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 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 Pennsylvania’s 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 the needs of the region’s youth, workforce and businesses. The University serves as a catalyst for creating, attracting an expanding economic development and opportunities in Central Pennsylvania by aligning traditional undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate degrees with science and technology-based experiential learning.
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.
Vision
Founded to address the need of Pennsylvania’s Capital Region for increased educational opportunities in applied science and technology-related fields, the vision of Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is to provide academic programs at undergraduate and graduate levels for a diversity of learners, using student-centered, technologically-advanced, and experiential learning designs that emphasize student success, with a sharp focus on specific interdisciplinary competencies and strong linkages to career development. The desired outcome is the emergence of well-qualified, technically expert graduates whose understanding of applied science and technology-related fields is honed by direct industry experience and rounded by a sound, cross-disciplinary liberal education.
Accreditation and Approvals
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology was reaccredited on March 3, 2016 by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, (267) 284-5000. 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. The Doctor’s Research Scholarship degree program (Ph.D. in Data Sciences) was granted by Middle States on January 4, 2017.
Program offerings are authorized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Division of Higher and Career 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-SEVIS) as an eligible institution for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to enroll non-immigrant students.
The Master of Science in Project Management program is accredited by the Global Accreditation Center from the Project Management Institute, 14 Campus Boulevard, Newtown Square, PA (855-746-4849). The M.S. program in Project Management is one of only 110 programs around the world to achieve this accreditation. The Global Accreditation Center (GAC) for Project Management Education Programs is an independent academic accreditation body with policies, procedures, and standards for project, program, portfolio management and related programs.
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.
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