The University has a centralized Admissions Office to serve all prospective student applicants - undergraduate, graduate and non-degree. This centralized structure honors the University’s commitment to lifelong learning and to offer a more fluid and comprehensive service for those seeking access to a quality educational experience.
Degree-seeking Admission
Philosophy
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology seeks to admit students from a variety of backgrounds. Many factors are considered in the review of applicant files. The student’s motivation and interest in science or technology and academic potential, which is generally assessed by the courses completed and grades earned in secondary school, are the key elements in considering the applicant for acceptance. The applicant’s interest in science and technology is evaluated by reviewing educational records and reading the goal statement that each applicant must submit as part of the application process.
Undergraduate Admission Process
There is no application deadline. A high school student is encouraged to apply during the fall or early spring of the senior year in high school. An adult learner is encouraged to apply at least two months prior to the start of any semester. This application process allows ample time to be accepted, develop an academic schedule, and to process financial aid applications (if applicable).
Undergraduate Admission Requirements
Each applicant’s candidacy is evaluated once all admissions materials have been received. Offers of admission are made to qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The undergraduate admission process requires the applicant to:
- complete the application online at www.HarrisburgU.edu/Apply or a paper application;
- submit an official high school transcript or equivalent (required of applicants transferring less than 30 semester hours; encouraged of applicants transferring more than 30 semester hours). A student who has successfully completed the General Educational Development (GED) test may submit an official copy of the scores in lieu of the high school transcript. Documentation of successful completion of high school must be received prior to the end of the first semester of enrollment;
- submit official college transcript(s), if applicable, for any and all college, university or career/trade schools attended (whether or not academic credit was earned);
- submit a personal goal statement: “I am interested in science and technology because…” This statement may be handwritten, emailed or typed, and should be two to four paragraphs in length, or approximately one full page; and,
- submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) when the applicant’s native language is not English. For specific score requirements, see TOEFL and IELTS section at the end of this chapter.
- High school students applying for admission to the University should have a minimum high school grade point average of 2.75 or higher.
Optional materials:
- be interviewed - preferably in person during a campus visit or by telephone;
- submit results of standardized test scores from the SAT or ACT (optional, but recommended for those in high school); and,
- submit a letter of recommendation (preferably from someone who can attest to the student’s work ethic, motivation and strengths, or from a teacher in a subject area tied to the student’s academic field of interest).
Required Placement Testing
In order to give the student the best opportunity for success, completion of the University’s placement testing program is required of all new undergraduate students - degree-seeking, nondegree- seeking or dual enrollment, regardless of full-time or part-time status. Placement tests are not an entrance examination. The tests measure skills in English, mathematics, and reading.
A student who has demonstrated satisfactory achievement via college transcripts or the equivalent is exempt from the placement tests. A non-native speaker of English must substitute completion of the English placement test with the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
Non-Degree Admission
Philosophy
The University offers various non-degree programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, in the form of individual courses, a specialized series of courses, and certificates. Semester hours earned become part of the student’s academic record and can be applied to a degree as defined by the appropriate policy and program requirements.
The University also offers professional development experiences in the form of certificate options, workshops, and seminars, which can be taken on a non-credit or audit basis.
In some cases, courses may have prerequisites that must be met prior to registration.
Undergraduate Non-Degree Admission Process
There is no application deadline. An applicant is encouraged to apply at least two months prior to the start of a session or course to allow ample time to develop a finalized course registration. Each applicant’s candidacy is evaluated once all admissions materials have been received.
The undergraduate non-degree admission process requires the applicant to:
• complete the non-degree application online at www.HarrisburgU.edu/Apply or a paper application; and,
• submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) when the applicant’s native language is not English. For specific score requirements, see TOEFL and IELTS section at the end of this chapter.
If required by a specific certificate or non-degree program, submit official college transcript(s) for any college, university or career/trade schools attended (whether or not academic credit was earned). Some non-degree programs may require evidence of completion of an associate or bachelor degree program. A candidate who has not yet earned at least an associate degree may be asked to take and successfully pass the required placement tests.
Undergraduate Non-Degree Policies
A student may enroll in up to 21 semester hours under the non-degree status when taking individual courses. Beyond 21 semester hours, a student must apply for full degree status. Non-degree admission does not guarantee admission into a degree-seeking program.
A non-degree student must maintain a 2.00 grade point average to continue from semester to semester.
Dual Enrollment Program
A student may enroll in courses at the University to earn college credit while still in high school. This program provides a student the opportunity to be introduced to the college environment, explore majors, and get a head start on a Bachelor of Science degree.
Application Timeline
An application for acceptance into the Dual Enrollment Program is required. There is no application deadline. Application files are reviewed within two weeks of submission. The applicant is encouraged to apply as soon as possible and coordinate the application with the appropriate high school personnel (often the Guidance Office) prior to high school course selection for the appropriate semester.
Dual Enrollment Admission Requirements for a Student from a Sponsoring School District
The Dual Enrollment admission process requires the applicant to:
- complete the application online at www.HarrisburgU.edu/Apply or via a paper application;
- submit an official high school transcript showing a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale;
- successfully complete the placement examination administered by the University, as required;
- submit consent forms from high school guidance department and parent or legal guardian; and,
- submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) when the applicant’s native language is not English. For specific score requirements, see TOEFL and IELTS section at the end of this chapter.
