2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog w/ September Addendum 
    
    Nov 20, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog w/ September Addendum

Admissions Process for HU Online Degree Programs


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,  academic potential, prior coursework and grades earned in secondary and/or post-secondary school.

The HU Online Program Format 

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology offers HU Online Degree Programs in a fully asynchronous learning environment. All program courses run on an accelerated schedule offered in two 7-week sessions each semester, including the summer. Please see the HU Online Program Academic Calendar (https://www.harrisburgu.edu/academics/academic-services/academic-calendar/) for start and end dates.

Admission Requirements

The HU Online Bachelor’s Degree Program honors the University’s commitment to lifelong learning and recommends that students have a minimum of 2 years work experience and a minimum of 12 earned college credits or the equivalent of work-related experience to a degree. Individuals with no previous college credits should also apply; however, an interview with the Director of  Admissions and additional documentation may be required. 

High School graduates wishing to enter the online degree programs directly after graduation must submit an official high school transcript or equivalent* and have a 2.75 or higher grade point average. 

Application Timeline - The admission process recommends completing and submitting the application at least 30 days prior to any 7-week session start date. This application process allows ample time to be accepted, develop an academic schedule, and to process financial aid applications (if applicable). A student may enter during any one of the six sessions with no application fee. To complete the process, an applicant should:

  • Meet one-on-one for an Admissions Interview with an HU Online Program Admissions Counselor.  
  • Complete the Online Bachelor’s Degree Program application online at https//:apply.harrisburgu.edu.
  • Submit all official college transcripts(s), if applicable, for high school, all college, university or career/trade schools attended (whether or not academic credit was earned)
    • GPA of 2.0 is recommended. If less than, the applicant may be required to submit additional materials outlined below:
      • Professional work and association/industry-related professional development certificates and syllabi for credit evaluation
      • Write and submit a personal goal statement that includes the following:
        • My professional goals
        • My current work experience
        • How I plan to incorporate my HU degree
  • For a student whose first language is not English, submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the 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. 
  • 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).

If Financial Aid is being sought, a student must enroll in and complete at least 6 credits each semester.

* 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.

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.