2025-2026 Graduate Catalog 
    
    Apr 04, 2025  
2025-2026 Graduate 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.

Philosophy 

Graduate 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.

Doctorate Philosophy

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology seeks to admit doctorate 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 graduate degree with related graduate coursework, or those who have a graduate degree but possess related professional experiences or potential.

The doctoral program at Harrisburg University focuses on enabling students to make original contributions to their respective fields of study. There are two phases of the doctoral program at Harrisburg University, an initial learning phase that can include coursework, seminars, research, and fieldwork that contributes to the student’s knowledge in the program of study; and a second research phase that focuses on student’s original research culminating in the final dissertation defense. Upon a student’s defense of the dissertation and completion of all other graduate requirements, the student will be awarded the doctoral degree in the program of study.

Admission Process and Requirements

Graduate Admissions Process and Requirements  

Doctorate Admissions Process and Requirements  

 

International Students (Harrisburg and Philadelphia Locations)

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 (bank statement of $27,040 USD or affidavit of support if applicable; applicants with dependents and children must show additional financial support of $5,000 for the first dependent, and $2,500 for each additional dependent).

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

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:

  • completed an undergraduate college degree program from a regionally accredited United States institution of higher education;
  • completed a full-time semester of graduate studies from a regionally accredited United States institution of higher education with a 3.0 or higher GPA;
  • scored above average on the Analytical Writing section of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE);
  • earned a TOEFL score of 80 or higher on the web-based version, 200 on the computer version, or 520 on the paper version;
  • earned an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher;
  • earned an overall score of 115 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 non-immigrant 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 a complete application package is received and financial documents are deemed sufficient by the University. HU requires a tuition deposit payment of at least $1,000 toward the first semester’s tuition to issue an I-20. The SEVIS I-901 fee of $350 is then paid by the student directly to SEVIS prior to attending a Consulate visit for the F1 visa.

Following entry into the United States and arrival at the University, the student will be required to provide a copy of the passport, F-1 visa, I-20, and I-94 arrival/departure record 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 terminate a student’s SEVIS record 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 financial aid. Private education loans through participating lenders may be available, if eligible.

If a student is transferring a SEVIS record, the record must arrive at least one day before the start of the semester. Otherwise, Registration will withdraw the student from classes and defer the student to the subsequent semester. Submit an online SEVIS transfer recommendation request at http://www.HarrisburgU.edu/SEVISTransfer

It is imperative that the student contact the International Student Office at the SEVP-certified institution where the student’s SEVIS record currently resides.  The student must notify a DSO/ International Student Advisor at their current school and let them know that the student would like to have their SEVIS record transferred to HU. Every school has its own way of processing such requests, so the student should abide by their school’s policy when requesting to be transferred out. The student will need to provide a copy of their HU letter of acceptance to the International Student Advisor at their current school and let them know that they will be receiving an electronic transfer form via email.

Masters Non-Degree Students

Masters Non-Degree Status Admission Process and Policies  

Readmission

Graduate Readmission

The Readmission Application Form is available at Records and Registration and must be completed and submitted to that office at least two weeks before the start of the semester. 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 by a committee appointed by the Provost, who will make the readmission decision. Readmission for F1 students must also be approved by the International Student Office. Students must demonstrate compliance with F1 regulations. 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.

Doctorate Readmission

The Readmission Application Form is available at Records and Registration and must be completed and submitted to that office at least two weeks before the start of the semester. A student who left the University on academic warning, probation, or dismissal can only apply for readmission after an absence of one year.  Despite the student’s academic standing at the time of departure from the university, a student reapplying for admission to the doctorate program is not guaranteed readmission due to the selectivity of the program. The application will be reviewed by a committee appointed by the Provost, who will make the readmission decision. Readmission for F1 students must also be approved by the International Student Office. Students must demonstrate compliance with F1 regulations. 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.