2019-2020 Graduate/Doctorate Catalog 
    
    Apr 26, 2024  
2019-2020 Graduate/Doctorate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Admissions



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.

Graduate Admission

Philosophy

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology seeks to admit graduate program students from a variety of backgrounds. The University considers many factors in the review of applicant files and generally admits the qualified individual who has completed a baccalaureate degree with related undergraduate coursework, or those who have a baccalaureate degree but possess related professional experiences or potential.

Graduate education focuses on individualized career advancement in high-growth and high-demand areas of study within science, technology, engineering, management, and mathematics disciplines. This is accomplished by making certain that each student is completely engaged to gain knowledge at an advanced level, is able to specialize or generalize knowledge and skills according to needs and interests and applies what is learned and researched to both practical and professional experience. This is also accomplished by involving corporate faculty members who bring a practical and academic perspective to the program and courses in the design, development and delivery of graduate education. This program is designed for working professionals focused on career advancement and who need flexibility of access and timeliness of content and delivery.

Graduate Admission Process

There is no application deadline. Graduate program applicants are 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).

Graduate Admission Requirements

Each applicant’s candidacy will be evaluated once all admissions materials have been received. 

The graduate admission process requires the candidate to:

  • complete the application online at www.HarrisburgU.edu/Apply;
  • submit final official undergraduate transcript(s) from the college or university at which a baccalaureate degree was conferred, and any other institution of higher education attended (whether or not academic credit was earned);
  • submit a personal goal statement including:
    • future goals: identify career/professional goals; and,
    • leadership or group contributions: describe examples of leadership experience in which you have significantly influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time;
  • submit a hard copy resume or by email to Admissions@HarrisburgU.edu;
  • see programs for additional admission requirements.

International Students

An international student planning to attend the University on a student (F-1) visa must satisfy the appropriate 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.

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,
  • scoring above average 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 Enforcement (DHS-USCIS-SEVP) as an eligible institution for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to enroll non-immigrant students.

This approval allows an international student to apply for entry into the United States for study on an F-1 visa only after a complete application package is received 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 visa to confirm all identification information in SEVIS.

An international student does not qualify for Federal or State financial aid. Private education loans through participating lenders may be available, if eligible.

Graduate Non-Degree Students

Graduate Non-Degree Status Admission Process

Each applicant’s candidacy will be evaluated once all admissions materials have been received. Offers of admission are made to qualified applicants on a rolling basis.

Complete the non-degree application online at www.HarrisburgU.edu/Apply or a paper application.

If required by a specific certificate or non-degree program, submit final official undergraduate transcript, providing evidence of completion of a bachelor’s degree program.

Graduate Non-Degree Status Policies

An applicant should enroll under non-degree status when undecided about a graduate-level major or program, not interested in earning a master’s degree, interested only in graduate-level professional development courses such as Educator Technology Clinics, or completing work with the intention of transferring the credit earned to another institution.

Non-degree applicants must have earned an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. A student may apply no more than 12 graduate semester hours completed under non-degree status to a graduate degree program at the University. Non-degree status does not guarantee admission into a degree program. A student must maintain a 2.00 cumulative grade point average to remain enrolled.

An applicant whose native language is not English must submit his or her scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). See following section for specifics.

Readmission

The Readmission Application Form is available at 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 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.