2015 Penn State
admissions.psu.edu admissions.psu.edu Welcome to Penn State
2 In the know 26 Penn State majors Academics 30 Academic paths 10 Finding your place Our multicampus system 32 Penn State’s campuses
44 Frequently asked questions 14 Get involved
Student life 46 Admission, costs, and student financial aid 20 What it’s worth to you The value of a 48 Varsity, club, and Penn State degree intramural sports
49 Student clubs and organizations ACADEMICS
acadIn the know emics Finding the program that fits you best
YOU HAVE SO MANY THINGS ON YOUR MIND. Which college should you choose? What should you major in once you’re there? Is it okay to change your mind? Whether you know where you want to end up after graduation or still need some time to sort it out, it’s likely that Penn State has an academic program for you. No matter which path you choose, you will earn a high-quality education and a degree that employers respect.
2 I wanted a school where I could have my independence. —TRACEY EDOUARD
Laura Brown
Tracey Edouard acad BEING BIG HAS ITS ADVANTAGES. WITH MORE THAN 160 MAJORS AND 500 SPECIALIZED OPTIONS ACROSS TWENTY CAMPUSES, PENN STATE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH AN EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE DESIGNED TO MEET YOUR GOALS.
What should I study? receive credit for playing the violin Not sure what to major in at Penn in the Sinfonietta orchestra, and ex- State? Not a problem. The Division of plore classes in several other aca demic areas. Undergraduate Studies (DUS) is for students who haven’t decided which Tracey formed a close relationship field to study. You can try out differ- with her DUS adviser, Laura Brown. emics ent courses and majors to determine “She was really like a second mom to The Multicultural Engineering me,” she says. “She helped me pick Program provides networking, which one fits you best. To help you research opportunities, scholarships, on this journey, you have an aca- majors and minors and was always and mentoring to more than 400 there to answer any other questions I engineering students of color. demic adviser who will help guide you had. It seemed like she always knew through the exploration process. exactly what I wanted; it’s amazing six-hour dance marathon on film last TRACEY EDOUARD knew she how quickly she got to know me.” year. “I was looking for a school where wanted to attend Penn State but Tracey, who is from Long Island, I could have my independence,” she wasn’t sure how she would combine New York, eventually decided on the says. “I liked Penn State because it’s her interests in communications and Advertising/Public Relations major. close enough to home, but I can be on the arts. Tracey entered DUS and be- She’s part of the Great Show Squad, a my own and be around other people gan to explore classes and extracur- group of students who do on-field pro- who are excited to be here, too.” ricular activities in these areas. In motions at Penn State football games, her first year at Penn State, she got to and helped capture Penn State’s forty- observe actors in a Theatre 100 class,
3 ACADEMICS
t Mohamed Raouda
The importance of advisers Advisers played a key role in MOHAMED RAOUDA’S college experience. Mohamed (“Mo” for short) started his Penn State experi- ence at Penn State Altoona. While there, he worked closely with advisers to help transition to college life after moving to the United States from Beirut, Lebanon. “Coming from a different country, I wanted to integrate into the culture at a small campus,” he says. “The student services were great and I felt very quickly like I was part of a community.” Once he arrived at University Park, Transitioning from high The summer before her first year, Mo, who majored in International school to college ERICA FOLEY, who majored in Politics, began studying Middle East New Student Orientation helps first- Biology, came to Penn State for New history. He found an academic men- year students evaluate their educa- Student Orientation not knowing tor in Arthur Goldschmidt, a professor tional plans before they register for what to expect: “I figured that, with emeritus in the field. Although he’s their first-semester classes. The ori- thousands of students there, personal retired from Penn State, Arthur still entation is the first stage in prepar- attention and help with making my teaches one class per semester and of- ing for your academic future at Penn schedule was unlikely. But that’s ex- ten meets with students, including Mo, State. Once you accept your offer of actly what I received.” A professor to discuss projects and future plans. admission, you will receive informa- from her intended major talked with her about classes she would enjoy, and “Art loves this field so much and tion about taking an online placement several students offered their insight wants to teach about it. He invited test and coming to campus to meet on classes, student life, and things to us to dinner at his home and to view with academic advisers and schedule do off campus. the collection in his library. He’s very classes. All course scheduling is done well respected in the field and it online, so making changes is easy if was an honor for me to learn from you want to add, drop, or change him,” Mo says. a course.
With 70,108 undergraduate students enrolled at our 20 campuses, 70,000+ Penn State continues to educate more students than any UNDERGRADS university in the northeastern United States. AT 20 CAMPUSES
4 Study abroad
Kecianne Shick believes it is important to experience other cultures. Here she visits Milan’s Duomo Cathedral.
A Penn State Altoona student spends time at a community school and orphanage in the Dominican Republic.
Matea Dujmusic visited the Parliament in Athens, Greece, as part of her junior year study abroad experience.
If you’re interested in studying the educational systems in the three home at first, so it was a good fit for abroad, Penn State can help you get countries, which she says was a very me.” Following Matea’s example, her there. Thousands of students study enlightening experience. “In Europe, younger sister is now a student at the abroad every year in more than fifty- the cultures are much more mixed Greater Allegheny campus and plans four countries throughout Africa, together than they are here, so we to transition to University Park for her Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the learned how to avoid bringing our junior and senior years. Middle East, as well as Australia and cultural biases into the classroom,” Penn State also supports service- New Zealand. she says. “It was also interesting to oriented trips that allow students to see how much Sweden is focused on These programs contribute to the help make a difference in the lives of teaching democracy in the classroom, global expansion of Penn State’s class- those less fortunate. While other stu- compared to the schools here.” room walls. MATEA DUJMUSIC, who dents were kicking back at the beach majored in Secondary Education with Matea is no stranger to life abroad. during spring break, a group of twenty an English/Communication Teaching She was born in Bosnia and lived in Penn State Altoona students and option, spent her junior year studying Austria and Germany before moving their faculty chaperones spent a week abroad in Sweden and England as part to the United States at age 11. She volunteering at a community school of the Consortium for Intercultural started her Penn State experience at and orphanage in the Dominican Reflective Teachers (CIRT) program, the Greater Allegheny campus be- Republic. They played with the young which takes a student cohort to each cause of its proximity to her home in students, taught them English, and country. The group, whom Matea calls Pittsburgh. “I was going through the made hundreds of candles for a fund- her “second family,” spent a year at application process and visited the raiser at the school. Penn State after a year in Europe. Greater Allegheny campus. It was very While abroad, Matea and her class- welcoming and I felt at home,” she mates studied the differences among says. “I wanted to stay close to
5 Lauren Perrotti Research for undergraduates
Research is not just for science majors. LAUREN PERROTTI, majoring in both Italian and Spanish, explored the use of e-readers in academic settings and worked with a German professor to study how people read in German. “Penn State is one of the few places where you can do everything. I wanted to be able to do research and study abroad. I can do that here and there’s such a great support system.”
I see a huge potential for growth.
“Penn State is giving me research opportunities at a level that is amazing for an undergraduate. To be working at a university known globally as a research leader helps me imagine my own potential for growth, along with the fields I’m studying.
“As an undergraduate Bioengineering major, I feel very fortunate to be an involved with research in the emerging field of tissue engineering. One RESEARCH FOR of my projects involves creating artificial tissue that can mimic live human UNDERGRADUATES tissue. Someday, artificial tissue can be used in surgical procedures.”
6 HOW DOES STUDYING IN A SUBMARINE in the Gulf of Mexico with a world leader in animal ecology sound? For a number of Biology students, this opportunity was a dream come true. Chuck Fisher, professor of biology, is anoth- er example of an outstanding faculty member who combines classroom learning with hands-on research. Pictured here, Dr. Fisher and several of his students prepare to embark on a deep-sea exploration trip to research ice worms.
Laura Matey t
Learning outside the classroom
ATHENA ABATE, an Electrical Engineering major, has already got- ten a taste of what life will be like after she leaves campus for the “real world,” thanks to a yearlong co-op at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. “I worked on research to determine whether there will be a collision be- tween two spacecrafts in orbit. I got to present my work with other Penn Staters—everyone from recent alumni to people who graduated in the 1970s.” Athena, who began her Penn State EVEN THOUGH PENN STATE HAS THOUSANDS OF STUDENTS, education at the Hazleton campus, there’s still plenty of opportunity for one-on-one interaction with fac- is confident her co-op experience ulty and staff. LAURA MATEY, who majored in Theatre, developed a will lead to a full-time job with NASA close academic relationship with professor MATT TORONTO. after she graduates. In the long term, “Matt was an amazing teacher and mentor for me. I learned so much Athena plans to attend graduate about acting, directing, the world of theatre, and life in general from school and become an engineering him,” she says. “When we started a new project, Matt always said, professor: “There are so few female ‘Challenge yourself with this show so that in the end you have some- engineering teachers and I hope to thing to be proud of.’ That really stuck with me and I try to apply that be one of the people who to the work I do. ” changes that.” Laura worked with her academic adviser, ANNIE MCGREGOR, to make sure she was on track to graduate on time. Laura’s adviser also helped her plan a study abroad experience at the London Theatre Academy, where she studied Shakespeare and visited some of the sites mentioned in his works.
Athena Abate is involved with several student organizations, including the Engineering Ambassadors, a group that helps get children interested in the field through real-world activities.
7 ACADEMICS The Schreyer Honors College: shc.psu.edu
t Eli Glazier
Challenge yourself opportunities. An information sci- If you are looking for an exceptional ences and technology honors course challenge that will test your scholastic took him to the Center for Strategic abilities, consider the Schreyer Hon- and International Studies, a think tank ors College, Penn State’s University- in Washington, D.C., where he had wide honors program (shc.psu.edu). It the opportunity to interact with policy provides highly motivated students leaders. That experience led to a sum- with tremendous opportunities to en- mer internship at the center. “I met a rich their college experience through lot of very interesting people and had close interaction with faculty, honors the chance to work on updating the course offerings, grants to support re- educational curriculum for visiting search and study abroad, extensive students,” he says. Eli also enjoys the out-of-classroom programs, and the small classroom environment of his completion of an honors thesis. honors courses, like an international affairs class taught by Dennis Jett, a ELI GLAZIER, a Schreyer Scholar ma- professor in that field. The class has joring in International Politics, has eight students, allowing for many in- taken advantage of several of these depth discussions and lively debates.
WE’RE HERE TO HELP—Penn State is a big place with lots of options. We are eager to help you under- stand all of the opportunities now available to you.
8 >HOW BIG ARE THE CLASSES? Class sizes vary, depending on the campus and type of class. At campuses other than University Park, classes generally have twenty or fewer students. Class size at University Park depends on the course, but 85 percent of first-year classes have fifty or fewer students.
SMEAL BUSINESS STUDENTS BENEFIT from >WILL I HAVE AN ADVISER? state-of-the-art technology in the Rogers Yes. Each student is assigned Family Trading Room. Functioning as both a an academic adviser. In fact, classroom and a laboratory facility, the Trading you may make use of advis- Room replicates an authentic trading room en- ers in other academic areas. Career advising is also avail- vironment. Students can conduct studies able to all students. on global financial markets, stock trading, options, and other elements found in today’s global economies.
>WHO TEACHES CLASSES? Most classes are taught by Penn State’s full-time faculty. For some introductory courses at some campuses, a super- vised teaching assistant serves as the primary instructor.
See pages 26–29 for more information about academics or visit admissions.psu.edu.
9 Penn State Erie THE MULTICAMPUS SYSTEM+2 Finding your place = year degree
Finding your place: Figuring out which campus is the best fit for you BY NOW YOU PROBABLY KNOW that Penn State 4isn’t a single place. We have twenty undergraduate campuses throughout Pennsylvania. Being big has 2its advantages: it gives you the freedom to pick which campus suits you best. Some students choose to remain at one campus for all four years, while others spend their first two years at one campus and transition to another for their re- maining two years. We call this approach the 2+2 plan and it’s the most com- mon path to a Penn State degree.
