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. Originally founded to address the Capital Region’s need for increased educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers, Harrisburg University represented 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 initially designed to meet the needs of the region’s youth, workforce, and businesses. The University continues to serve as a catalyst for creating, attracting, and expanding economic development and opportunities in Central Pennsylvania, and now, well beyond 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
Originally 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 re-accredited 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 in January 2017, and the Ph.D. in Information Systems Engineering and Management in July 2018.
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-SEVP) as an eligible institution for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to enroll non-immigrant students.
An articulation agreement with another institution of higher education permits students enrolled in certain associate degree programs to transfer credits into specific degree programs at the University.
The University has an articulation agreement with the following institutions of higher education:
Alvernia University
Community College of Baltimore County
Community College of Philadelphia
Harrisburg Area Community College
Hussain College - School of Art
Lackawanna College
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Lehigh Carbon Community College
Montgomery College
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Rosemont College
The University has an articulation agreement with the following secondary schools:
Camelot Education
Camp Hill School District
Capital Area School for the Arts
Carlisle Area School District
Central Dauphin School District
Chester County Technical College High School
Coatesville Area School District
Cumberland Perry Area Vocational Technical School
Cumberland Valley School District
Dauphin County Technical School
Dover Area High School
Harrisburg Academy
Harrisburg School District
Juniata County School District
Lancaster Mennonite School - Hershey Campus
Lower Dauphin School District
Mechanicsburg Area School District
New Day Charter School
Philadelphia School District-Roxborough High School
Reach Cyber Charter School
Steelton-Highspire School District
Susquehanna Township School District
Warwick Area School District
West Perry School District
West Shore School District
Harrisburg University also has course articulation agreements with the following secondary schools:
Beaver County Career and Technology Center
Berks Career and Technology Center
Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School
Bucks County Technical High School
Central Montco Technical High School
Crawford County Career and Technology Center
Delaware County Technical High School
Fayette County Career and Technical Institute
Greater Johnstown Career & Technology Center
Hunterdon Co Polytech Career &Technical School
Lancaster County Career and Technology Center
Lebanon County Career and Technology Center
Lehigh Career and Technical School
Mckeesport Area High School
Middle Bucks Institute of Technology
Middlesex Co Vocational & Technical Schools
Mon Valley Career and Technology Center
Murrell Dobbins Career & Technical Education High School
Northern Westmoreland Career & Technology Center
Reading Muhlenberg Career & Technology Center
York County School of Technology
A consortium agreement with another institution of higher education allows a student to remain enrolled at the University while also taking credits at the visiting institution. The University has a consortium agreement for certain nanobiotechnology courses with the following institution:
The Pennsylvania State University - University Park Campus
and, the University has a consortium agreement for certain computer science courses with the following institution:
Saint Francis University
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 Standards
Underlying the University’s mission are the following basic values:
- the importance of personal integrity, honesty, and ethical decision making;
- the right of every individual to be treated with respect and dignity as a member 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 human diversity regarding race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, ability, ethnicity, and political views;
- the freedom from violence or harassment that would interfere with or disrupt university activities; and
- the recognition that civic engagement is a component of the intellectual development of a student and provides a path for knowledge and personal development in the service of the community.
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