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School of Education & Social Policy

Educating & Inspiring for Social Good

Inspired by our Augustinian values, Merrimack’s School of Education and Social Policy (SESP) prepares our students to be reflective and engaged educators, practitioners and advocates for the common good. Our students and alumni are in-demand teachers, counselors, social workers and criminology professionals who stand out in their fields.

Our approach links specialized training, personalized attention, theory, research and practice in the classroom and through community-based experiential learning  

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fall open house

Fall Open House

Sunday, December 7, 2025 
from 10:30 am 
to 3:30 pm

Learn more about our academic schools and programs, take an in-depth campus tour and meet members of our community! Open House attendees are eligible for on-the-spot admission decisions and an automatic $1,000 visit grant.

Register Now
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Nationally Ranked Online Master's Program:

top 100!

The School of Education and Social Policy’s Online Master in Education Program was ranked No. 97 by U.S. News and World Report in 2023.

Learn More About the Master in Education Program
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Career Outcomes Rate

95% of the undergraduate class of 2024 in the School of Education and Social Policy were employed full time, part time, participating in a service program, U.S. Armed Forces or enrolled in a program of continuing education at graduation.

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Experiential Learning

100% of the class of 2024 participated in at least one experiential learning opportunity while enrolled as an undergraduate student.

Graduate School

Merrimack, Endicott College, Emerson University, Regis
College, Suffolk University Law School, Boston College, Simmons University and Curry College are just some of the graduate programs SESP graduates are attending.

TOP HIRING & INTERNSHIP COMPANIES

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National Teacher Survey

The School of Education and Social Policy and EdWeek, an independent news organization that covers K–12 education, partner to survey the mindset and morale of public school teachers across the country. See 2023 Teacher Survey Results

Undergraduate Majors and Graduate Programs

SESP offers a number of undergraduate majors and minors, master’s degrees and graduate certificates for you to pursue. With online, hybrid and on-campus options, you’ll find a program that works best for you.

Criminology and Criminal Justice (B.A.)
Criminology and Criminal Justice (B.A.)
On Campus
Criminology and Criminal Justice (M.S.)
Criminology and Criminal Justice (M.S.)
Online
Curriculum and Instruction (M.Ed.)
Curriculum and Instruction (M.Ed.)
Online
Early Childhood Education PreK-2 (B.A.)
Early Childhood Education PreK-2 (B.A.)
Education, B.A., and Initial License Concentration
On Campus
Early Childhood Education PreK-2 (M.Ed.)
Early Childhood Education PreK-2 (M.Ed.)
Teacher Education, M.Ed., and Initial License Concentration
Online
Education (B.A.)
Education (B.A.)
On Campus
Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)
Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)
Online
Elementary Education 1-6 (B.A.)
Elementary Education 1-6 (B.A.)
Education, B.A., and Initial License Concentration
On Campus
Elementary Education 1-6 (M.Ed.)
Elementary Education 1-6 (M.Ed.)
Teacher Education, M.Ed., and Initial License Concentration
On Campus
English As a Second Language PreK-6 (M.Ed.)
English As a Second Language PreK-6 (M.Ed.)
Teacher Education, M.Ed., and Initial License Concentration
On Campus
Forensic Science (B.S.)
Forensic Science (B.S.)
Combined Major
On Campus
Higher Education (M.Ed.)
Higher Education (M.Ed.)
We are currently redesigning our higher ed master's degree.
On Campus, Hybrid
Human Development and Human Services (B.A.)
Human Development and Human Services (B.A.)
On Campus
Human Development and Human Services (B.A.)
Human Development and Human Services (B.A.)
With Education as a Co-Major
On Campus
Human Services (B.A.)
Human Services (B.A.)
Bachelor's Degree Completion Program
Online
Middle School 5-8 and High School 8-12 Education (M.Ed.)
Middle School 5-8 and High School 8-12 Education (M.Ed.)
Teacher Education, M.Ed., and Initial License Concentration
On Campus
Middle School Education 5-8 and High School Education 8-12 (B.A.)
Middle School Education 5-8 and High School Education 8-12 (B.A.)
Education, B.A., and Initial License Concentration
On Campus
Moderate Disabilities PreK-8 (B.A.)
Moderate Disabilities PreK-8 (B.A.)
Education, B.A., and Initial License Concentration
On Campus
Moderate Disabilities PreK-8 (M.Ed.)
Moderate Disabilities PreK-8 (M.Ed.)
Teacher Education, M.Ed., and Initial License Concentration
On Campus
Nonprofit Management and Community Engagement (M.Ed.)
Nonprofit Management and Community Engagement (M.Ed.)
Online
School Counseling Dual Degree (B.A. and M.Ed.)
School Counseling Dual Degree (B.A. and M.Ed.)
5-year bachelor's to master's program
On Campus
Social Work Dual Degree (B.A. and M.S.W.)
Social Work Dual Degree (B.A. and M.S.W.)
5-year bachelor's to master's program
On Campus
Speech-Language Pathology (M.S.)
Speech-Language Pathology (M.S.)
On Campus
STEM Education (B.A.)
STEM Education (B.A.)
With Education as a Co-Major
On Campus
Teacher Education (M.Ed.)
Teacher Education (M.Ed.)
Flexibility to choose between online or on-campus classes for each course.
On Campus, Online, Hybrid
Undecided (B.S. or B.A.)
Undecided (B.S. or B.A.)
Undeclared major? Undecided students can explore different fields of study while staying on track for graduation.
On Campus
CUSTOMIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE

EXPLORE THE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION AND SOCIAL POLICY

Explore all that the School has to offer inside and outside of the classroom to tailor your experience to your unique needs, goals and dreams. 

