Mercy College

What you'll study

The Liberal Arts & Sciences programme emphasises breadth and critical thinking. You will complete a core of general education courses in writing, quantitative reasoning, and research methods, then choose concentrations or elective clusters across disciplines such as literature, history, psychology, sociology, political science, biology and environmental studies. Typical modules include:

• Foundations of Academic Writing and Inquiry – academic writing, critical reading and argumentation.
• Research Methods and Statistics – qualitative and quantitative methods, data literacy.
• Interdisciplinary Seminars – topical seminars that draw on two or more disciplines.
• Humanities Electives – literature, philosophy, religious studies, languages.
• Social Science Electives – psychology, sociology, political science, economics.
• Science and Environmental Studies – introductory biology, environmental science or lab-based courses.
• Capstone Project or Senior Thesis – an independent project synthesising knowledge from across the programme.

The programme is structured to allow specialisation through concentration tracks or a customised set of electives. Practical options such as internships, community-based learning and study abroad are integrated so students can apply interdisciplinary learning to real-world contexts.

Entry requirements

Applicants are typically expected to hold a recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent. Admissions decisions consider academic transcripts, a personal statement that outlines intellectual interests and goals, and one or more academic references. Candidates without traditional qualifications are assessed on the basis of work experience, a portfolio of relevant work or an interview.

Applicants for whom English is not a first language must provide evidence of English proficiency through an approved test or prior study in English; specific score requirements are available from the college. Transfer applicants should submit college transcripts and may receive credit for appropriate prior coursework.

Career prospects

A Liberal Arts & Sciences degree from Mercy College prepares graduates for a wide range of careers by developing communication, analytical and problem-solving skills. Common career pathways include:

• Further study: graduate programmes in law, education, social work, public policy or discipline-specific master’s degrees.
• Business and management roles where critical thinking and communication are prized.
• Public service and non-profit work, including community outreach and programme coordination.
• Media, communications and marketing positions such as content development, digital media or public relations.
• Research assistantships or entry-level roles in education, social research or policy analysis.
• Healthcare administration, human resources and other professional services that value interdisciplinary judgement.

Graduates often combine the degree with internships, networking and practical experience to move into specialised careers or professional programmes.

Why study at Mercy College

Mercy College offers a liberal arts education with small class sizes and faculty who provide personalised mentorship. The college’s multiple campuses in the New York region and connections with local employers create ample internship and experiential-learning opportunities. The curriculum emphasises applied interdisciplinary skills and provides flexible pathways so students can tailor study to academic interests and career goals.

Students also benefit from on-campus support services, including career services, academic advising and opportunities for community engagement and study abroad, all of which help bridge academic learning and professional preparation.