10 This is what a campus should look like. —NADIA WYRSTA
Alcina Bayley t t Nadia and Kristina Wyrsta
PENN STATE UNIVERSITY PARK IS BY FAR THE LARGEST PENN STATE CAMPUS, her home and transitioned to Behrend WITH OVER 40,000 UNDERGRADUATES. THE STUDENTS WHO START HERE—ABOUT to finish her degree in International 40 PERCENT—GENERALLY ARE HERE THROUGH GRADUATION. THE REMAINING Business. “I chose Behrend because it 60 PERCENT BEGIN AT ONE OF OUR NINETEEN OTHER CAMPUSES. was bigger than Hazleton but smaller than University Park. I knew that when I started classes there the teach- NADIA AND KRISTINA WYRSTA start- “When we saw Penn State Abington ers would know me by name and not ed at Penn State Abington, located in and Penn State University Park, by a number.” their hometown, to help their family we thought, ‘This is what a campus At Behrend, Alcina was a member of save money. With two older sisters should look like,’” Nadia says. “We the Equestrian Club and vice presi- who are also Penn State graduates, the never thought about going anywhere dent of Theta Phi Alpha sorority, an Wyrstas knew how much of a financial else. It really feels like you’re at col- experience that gave her self-confi- savings the 2+2 program could be. lege here.” dence and helped hone her leadership Students can save thousands of dollars 4 ALCINA BAYLEY began her college abilities. She also had the opportu- per year by starting at a campus other career at Penn State Hazleton, stayed nity to travel to China, visiting the than University Park. “We went to there for two years, and then moved to cities of Hong Kong, Beijing, Xi’an, Catholic school, so there wasn’t much Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. and Shanghai. “My parents are really money left over for college,” Kristina She chose to attend Penn State proud of me for getting into a well- says. “We attended the Abington cam- Hazleton because of its proximity to respected school, and I had great ex- pus and worked in the admissions periences at both campuses.” office to earn money while we were there.
11 THE MULTICAMPUS SYSTEM
Penn State’s diverse campus sizes make it easy for you to find your perfect fit.
Penn State Abington
Penn State Beaver
A campus close to home With twenty undergraduate campuses across Pennsylvania, you will find every- thing from the intimate small-college expe- rience to the intensity and excitement of a major university setting. No matter which campus you choose, you’ll be getting a world-renowned Penn State education.
Some campuses just feel like home.
“You get the big Penn State environment in a community-like setting that’s very welcoming at Altoona. I decided to study there all four years because I like the community setting and it’s close to University Park campus.
“Even though I chose to stay at Altoona, I was part of a group that eased the transition to University Park for fellow students.
Penn State Altoona
“I was involved in many other campus activities: president of the student government; vice president of Lion Ambas- BEN sadors, a group that gives tours to prospective students and families; and captain of the Ultimate Frisbee team. BROOKS I’ve loved my time here. “
>IF I WANT TO COMPLETE MY DEGREE AT UNIVERSITY PARK AFTER STARTING AT ANOTHER PENN STATE CAMPUS, 40% WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS? START @ UP Typically, you transition to University Park after completing your first two Forty percent of first- years of full-time study toward a year students start at baccalaureate degree, as long as the University Park you are in good academic standing. campus in a typical year.
Penn State Lehigh Valley >WHICH CAMPUS IS BEST FOR ME? What you would like to study and the kind of learn- ing environment you prefer can affect your choice of campus. While most campuses offer the first two years of study for nearly all of Penn State’s academic programs, each campus has its own array of aca- demic offerings. There are other things to keep in mind as well: In what part of Pennsylvania would you like to live and study? What size campus do you find most comfortable? Do you want to live on or off campus? What extracurricular activities interest you? The best way to find out if a campus is right for you is to schedule a visit through our website at admissions.psu.edu.
Penn State Greater Allegheny
>CAN I GET THE MAJOR I WANT AT ANY CAMPUS? For most of Penn State’s more than 160 majors, you can complete the first two years of study at any Penn State campus. Please consult the majors listing on pages 26–29 and our website at admissions.psu.edu for more information.
Penn State Mont Alto
See pages 26–29 for more information about academics or visit admissions.psu.edu.
Penn State Wilkes-Barre
13 STUDENT LIFE student Get involved
Making Penn Statelife your own WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO ADJUST to college and make friends? Two words: get involved. The Penn State experience goes beyond the courses you take by offering more than 1,200 clubs and organizations across twenty campuses.
14 Sample Activities Calendar
FALL
>Distinguished Speaker Series: Ben & Jerry’s Jerry Greenfield PENN STATE ALTOONA
>Confessions from a Fried Freshman: You Are What You Eat seminar PENN STATE HARRISBURG
>The Addams Family live performance There’s always something to do PENN STATE UNIVERSITY PARK Whether you are interested in music, And the fun isn’t limited to cam- >Homecoming Parade sports, movies, salsa dancing, ceram- pus events. Weekend getaways to PENN STATE UNIVERSITY PARK ics, or archery, Penn State has a group New York City are a favorite of Penn to help you get involved. State Hazleton students, who board a University-sponsored bus and travel to LYNN NGUYEN, a student in the the Big Apple for a day of sightseeing, SPRING Science five-year B.S./M.B.A. pro- student shopping, and shows. Other campuses gram, has had a chance to explore >Martin Luther King Jr. provide a similar service. Day of Service many aspects of Penn State’s extra- UNIVERSITY-WIDE curricular activities. “Concerts, free What do you like to do? Odds are you entertainment, sports, football games, aren’t alone and you can find a club >Dance Marathon (THON) free movies, game nights, pool, Super that matches your interests. Want UNIVERSITY-WIDE Smash Bros. competitions—there is a to try something new? Now is your >The Oscars at Abington ton to do around here,” Lynn says. chance. We strive to provide students awards ceremony with diverse opportunities and activi- Across Penn State, events are planned PENN STATE ABINGTON ties that help enrich the Penn State to get students excited and involved. experience. >Overnight ski trip to Seven Open-mike nights, coffeehouses, com- Springs Mountain Resort edy shows, musical performances, Visit clubs.psu.edu to see which clubs PENN STATE BEAVER and dances are just some of the social and organizations are available at the events our campuses have to offer. campuses you’re considering. >Movin’ On Music Festival PENN STATE UNIVERSITY PARK
>Rally in the Rotunda at the Pennsylvania Capitol Building life UNIVERSITY-WIDE There’s a ton to
Division III sports are offered do around here. at Penn State Abington; Penn State Altoona (above); Penn State Berks;
—LYNN NGUYEN Penn State Erie, The Behrend College;
and Penn State Harrisburg.
15 STUDENT LIFE
CAROLYN HIGGINS is not worried “One of the first things I got involved about keeping busy. From putting with when I came to Penn State was skills learned in her nursing classes Fresh START, a service program for to work for the Red Cross to intro- new students. I was entering a new ducing new students to myriad com- community and I immediately felt like munity service opportunities at Penn I was part of something bigger than State University Park, she has found myself,” says Carolyn. Serving as ex- plenty to keep her schedule full. ecutive director of Fresh START, she Carolyn, from Carlisle, Pennsylvania, helped new students find connections figured out quickly that the way to to local community service projects. make connections at Penn State is This effort culminates in a day of ser- through student organizations. She vice just before classes start. “The has served as executive director of ‘Alma Mater’ states that as first-year
Fresh START (Students Taking an students we arrive ‘shapeless’ and, t Active Role Today); a mentor for through years of being part of the blue Carolyn Higgins LEAP (Learning Edge Academic and white culture, we are ‘molded’ Program); and a member of the Penn into different individuals for the bet- State Student Red Cross Club, South ter,” Carolyn says. “We participate in Halls Residence Association, Student these service experiences because ‘we Nurses’ Association of Pennsylvania, are Penn State,’ and it’s the Penn State DiscipleMakers Christian Fellowship, thing to do.” and Women’s Leadership Institute.
I danced for 46 hours straight. “Every part of me ached. Then they announced we raised over $13 million. Everyone started hugging and crying. It was life changing.
“I’m one of 15,000 Penn State students fighting $13.3 THON pediatric cancer. Together, we make THON the MILLION FOR THE largest student-run philanthropy in the world.” RAISED KIDS
16 A group for every interest
Joe Degol competes on the soccer field.
Elaine Tanella volunteers at a THON 5K race.
Ryan Gianola pursues his love of singing.
ACADEMIC/PROFESSIONAL—From the brotherhood here,” Ryan says. “These STUDENT LEADERSHIP—From com- Astronomy Club to the Wildlife Society, guys are some of my best friends.” munity service to student government, we offer extremes and everything in be- we want you to share your thoughts ATHLETICS—With our large selection of tween. All of our academic areas have and ideas to make Penn State and the intercollegiate, intramural, and club sports special-interest clubs and organizations world a better place. University Park programs, you’re bound to find some- that will take your learning to a whole Bioengineering major ELAINE TANELLA thing that is a good fit for you. University new level. Hands-on experience, intense did that by combining her interest in Park offers intercollegiate competition at topic discussions, networking, and profes- nanomedicine with her work on Penn the Division I, club, and intramural levels. sional development are just a few of the State’s IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon Our other campuses offer a multitude benefits you will gain. (THON). Her research on methods to carry of athletic choices, including Division III, chemotherapy drugs to certain sites in the THE ARTS—You don’t have to be a stu- club sports, and intramural teams. JOE body closely related to her role as overall dent in an arts-related major to get in- DEGOL, who is majoring in Computer chair for THON, which has raised millions volved in a student performance group. Engineering and Mathematics, has expe- of dollars for children with cancer. “Penn Whether your interest is singing, acting, rienced a variety of these sports. In his State shaped me to be multifaceted—a or playing an instrument, there are lots first two years at Penn State Altoona, Joe Bioengineering major can do communica- of ways to pursue it. RYAN GIANOLA, played forward for their Division III soccer tions. I loved THON and being involved a Hospitality Management major at team. When he transitioned to University and spreading awareness about pediatric University Park, chose to continue his Park, he got involved with the intramural cancer research. “ love of singing by joining the Penn State soccer program. Glee Club, for which he served as vice president last year. With the club, he has performed around Pennsylvania and even went to New Zealand. “We have a real
17 Michelle Carbonell
Getting involved makes the size of the school seem less daunting. “When I first looked at Penn State, I was afraid of its size and worried I would be a lonely fish in a big pond. Joining activities allowed me to meet my very best friends.
“Whatever campus you’re on, you’ll find a lot of ways to get involved and meet great people. I have an amazing group of friends who are like a big family that has made GET INVOLVED me love Penn State more than I ever thought possible.”
18 >CAN I BE IN MUSIC OR PERFORMING ARTS GROUPS EVEN IF THAT ISN’T MY MAJOR? Definitely. Most music and performing arts groups are open to students in any major, though an audition may be required. The availability of music and performing arts groups varies by campus.
LATENIGHT PENN STATE, an alcohol-free entertainment venue at University Park, offers movies, con- certs, crafts, and cultural events. Late- Night also offers films on Thursdays, a full slate of programs on Friday and Saturday evenings, and two show- ings of recently released movies on Sundays. Student favorites include swing and salsa dances; karaoke and videoke; live music of all types; hypno- tists; sideshow artists; and magicians.
>HOW DO I GET INVOLVED? >DOES PENN STATE HAVE FRATERNITIES AND SORORITIES? At any Penn State campus, you can participate Different fraternities and sororities are available, depending in a variety of sports, clubs, organizations, and on which campus you attend. Penn State has fifty-nine fraternities recreational activities—student government orga- and thirty-five sororities. nizations, musical groups, publications and com- munications organizations, performing arts organizations, nationality and diversity organiza- tions, clubs formed around academic interests, religious and spiritual organizations, and dozens See the inside back cover for of special-interest groups. No matter what Penn more information on student State campus you attend, you’ll find a rich and life or connect with Penn State diverse social and cultural life, both on campus students on social media. and in the community.
19 VALUE exceptional valueWhat it’s worth to you Understanding the value of a Penn State degree
A COLLEGE EDUCATION IS A SERIOUS INVESTMENT for you and your family. As you explore the colleges on your short list, you will find that a Penn State education is an exceptional value in higher education.
