Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

About

Founded in 2001 to address Central Pennsylvania’s need for increased opportunities for study leading to careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, Harrisburg University is an innovative and ambitious private institution that produces graduates who provide increased competence and capacity in science and technology disciplines to Pennsylvania and the nation. Harrisburg University ensures institutional access for underrepresented students and links learning and research to practical outcomes. As a private University serving the public good, Harrisburg University remains the only STEM-focused comprehensive university located between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

One of Pennsylvania’s most affordable private universities, Harrisburg University is known for small class sizes and a hands-on career-focused education. HU offers state-of the-art academic resources throughout its $73-million 16-story Academic Center, engaging faculty, and the resources of a thriving city. Here the academic and business worlds unite. Here individuals looking to learn, grow, and achieve can connect with experts who teach, mentor, and advise. Our programs draw upon close connections to the key industries and sectors that drive the economy of Pennsylvania.

Mission

The Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is an independent educational institution offering academic and research programs in mathematics, science, and technology designed to meet the needs of the region's youth, workforce, and businesses, and to expand, attract, and create economic opportunities in the region.

Vision Statement

“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.”

FAST FACTS

At a Glance:

• Only science and technology-focused comprehensive university between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh
• One of the lowest tuitions of any private university in the Commonwealth
• Supports the academic success of members of groups historically under-represented in applied science and technology fields
• Private, non-sectarian, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) university
• Incorporated in Commonwealth of Pennsylvania: December 12, 2001
• Chartered by Pennsylvania Department of Education: January 20, 2005
• Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education June 22, 2009
• Signature 16-story $73-million state-of-the-art Academic Center
• Wireless campus encompassing Strawberry Square
• Agreements with other higher education institutions--including Harrisburg Area Community College--for transfer students
• Full-time faculty with Ph.D. or terminal degree: 100%
• Student/Faculty Ratio: 9 to 1
• Average Class Size: 12

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Institutional Leadership

• Robert Dolan, Chairman of the Board, Conrad Siegel Actuaries
• Eric D. Darr, Ph.D., Interim President effective July 1, 2012
• Duane F. Maun, CPA, Vice President for Finance

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Student Body

• 1022 total student enrollment (includes undergraduate, graduate, dual-enrollment, and professional and continuing education programs) Approximately 400 FTE




• 38% minority




• 99 percent of HU students receive some form of institutional financial aid




• 53% female, 47% male

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Students

• Receive an exclusive experiential science & technology education in the Philadelphia-to-Pittsburgh corridor
• Are taught & mentored by corporate-anchored faculty
• Are hosted as interns by these same corporations of the region
• Are a diverse base of young people meeting the needs, as identified by the White House in 2009, for expertise in the STEM disciplines – science, technology, engineering & math

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Academics:

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees awarded in Biotechnology and Biosciences, Computer and Information Sciences, Management and eBusiness, Geospatial Technology, and Integrative Sciences
• Master of Science (M.S.) degrees awarded in Information Systems Engineering and Management, Project Management, and Learning Technologies
• Trimester system

Centers & Programs

• Harrisburg University is home to the Center for Advanced Entertainment and Learning Technologies, The Consumer Insights Research Lab, The Government Technology Institute, The Food Science and Technology Center, and the National Center for Science and Civic Engagement (NCSCE). NCSCE's projects include the National Science Foundation-funded Science Education for New Civic Engagements and Responsibilities (SENCER)