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 and/or post-secondary school, are the key elements in considering the applicant for acceptance.
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).
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 via the Common App; or using 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);
- to respond to all portions of the application process honestly and accurately; and,
- submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Duolingo English Test when the applicant’s native language is not English. Please see the HU website at https://www.harrisburgu.edu/admissions/international-admissions/ for a list of countries with English as their primary language and may be exempt from providing an English Proficiency exam. For specific score requirements, see TOEFL and IELTS sections 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.
- All transfer applicants are required to submit HU’s Disciplinary Check Form to all previous institutions upon acceptance to HU. Evidence of academic dishonesty or misconduct may result in a request for more information, an interview or required statement, or the withdrawal of acceptance to HU.
- See programs for additional admission requirements, if any.
Optional materials:
- a personal essay or goal statement;
- be interviewed - preferably in person during a campus visit or by telephone/virtual meeting;
- 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).
*A copy of the official high school transcript must show the date when the diploma was awarded. To be considered official, the transcript must be provided to Harrisburg University from the high school (e.g., in a sealed envelope, through the Common Application, or by email directly from the high school). Home-schooled students will be required to provide a transcript from their local school district or a transcript certified by a parent. If Admissions determines that a diploma, GED, or high school transcript may have been tampered with or is otherwise invalid, Admissions will contact the high school to validate the document and confirm the graduation date.
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.
At the sole discretion of the University, 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 the completion of the English placement test with the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Please see the HU website at https://www.harrisburgu.edu/admissions/international-admissions/ for a list of countries with English as their primary language and may be exempt from providing an English Proficiency exam.
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, certificates, and advanced studies. 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.
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), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Duolingo English Test when the applicant’s native language is not English. Please see the HU website at https://www.harrisburgu.edu/admissions/international-admissions/ for a list of countries with English as their primary language and may be exempt from providing an English Proficiency exam. For specific score requirements, see TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo sections at the end of this chapter.
If required by a specific advanced study 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’s 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.
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 ADMISSION
A student may enroll in courses at the University to earn college credit while still in high school. This program provides the student with an opportunity to be introduced to the college environment, explore majors, and get a head start on a Bachelor of Science degree.
The University has a dual enrollment team to serve all prospective student applicants. The Dual Enrollment Program at the University offers diversified options for students to engage in college courses while they are in high school. Depending on the secondary school partnerships, students will have access to college courses at either of the University Campuses, at their high school through the College in the High School Program (CiHS), and online with University Faculty.
Upon completion and submission of a dual enrollment application, the student will receive notification of receipt. Additional information regarding the courses available for registration will follow soon thereafter. Any questions regarding registration can be directed to the Dual Enrollment and Special Programs Coordinator at Records and Registration.
A dual-enrolled student may enroll in as many courses as the sending district approves; however, only 11 semester hours per semester or 23 semester hours in a year may be taken at a time. An applicant desiring to enroll full-time, 12 or more semester hours, must apply under the Early College Program policy.
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.
For students attending dual enrollment courses at either of the University locations, students must follow all policies and procedures as outlined in the Undergraduate Catalog, including the University schedule, laptop requirements, textbooks, Campus ID Card, etc.
Courses at the University (Harrisburg and/or Philadelphia Locations)
There is no application deadline. The applicant is encouraged to apply as soon as possible and coordinate the application with the appropriate high school personnel (often the School Counselor) prior to high school course selection for the appropriate semester.
All applications must be completed online by going to Dual Enrollment and clicking Apply Now at harrisburgu.edu/dual-enrollment/.
College in the High School
College in the High School is a Program based on a formal agreement with a School District. The Program requires that the University interview/vet teachers in the high school to ensure that the teachers can be approved as Corporate Faculty. Once a teacher at the high school has been vetted as Corporate Faculty, students are able to take dual enrollment courses in the high school as a part of the formal agreement with the District. The vetted teacher can teach University courses and/or courses that have been aligned and approved by the University. If applicable, curriculum reviews are conducted to align courses at the high school with courses at the University.