20 “I would say to start looking for scholarships during your sophomore and junior years of high school because that’s what really helped me.” —ANITA ANIM
Marcos Hernandez t
WORKING TOWARD YOUR DEGREE For some Penn State students, A degree in demand an important part of funding for their education comes through federal A Penn State education provides you and state work-study programs. Through these programs, eligible stu- with a degree that’s in demand. You’ll dents work an average of fifteen hours per week in work-study positions be part of the largest alumni commu- throughout the University. nity in the world. In some cases, the work-study experience is in an area directly related Today, one of every 117 Americans to the student’s field of study. A Security and Risk Analysis major born in Massachusetts and raised in Mexico, MARCOS HERNANDEZ really with a college degree is a Penn State enjoyed his time as a work-study student in the College of Information graduate. With more than 616,000 Sciences and Technology. While there, he helped organize events and did Penn State alumni around the world, whatever else was needed around the office. you’ll be in good company. value “Work-study really helps me with expenses—rent, tuition, supplies, and A Penn State degree is a valuable as- food. Also, the people in financial aid are very nice. I had two problems set. Corporate recruiters rank Penn and they were very helpful in pointing me in the right direction. A loan State the number one school for re- didn’t come through and they helped me fix it right away. They don’t cruits, according to the Wall Street bounce you to someone else; they take care of it for you.” Journal. In fact, our reputation draws more than 1,000 corporate and gov- ernment recruiters to interview Penn State students on campus every year.
#1 RANKED Corporate recruiters rank Penn State the number one school for BY CORPORATE recruits, according to the Wall Street Journal. RECRUITERS
21 VALUE The Office of Student Aid: studentaid.psu.edu
An investment of time and money A college education is a major invest- ment of time and money. The decision to attend Penn State will likely re- quire commitment and hard work from you, and your family as well. Funding a quality education can be a chal- lenge—but we can help. About 79 percent of all undergraduate students receive some form of finan- cial aid, so you’re not alone. The ma- jority of the educational costs for Penn State students generally rests with the family, but keep in mind that it’s a team effort. It is important to note that educa- tional loans are considered a form of student aid. In fact, most Penn State What help is available? lationship with Penn State’s Office of students and their families rely heav- All students are automatically con- Student Aid were important steps in ily on federal loans to help finance sidered for University-wide scholar- her planning. “I was the first in my their education. Reliance on educa- ships. At Penn State, about 21 percent family to go to college. I wasn’t sure tional loans as a primary source of of undergraduates receive University about anything with financial aid. I financial aid is a common trend at scholarships, typically between called the financial aid office and they colleges and universities across the $800 and $2,500 per academic year. told me about workshops in my area. country. Of all undergraduate stu- Notification of scholarship awards is I went to the workshop that helped me dents who apply for financial aid at usually mailed separately from other fill out the necessary forms and gave Penn State, approximately 87 per- student aid correspondence. me a list of scholarships that I could cent rely on loans for assistance, apply for,” she says. possibly in combination with other To cover costs, most Penn State stu- student aid programs. Additionally, dents and their families use financial Start now federal, state, and University grants strategies that include family savings, are available to eligible students tuition savings plans, student sum- It will take planning, and it may take with the greatest financial need. mer employment, and Penn State’s sacrifice, but the quality educational payment plan, in combination with experience offered at Penn State is student financial aid programs. For within your reach. The bottom line is, it can work. Visit the Office of Student ANITA ANIM, a Nutritional Sciences major from northeast Philadelphia, Aid website at studentaid.psu.edu for starting early and establishing a re- more information on student aid.
22 Pop Quiz
You’re traveling on a train that B. Because I look divine E. All of the above. is going sixty miles an hour and in blue and white. two friends come up to you and C. Because I want to go If you answered “E,” you’re on ask, “Why do you want to go to to a Big Ten university the right track. Penn State?” close to home. Students want to go to Penn State for A. Because a degree from D. Because a Penn State hundreds of different reasons, but the Penn State is highly regarded education is a valuable number one reason is simply this—it’s a around the world. investment with long- high-quality education that’s an invest- term benefits. ment in your future.
1in117 One in every 117 Americans with a college degree is a Penn State graduate. AMERICANS
23 VALUE
Amanda Ferguson, who financed her Penn State education through loans and an on-campus job, received an offer before graduation from PNC bank in Pittsburgh for a business analyst position.
The Riegel family on campus at Penn State Abington, near their Philadelphia home.
PARENTS’ PERSPECTIVE was worth it to them for the value they As the parents of two Penn Staters, would get out of it, and they decided it RICK AND TRACY RIEGEL started was not,” Rick said. “Both girls received To be considered for planning for college long before their scholarships from Penn State and Meghan student aid, all prospec- daughters, Lauren and Meghan, is part of the Schreyer Honors College.” tive Penn State students entered Penn State. must complete the Free The Riegels are confident that their Application for Federal “We started a 529 savings plans when daughters will find jobs when they gradu- Student Aid (FAFSA) on the girls were little and were able to save ate, thanks to the resources and network- the Web at fafsa.ed.gov. enough to equal the cost of a Penn State ing opportunities available at Penn State. We strongly advise you education,” Tracy said. “The career services offered at Penn State to have the FAFSA filed no later than March 1 are phenomenal,” Rick said. “It’s some- for maximum consider- Rick and Tracy are both Penn State thing that people really need to look into ation for all student alumni but encouraged their daughters to when deciding where to go to school.” explore a variety of options during their aid programs. college searches. They emphasized cost Once their daughters arrived at University and value as part of the family’s discussion Park, the Riegels joined the Penn State about which school Lauren and Meghan Parents Program, which connects parents should attend. of current students to each other and to resources at the University. For more “There are other universities out there information about the Parents Program, that cost twice as much as Penn State visit parents.psu.edu. and we asked the girls if that extra cost
24 >WHEN SHOULD I APPLY FOR STUDENT FINANCIAL AID? We encourage you to complete the FAFSA on the Web by March 1 of your senior year. You may still submit the FAFSA after that date. Students who apply by March 1 will be notified of their student financial aid in late March. We recom- mend that all students and their families file their Federal Income Tax Return(s) before submitting the FAFSA.
>WHEN CAN I EXPECT TO HEAR ABOUT MY STUDENT FINANCIAL AID PACKAGE? You should receive your student aid notification from Penn State in late March if you submitted the FAFSA on the Web by March 1.
>WHAT FORM DO I NEED TO FILL OUT TO APPLY FOR STUDENT FINANCIAL AID? You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for student finan- cial aid. The FAFSA is available at fafsa.ed.gov. If you do not have access to the internet, contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC) at 1-800-4-Fed-Aid to request a paper FAFSA.
>DO YOU RECOMMEND COMPLETING THE FAFSA ON THE WEB? Yes, Penn State’s Office of Student Aid strongly rec- ommends that you submit your FAFSA online. It’s convenient and cuts down on errors, and your infor- mation reaches Penn State two to three weeks faster than the paper FAFSA.
See pages 26–29 for >HOW MANY PENN STATE STUDENTS RECEIVE AID? more information about About 79 percent of all undergraduate students academics or visit receive some form of financial aid. admissions.psu.edu.
25 >Penn State Majors
THIS LIST OF PENN STATE MAJORS IS ORGANIZED BY FAMILIAR AREAS OF STUDY to help you locate majors in your area of interest. Unless otherwise noted, programs without a campus listed in parentheses can be started at any campus and typically completed (final two years) at University Park. Unless otherwise noted, programs with a campus listed in parentheses can be started at any campus and typically completed at the campus(es) listed in parentheses. Some majors are listed under multiple academic interest areas.
admissions.psu.edu 20+ ASSOCIATE DEGREES
26 Baccalaureate Degree (Four-Year) Majors NOTE: SOME MAJORS ARE LISTED UNDER MORE THAN ONE SUBJECT AREA.
Agriculture and Agribusiness Management Earth Science and Policy Immunology and Infectious Natural Resources (University Park, World Campus) Earth Sciences Disease Agricultural and Extension (DuBois, University Park) Landscape Contracting Education Environmental Resource Toxicology Agricultural Science Management Turfgrass Science (University Park, Animal Science Environmental Studies (Altoona) World Campus) Biological Engineering Environmental Systems Veterinary and Biomedical BioRenewable Systems Engineering Sciences Community, Environment, Food Science Wildlife and Fisheries Science and Development Forest Ecosystem Management
Architecture and Architectural Engineering Landscape Architecture Landscape Contracting Environmental Design Architecture [started and completed [started and completed only at University Park] only at University Park]
Arts: Visual and Art (Abington) Integrative Arts Musical Arts [started and completed Performing Art. B.A. [started and completed (Abington, Altoona, only at University Park] only at University Park] University Park) Musical Theatre [started and com- Art, B.F.A. Interdisciplinary Digital Studio pleted only at University Park] [started and completed [started and completed Theatre, B.A. (Berks, University Park) only at University Park] only at University Park] Theatre, B.F.A. Art Education Music, B.A. [started and completed [started and completed [started and completed only at University Park] only at University Park] only at University Park] Music, B.M. [started and completed Visual Art Studies (Altoona) Art History only at University Park] Arts Administration (Erie) Music Education [started and com- pleted only at University Park] Graphic Design [started and com- pleted only at University Park]
Biological (Life) Biochemistry and Biotechnology Premedical-Medical, Accelerated Sciences Molecular Biology Food Science [started only at University Park] Biochemistry and Molecular Forensic Science Premedicine Biology (Berks, University Park) Immunology and Infectious Science (Abington, Altoona, Biological Anthropology Disease Berks, Erie, Harrisburg, University Park, Worthington Scranton, York) Biological Engineering Microbiology Toxicology Biology (Abington, Altoona, Berks, Nutritional Sciences Brandywine, Erie, University Park) Veterinary and Biomedical Plant Sciences Biomedical Engineering Sciences
Business Accounting (Erie, Harrisburg, Energy and Sustainability Policy Management University Park) (World Campus) (Harrisburg, University Park) Agribusiness Management Energy Business and Finance Management Information Systems Arts Administration (Erie) Finance (Erie, Harrisburg, (Erie, University Park) Business (Abington, Altoona, Beaver, University Park, World Campus) Marketing (Erie, Harrisburg, Berks, Brandywine, DuBois, Golf Management [started and com- University Park) Fayette, Greater Allegheny, pleted only at University Park] Project and Supply Chain Hazleton, Lehigh Valley, Mont Health Policy and Administration Management (Erie) Alto, New Kensington, Schuylkill, Hospitality Management Recreation, Park, and Shenango, Wilkes-Barre, World Tourism Management Campus, Worthington Scranton, Information Systems (Harrisburg) Risk Management York) Interdisciplinary Business with Supply Chain and Information Business Economics (Erie) Engineering Studies (Erie) Systems Business, International (Erie) Labor Studies and Employment Relations (University Park, Telecommunications Economics (Erie, University Park, World Campus) World Campus)
