Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

The Harrisburg University of Science and Technology was incorporated in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on December 12, 2001, making it the first independent science and technology-focused, private, non-profit university to be established in Pennsylvania in more than 100 years. Founded to address the Capital Region's need for increased educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers, Harrisburg University represents a major step to attract, educate, and retain Pennsylvania's diverse 21st century knowledge-based workforce. The idea for the University was championed by business leaders, government officials, and the regional news media and it was built from concept to reality in less than a decade. Before Harrisburg University of Science and Technology accepted a single student in 2005, its senior leadership team asked more than 100 Central Pennsylvania's CEOs what they need from their workforce. Based on their answers, Harrisburg University designed distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs in applied science and technology fields to meet the needs of the region's youth, workforce, and businesses. The only science and technology-focused comprehensive university between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Harrisburg University offers 24 undergraduate and 35 graduate programs and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Harrisburg University is known for small class sizes, a 11:1 student-faculty ratio, and a hands-on career-focused education. Individuals looking to learn, grow, and achieve can connect with experts who teach, mentor, and advise. Its academic programs draw upon close connections to the key cluster industries and sectors that drive the economy of Pennsylvania and the nation. The University's academic programs balance each student's education to include traditional elements, specialized expertise in their field of study, and significant career-oriented experiential components so each student graduates with experiences that make them more prepared and competitive in their careers. It begins with a foundation in interdisciplinary general education courses so the student can attain competencies in areas such as critical thinking and problem solving, effective communication, understanding global and societal issues, and quantitative reasoning. The development of specialized expertise in each student's major follows so the student gains competencies in areas such as applications of technology, teamwork and collaboration, and management and economics of technologies. HU then adds experiential components to the education that bring the world of work into the classroom and the world of work becomes the classroom through our mentors, capstone projects, case studies, internships and corporate faculty. Regardless of their major, the student graduates with eight core competencies that employers and community leaders desire, and they possess the skills necessary to enjoy a long-term career. That's why 92 percent of students have been employed in their field of study on the day they graduated. The University continues to grow and attract traditionally under-represented groups into the STEM disciplines. Thirty-eight percent of its students are ethnic minority, 51 percent are women and half of the undergraduate students are the first in their families to attend college. All Harrisburg University undergraduate students have received some form of institutional financial aid. The University's location in dynamic downtown Harrisburg connects students to a diverse and exciting community. Students can participate in clubs or activities or create their own organizations and events.