International Baccalaureate (IB) Program
The International Baccalaureate Program at Mercyhurst Prep provides Lakers with a worldview education that encourages an understanding and appreciation of other cultures, languages, and points of view. This philosophy of education leads to inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. The IB program at Mercyhurst encourages students “to become active, compassionate, and lifelong learners who understand that other people with their differences can also be right” (ibo.org).
Why IB?
The International Baccalaureate program is based on the concept that secondary education should promote the development of the lifelong skills of critical thinking, communication, and integration of the information through an in-depth study of the major areas of knowledge.
- Our IB students surpassed the national SAT average by almost 334 points!
- Mercyhurst Prep is one of over 5400 schools in 159 countries around the globe that are part of the prestigious International Baccalaureate Organization. There are 1.95 million students participating in IB programs worldwide. Successful completion of the program earns the student a diploma/certificate recognized for university admission and for course credit at many colleges and universities throughout the world. The IB’s greatest value, however, lies in its intrinsic worth as a challenge and a symbol of the greater achievement to which the student has aspired.
- Quality universities are asking: “Are you an IB student?”
Where did IB originate?
A group of talented, forward-thinking teachers at the International School of Geneva, with assistance from several international schools, created the IB Diploma Program in 1968. What started as a single program for internationally mobile students preparing for university has today grown into four programs for students aged 3 to 19 with schools in 159 countries offering IB programs to almost two million students worldwide. Mercyhurst Prep is the region’s premier IB school.
Why are educators, families, and MPS Lakers drawn to this program?
Families and educators respect the quality of its curriculums and assessments, challenging coursework and its successful pedagogical practices. The IB program also offers rich opportunities, including college credits for post-secondary studies. Most importantly though, the IB program meets the need for intercultural awareness in our changing world and encourages students to become active, life-long learners. Lakers who earn an IB Diploma develop a greater understanding of and appreciate differences in people, allowing them to succeed in a global economy.
Documents & Forms
How does IB differ from AP?
IB is an international and comprehensive diploma program, rather than a national program where students may choose to enroll in a few selected courses. IB students are engaged in a philosophy of education that values more than a collection of facts and teaches students how to learn and promotes a love of learning. Educators note that IB students tend to ask more challenging questions and develop a strong sense of their own identity and culture. They also develop superb writing skills and the ability to communicate and understand people from other countries and cultures.
IB…
| Fosters critical thinking |
| Students write and speak with proficiency |
| Students can apply concepts and creative thinking |
| A cerebral approach to learning |
| Based on classroom work as well as exams |
| Teachers work as a team across the curriculum |
| Focuses on all academic disciplines and promotes a well-rounded education |
| Students speak more than one language |
| IB coursework is comparable to college-level learning |
| Promotes open-mined, intercultural understanding, and respect |
What is the Diploma Program and what are the advantages of earning an International Baccalaureate diploma?
The IB Diploma Program is a challenging two-year curriculum that is widely recognized by the world’s leading universities. Recipients of the IB diploma earn automatic standings at some of the most selective colleges and universities. MPS IB graduates have thrived at Ivy League schools, the military academies and other top-ranked universities in the US and abroad. Students are well prepared for college coursework and can earn up to 30 college credits. Studies show that students from IB high schools consistently attain higher GPAs and graduation rates in colleges and universities.
What are the benefits of a Mercyhurst Prep IB Diploma?
In addition to the tangible benefits of substantial scholarships, university credits, advanced placement, and a dual diploma, IB students learn a far greater understanding of the global economy and many seek global opportunities. Laker graduates have studied in China, Belgium, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Scotland and Morocco among other places.
- Earns course credits at many colleges and universities worldwide, potentially resulting in substantial college tuition savings.
- Average acceptance rate at top-ranked universities is 22% higher than the average acceptance rate of the total population.
- MPS IB students regularly surpass the National SAT average by 300+ points.
- Exceptional preparation for university work.
- A curriculum consistent throughout the world with transferrable credentials — many countries and provinces do not recognize high school diplomas.
- Experience conducting independent research.
- Bilingual skills to converse in a language other than a Laker’s native tongue.
- International perspective prepares Lakers for living and working abroad.
- Focus on analysis, synthesis, comparative inquiry, logic, responsibility, and morality.
What are the core requirements for an IB Diploma?
Lakers complete six courses in these subject areas: literature, history, math, science, world languages and the arts or an alternative. Additionally, they are required to craft an extended 4,000 word essay exploring a topic of individual interest using independent research and writing skills; complete Theory of Knowledge (TOK) – an interdisciplinary course exploring connections among the various areas of knowledge. In addition to coursework, service is required (Creativity, Activity, Service). Lakers can aspire to earn certificates in one or more subject areas or strive for the complete International Baccalaureate diploma.
IB FAQs
How many schools/students participate in IB programs?
There are 5,400 schools in 159 countries authorized to offer IB programs. There are 1.95 million students participating in IB programs worldwide.
Why is the International Baccalaureate considered a better education?
According to various universities and colleges, International Baccalaureate is a better education because:
- It is a diploma, not a set of discrete exams
- Assessment measures higher order thinking
- Students pursue six subject areas across the curriculum
- Students complete a 4,000-word extended essay
- Students complete a course in Theory of Knowledge
What are some of the colleges and universities that give credit for successfully completing IB courses?
Allegheny College
Boston College
Brown University
Bryn Mawr College
Boston University
Bucknell University
Carnegie-Mellon University
Case Western Reserve University
College of Wooster
Cornell University
Dickinson College
Drexel College
Duquesne University
Gannon University
Georgetown University*
Harvard-Radcliffe University
Indiana University
Juniata University
Lehigh University
Mercyhurst College
Ohio State University
Penn State University
Rochester Institute of Technology
St. Bonaventure University
State Universities of New York
Syracuse University
Universities of California
University of Cincinnati
University of Dayton
University of Michigan
University of Notre Dame
University of Pennsylvania-Philadelphia
University of Pittsburgh
University of Virginia
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
* Will accept IB credit from diploma holders only
IB Program Overview
With IB earn:
- Substantial scholarships
- University credits at a U.S. or international university
- Advanced placement
- Both an IB and a Mercyhurst Prep Diploma
- Global opportunities (MPS graduates have studied in China, Belgium, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Austria, Scotland and Morocco among other places)
Students may also pursue IB Certificates in individual subjects in combination with our honors and college prep curricula!
Course Offerings:
- Language A (English) Literature SL, HL
- Language B (French or Spanish) SL
- History SL, HL
- World Religions SL
- Biology SL, HL
- Sports, Exercise and Health Science SL
- Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches SL, HL
- Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations SL
- Music SL, HL
- Art History SL
- Visual Arts SL, HL
Core requirements (diploma candidates only):
- Course in Theory of Knowledge
- 4,000 word Extended Essay in a chosen subject area
- Demonstrated Creativity, Activity, Service