Communications Advertising/Public Relations Communication Arts and Sciences Film-Video Advertising/Public Relations- (Berks, Brandywine, University Journalism Park, York) Strategic Communications Media Studies (World Campus) Communications (Altoona, Beaver, Telecommunications Communication (Erie) Brandywine, Greater Allegheny, Harrisburg, New Kensington) Writing, Creative (Erie) Corporate Communication Writing, Professional (Berks) (Abington, Lehigh Valley)
27 Computer and Computer Engineering Information Sciences Information Systems (Harrisburg) Information Systems (Erie, University Park) and Technology Management Information Systems Computer Science (Abington, Beaver, Berks, (Erie, University Park) Brandywine, Greater Allegheny, (Erie, Harrisburg, University Park) Security and Risk Analysis (Altoona, Harrisburg, Hazleton, Lehigh Berks, Harrisburg, University Park, Valley, Mont Alto, New Kensington, World Campus) Schuylkill, University Park, Wilkes- Barre, World Campus, Worthington Software Engineering (Erie) Scranton, York)
Education Agricultural and Extension Elementary Education (Harrisburg) Secondary Education, Social Education Music Education [started and com- Studies (Harrisburg) Art Education [started and complet- pleted only at University Park] Special Education ed only at University Park] Rehabilitation and Workforce Education and Childhood and Early Adolescent Human Services Development Education (multiple options; (Lehigh Valley, University Park) World Languages Education (K-12) Abington, Altoona, Berks, Erie, Secondary Education (multiple options) Lehigh Valley, University Park) (multiple options) Education and Public Policy Secondary Education, Mathematics (Erie)
Engineering Aerospace Engineering Energy Engineering Mechanical Engineering (Berks, Architectural Engineering Engineering Science Erie, Harrisburg, University Park) Biological Engineering Environmental Systems Mining Engineering Biomedical Engineering Engineering Nuclear Engineering Chemical Engineering General Engineering Petroleum and Natural Gas (Abington, Brandywine, DuBois, Engineering Civil Engineering Hazleton) (Harrisburg, University Park) Rail Transportation Industrial Engineering Engineering (Altoona) Computer Engineering (Erie, University Park) (Erie, University Park) Software Engineering (Erie) Interdisciplinary Business with Computer Science Surveying Engineering Engineering Studies (Erie) (Erie, Harrisburg, University Park) (Wilkes-Barre) Materials Science and Electrical Engineering Engineering (Erie, Harrisburg, University Park)
Engineering Electrical and Computer Mechanical Engineering Rail Transportation Engineering Technologies Engineering Technology Technology [started and (Altoona) [started and completed completed only at Erie] Structural Design and only at Erie] Mechanical Engineering Construction Engineering Electrical Engineering Technology Technology (Harrisburg) Technology (Harrisburg) (Harrisburg, Wilkes-Barre) Plastics Engineering Technology Electro-Mechanical Engineering [started and completed Technology (Altoona, Berks, New only at Erie] Kensington, York)
Health Professions, Athletic Training Kinesiology (Berks, University Park) Physical Therapy, Biobehavioral Health Nursing Accelerated Bachelor of Allied Health Services, Science/Doctorate Biotechnology (Altoona, Erie, Fayette, Mont and Recreational Alto, University Park, Worthington [started only at Abington] Communication Sciences and Services Scranton) Premedical–Medical, Accelerated Disorders Nursing (Second Degree option; [started only at University Park] Golf Management Altoona, Harrisburg) Premedicine [started and completed only at University Park] Nursing—for licensed RNs only Recreation, Park, and Tourism (Abington, Altoona, Erie, Fayette, Management Health Policy and Administration Harrisburg, Mont Alto, New Rehabilitation and Human Services Hospitality Management Kensington, Schuylkill, Shenango, (Lehigh Valley, University Park) University Park, World Campus, Worthington Scranton) Nutritional Sciences
Humanities and Asian Studies English (Abington, Altoona, Japanese Chinese Brandywine, Erie, Greater Law and Society (World Campus) Language Allegheny, Harrisburg, University Classics and Ancient Medieval Studies Park, Wilkes-Barre, Worthington Mediterranean Studies Scranton, York) Philosophy Communication Arts and Sciences French and Francophone Studies Russian (Berks, Brandywine, University Spanish Park, York) German Writing, Creative (Erie) Comparative Literature History (Abington, Altoona, Erie, University Park) Writing, Professional (Berks) Italian
28 Interdisciplinary African American Studies Jewish Studies Organizational Leadership African Studies Latin American Studies (For adult learners only) Studies (Altoona, Berks, New Kensington, American Studies (Abington, Law and Society (World Campus) University Park, World Campus) Brandywine, Harrisburg) Letters, Arts, and Sciences Women’s Studies Asian Studies (Abington, Altoona, Brandywine, General Arts and Sciences (Erie) DuBois, Greater Allegheny, Harrisburg, Hazleton, Mont Global Studies (Berks) Alto, Shenango, University Park, International Studies World Campus, Worthington (available only as a concurrent Scranton) or additional major)
Physical Sciences Astronomy and Astrophysics Geography Science (Abington, Altoona, Berks, and Mathematics Chemistry (Erie, University Park) Geosciences Erie, Harrisburg, University Park, Worthington Scranton, York) Earth Sciences Mathematical Sciences (Harrisburg) Science B.S./M.B.A. (DuBois, University Park) Mathematics Energy and Sustainability Policy (Altoona, Erie, University Park) Statistics (World Campus) Meteorology Energy Business and Finance Physics (Erie, University Park) Geobiology Planetary Science and Astronomy
Social Sciences Administration of Justice Economics (Erie, University Park, Law and Society (World Campus) (Beaver, Berks, DuBois, Fayette, World Campus) Political Science Greater Allegheny, New Energy and Sustainability Policy (Altoona, Erie, Harrisburg, Kensington, Schuylkill, (World Campus) University Park, World Campus) Shenango, Wilkes-Barre) Geography Psychological and Social Sciences Anthropology Human Development and Family (Abington) Applied Behavioral Science Studies (Altoona, Brandywine, Psychology (Altoona, Beaver, (Harrisburg) DuBois, Fayette, Harrisburg, Mont Brandywine, Erie, Greater Applied Psychology (Berks) Alto, Shenango, University Park, Allegheny, Harrisburg, Hazleton, Archaeological Science World Campus, Worthington Lehigh Valley, New Kensington, Scranton, York) Schuylkill, University Park, World Biological Anthropology International Politics Campus) Criminal Justice (Abington, Altoona, Public Policy (Harrisburg) Harrisburg, World Campus) Labor Studies and Employment Relations (University Park, World Sociology Criminology Campus) (Harrisburg, University Park) Earth Science and Policy
Undecided/ Division of Undergraduate Studies Exploratory (An enrollment and advising unit for undecided students who prefer to explore several academic programs before choosing a major.)
Associate Degree (Two-Year) Majors
ASSOCIATE DEGREE Agricultural Business Human Development and Family Physical Therapist Assistant MAJORS ARE CAMPUS Biomedical Engineering Studies Radiological Sciences SPECIFIC. CONTACT Technology Information Sciences and Science Technology YOUR CAMPUS OF Building Engineering Technology Surveying Engineering Technology Letters, Arts, and Sciences CHOICE FOR DEGREE Business Administration Turfgrass Science and OPTIONS. Business, General Materials Engineering Technology Management Criminal Justice Mechanical Engineering Wildlife Technology Technology Electrical Engineering Technology Workforce Education and Medical Laboratory Technology Forest Technology Development Mining Technology Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management Occupational Therapy
29 >Academic Paths
WHEN YOU CHOOSE A PROGRAM OF STUDY, you are enrolled in one of Penn State’s academic colleges. The Division of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) allows students who are undecided about a major to explore several academic areas before selecting their program of study. Our extensive advising resources can help you plan a curriculum leading to a baccalaureate (four-year) or associate (two-year) degree—and to chart a course to achieve your career goals. The academic colleges highlighted below offer degrees that are typically completed at the University Park campus. In addition, Penn State offers more than sixty degrees that may be conferred by our other campuses. See pages 32–43 for more information about specific program availability by campus.
College of Agricultural Sciences Smeal College of Business College of Communications agsci.psu.edu smeal.psu.edu comm.psu.edu 814-865-7521 814-863-1947 814-865-1503 >1,918 undergraduate students >5,405 undergraduate students >2,695 undergraduate students >449 graduate students >301 graduate students >62 graduate students >285 faculty >145 faculty >58 faculty >17 majors >7 majors >5 majors >24 minors >4 minors >3 minors 4 associate degree programs > Smeal College’s curriculum reflects the Penn State’s College of Communications Penn State offers the only comprehensive current demands of business and translates is the largest accredited communica- educational program in agricultural sciences into internship and career opportunities at tions program in the country and one of in Pennsylvania. College of Agricultural the world’s top companies. Many Smeal only nine in the Northeast accredited by Sciences graduates gain employment in the students get involved outside of the class- the Accrediting Council on Education in food, agricultural, and natural resource sys- room with one of our thirty-nine student Journalism and Mass Communication. In the tem, which is projected to have more than organizations. Two premier opportunities past five years, more than two dozen Pulitzer 54,400 annual job openings between 2010 include the Nittany Lion Fund, which gives Prize winners have visited campus for events and 2015. Students enjoy the small-college students the opportunity to manage millions and various lecture series conducted by the environment and personal approach to of dollars like Wall Street professionals, and college. The College of Communications student services, career guidance, and aca- the annual Next CEO competition, which al- is also home to a variety of undergraduate demic advising. The college has one of the lows students to step into the shoes of top centers, such as the John Curley Center for largest academic scholarship programs in corporate leaders. Smeal students study Sports Journalism, Pennsylvania Center for the University, awarding $1.8 million to more abroad in more than 150 programs and 40 the First Amendment, and Media Effects than 700 students annually. countries to enhance their understanding of Research Laboratory. global business issues and earn a minor in International Business. The home of Smeal College of Earth College of Arts and Architecture College is the award-winning, state-of-the- artsandarchitecture.psu.edu art Business Building. and Mineral Sciences ems.psu.edu 814-865-9523 814-863-2751 >1,228 undergraduate students >248 graduate students >1,958 undergraduate students >187 faculty >499 graduate students >17 majors >225 faculty >9 minors >15 majors >19 minors Penn State’s College of Arts and Architecture is committed to artistic and The College of Earth and Mineral Sciences scholarly creativity, research, and the prepa- is a world leader in earth, materials, and ration of professional practitioners in all of energy sciences and engineering. As such, the arts and design disciplines. The college we create, integrate, and transform funda- has specialized studios, rehearsal spaces, mental understanding of earth, material, and classrooms to support the design, visu- and energy processes and how humans in- al, and performing arts. The college, which teract with them. We use this knowledge to includes the Center for the Performing Arts, help provide the newest and best materials Penn State Centre Stage, and the Palmer and energy for society and science for Museum of Art, serves as the major cultural a secure and sustainable planet. We train center between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. our students to possess the depth and breadth of understanding needed to meet the needs of academia, industry, govern- ment, and society.
Please note: These data reflect the numbers once students are in a major at University Park.
