Misericordia University to Partner with Lackawanna College to offer Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Program

Scranton, Pa. – Adult learners looking for a convenient way to earn a bachelor’s degree in the Lackawanna County area will benefit from a new partnership between Lackawanna College, Scranton, and Misericordia University of Dallas, Pa.

Misericordia University will establish a site for its highly successful EXPRESSWAY accelerated bachelor’s degree program at Lackawanna College’s (LC) Scranton Campus with classes beginning in January 2006. Adult learners with an associate’s degree or with a bachelor’s degree can earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, Management, Marketing, Information Technology, Professional Studies or Health Care Management in just over two years by attending convenient Wednesday evening or weekend classes in Scranton or choosing optional online courses.  Certificate programs in Health Care Management and Health Care Informatics are also available.

“Misericordia University has a quality relationship with Lackawanna College in accepting transfer students and developing articulation agreements that serve student needs and enable them to advance in their education,” says Dr. Michael MacDowell, president of CM. “We’re glad to be able to extend that partnership and dedication to serving our students to working adults and people with busy lives through EXPRESSWAY.”

Officials at LC share this sentiment. According to Lackawanna College President Raymond Angeli, “The majority of our students transfer to a four-year institution directly upon graduation to work toward a bachelor’s degree, but many others have wanted a program which would be available to them at our Scranton campus. This new link with Misericordia University will provide those students and others with a convenient way to gain a quality education while continuing their employment. And as importantly, this program is available at a reasonable price that is right in line with the per credit charges of our college.”

Classes are slated to begin during the first week of January. Students who enroll complete courses in either five or seven-week modules and attend class once a week. Most students will be able to earn their bachelor’s degree in just over two years. Student services will be provided at Lackawanna’s downtown Scranton campus by CM staff, including counseling, registration, etc. For the convenience of the student, textbooks can be purchased at the Lackawanna College bookstore. Other services will be provided via Misericordia University's “intranet” portal, CM CENTRAL. Assistance for students is also available at CM’s Adult Education offices in Dallas.

Misericordia University launched its first EXPRESSWAY program in 1999 by partnering with Luzerne County Community College in Nanticoke, Luzerne County. Since its inception there and other sites, over 400 students have earned their bachelor’s degree through the program. Its accelerated format, classroom instruction, and self-directed learning are designed specifically to accomodate the learning styles and schedules of working people or students with busy lives.

“We are very excited to partner with Lackawanna College to serve the needs of adult learners hoping to earn a bachelor’s degree,” says Tom O’Neill, director of Adult Education at Misericordia University. “Whether you live or work in Lackawanna County, you’ll have another option to earn your bachelor’s degree in an adult friendly, adult focused environment.”

A recent national survey of adult students from across the country by Noel-Levitz Center, Inc. placed Misericordia University's EXPRESSWAY program and all of its adult learning programs in the top percentile for student satisfaction, including access to advising, instructor effectiveness and overall customer service.

Lackawanna and Misericorida officials are also discussing new EXPRESSWAY majors that will serve the Lackawanna alumni specifically. “We will carefully review additional degree and certificate programs that can serve the needs of Lackawanna alumni and are consistent with Misericordia University's mission and strategic plan,” adds O’Neill. Late-afternoon classes are also being explored and will be evaluated based on demand and availibilty.

“I expect to see this program grow and expand,” said Frank Goskowski, LC’s Academic Dean. “It will provide our students with another way to meet their goals and build upon the educational opportunities that Lackawanna College strives to provide.”

The EXPRESSWAY tuition cost is an affordable $292 per credit, and CM financial aid counselors will be able to discuss any appropriate financial aid options with prospective students and applicants.

Lackawanna’s Scranton campus is located at 501 Vine Street in the city’s downtown section. The campus has available parking for students. The college was established in 1896 and offers associate degrees in 25 areas of study as well as certificate and continuing education programs.

EXPRESSWAY information sessions will be held at Lackawanna College’s Scranton Campus throughout the fall with specific dates and times to be announced shortly. Information sessions will also be held at Lackawanna’s Honesdale and Towanda campuses.

For more information on EXPRESSWAY, please call Misericordia University toll free at 1-866-CM and Me (866-262-6363), select option 1, then option 3, or visit on the web at misericordia.edu/expressway. Interested persons can also e-mail  or call Dr. Joseph J. Grilli, director of Corporate Outreach, at 570-674-6458  for more information.

Founded in 1924 by the Religious Sisters of Mercy, Misericordia University offers a combined 30 undergraduate and graduate majors in a variety of formats. The institution has been a pioneer in serving adult and non-traditional learners since its first class enrolled in 1924.