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Northeast STEM Network

The Northeast STEM Network cultivates interest and engagement in STEM education and careers. It is a collaborative initiative led by Merrimack College and Salem State University.

Teacher working with young child

MINTS

The Merrimack Institute for New Teacher Support (MINTS) provides a supportive community for new and early teachers.

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Graduate Fellowships

Education and social policy fellowships offer unparalleled professional experience while significantly reducing graduate degree costs.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Lily Williams“The academic advisors helped me navigate my requirements to graduate, as well as what MTELS I needed to take. 

I was so nervous to take them, but because my wonderful advisors helped me plan out when to take them, I passed them with no problem before graduation.”

 

Lily Williams ’22, M’23
Education Major
4th Grade Special Education Teacher, Norton, MA

Student, Faculty & Staff Highlights

PNG image - Sophie Stetson
Undergraduate Student
"The professors in our program have always taught me to never give up and to keep persisting. Even when something, whether it be in school or in my personal life, you can never give up. They've taught me that while at school I will always have a professor that will stick up for me when I need."
Sophie Stetson '26
Human Development and Human Services, Education Major, Early Childhood Education Concentration
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Graduate Alumni
"The School of Education and Social Policy has given me the confidence to achieve my goal of being a school counselor. I have developed personal relationships with my professors, who have provided me with inspiration and support."
Michael Belanger '23, M '24
Masters in School Counseling
Ava Keamy 1
Undergraduate Student
“The School of Education and Social Policy has helped me grow both personally and professionally by giving me hands on experiences in real classrooms. My favorite thing is how supportive and inspiring the professors are, they truly want every student to succeed and make a difference.”
Ava Keamy '27
Human Development and Human Services, Education Major, Early Childhood Education Concentration
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Graduate Student
"I love the academics at Merrimack because the strong support systems empower me to challenge myself and turn every obstacle into an opportunity for growth and success."
Stella Benedetto '25
Human Development & Human Services Major
IMG_0157 - Anthony DiSanto
Undergraduate Alumni
“I interned St. Ann’s Home in Methuen, MA and some of my responsibilities included caring for children of varying ages, mental abilities, and familial statuses. Being able to understand that there is no one solution for all the children is critical in this line of work."
Anthony DiSanto '24
Criminology and Psychology Double Major
molly kueter
Double Warrior Alumni
“One thing I love about the Criminology and Criminal Justice professors is they all have experience in the field. Gaining classroom knowledge with real world examples and stories has been insightful and inspirational."
Molly Kueter '24, M '25
Human Development and Human Services, Criminology and Criminal Justice Double Major,
Masters in Higher Education
katherine willard
Faculty Member
"I was drawn to the robust offerings Merrimack College has to offer. I love being able to work in both the School Counseling program and the Master of Social Work program and share my passion with others."
Katherine Willard, Ed.S.
Assistant Professor of Practice & Director, Field Education, Master of Social Work
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Undergraduate Alumni
"A lesson I recently learned from a professor is that I shouldn't put myself in a box and limit myself, but rather keep my possibilities open. Merrimack sets itself apart from other colleges because of the care the professors show to all students.”
Emma Zimon '25
Elementary Education, Human Development and Human Services Double Major
Headshot Junior Year - Kaitlyn Svendsen
Double Warrior Alumni
"Merrimack felt like home from the day I toured its campus. The professors and faculty at Merrimack made my experience so positive and it was always evident that they cared about my success both in and out of the classroom."
Kaitlyn Svendsen '23, M '24
Masters in Teacher Education
SusanMarine
Faculty Member
"The School of Education and Social Policy is a fantastic place where future educators, counselors, and community leaders can develop not only the skills they need to be successful, but the dispositions they need to truly embody leadership."
Susan Marine, Ph.D.
Associate Dean, School of Education & Social Policy
Boucher (1) - Samantha Boucher
Graduate Alumni
"The faculty and staff at Merrimack are outstanding, it's very clear that they love their students and what they do! I could not have asked for better professors, advisors or fellowship supervisors."
Samantha Boucher M '24
Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Bridget Headshot - Bridget Slocum
Undergraduate Alumni
“Merrimack has very dedicated staff as I have multiple advisors that are always willing to meet and chat. If I ever felt lost, one of my advisors would have the answer and would talk me through the process."
Bridget Slocum '24
STEM Ed and Elementary Education Double Major
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Get Involved: Clubs & Organizations

There are endless opportunities to get involved at Merrimack and right within the School of Education and Social Policy.

Gain different perspectives, put learning into action and learn from peers and faculty advisors through one of our School of Education and Social Policy clubs:

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