Communication, Public Service & Community Leadership Fellowships

Apply Now: 2026-27 Graduate Fellowships at Merrimack College

Merrimack College, a top-tier, selective institution in Greater Boston, offers Graduate Fellowships in Communication, Public Service & Community Leadership programs. These fellowships provide hands-on experience, professional networking, and the opportunity to complete your master’s degree while saving 50–100% on tuition.

As a Graduate Fellow, you may:

• Lead public engagement and community outreach initiatives.
• Support organizational and community systems.
• Design and implement strategic communications for Merrimack College or partner organizations.

Available Fellowship Programs:

• M.A. Communication
• M.S. Criminology and Criminal Justice
• Master’s in Nonprofit Management & Community Engagement
• Master of Public Administration

Fellowship Details:

• Duration: 9-month professional experience, Aug 2026 – May 2027
• Hours: 25/week (Presidential, 100% tuition) or 15/week (Provost, 50% tuition)
• Location: Primarily in-person on Merrimack’s campus or surrounding communities; select online/hybrid Nonprofit Management fellowships available

Eligibility:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 3.0 GPA preferred (lower GPAs considered with additional evaluation)
• Authorized to work 25 hours/week in the U.S.
• Fellowships are in-person roles* located either on Merrimack’s campus in North Andover, MA, or surrounding communities

Benefits:

• Real-world experience in communication, criminal justice, nonprofit management, or public administration
• Professional networking with experienced field practitioners
• 50–100% tuition scholarship*
• Career development opportunities
• Please note that fellowships do not cover additional program fees (e.g. books, software and technology, academic support, wellness, etc.).

*Fellows are responsible for additional program fees (books, software, academic support, wellness, etc.)

Application Process:

1. Apply at gps.merrimack.edu/apply
2. Select “Yes” for “Are you applying to a fellowship?”
3. Submit the Fellowship essay
4. Admission decision followed by fellowship placement instructions

Key Dates:

Priority Fellowship Application Deadline: February 1, 2026

• Initial Rankings Form Available: February 5, 2026
• Initial Rankings Deadline: February 13, 2026
• Fellowship Interviews: March 2-5, 2026
• Post-Interview Rankings Deadline: March 6, 2026
• Match Decisions: Late March 2026
• First Day of Fellowship Training: August 2026
• Duration of Fellowship Placement: August 2026 to late May 2027

We strongly encourage you to apply as soon as possible for your best chance at a preferred placement. Applications will be accepted until all fellowship positions have been filled.

More Information & Program Links:

• Graduate Fellowships Overview
• Criminal Justice & Nonprofit Fellowships
• Communication & Public Administration Fellowships
• Upcoming Info Sessions & Graduate Events
• Next Fellowship Info Session: Jan 13, 2026 – Register Here

• Unpaid fellowship position
• Tuition reimbursement:
  • Presidential Fellowship: 100% tuition coverage
  • Provost Fellowship: 50% tuition coverage

*Fellows are responsible for additional program fees (books, software, academic support, wellness, etc.)

• Hands-on, real-world experience
• Professional networking with field experts and potential employers
• Graduate tuition savings of 50–100%
• Career development and mentorship opportunities while completing a master’s degree
• Access to Merrimack College campus resources and community events

English Required: Applicants must be able to read, write, and communicate effectively in English for coursework, fellowship responsibilities, and professional interactions.