30 College of Education College of Information study: the four-year bachelor of science Sciences and Technology (IST) degree program is for students who are pre- ed.psu.edu paring for an initial professional R.N. degree; 814-865-0488 ist.psu.edu the Second Degree option is for students 814-865-8947/866-255-8707 who have already earned a baccalaureate >1,488 undergraduate students degree in another field; and the R.N. to B.S. >767 graduate students >834 undergraduate students option is for registered nurses who wish to >201 faculty >116 graduate students complete a B.S. degree. The school is ap- proved by the Pennsylvania State Board >7 majors >52 faculty >3 majors of Nursing, and the associate, baccalaure- >2 minors ate, and master’s degree programs are ac- 13 minors > credited by the Accreditation Commission The College of Education prepares teachers, >1 associate degree program counselors, human services professionals, for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and educational administrators, policy analysts, The College of Information Sciences and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing and researchers. Other academic units at Technology (IST) offers bachelor of sci- Education (CCNE). Penn State have undergraduate teacher ence degree programs in Information preparation programs for agriculture, art, Sciences and Technology and Security and Eberly College of Science music, and health and physical education. Risk Analysis. The Information Sciences and Technology program integrates skills science.psu.edu College of Engineering connected with people, information, and 814-865-2609 technology, covering topics from software www.engr.psu.edu development to social media to business >3,197 undergraduate students 814-863-1033 applications for technology. The Security >777 graduate students and Risk Analysis program explores how >433 faculty >7,217 undergraduate students to design secure systems, measure risk, >15 majors >1,365 graduate students and ensure that proper levels of privacy >11 minors >356 faculty are maintained for individuals, businesses, government, and other organizations. The >15 majors Discover the latest in science, learn in cut- college also offers a bachelor of arts degree ting-edge laboratory and computer facili- >11 minors in Information Sciences and Technology, ties, and develop skills to help you achieve >9 associate degree programs which enables students to blend the study your goals. Why is the study of science so of technology with the arts, humanities, The College of Engineering caters to a and social sciences. important? Think about the challenges our wide variety of student interests and helps world is facing: health care issues, disease students prepare to create new prod- College of the Liberal Arts outbreaks, crime, renewable energy, food ucts and processes and contribute to our supply concerns, environmental remediation, global society in fields that span the enviro- www.la.psu.edu genetic engineering, space exploration, ment, health care, energy, transportation, infrastructure, medicine, space systems, 814-865-2545 and many others. Solving these problems manufacturing, agriculture, computers, and is a fundamental part of our future—and >5,163 undergraduate students communications technology. The college you could be the scientist who really makes offers a world-class education in each of its >788 graduate students a difference. With our award-winning fac- programs along with opportunities for in- >626 faculty ulty, we provide a solid science foundation ternships and cooperative education, partici- >35 majors and opportunities to tackle the world’s pation in national and international contests, >50 minors most challenging issues through research. undergraduate research, and study or work >1 associate degree program The National Research Council ranked our abroad. Engineering graduates leave Penn programs among the top ten in the United State well on their way to becoming world- The College of the Liberal Arts offers a wide States. Beyond research, the college offers class engineers. range of degrees in the humanities and so- numerous opportunities for experiential cial sciences that help students prepare for learning: externships, internships, co-ops, successful, fulfilling lives after graduation. College of Health and and a number of top-notch study abroad A liberal arts degree cultivates excellent Human Development programs. Customize your education communication skills, capacity for ethical www.hhdev.psu.edu decision making, and openness to diversity with the Eberly College of Science, pursue the unknown, and solve real-life problems 814-865-2156 in ways that enrich the study of a variety of disciplines. In an increasingly interconnected with science. >4,588 undergraduate students world, a liberal arts degree places students >376 graduate students in a strong position to be leaders in their Division of >255 faculty chosen fields. Undergraduate Studies >9 majors dus.psu.edu >11 minors College of Nursing 814-865-7576 >2 associate degree programs nursing.psu.edu The College of Health and Human Develop- 814-863-0245 >3,244 undergraduate students ment was the first in the country to take an >497 undergraduate students The Division of Undergraduate Studies integrated approach to the health, develop- (DUS) is Penn State’s enrollment program ment, and well-being of individuals, fami- >105 graduate students for students who want to explore the lies, and their communities. Committed to >36 faculty University’s academic opportunities before improving the quality of life, our world-class >1 major deciding on a field of study. faculty offer highly ranked educational pro- The College of Nursing is the larg- grams to our students and produce research est preparer of registered nurses in the that will positively affect our lives today and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The bac- in the future. calaureate program has three options for
31 >Penn State’s Campuses
BY NOW YOU PROBABLY KNOW THAT PENN STATE ISN’T A SINGLE PLACE. Our multicampus system has twenty undergradu- ate locations throughout Pennsylvania. All of Penn State’s undergraduate campuses offer the first two years of nearly all of Penn State’s more than 160 baccalaureate programs. Students can then transition to University Park or another campus to finish their degree (2+2 plan). In addition, some campuses also offer complete baccalaureate and associate degrees. In the following pages, we offer a snapshot of each of our campuses. Contact the campuses you are interested in for more information.
2+2 We have 20 undergraduate campuses throughout Pennsylvania. START HERE No matter where you start, you graduate with a Penn State degree. FINISH THERE
32 >Campuses 20 undergraduate campuses across the state of Pennsylvania No matter where you start, you graduate with a Penn State degree.
>Undergraduate student demographics 71 percent are from Pennsylvania. 54 percent of the student body is male; 46 percent is female. Student body represents 50 states and more than 131 countries. 19 percent of students are persons of color.
>Number of faculty 6,060 full-time faculty Penn State University Park >Number of students psu.edu 98,097 students University-wide >46,184 students (undergraduate and graduate) >6,099 graduate students >8,461 first-year students >First-year admission (2013) >College town setting in State College, Pennsylvania 15,570 first-year baccalaureate >Visits, Information: 814-865-5471, or students at all Penn State campuses admissions.psu.edu
>Transfer admission (2013) Housing New York City; about four hours from Washington, D.C., and More than 3,300 students Approximately 14,000 students live on campus. Six residence Philadelphia; three hours from transferred to Penn State from hall areas offer traditional, dor- Pittsburgh. colleges and universities outside mitory-style living. On-campus Academic Programs of the Penn State system. housing is guaranteed and Penn State University Park offers mandatory for first-year students. the full four years of more than >Academic programs Location 160 baccalaureate degree pro- In the center of Pennsylvania grams (see pages 26 through 29). Penn State has more than 160 in the town of State College, baccalaureate degree majors south of I-80, on Routes 26 and and more than 20 associate 322. Just over four hours from degree majors.
>Sports Each campus offers a variety of varsity, club, and intramural sports.
>Student clubs and organizations Penn State offers a unique PENN STATE UNIVERSITY PARK offers a array of clubs and organizations at each campus. wide range of choices for academics, activi- ties, and recreation in the classic college town of State College. More than 900 clubs and or- ganizations provide ample opportunities for students to expand on their Penn State edu- cation while developing leadership skills.
33 Penn State Abington abington.psu.edu
>3,694 students >Average class size: 24 >Suburban setting near Philadelphia >Campus Visits: 215-881-7351 >Campus Information: 215-881-7600 >[email protected]
Housing Business Privately owned, apartment-style Childhood and Early Adolescent housing available near campus Education Location Corporate Communication About fifteen miles from down- Criminal Justice town Philadelphia; easily accessi- English ble by car, public transportation, General Engineering and the free campus bus and History van service Information Sciences and Technology Academic Programs Integrative Arts Penn State Abington offers Letters, Arts, and Sciences the first two years of nearly Nursing (fully accredited program all of Penn State’s more than for applicants who hold an 160 baccalaureate programs. RN license) Penn State Altoona Furthermore, the following de- Psychological and Social Sciences grees can be completed in their Science altoona.psu.edu entirety at Penn State Abington: Associate (Two-Year) Programs Baccalaureate Business Administration >3,861 students (Four-Year) Programs Letters, Arts, and Sciences >Average class size: 31 Accelerated Bachelor/ >Suburban setting Doctor of Physical Therapy Visits, Information: 814-949-5466; 800-848-9843 American Studies > Art >[email protected] Biology Housing Human Development University-operated housing for and Family Studies 900 students; privately owned Integrative Arts off-campus housing within walk- Letters, Arts, and Sciences ing distance of campus Mathematics Location Nursing (three options) The B.S. option is a traditional four- Altoona, Pennsylvania; two hours PENN STATE ABINGTON provides all the personal year degree. The R.N. to B.S. from Pittsburgh and Harrisburg, option is for R.N.s seeking a attention of a small suburban campus, along with about four and a half hours from B.S. degree in Nursing. The Philadelphia, and forty-five min- the opportunities of a major university. Second Degree option is for utes from the University Park students who already have a campus bachelor’s degree in another Academic Programs field. Penn State Altoona offers Organizational Leadership the first two years of nearly (for adults) all of Penn State’s more than Political Science 160 baccalaureate programs. Psychology Furthermore, the following de- Rail Transportation grees can be completed in their Engineering entirety at Penn State Altoona: Science Security and Risk Analysis Baccalaureate (Four-Year) Programs Visual Art Studies Biology Associate (Two-Year) Programs Business Agricultural Business* Childhood and Early Business Administration Adolescent Education Criminal Justice Communications Human Development and Family Criminal Justice Studies Electro-Mechanical Letters, Arts, and Sciences Engineering Technology Science English Environmental Studies *First year only History
34 Penn State Beaver beaver.psu.edu
>703 students >Average class size: 24 >Suburban setting in Monaca, Pennsylvania >Visits, Information: 877-JOIN-PSU (564-6778); 724-773-3800 >Fax: 724-773-3658 >[email protected]
Housing Baccalaureate University-operated housing (Four-Year) Programs available for 212 students, as well Administration of Justice as privately owned, off-campus Business housing Communications Location Information Sciences and Technology Twelve miles west of Pittsburgh Psychology International Airport; easily accessible by car and public transportation Academic Programs Penn State Beaver offers the first two years of nearly all of Penn Penn State Berks State’s more than 160 baccalau- reate programs. Furthermore, the berks.psu.edu following degrees can be com- pleted in their entirety at Penn >2,732 students State Beaver: >Average class size: 24 >Suburban setting near Reading, Pennsylvania >Visits, Information: 610-396-6060 >[email protected]
Housing Global Studies University-operated housing for Information Sciences and 806 students, as well as privately Technology PENN STATE BEAVER students have the resources owned off-campus housing in Kinesiology of both a major research university and an exciting the area Mechanical Engineering metropolitan city at their fingertips. The vibrant Location Molecular Biology 105-acre campus offers leadership, social, and Berks County; one hour from Organizational Leadership (for adults) Philadelphia and Harrisburg athletic opportunities. Science Academic Programs Security and Risk Analysis Penn State Berks offers the first Theatre two years of nearly all of Penn Writing, Professional State’s more than 160 baccalau- reate programs. Furthermore, the Associate (Two-Year) Programs † following degrees can be com- Agricultural Business pleted in their entirety at Penn Business Administration State Berks: Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management Baccalaureate Information Sciences and (Four-Year) Programs Technology Administration of Justice Letters, Arts, and Sciences Applied Psychology Occupational Therapy Biochemistry Biology †Some options may be Business completed at Penn State Berks Childhood and Early Adolescent Education Communication Arts and Sciences Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology
35 Penn State Brandywine brandywine.psu.edu
>1,492 students >Average class size: 24 >Suburban setting near Media, Pennsylvania >Visits, Information: 610-892-1200 >[email protected]
Housing Baccalaureate Privately owned housing avail- (Four-Year) Programs able near campus American Studies Location Biology Twenty miles west of Philadel- Business phia; four miles west of Media; Communication Arts and Sciences easily accessible by car and pub- Communications lic transportation; free parking English Academic Programs General Engineering Penn State Brandywine offers Human Development and the first two years of nearly Family Studies all of Penn State’s more than Information Sciences and 160 baccalaureate programs. Technology Furthermore, the following Letters, Arts, and Sciences degrees can be completed in Psychology their entirety at Penn State Penn State DuBois Associate (Two-Year) Programs Brandywine: Agricultural Business* dubois.psu.edu Business Administration Human Development and Family >704 students Studies >Average class size: 24 Letters, Arts, and Sciences >Rural, small-town setting in DuBois, Pennsylvania >Visits, Information: 814-375-4720; 800-346-ROAR (7627) *First year only >[email protected]
Housing Human Development and Family Privately owned housing avail- Studies able near campus, including a Letters, Arts, and Sciences complex that accommodates ap- PENN STATE BRANDYWINE faculty and staff Associate (Two-Year) Programs proximately sixty students Agricultural Business* engage students to form unique relationships. Location Business Administration The campus’ proximity to Philadelphia offers The town of DuBois, between Human Development and Family an abundance of cultural, educational, and Exits 97 and 101 of Interstate 80; Studies career opportunities. about seventy-five minutes from Information Sciences and the University Park campus Technology Letters, Arts, and Sciences Academic Programs Mechanical Engineering Penn State DuBois offers the first Technology two years of nearly all of Penn Occupational Therapy State’s more than 160 baccalau- Wildlife Technology reate programs. Furthermore, the following degrees can be com- *First year only pleted in their entirety at Penn State DuBois: Baccalaureate (Four-Year) Programs Administration of Justice Business Earth Sciences General Engineering
THROUGH A WIDE RANGE of research projects, leadership opportunities, and clubs and organiza- tions, students at Penn State DuBois are encouraged to be creative with their programs of study.