Under the terms of the formal agreement with the School District, the teachers, and the college courses will be identified and approved by the University and the District. This agreement will be documented in the Educational Agreement developed and approved by the University and the District.
All applications must be completed online by going to Dual Enrollment and clicking Apply Now.
The application deadline is based on the format of the high school courses; therefore, the deadlines for each College in the High School Program will be different.
The deadlines for applying depend on the start date of the class within the high school. The due dates are as follows:
Full Year Courses - November 1
Fall Semester Courses - November 1
First Trimester Courses - November 1
Second Trimester Courses - December 15
Spring Semester & Third Trimester Courses - March 15
Traditional Online - Dual Enrollment
The University offers opportunities for students to take dual enrollment courses via online with a University instructor. All policies for taking courses at the University Campus apply when taking courses online.
All applications must be completed online by going to Dual Enrollment and clicking Apply Now.
There is no application deadline. 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.
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.
Any questions regarding the Early College Program can be directed to the Director of Secondary School Services or the Director of Admissions.
Early College Program Requirements
The Early College Program admission process requires the applicant to:
- complete the early college program application;
- provide documentation as requested by the University for eligibility to the Early College Program;
- 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 remaining courses required for high school graduation; and
- schedule an interview for admission.
Early College Program Policies
Participation in the Early College Program is contingent upon the results of the placement test and the availability of the course(s) in which the applicant plans to enroll.
Early College Program students are eligible for merit-based scholarships only. Students that have attained 6 college credits prior to applying for the ECP are eligible for additional financial aid. If they have not acquired college credits, they may take the Ability to Benefit Test to determine their status for financial aid. Please contact the Director of Secondary School Services or the Director of Admissions for additional information.
Students must maintain at least 12 semester hours per semester in order to remain in the Early College Program.
Early College Program students must review and adhere to all other undergraduate policies and procedures; therefore, you must review the Undergraduate Catalog as a part of your enrollment in the Program.
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 (bank statement of $36,450 USD or affidavit of support if applicable; applicants with dependents and children must show additional financial support of $5,000 for a spouse, and $2,500 per child).
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), Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE), or AACRAO’s Electronic Database for Global Education (EDGE) 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:
- completion of a college degree program from a regionally accredited United States institution of higher education;
- 4 years of attendance in a United States secondary education system;
- earned a score of 4.0 or higher on the Analytical Writing section of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE);
- earned a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 80 or higher on the web-based version, 200 on the computer version, or 520 on the paper version;
- earned an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.0 or higher;
- earned an overall score of 105 or higher on the Duolingo English Test; or
- earned a score of 59 or higher on the Pearson Test of English (PTE).
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students.
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. A tuition deposit payment of at least $1,000 toward the first semester’s tuition is required by HU before an I-20 will be issued. The SEVIS I-901 fee of $350 is then paid by the student directly to SEVIS prior to attending a Consulate visit for the F-1 visa.
Following entry into the United States and arrival at the University, the student will be required to provide HU with a copy of the passport, the I-20, and the I-94 arrival/departure record to confirm all identification information in SEVIS. An international student is obligated to notify HU should their status change during enrollment from F-1 to any other immigration status. HU will revocate a student’s I-20 for failure to remain eligible as required by the terms of the F-1 visa.
An international student does not qualify for Federal or State aid awards. Private education loans through participating lenders may be available, if eligible.
ADMISSION OF UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS
Undocumented students* who meet HU’s academic qualifications are eligible for admission to HU. HU will maintain the confidentiality of student citizenship and immigration status, in accordance with the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). HU will not voluntarily share a student’s citizenship or immigration status unless compelled to do so by court order.
* International students admitted to HU from foreign countries must obtain a visa from the U.S. State Department before they can travel to this country. Accordingly, this policy statement relates exclusively to domestic students at HU who are entirely undocumented, who have been temporarily paroled under a Federal program or are in pending asylum status.
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