Fellowship FAQs

FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM OVERVIEW

How do I apply?
Click on the Apply Now button to the right.  This link will direct you to our application portal, where you will be required to create an account by registering a username and password. Registering an account will allow you to start an application, save, and then log back in at any time to continue to work on it before you submit.  Essays, your resume, and any additional documents may be uploaded electronically through the application portal.  For more details, visit application information. 

When will I be notified of my acceptance into the Fellowship program?

Applicants for the Education Fellowship will be notified by April 12, 2013 of their acceptance into the program.

Applicants for the Higher Education and Community Engagement programs will be notified of their acceptance into the Master’s of Education program the week of March 4.  Applicants may also be invited to interview for a Fellowship placement at Match Day on March 14, 2013.  On that day, candidates meet and interview with potential site placements. Applicants will then be notified of their acceptance into the fellowship program the week of March 18. Students offered a fellowship placement must accept or decline by April 15.

Is there a wait list?
Some students may be placed on a wait list.  Students may be offered a fellowship as additional placements become available through the spring and early summer.   

Do I get to choose my Fellowship placement?
Candidates for the Higher Education and Community Engagement programs will participate in an interview day that brings together site supervisors and potential Fellows. Through this process, site supervisors and students provide feedback and rank their preferences. Great care is taken to match students with appropriate Fellowship placement sites.

If I am not selected for a full-time Fellowship program, can I enroll at Merrimack College as a part-time student?
Yes! Applicants not selected for a Fellowship program may be offered acceptance into the traditional program. A separate application is not required.

What happens if there is no “match”?
Students who are not “matched” are still accepted to the master’s program and may be offered a place on the wait-list for other Fellowship opportunities. Students may also choose to enroll and attend the program as a traditional student.

How many hours per week are expected at the Fellowship sites?
Teacher Education Fellows are expected to be in their school for the full school-day, from August through June. (The start date varies based on the school/district calendar.)

Higher Education and Community Engagement Fellows are expected at their site for 25 hours per week, mid-August until mid-May. The exact daily schedule will be determined between the Fellow and the site supervisor.

What type of work will I be doing at my Fellowship site?
Teacher Education Fellows perform the duties of a classroom teacher, as well as act as a member of the school staff. Fellows participate in numerous in-class and out-of-class activities which prepare them to become classroom teachers.  

Higher Education and Community Engagement Fellows help build capacity for organizations through multiple project-based duties.  Fellows are able to review job descriptions as part of the matching process in order to have an initial understanding of projects and responsibilities. Fellows work with their site supervisor and Merrimack Fellowship supervisor.                 

ACADEMIC

What does a typical course schedule look like for a Fellowship student?
All Fellows begin their coursework in the summer, and begin working at placement sites in mid-August. All programs have core courses, but Fellows also have the opportunity to select electives through advisement with the academic director of the program.

Can I transfer in graduate credits from another institution?
Yes, Merrimack College will accept up to eight (8) credits in transfer, provided they are from an accredited institution and directly relate to the master’s program. Transcript evaluation will be completed after acceptance into the program.

What is the minimal GPA that I need to maintain during the program to keep my Fellowship?
All Fellows must maintain a GPA of 3.0 to remain in the Fellowship program.

When is graduation?
All 2013-2014 Fellowship students will be eligible to participate in Commencement in May 2014.


FINANCIAL

What is covered through the Fellowship program?
The Fellowship program covers the tuition for a 36-credit master’s degree. Students are responsible for fees, books, housing, transportation, and any other expense accrued during the academic year.

Is Financial Aid available?
Fellowship students are eligible to receive financial aid to help with non-tuition expenses while in the program, and are encouraged to complete a FAFSA form as soon as possible. Contact the Office of Financial Aid at 978-837-5186 or financialaid@merrimack.edu for more information.

Do Fellows receive a stipend?
Fellows receive $2,000 “Mack Bucks” for the 2013-2014 academic year which go onto their Mack Card. These funds may be used toward the purchase of food in any Merrimack dining facilty, books in the bookstore, or fees.

HOUSING

Is on-campus housing available?
There is a limited amount of housing on campus for graduate students, and it is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.  The Office of Residence Life can also assist students in finding and securing off-campus housing close to Merrimack College.