36 Penn State Erie, The Behrend College behrend.psu.edu
>4,057 students >Average class size: 26 >Suburban setting >Visits, Information: 866-374-3378; 814-898-6100 >[email protected] Housing Finance Residence halls for 1,642 General Arts and Sciences students; privately owned History housing near campus Industrial Engineering Interdisciplinary Business with Location Engineering Studies Near Erie, Pennsylvania, I-79, and Management Information I-90; two hours from Pittsburgh Systems and ninety minutes from Marketing Cleveland and Buffalo Mathematics Academic Programs Mechanical Engineering Penn State Erie offers the first two Mechanical Engineering years of nearly all of Penn State’s Technology more than 160 baccalaureate pro- Nursing (two options) The B.S. option is a traditional four-year grams. The following degrees can degree. The R.N. to B.S. option is Penn State Fayette, be completed in their entirety at for R.N.s seeking a B.S. degree in Nursing. Penn State Erie: Physics The Eberly Campus Baccalaureate Plastics Engineering Technology fayette.psu.edu (Four-Year) Programs Political Science Accounting Project and Supply Chain Arts Administration Management >846 students Biology Psychology >Average class size: 22 Business Economics Science >Rural setting near Uniontown, Pennsylvania Business, International Secondary Education >Visits, Information: 724-430-4130; 877-568-4130 Chemistry (Mathematics Teaching option) [email protected] Childhood and Early Adolescent Software Engineering > Education Communication Associate (Two-Year) Programs Housing Baccalaureate Computer Engineering Agricultural Business* Privately owned housing avail- (Four-Year) Programs Electrical Engineering Technology Computer Science able close to campus Administration of Justice General Business Creative Writing Business Letters, Arts, and Sciences Location Economics Human Development Mechanical Engineering Conveniently located between Electrical and Computer and Family Studies Technology Connellsville and Uniontown on Engineering Technology Nursing (two options) The B.S. Route 119; about one hour from Electrical Engineering *First year only option is a traditional four- Pittsburgh and thirty minutes English year degree. The R.N. to B.S. from Morgantown, West Virginia option is for R.N.s seeking a Academic Programs B.S. degree in Nursing. Penn State Fayette offers the first Associate (Two-Year) Programs two years of nearly all of Penn Building Engineering Technology State’s more than 160 baccalau- Business Administration reate programs. Furthermore, the Electrical Engineering following degrees can be com- Technology pleted in their entirety at Penn Human Development and Family State Fayette: Studies Information Sciences and Technology Letters, Arts, and Sciences Mining Technology Physical Therapist Assistant
*First year only
37 Penn State Harrisburg hbg.psu.edu
>4,441 students >Average class size: 25 >Suburban setting >Visits, Information: 717-948-6250, 800-222-2056 >Fax: 717-948-6325 >[email protected]
Housing Human Development and University-owned housing Family Studies for 438 students. Privately Information Sciences and owned housing available Technology close to campus. Information Systems Letters, Arts, and Sciences Location Management Near Harrisburg in Middletown, Marketing Pennsylvania; about two hours Mathematical Sciences from Philadelphia and four hours Mechanical Engineering from Pittsburgh Mechanical Engineering Academic Programs Technology Penn State Harrisburg offers the Nursing (two options) The R.N. to first two years of nearly all of B.S. option is for R.N.s seek- Penn State’s more than 160 bac- ing a B.S. degree in Nursing. Penn State calaureate majors. Furthermore, The Second Degree option the following degrees can be is for students who already Greater Allegheny completed in their entirety at have a bachelor’s degree in greaterallegheny.psu.edu Penn State Harrisburg: another field. Baccalaureate Political Science >623 students (Four-Year) Programs Psychology Public Policy >Average class size: 18 Accounting Science >Suburban setting near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania American Studies Behavioral Science, Applied Secondary Education, >Visits, Information: 412-675-9010; Civil Engineering Social Studies 800-248-LION (5466; in PA) Communications Security and Risk Analysis >[email protected] Computer Science Sociology Structural Design and Housing Baccalaureate Criminal Justice Electrical Engineering Construction Engineering University housing for 209 stu- (Four-Year) Programs Technology dents with internet hookups and Business Electrical Engineering Technology Associate (Two-Year) Programs television cable in each room. Communications Elementary Education Business Administration Privately owned housing is also English English Letters, Arts, and Sciences available close to campus. Information Sciences and Technology Finance Location Letters, Arts, and Sciences Located fifteen miles southeast Psychology of Pittsburgh; twenty-five min- utes off Exits 57 or 67 of the PA Turnpike; four hours from Baltimore, Maryland; Columbus, Ohio; or Washington, D.C. Academic Programs Penn State Greater Allegheny of- fers the first two years of nearly all of Penn State’s more than 160 baccalaureate programs. Furthermore, the following de- grees can be completed in their entirety at Penn State Greater Allegheny:
PENN STATE GREATER ALLEGHENY combines the excitement of a metropolitan area with a quality Penn State education. The wireless student commu- nity center is a hot spot for the diverse student body to sip some coffee while working online, meeting friends for lunch, or studying in small groups.
38 Penn State Lehigh Valley lehighvalley.psu.edu
>925 students >Average class size: 22 >Suburban setting near Allentown, Pennsylvania >Visits, Information: 610-285-5035 >Fax: 610-285-5220 >[email protected]
Housing Baccalaureate Apartments and privately owned (Four-Year) Programs housing within driving distance to Business the campus Childhood and Early Adolescent Education Location Corporate Communication Near Allentown; sixty minutes Information Sciences and from Philadelphia and ninety Technology minutes from New York City Psychology Academic Programs Rehabilitation and Human Penn State Lehigh Valley of- Services fers the first two years of nearly Associate (Two-Year) Programs all of Penn State’s more than Business Administration 160 baccalaureate programs. Information Sciences and Furthermore, the following Technology Penn State Hazleton degrees can be completed in Letters, Arts, and Sciences hazleton.psu.edu their entirety at Penn State Lehigh Valley: >951 students >Average class size: 25 >Suburban setting >Visits, Information: 570-450-3142; 800-279-8495 >[email protected]
Housing Baccalaureate University-operated on-campus (Four-Year) Programs housing for 485 students as well Business as privately owned off-campus General Engineering housing Information Sciences and PENN STATE LEHIGH VALLEY combines a history Technology Location of tradition with its state-of-the-art campus facilities. Letters, Arts, and Sciences Conveniently located off Psychology Athletic competition is offered through the PSUAC Interstates 80 and 81; twenty and USCAA. minutes from the activity-filled Associate (Two-Year) Programs Pocono Mountains and two hours Agricultural Business* from New York City, Philadelphia, Business Administration and the University Park campus Information Sciences and Technology Academic Programs Letters, Arts, and Sciences Penn State Hazleton offers Medical Laboratory Technology the first two years of nearly Physical Therapist Assistant all of Penn State’s more than
160 baccalaureate programs. *First year only Furthermore, the following de- grees can be completed in their entirety at Penn State Hazleton:
FACULTY AT PENN STATE HAZLETON WELCOME the opportunity to work on research projects with first-year students, while a wide array of activities on campus are planned to support current interests and develop leadership skills.
39 Penn State Mont Alto montalto.psu.edu
>1,023 students >Average class size: 17 >Rural setting >Visits, Information: 717-749-6130; 800-392-6173 >[email protected]
Housing Human Development University housing available for and Family Studies 438 students as well as privately Information Sciences and owned, off-campus housing Technology Letters, Arts, and Sciences Location Nursing (two options) The B. S. Between Chambersburg and option is a traditional four- Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, off year degree. The R.N. to B.S. Interstate 81, about ninety option is for R.N.s seeking a minutes from Baltimore and B.S. degree in Nursing. Washington, D.C., and one hour from Harrisburg Associate (Two-Year) Programs Agricultural Business* Academic Programs Business Administration Penn State Mont Alto offers Forest Technology the first two years of nearly Human Development and Family all of Penn State’s more than Studies 160 baccalaureate programs. Penn State Information Sciences and Furthermore, the following de- Technology New Kensington grees can be completed in their Letters, Arts, and Sciences entirety at Penn State Mont Alto: Occupational Therapy nk.psu.edu Baccalaureate Physical Therapist Assistant (Four-Year) Programs >680 students Business *First year only >Average class size: 25 >Suburban setting near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania >Visits, Information: 724-334-LION (5466); 888-968-PAWS (7297) >[email protected]
THE CAMPUS was founded in 1903 as the first pub- Housing Baccalaureate lic forestry school in the nation. Today, nestled next Privately owned housing (Four-Year) Programs available at the Nittany Highlands Administration of Justice to a beautiful state forest, Penn State Mont Alto Apartments, located adjacent Business provides a unique college experience for students to campus Communications with a variety of interests and majors. Location Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology Conveniently located on Route Information Sciences and 780 in Upper Burrell Township, Technology within easy commuting dis- Nursing (fully accredited tance from almost anywhere in program for applicants Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler, who hold an RN license) Indiana, and Westmoreland Organizational Leadership Counties Psychology Academic Programs Associate (Two-Year) Programs Penn State New Kensington of- Agricultural Business* fers the first two years of nearly Biomedical Engineering all of Penn State’s more than Technology 160 baccalaureate programs. Business Administration Furthermore, the following Information Sciences and degrees can be completed in Technology their entirety at Penn State New Letters, Arts, and Sciences Kensington: Radiological Sciences
*First year only
40 Penn State Schuylkill schuylkill.psu.edu
>837 students >Average class size: 19 >Small-town setting in Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania >Visits, Information: 570-385-6252 >[email protected]
Housing Baccalaureate University-operated housing (Four-Year) Programs provided for 316 students, Administration of Justice as well as privately owned Business off-campus housing Information Sciences and Technology Location Nursing (fully accredited Near Pottsville; about one and program for applicants a half hours from Philadelphia who hold an RN license) and two and a half hours from Psychology New York City Associate (Two-Year) Programs Academic Programs Agricultural Business* Penn State Schuylkill offers Business Administration the first two years of nearly Human Development and Family all of Penn State’s more than Studies 160 baccalaureate programs. Letters, Arts, and Sciences Furthermore, the following de- Penn State Shenango Radiological Sciences grees can be completed in their shenango.psu.edu entirety at Penn State Schuylkill: *First year only >568 students >Average class size: 15 >Urban setting in Sharon, Pennsylvania >Visits, Information: 724-983-2803 >[email protected]
Housing Associate (Two-Year) Programs: PENN STATE SCHUYLKILL provides a welcoming Privately owned housing Business Administration environment for a diverse student population. available in the Sharon area Human Development and Family Studies With easy access to Philadelphia and New York Location In the city of Sharon; about Information Sciences and Technology City, students love the combination of Penn State one and a half hours from Letters, Arts, and Sciences Schuylkill’s small-college feel and accessibility to Pittsburgh and Erie Occupational Therapy metropolitan areas. Academic Programs Physical Therapist Assistant Penn State Shenango offers the first two years of nearly all of Penn State’s more than 160 baccalaureate programs. Furthermore, the following de- grees can be completed in their entirety at Penn State Shenango: Baccalaureate (Four-Year) Programs Administration of Justice Business Human Development and Family Studies Letters, Arts, and Sciences Nursing (fully accredited program for applicants who hold an RN license)
41 Penn State Worthington Scranton worthingtonscranton.psu.edu
>1,178 students >Average class size: 23 >Suburban setting in Dunmore, Pennsylvania >Visits, Information: 570-963-2500 >[email protected]
Housing Human Development Privately owned housing and Family Studies located in the community Information Sciences and Technology Location Letters, Arts, and Sciences Located off Interstate 81, near Nursing (two options) The B.S. Interstates 380 and 84; about option is a traditional four- two and a half hours from year degree. The R.N. to B.S. Philadelphia and two hours option is for R.N.s seeking a from New York City B.S. in Nursing. Academic Programs Science Penn State Worthington Scranton Associate (Two-Year) Programs offers the first two years of Agricultural Business* nearly all of Penn State’s more Business Administration Penn State Wilkes-Barre than 160 baccalaureate pro- Human Development and Family grams. Furthermore, the follow- Studies wilkesbarre.psu.edu ing degrees can be completed Information Sciences and in their entirety at Penn State 613 students Technology > Worthington Scranton: >Average class size: 17 Letters, Arts, and Sciences Baccalaureate >Rural setting in Lehman, Pennsylvania (Four-Year) Programs *First year only >Visits, Information: 570-675-9238 American Studies >[email protected] Business English Housing Information Sciences and Privately owned housing Technology located adjacent to campus Surveying Engineering Location (also offered as a concurrent degree with Civil Engineering; AT PENN STATE WORTHINGTON SCRANTON, In the town of Lehman, off contact the campus for more Interstate 81, eleven miles you will find recent high school graduates, adult information) west of Wilkes-Barre; about two learners, and professionals taking advantage of hours from Philadelphia and Associate (Two-Year) Programs certificate and career-development programs— two hours from New York City Business Administration Information Sciences and all pursuing their goals. Academic Programs Technology Penn State Wilkes-Barre of- Letters, Arts and Sciences fers the first two years of nearly Surveying Engineering all of Penn State’s more than Technology 160 baccalaureate programs. Furthermore, the following degrees can be completed in their entirety at Penn State Wilkes-Barre: Baccalaureate (Four-Year) Programs Administration of Justice Business Electrical Engineering Technology English
AS ONE OF PENN STATE’S technology centers, Wilkes-Barre offers a variety of educational opportu- nities in a number of technical fields to complement the wide range of student life activities on campus.
