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.
The Computer and Information Sciences undergraduate program has been awarded ABET accreditation, a prestigious standard that guarantees HU CISC graduates are prepared to excel and lead in their field. ABET, a nonprofit organization, accredits college and university programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology at the associate, bachelor, and master degree levels. ABET-accredited programs meet the quality standards that produce graduates prepared to enter a global workforce.
The Maryland Higher Education Commission granted approval of an authorization to operate at the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center for the Master of Science in Learning Technologies and Master of Science in Information Systems Engineering and Management degree programs.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and the master’s degree program in nursing at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Student Responsibility Statement
A student has the responsibility to engage fully in assigned work, to be interactive in academic discussion, and to develop professional competencies both in the classroom and at internship sites. 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 be engaged in the University’s community of learners and to develop a strong professional and ethical foundation as a community member. Failure to uphold HU’s rules and policies, as well as federal, state, or local laws and/or regulations, may result in disciplinary action by HU pursuant to its Code of Student Conduct (Code).
Statement of Community Values
Underlying HU’s mission are basic behavioral standards that must be respected and adhered to by all HU employees as a basic tenant of their employment. These standards include, but are not limited to:
- the importance of personal integrity, honesty, and ethical decision making;
- the right of every individual to be treated with respect and dignity as members of a learning organization;
- the freedom of intellectual inquiry in the pursuit of truth, even if it defies commonly understood theories;
- the acceptance and appreciation of diversity regarding race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, ability, ethnicity, and political views;
- the freedom from violence aimed at limiting, interfering with, or disrupting HU activities; and
- a recognition that civic engagement is a component of the intellectual development of students and provides a path for knowledge in the service of the community
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