The Higher Education Review

The US remains the source of most of the world’s ground-breaking developments in technology, business, arts, and beyond. As a hub of world-class education, the US has always been a prominent name in encouraging innovation, research-based knowledge and experiential learning among students and making them professionally competent in their respective areas. Along with an international degree, US colleges and universities are providing ample international-level career opportunities and skill development programmes that can lead to career success. Grounded in the ideals of service, hospitality, and entrepreneurship, Mercyhurst University is a renowned fully accredited educational institution in Pennsylvania, US, that encourages the development of lifelong passion and engagement with the larger world. Inspired by the institute’s motto, ‘Carpe Diem’ (Latin for ‘Seize the Day’), Mercyhurst University’s faculty and students embrace innovation and leadership in service, as they make a difference on campus and around the world. By studying at Mercyhurst, you will take the first step towards a successful international career. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy, Mercyhurst University is an applied liberal arts university; this means the university focuses on educating the whole student, while also preparing them with both the strong education and the practical capabilities that they need to thrive in meaningful, successful careers. The university’s Mission Statement says: “Consistent with its Catholic identity and Mercy heritage, Mercyhurst University educates women and men in a culture where faith and reason flourish together, where the beauty and power of the liberal arts combine with an appreciation for the dignity of work and a commitment to serving others. Confident in the strength of its student-faculty bonds, the university community is inspired by the image of students whose choices, in life and work, will enable them to realize the human and spiritual values embedded in everyday realities and to exercise leadership in service toward a just world.”

Featuring internships, community services, fieldworks, research opportunities, study abroad options and other career-oriented projects, Mercyhurst’s more than 60 undergraduate programs and 12 master’s programs, many of which are available online,are well crafted to offer dynamic hands-on learning experiences to students.

“Our flexible curriculum of liberal arts and science courses affords you opportunities for meaningful collaborations and discussions, as you build critical thinking skills and form connections in new and exciting ways. The university’s international office works with students to set them up on CPT (Curricular Practical Training) so they can gain field experience before graduating. Notable internships include MCPc (a technology solutions provider with offices on campus), UNHCR, Ernst & Young, KPMG, and government agencies. A Mercyhurst education prepares you to succeed in a high-demand job or in graduate school, while also providing you with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to live a better, fuller, richer life,” affirms Angela Phillips, Associate Director of International Student Services and Admissions at Mercyhurst University. Some of the popular courses of study at the institute include Data Science, Cyber Security, Hospitality Management, Risk Management, Intelligence Studies, Business (International Business, Finance, Economics, Marketing, Management), and Public Health at the bache-lor’s level and programmes like Organizational Leadership, Applied Intelligence, Data Science, Cyber Security, and Cyber Risk Management at the master’s level.

A Mercyhurst education prepares you to succeed in a high-demand job or in graduate school, while also providing you with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to live a better, fuller, richer life

The university’s state-of-the-art resources, accomplished faculty, national recognition, and its unique focus on student-faculty relationships enable students to learn the value of interconnectedness of the human experience, service to others to improve the well-being of communities, and resilience in the face of adversity. Rishi Mehta, Data Engineer at Solar Mosaic, Inc, San Francisco recalls his experience with Mercyhurst University and his decision to move to the US in 2015 for higher studies in Data Science, which was a novel course at that time. “The major motivation and the sold-out factor for me to choose Mercyhurst University was the ‘coursework’. The Mercyhurst University had very aptly identified and included the ‘top-notch’ and ‘hot in market’ coursework for MS in Data Science which not only helped me to gain knowledge academically but also career-wise to be successful at my job duties.” Rishi continues, “The teaching is majorly focused on practical assignments and real-world projects. Data Science coursework is best taught, with hands-on learning and is less inclined to theoretical aspects. Professors made sure to know how best to tackle each academic problems with creativity and real-world examples.” Mercyhurst ensures that the students in every academic programme get suitable opportunities to put the lessons learned in

the classroom into practice, thus leading to career success.

Immerse Yourself in the Mesmerizing
Gothic Architecture
Located in Erie, Pennsylvania, on a hill overlooking Lake Erie, Mercyhurst University’s 75-acre campus is known as one of the most beautiful in the region. To add to its fascinating appeal, elements of English Gothic architecture are carried throughout the university’s Old Main, academic buildings and student residence halls. As you walk under the Gothic arches and across the grassy quads and redbrick plazas, you’ll find spots on campus for everything from quiet study to a pickup game of Frisbee.

Every nook and corner of the campus reflects the diversity of thoughts, backgrounds, and interests, plus an array of activities, sports events, and cultural and performing arts conducted through more than 80 student clubs and 25 varsity athletic teams. It’s not uncommon to see musicians, varsity athletes, chemists, and student government representatives hanging out together, a profound example of the open-mindedness that permeates the student body. Sudhir Bhapkar, a Data Analyst and Software Developer based in Pennsylvania and an alumnus of Mercyhurst University, shares, “Mercyhurst University has a multi-culture environment on the campus; periodically they arrange different multi-culture events. I could participate in most of those events. With these events, every student gets a chance to represent their country and culture through arts, food, games and more. Mercyhurst University is one of the best Universities to pursue higher education in all means.”

Students, faculty, and staff at Mercyhurst come from more than 50 different countries, including India. For all of them, it is something beyond a university. “Mercyhurst University prides itself on fostering valuable student-faculty interactions. Our faculty take a vested interest in each and every student and for this reason, our students have meaningful experiences with personalized guidance from their professors. We offer a vibrant social life and an extended family atmosphere. These sorts of relationships flourish at Mercyhurst, which is why many students come to view our campus as their home away from home,” Angela concluded.

Angela Phillips, Associate Director of International Student Services and
Admissions
Angela Phillips earned her bachelor’s in history and her master’s in Organizational Leadership from Mercyhurst University. She has studied and worked in the Czech Republic, South Korea, and Japan. Forever a Mercyhurst Laker at heart, her passion is connecting international students with the city and university she loves.