42
Other Locations
FOR THOSE SEEKING ALTERNATIVE LEARNING OPTIONS, Penn State’s online World Campus and our educational affiliate, the Pennsylvania College of Technology, offer many additional learning choices for students of all ages, backgrounds, and interests.
Pennsylvania College of Technology
>pct.edu >More than 5,600 students >Suburban setting in Williamsport, Pennsylvania >Visits, Information: 570-327-4761; 800-367-9222 >[email protected]
As a special-mission affiliate of Penn State, Pennsylvania College of Technology has grown to become Pennsylvania’s premier tech- nical college. More than 5,600 students are currently enrolled in bachelor’s degree, associate degree, and certificate programs, in- cluding majors such as Business Administration, Civil Engineering Technology, Computer Information Technology, and Nursing. Pennsylvania College of Technology combines hands-on experi- ence—utilizing industry-standard equipment in classrooms and Penn State York laboratories—with theory, in order to support practical knowledge york.psu.edu and encourage advances in each field. These factors contribute to Penn College’s excellent graduate placement rate: 90 percent of >1,177 students students find a job within a year of graduation. >Average class size: 23 Admission and administration policies, including tuition and fees, >Suburban setting are set by Penn College and may differ from those of Penn State. For more information and an application, contact the Pennsylvania >Visits, Information: 717-771-4040; 800-PSU-6227 (778-6227) College of Technology. >[email protected]
Housing Human Development World Campus Privately owned housing and Family Studies located close to campus Information Sciences and >worldcampus.psu.edu Technology Location >13,287 students Science Located in York in south-central >Information: 800-252-3592 Pennsylvania, near Harrisburg; Associate (Two-Year) Programs >[email protected] one hour from Baltimore Agricultural Business* Academic Programs Business Administration Penn State’s online World Campus offers you access to more than Penn State York offers the first Electrical Engineering seventy Penn State degree and certificate programs—anywhere, Technology two years of nearly all of Penn any time. Human Development and Family State’s more than 160 baccalau- Studies reate programs. Furthermore, the World Campus offers programs in business, education, engineer- Information Sciences and following degrees can be com- ing, health care, technology, and more. Whether you’re an on-lo- Technology pleted in their entirety at Penn cation student or a working adult learner, World Campus provides Mechanical Engineering State York: a convenient way to pursue a Penn State education. Technology Baccalaureate (Four-Year) Program *First year only Through World Campus, you will have access to student support Business services just like our students on location, including: new student Communication Arts and orientation, academic advising and career counseling resources, Sciences access to Penn State’s nationally recognized research library, help- Electro-Mechanical Engineering desk support resources, and tutorials about the online learning Technology environment. World Campus courses are designed around best English practices in online delivery and taught by Penn State faculty with experience teaching in an online environment.
For more information about our campuses go to admissions.psu.edu.
43 >Frequently Asked Questions
About academics At which campus will I finish my degree? Does Penn State have an honors program? Where you choose to finish your degree de- How soon do I have to declare a major? pends on your major and the type of cam- Yes, and an exceptional one at that! Penn pus you prefer. Many students spend two State’s Schreyer Honors College is available Typically, as a first-year student, you will be years at one campus, and then transition to at all undergraduate campuses and for most admitted to an academic college rather than another Penn State campus. However, if you majors. Admission to the Honors College is directly to a major. If you want to explore wish to spend all four years at one campus, highly selective and requires an additional several majors in different areas of study, you have many from which to choose. application process (available as part of your best place to start is the Division of the online application). Competitive ap- Undergraduate Studies (DUS), where pro- (SEE PAGES 32 THROUGH 43 FOR INFORMATION plicants are at or near the top of their high fessional advisers can help you with your ON DEGREE AVAILABILITY BY CAMPUS.) school class in terms of grades and schedule exploration. Whether you start in a college strength and have demonstrated leader- or DUS, you will be asked to declare a major Do Penn State’s campuses offer two-year ship through their extracurricular activities by the end of your sophomore year. Transfer associate degree programs? and interests. All entering first-year Schreyer students who have completed two or more Yes. Penn State offers more than twenty Scholars receive Academic Excellence years of study are usually admitted directly different associate degree programs at Scholarships—renewable four-year awards into a major. various campuses. with a current value of $4,000 per year. Visit shc.psu.edu for more information. (TO FIND OUT WHAT PROGRAMS ARE OFFERED AT EACH CAMPUS, SEE PAGES 32 THROUGH 43.)
About student life What comes with my room? Through Penn State’s Computer Store, In addition to beds, desks, and dressers, a wide variety of software is available to students at a discount or for free. Is housing guaranteed? residence hall rooms feature a number of conveniences. Each room is equipped with For those Penn State campuses (other television cable service, computer and than University Park) that have residence What about sports? Internet connections, and a microfridge halls, housing is typically on a first-come, Penn State has a strong tradition of student (combined microwave/refrigerator/freezer). first-served basis. First-year students at athletics and a wide range of varsity and Laundry facilities and a dining hall are lo- University Park are required to live on cam- intramural sports available at every campus. cated in each residence hall area. pus and are guaranteed housing. Transfer Whatever your interest and ability level, students may request on-campus housing at chances are there’s a team for you. In ad- any campus that offers housing, but are per- Do I need to bring a computer? dition, teams at Penn State University Park mitted to live off campus. The University strongly recommends that compete in Division I sports in the Big Ten you bring a computer, although this is not a Conference. Division III athletics are avail- able at Penn State Abington, Penn State Can I have a car on campus? requirement. All residence hall rooms offer connections to Penn State’s computer net- Altoona, Penn State Berks, Penn State Erie, First-year students are permitted to have work (including e-mail and the web). If you and Penn State Harrisburg. cars at all campuses except University Park. do not have a computer, there are computer labs available for student use. Lab hours vary, but some are open twenty-four hours.
44 About Penn State’s campuses Will I need to stay at one Will I be able to live in residence campus all four years? halls at the campus I choose?
Can I start as a first-year student In many cases, that’s up to you. Many stu- If living on campus is important to you, at any Penn State campus? dents attend one campus for their first two there are many Penn State campuses from years of study and then transition to another which to choose. Other campuses have at- First-year students can start at any of our campus to finish their degree. Others re- tractive off-campus options, including some twenty Penn State undergraduate cam- main at one campus throughout their Penn with off-campus housing adjacent to cam- puses. As a first-year student at most Penn State experience. Either path allows you to pus. In addition, some students choose to State campuses, you can begin study to- take full advantage of all that Penn State has save money by living at home for their first ward nearly all of Penn State’s undergradu- to offer, and you can choose a learning envi- two years and commuting to campus. If you ate majors. You should know that admission ronment that meets your needs. want to live in the residence halls of cam- to the University Park campus as a first-year puses other than University Park, it’s impor- student is more competitive than at other tant to accept your offer of admission and Penn State campuses. We recommend that Do all campuses offer a variety contact the campus housing office as soon you not limit yourself to one campus choice. of educational opportunities? as possible. Residence hall space is assigned Explore all of your Penn State options, and Yes. Every Penn State campus offers on a first-come, first-served basis. Transfer have both a first- and alternate-choice opportunities for undergraduate research, students can request housing at any Penn campus in mind. internships, special seminars, and education State campus where housing is available. abroad. In addition, students at all of Which campus is best for me? Penn State’s campuses have access to the latest educational technology, including If I want to complete my degree What you would like to study and the kind at University Park after starting at interactive computer-aided learning, and of learning environment you prefer can af- another Penn State campus, what are computerized classrooms. Qualified stu- fect your choice of campus. While most the requirements? dents may also be invited to apply to the campuses offer the first two years of study Schreyer Honors College, Penn State’s Typically, you may transition to University for nearly all of Penn State’s more than 160 prestigious honors program. In addition, Park after completing your first two years of baccalaureate majors, each campus has each campus has its own honors program full-time study toward a baccalaureate de- its own array of educational opportunities. for qualified students. gree as long as you are in good academic There are other things to keep in mind, too: standing. In a typical year, this is the path In what part of Pennsylvania would you like taken by 60 percent of Penn State’s under- to live? What size campus do you find most graduate students. comfortable? Do you want to live on or off campus? Are you interested in commuting? What extracurricular activities are you inter- ested in joining? The best way to find out if a campus is right for you is to contact the campuses you are interested in and arrange a visit. Admissions representatives at each campus will be glad to show you around and answer your questions.
About admission Is Penn State’s application When can I expect a decision? available on the web? If you apply by November 30, you can What SAT/ACT score do I need to Yes. Penn State makes its application avail- expect to receive a decision by January 31. be admitted to Penn State? able in two ways: on the web and in a tradi- Accordingly, students who apply tional paper format. The web application is after November 30 should expect a No minimum SAT/ACT score is key to normally available for use earlier than the pa- later decision. admission to Penn State or to the per form (the 2015 web application should University Park campus. (See page 46.) be available in September 2014). We prefer When do I have to make a that applicants use the web application. decision about attending? Are the admission criteria different for out-of-state students? If you are offered admission, you When should I apply? have until May 1 to accept the offer. No. Penn State does not use geographic Penn State reviews applications throughout Penn State does not have an early quotas or limitations for out-of-state the year, but we strongly encourage you decision program. students. to apply by November 30 of your senior year
for priority consideration. You will be most competitive if you apply by this date.
45 >Admission, Costs, and Student Financial Aid
Applying to Penn State Estimating your eligibility The optional personal statement and activi- We strongly encourage first-year applicants Admission decisions for Penn State are ties statement are sometimes used to assist to file a complete application by November based on a variety of factors that are all with the decisions for students whose appli- 30 of your senior year in high school. Some viewed in relation to one another. The most cations require additional review. Because of programs and campuses fill quickly, so it is important factor, high school performance, the relationship among the previously noted always beneficial to apply early. accounts for approximately two-thirds of the factors, Penn State does not require a spe- admission decision. The remaining one-third cific high school GPA or minimum standard- Penn State’s admission application is avail- is based on other factors, which may include ized test scores. able online at admissions.psu.edu or in standardized test scores (students taking the paper form. We prefer that applicants use The ranges in the chart below represent ACT are required to complete and submit the web application, but to request a pa- the middle 50 percent of students offered the writing component), class rank, and per- per application, contact the Undergraduate admission for fall 2013. They are not cutoffs sonal and activities statements. Admissions Office at 814-865-5471 or e-mail or averages. Placing in the upper end of us by going to admissions.psu.edu. The influence of standardized test scores on both ranges increases the likelihood of be- an admission decision varies according to ing offered your first choice of campus and/ Your application to Penn State allows you to a student’s major choice. For example, the or major. Placing in the lower end of both be evaluated for any of our campuses and math score is more important in an admis- ranges may require you to be more flexible programs. Entrance difficulty is based partly sion decision for a student who has selected in making your campus (and perhaps major) on demand. The University Park campus is a math- or science-intensive major, whereas choices. This chart is intended to give you the most competitive for admission to the combined critical reading, math, and a general idea of your admissibility to Penn all programs. writing score has more influence on the de- State. In no way does it represent a promise cision for a student choosing a professional or guarantee of admission. or liberal arts major.
