History
The University was incorporated in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on December 12, 2001, making it the first science- and technology-focused, non-profit, comprehensive university to be established in Pennsylvania in more than 100 years. Founded originally to address the Capital Region’s need for increased educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers, Harrisburg University represents a major step to attract, educate, and retain a diverse 21st century knowledge-based workforce. A grand concept that was championed by business leaders, government officials, and the regional news media, Harrisburg University was built from concept to reality in less than a decade. The Pennsylvania Department of Education granted the University its charter in 2005.
An independent institution, the University offers academic and research programs designed to meet local and global needs in science and technology. By aligning undergraduate and graduate degrees with science and technology-based experiential learning, the University serves as a catalyst for creating, attracting an expanding economic development and opportunities in Central Pennsylvania and beyond.
Mission Statement
The Harrisburg University of Science and Technology offers innovative academic and research programs in science and technology that respond to local and global needs. The institution fosters a diverse community of learners, provides access and support to students who want to pursue a career in science and technology, and supports business creation and economic development.
Approved by the Board of Trustees on September 17, 2015.
Accreditation and Approvals
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Program offerings are authorized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Postsecondary and Adult Education, 333 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17126.
Approved to participate in the federal Title IV, HEA student assistance programs by the U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202.
Approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for veterans and eligible dependents to obtain education benefits through the Veteran’s Administration (VA).
Approved by the Veterans Administration to participate in the “Yellow Ribbon” program. Authorized under federal law by the Department of Homeland Security - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (DHS-USCIS-SEVP) as an eligible institution for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to enroll non-immigrant students.
An articulation agreement with another institution of higher education permits students enrolled in certain associate degree programs to transfer credits into specific degree programs at the University.
The University has an articulation agreement with the following institutions of higher education:
Alvernia University
Community College of Baltimore County
Community College of Philadelphia
Harrisburg Area Community College
Hussain College - School of Art
Lehigh Carbon Community College
Montgomery College
Additional articulation agreements are being pursued with various institutions of higher education. Harrisburg University also has course articulation agreements with a multitude of secondary schools, which can be found in the undergraduate catalog.
A consortium agreement with another institution of higher education allows a student to remain enrolled at the University while also taking credits at the visiting institution. The University has a consortium agreement for certain nanobiotechnology courses with the following institution:
The Pennsylvania State University - University Park Campus
and, the University has a consortium agreement for certain computer science courses with the following institution:
Saint Francis University
Student Responsibility Statement
A student has the responsibility to engage fully in assigned work, make connections, communicate with other members of the University community, and develop professional competencies. The University is new in both thought and ideas. The student should be a partner in this endeavor, now and in the future. It is the student’s responsibility to become engaged in the University’s community of learners and develop a strong professional and ethical foundation as an individual. Each student is bound by the Student Code of Conduct, which is contained in the Student Handbook.
Statement of Community Values
Underlying the University’s mission are the following basic values:
- the importance of personal integrity, honesty, and ethical decision making;
- the right of every individual to be treated with respect and dignity as a member of a learning organization;
- freedom of intellectual inquiry in the pursuit of truth, even if it defies commonly understood theories;
- acceptance and appreciation of human diversity regarding race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, ability, ethnicity, and political views;
- freedom from violence or harassment that would interfere with or disrupt university activities; and
- recognition that civic engagement is a component of the intellectual development of a student and provides a path for knowledge and personal development in the service of the community.
Undergraduate and Certificate Education
Online Bachelor’s Degree Program
Description
The Online Bachelor’s Degree Program is designed for the working professional; adult (non-traditional) student who wants to complete a bachelor’s degree or earn a second baccalaureate degree to change or advance in a career. It provides a flexible pathway for the adult student and offers interdisciplinary programs and concentrations relevant to the needs of the workforce. Courses are offered in an accelerated, seven-week, online delivery format. Program learning goals and course content remain consistent across the University and the format and delivery is adult-friendly and career-driven.
The program offers the busy and working adult the flexibility, support, and convenience that allows the student to complete a bachelor’s degree in a timely manner. Decades of research show that accelerated formats grounded in adult learning frameworks provide applicable, real-time, and real-world learning that the adult student can incorporate into, and apply to, a job and a career.
Certificates for professional development are available to enhance an individual’s skills. These certificates can be applied toward the completion of a bachelor’s degree or post-baccalaureate. Most commonly they are standalone certificates, five-to-seven courses for adults who want to obtain another set of professional skills.
Philosophy
The Online Bachelor’s Degree Program provides continuous and professional educational opportunities to the working adult seeking a bachelor’s degree or certificate within an applied and experiential degree program designed to support the student’s advancement in the workforce.
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