst education, students benefit from close personalized attention from faculty, with opportunities to connect via email, phone, videochat, or office hours.

Undergraduate Programs

At the undergraduate level, Mercyhurst offers a wide variety of associate, bachelor’s, and certificate programs, including programs focused on health care, management, cyber security, communications, nursing (Practical Nursing and Registered Nursing), and more. Additional program flexibility and academic support are available for adult learners. To learn more about undergraduate degree opportunities, visit our Academics webpage.