Dual Enrollment Policies for a Student from a Sponsoring School District
A dual enrollment agreement with the sending school district is required. A dual-enrolled student may enroll in as many courses as the sending district approves, but can be no more than 11 semester hours total per semester at the dual-enrolled price.
A laptop computer is required for dual enrollment study and the student must also obtain any required textbooks and supplies, if any, prior to the start of the semester.
A Parent Consent Form must be signed by the student and a parent or guardian, which provides various required releases protecting the University’s interests.
An applicant desiring to enroll full-time, 12 or more semester hours, must apply under the Early College Program policy.
Dual Enrollment Admission Requirements for a Student Without a Sponsoring School District
The Dual Enrollment admission process requires the applicant to:
- complete the application online at www.HarrisburgU.edu/Apply or a paper application;
- submit an official high school transcript or equivalent showing a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale;
- successfully complete the placement examination administered by the University, as required;
- submit consent forms signed by a parent or legal guardian; and,
- submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) when the applicant’s native language is not English. For specific score requirements, see TOEFL and IELTS section at the end of this chapter.
Dual Enrollment Policies for a Student Without a Sponsoring School District
A dual enrollment agreement with the parent or guardian is required. A dual-enrolled student may enroll in as many courses as the sending district approves, but can be no more than 11 semester hours total per semester at the dual-enrolled price.
A laptop computer is required for dual enrollment study and the student must also obtain any required textbooks and supplies, if any, prior to the start of the semester.
A Parent Consent Form must be signed by the student and a parent or guardian, which provides various required releases protecting the University’s interests.
An applicant wishing to enroll full-time, 12 or more semester hours, must apply under the Early College Program policy.
Early College Program (ECP)
A high school student who wishes to attend college on a full-time basis prior to receiving a high school diploma must be admitted under the Early College Program policy. The applicant must show strong academic preparation and personal maturity as exhibited by the high school transcript, placement test scores, and a personal interview to qualify for the Early College Program.
Application Timeline
There is no application deadline. Application files are reviewed within two weeks of completion. The applicant is encouraged to apply as soon as possible and coordinate the application with the appropriate high school personnel, often the guidance counselor.
Early College Program Requirements
The Early College Program admission process requires the applicant to:
- complete the full-time undergraduate application;
- submit an official high school transcript showing a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.30 on a 4.00 scale;
- successfully complete the placement examination administered by the University.
- submit written approval from the school district or diploma program describing the required plan of study necessary to complete the high school curriculum by the conclusion of the first two semesters of study at the University;
- schedule an interview for admission; and,
- submit a consent form from the high school guidance department endorsed by the parent or legal guardian.
Early College Program Policies
Participation in the Early College Program is contingent upon results of the placement test and the availability of the course(s) in which the applicant plans to enroll.
A student admitted to the Early College Program without a high school diploma is not eligible for Federal and State financial assistance.
Tuition funding for the Early College Program may come from a sponsoring school district; in which case, a dual enrollment contract must be completed with the district. The traditional dual enrollment policies and rates apply.
An independent student who is not from a sponsoring school district will be billed for 6 semester hours at the dual enrollment rate and the prevailing semester hour tuition rate for semester hours in excess of 6.
International Students
An international student planning to attend the University on a student (F-1) visa must satisfy the appropriate undergraduate admissions requirements and procedures, demonstrate proficiency in the English language, and provide an affidavit of financial support. Academic records should include courses studied, grades earned, diplomas, certificates, and results of comprehensive national examinations. International students must request an evaluation of their international transcripts through the World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) to determine authenticity and degree equivalency.
A demonstration of English language proficiency is required of any student who is not a United States citizen. Acceptable demonstrations would include one of the following:
- completing a college degree program from a regionally accredited United States institution of higher education,
- earning a score of 4.0 or higher on the Analytical Writing section of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE);
- earning a TOEFL score of 80 or higher on the web-based version, 200 on the computer version, or 520 on the paper version; or
- earning an IELTS score of 6.0 or higher.
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is approved by the Department of Homeland Security - U.S. Customs and Immigration and Enforcement (DHS-USCIS) as an eligible institution for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
This approval allows an international student to apply for entry into the United States for study on an F-1 visa only after an “Affidavit of Financial Support” is deemed sufficient by the University and a tuition deposit payment of at least $1,000 toward the first semester’s tuition has been received. A USCIS Form I-20 is then certified and submitted to SEVIS. The SEVIS application fee of $200 is then paid by the student directly to SEVIS.
Following entry into the United States and arrival at the University, the student will be required to provide a copy of the passport, I-20 Certificate of Eligibility, and the Form I-94 departure record to confirm all identification information in SEVIS.
An international student does not qualify for Federal or State aid awards. Private education loans through participating lenders may be available, if eligible.
Readmission
The Readmission Application Form is available at the Office of Records and Registration and must be completed and submitted to that office. A student who was in good academic standing, had satisfied all financial obligations to the University at the time of withdrawal, and had no disciplinary sanctions imposed will be readmitted. A student who left the University on academic probation or dismissal can only apply for readmission after an absence of one year. The application will be reviewed by a committee appointed by the Provost, who will make the readmission decision. A student who leaves the University and returns from an absence of one year or more will be subject to the Catalog edition in effect during the year of return.
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