School of Education and Social Policy

Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Community Engagement | Criminology & Criminal Justice | Early Childhood Education | Education | Educational Leadership | Higher Education | Human Development & Human Services | School Counseling | Social Work | STEM Education | Teacher Education

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  

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.

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Career Outcomes Rate

96% of the School of Education and Social Policy’s undergraduate class of 2023 were either employed, participating in voluntary service, or continuing their education within nine months of graduation. 

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Student-Faculty Ratio

With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, you will get to know your professors — experts who have literally been there and done that and want to help you do the same.

Graduate School

Northeastern University, Ottawa University, Vanderbilt University and Merrimack 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 minorsmaster’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.

Early Childhood Education PreK-2 (B.A.)
Education, B.A., and Initial License Concentration
On Campus
Early Childhood Education PreK-2 (M.Ed.)
Teacher Education, M.Ed., and Initial License Concentration
Online
Education (B.A.)
On Campus
Elementary Education 1-6 (B.A.)
Education, B.A., and Initial License Concentration
On Campus
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.)
Teacher Education, M.Ed., and Initial License Concentration
On Campus
Forensic Science (B.S.)
Combined major
On Campus
Higher Education (M.Ed.)
We are currently redesigning our higher ed master's degree.
On Campus, Hybrid
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.)
Education, B.A., and Initial License Concentration
On Campus
Moderate Disabilities PreK-8 (B.A.)
Education, B.A., and Initial License Concentration
On Campus
Moderate Disabilities PreK-8 (M.Ed.)
Teacher Education, M.Ed., and Initial License Concentration
On Campus
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.)
5-year bachelor's to master's program
On Campus
STEM Education (B.A.)
With Education as a Co-Major
On Campus
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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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.

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

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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

molly kueter
Undergraduate Student
“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
Human Development and Human Services, Criminology and Criminal Justice Double Major
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Graduate Student
"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
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 Student
“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
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Undergraduate 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
Headshot Junior Year - Kaitlyn Svendsen
Graduate Student
"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
RoryTannebaum
Faculty Member
"Our students leave our programs prepared and motivated to succeed. We constantly hear uplifting examples from our local partners of stories where our alumni continue to enrich and shape their communities beyond our campus."
Rory Tannebaum, Ph.D.
Department Chair and Associate Professor, Education
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Undergraduate Student
“A lesson I recently learned from a professor is that I shouldn't put myself in a box and limit myself, but rather keep possibilities open. Merrimack sets itself apart from other colleges because of the care they show to all students."
Emma Zimon '25
Elementary Education, Human Development and Human Services Double Major
Bridget Headshot - Bridget Slocum
Undergraduate Student
“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
serena cook
Graduate Student
"The Liberal Arts core education at Merrimack and the flexibility to choose from a variety of courses, allowed me to gain knowledge in so many different areas that really helped elevated my academic experience."
Serena Cook '23, M '24
Masters in Higher Education
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Graduate Student
"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
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
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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:

SCHOOL NEWS

More than 200 students representing all five schools proudly presented at locations across campus research work and projects across various disciplines.

NOTABLE & QUOTABLE

Kathryn Welby, Ed.D., associate professor of practice in the School of Education and Social Policy, has been awarded the New England Educational Research Kim Fries Early Career Award. This prestigious award is given to someone who has shown distinction within 10 years of receiving their doctoral degree.