High School GPA (4.0 scale) MIDDLE 50% RANGE Penn State University Park 3.55–3.97 All other campuses 3.00–3.50
Combined SAT MIDDLE 50% RANGE Penn State University Park 1750–2000 All other campuses 1460–1690
Composite ACT MIDDLE 50% RANGE Penn State University Park 26–30 All other campuses 21–25
Combined English/Writing ACT MIDDLE 50% RANGE Penn State University Park 25–30 All other campuses 19–24
46 Penn State’s ACTUAL Costs for First- and Second-Year Students for 2013–14
Penn State makes every effort to 2013–14 Penn State Costs by Campus (FOR ESTIMATING PURPOSES ONLY) contain costs and has been recog- nized nationally for its cost efficiency. Penn State University Park However, you can anticipate that PA RESIDENT NON-PA RESIDENT costs will increase on an annual ba- Tuition and Fees $16,992 $29,556 sis. To assist you with the planning Additional Estimated Costs* $16,600 $16,660 for a Penn State education, we have TOTAL $33,592 $46,156 included ACTUAL costs for the 2013– 14 academic year. Please use this Penn State Abington Penn State Erie Penn State New Kensington chart for planning purposes only. Penn State Altoona Penn State Fayette Penn State Schuylkill Penn State Beaver Penn State Greater Penn State Shenango Penn State Berks Allegheny Penn State Wilkes-Barre Penn State Penn State Harrisburg Penn State Worthington Brandywine Penn State Hazleton Scranton Penn State DuBois Penn State Lehigh Valley Penn State York Penn State Mont Alto
PA RESIDENT NON-PA RESIDENT Tuition and Fees $13,318–14,240 $20,018–21,302 Additional Estimated Costs* $16,600 $16,600 TOTAL $29,918–30,840 $36,618–37,902
*Additional estimated costs at ALL CAMPUSES PA RESIDENT AND NON-PA RESIDENT Rooms and Meals $10,116 Books and Supplies $1,696 Travel and Personal $4,788 TOTAL $16,600
Applying for student financial aid The Office of Student Aid automatically Each year, about 79 percent of all undergrad- considers all students for University-wide uate students receive some form of financial scholarships. Some academic colleges, assistance. The first step in being consid- campuses, and other administrative units ered for assistance is to complete the Free that award scholarships require separate Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) applications. Notification of scholarship on the Web, available at fafsa.ed.gov. awards is made on a student’s Student Aid Summary at elion.psu.edu, or in a separate To receive maximum consideration for stu- award letter mailed to the student. First-year dent financial aid, including loans, grants, and continuing students should visit the scholarships, and work-study, complete Office of Student Aid’s website, studentaid. the FAFSA on the Web by March 1. We psu.edu, to explore Penn State scholarships. recommend that you and your family (if applicable) file your Federal Tax Return(s) before submitting the FAFSA. You may use Payment estimated tax information, if necessary. If The costs in the chart above cover a two- you submit the FAFSA by March 1, you can semester academic year. Students are billed expect to receive your Student Financial Aid for one semester at a time. Penn State does Notification by late March. This notification offer a payment plan to students and their reflects your eligibility for any grants, loans, families. Please access the Office of the scholarships, and/or work-study. After late Bursar’s website at bursar.psu.edu for more March, student aid is awarded on a weekly information on the payment plan. basis, upon receipt of the FAFSA.
79% Each year, about 79 percent of all undergraduates receive some form of financial assistance. For more information, visit RECEIVE studentaid.psu.edu or call 814-865-6301. FINANCIAL AID
47 >Varsity, Club, and Intramural Sports
This chart presents the most popular varsity and intramural sports. In addition, most locations feature club sports, which may include activities not listed. For more information, contact the specific campus.
Varsity* Club and Intramural
Intramural sports Aerobics Soccer Arena Football Softball Badminton Squash Baseball Street Hockey m=men w=women Basketball Swimming Bowling Tennis aseball
B Basketball Cross-country/Track Field Hockey Football Golf Ice Hockey Soccer Softball Swimming/Diving Tennis Volleyball Polo Water Cross-country 3-on-3 Basketball Flag Football Track and Field Abington m mw mw m w mw w mw w Golf Volleyball Ping-Pong Weightlifting Altoona m mw w mw mw mw w mw mw mw Racquetball Wrestling
Beaver m mw mw w w m Club sports and other teams Berks m mw mw m mw w mw w Aikido Nittany Grotto Archery Outing Brandywine m mw mw m m w mw w Arena Football Ping-Pong Badminton Power Lifting DuBois mw mw mw w m Baseball Racquetball Basketball Rifle Erie m mw mw mw mw w mw mw mw mw Bass Fishing Roller Hockey Billiards Rugby Fayette m mw mw w w m Bowling Sailing Boxing Shotokan Greater Allegheny m mw mw mw w w m Cheerleading Karate-Do Crew Ski Harrisburg m mw mw m mw w mw w Cricket Snowboard Cross-country Soccer Hazleton m mw m m w mw w and Track Softball Cycling Squash Lehigh Valley m mw mw mw mw Dance Swimming Dek Hockey Synchronized Mont Alto m mw mw m m w mw w m Dodgeball Swimming Equestrian Table Tennis New Kensington m mw m w w m Fencing Tae Kwon Do Field Hockey Team Handball Schuylkill m mw mw m m w w Figure Skating Tennis Flag Football Trapshooting Shenango Floor Hockey Triathlon Golf Ultimate Frisbee University Park m mw mw mw w m mw mw mw mw mw w mw mw mw m Gymnastics Volleyball Ice Hockey Water Polo Wilkes-Barre m mw mw mw m w Indoor Winter Water Ski and Guard Wakeboard Worthington Scranton m mw mw m w w Judo Wing Chun Juggling Kung Fu Woodsmen’s York m mw m w Karate Team
Bowling Cycling Fencing Gymnastics Lacrosse ing Wrestl Korean Karate Lacrosse Wrestling *NCAA Division I sports are offered at Penn State University Park; NCAA Division III sports are offered at Yoga and Penn State Abington, Penn State Altoona, Penn State Berks, Penn State Erie, and Penn State Harrisburg. Martial Arts Nittany Divers Meditation All information was accurate at press time. The University reserves the right to make changes without notice. The Pennsylvania State University is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities, admission and employment without regard to personal characteris- tics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state or federal authorities. It is the policy of the University to maintain an academic and work environment free of discrimination, including harassment. The Pennsylvania State University prohibits discrimination and harassment against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, genetic information, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status and retaliation due to the reporting of discrimination or harass- ment. Discrimination, harassment, or retaliation against faculty, staff, or students will not be tolerated at The Pennsylvania State University. Direct all inquiries regarding this Nondiscrimination Policy to the Affirmative Action Director, The Pennsylvania State University, 328 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802-2801: tel. 814-863-0471/TTY.
48 >Student Clubs and Organizations
This chart presents the clubs and organizations that prospective students ask about most frequently. For more information, or to inquire about additional offerings, please contact the specific campus or visit clubs.psu.edu. Adult Student Organization Arts Organization Band Booster/Pep Business-Related Chorus Communication/Broadcasting Computer Drama/Dance Education-Related Engineering-Related Environmental Health Club Honor Society Language Lion Ambassadors Literary Society Magazine Minority Student Organization Music/Jazz Ensemble Music-Related Organization Newspaper/Newsletter Outdoor Recreation Photography/Video Psychology Radio Station Religious Groups Residence Hall Council ROTC Rangers Scholastic Society Science-Related Service Organization Student Government Association Club Varsity Club Veterans
Abington l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l
Altoona l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l
Beaver l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l
Berks l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l
Brandywine l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l
DuBois l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l
Erie l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l
Fayette l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l
Greater Allegheny l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l
Harrisburg l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l
Hazleton l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l
Lehigh Valley l l l l l l l l l l l l l
Mont Alto l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l
New Kensington l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l
Schuylkill l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l
Shenango l l l l l l l l l l l l l l
University Park l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l
Wilkes-Barre l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l
Worthington Scranton l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l
York l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l
Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have ques- tions about the physical access provided, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office at 814-865-5471 in advance of your participation or visit.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and Pennsylvania Act of 1988 require that crime statistics for Pennsylvania colleges and universities be made available to applicants upon request. Penn State’s combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus, in certain off-campus buildings owned or controlled by the University, and on public property within or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. You may obtain this infor- mation for the Penn State campus to which you are applying by accessing the website at www.police.psu.edu/clery/ A printed copy of the report may be obtained by writing to University Police & Public Safety, The Pennsylvania State University, Eisenhower Parking Deck, University Park PA 16802-6703 or by calling 814-865-1864.
49 Rochester Syracuse >This is Penn State Buffalo NEW YORK Albany
e 390 r i 88 E k e 90 L a 90 17 Jamestown Corning Binghamton MASS. 7 Erie 91 87 17 CONN. 81 219 15 79 Newburgh 84 Worthington 95 Cleveland Pennsylvania Wilkes-Barre 19 18 Scranton 16 Shenango College of Technology 24 Akron 76 80 6 220 Stamford Youngstown DuBois 80 Hazleton 11 Long Island Canton 17 University Park Parsippany 3 New York New Kensington Schuylkill Lehigh Valley 78 Beaver 15 14 322 12 Altoona 2 OHIO Pittsburgh Hershey Greater 9 Berks Allegheny Carlisle 21 23 4 Trenton 99 10 76 Abington Wheeling Harrisburg 1 70 Great Valley 22 76 Brandywine Philadelphia 79 8 Fayette 220 York 20 5 Mont Alto 13 83 NEW JERSEY 68 70 Wilmington
Morgantown Cumberland MARYLAND D
E Frederick 95 L Clarksburg Baltimore A W 81 270 A Rockville WEST VIRGINIA VIRGINIA R E Falls Church Washington, D.C. >admissions.psu.edu
1 Penn State 4 Penn State 8 Penn State 11 Penn State 14 Penn State 18 Penn State Abington Berks Fayette, The Hazleton New Kensington Wilkes-Barre 215-881-7600 610-396-6060 Eberly Campus 570-450-3142 724-334-LION (5466) 570-675-9238 abington.psu.edu berks.psu.edu 724-430-4130 800-279-8495 888-968-PAWS (7297) wilkesbarre.psu.edu 877-568-4130 hazleton.psu.edu nk.psu.edu 2 Penn State 5 Penn State fayette.psu.edu 19 Penn State Altoona Brandywine 12 Penn State 15 Penn State Worthington 814-949-5466 610-892-1200 9 Penn State Lehigh Valley Schuylkill Scranton 800-848-9843 brandywine.psu.edu Greater Allegheny 610-285-5035 570-385-6252 570-963-2500 altoona.psu.edu 412-675-9010 lehighvalley.psu.edu sl.psu.edu worthingtonscranton. 6 Penn State greaterallegheny. psu.edu 3 Penn State DuBois psu.edu 13 Penn State 16 Penn State Beaver 814-375-4720 Mont Alto Shenango 20 Penn State 724-773-3800 800-346-ROAR (7627) 10 Penn State 717-749-6130 724-983-2800 York 877-564-6778 dubois.psu.edu Harrisburg 800-392-6173 shenango.psu.edu 717-771-4040 beaver.psu.edu 717-948-6250 montalto.psu.edu 800-778-6227 7 Penn State Erie, 800-222-2056 17 Penn State york.psu.edu The Behrend hbg.psu.edu University Park College 814-865-5471 814-898-6100 admissions.psu.edu 866-374-3378 behrend.psu.edu
Privately owned housing is available in the communities served by every Penn State campus. Blue house indicates privately owned Green house indicates University- Those designated with the following symbols provide residence hall experiences. housing with residence hall experiences. owned residence halls.
SPECIAL-MISSION CAMPUSES COMMUNITY REGIONAL RECRUITERS RECRUITMENT 21 The Dickinson 22 Great Valley 24 Pennsylvania CENTERS New Jersey Washington, D.C., School of Law Graduate Center College of 973-983-0159 Maryland, and 800-840-1122 610-648-3200 Technology Philadelphia [email protected] Virginia Area 717-240-5207 570-327-4761 814-876-0405 215-246-3500 New York City (Carlisle Campus) 23 College of 800-367-9222 [email protected] DCMDVA-admissions@ Medicine, 718-862-2965 814-867-1251 psu.edu nycadmissions@ (University Park The Milton S. Pittsburgh Hershey psu.edu Campus) World Campus 412-263-2900 Medical Center 814-865-5403 [email protected] 717-531-8521 800-252-3592 This publication is available in alternative media on request. PRODUCED BY THE PENN STATE DEPARTMENT OF UNIVERSITY MARKETING U.Ed. UAO 14-199 03-150M
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