Penn State Harrisburg

A Welcome from the Director

On behalf of the students, faculty, and staff of the School of Science, Engineering, and Technology at Penn State Harrisburg, I welcome you.

Please take a moment to browse this Web site and become further acquainted with our academic programs and the wealth of opportunities that exist for students and graduates. I am pleased you have taken the time to learn more about our school and college. You won’t be disappointed.

Penn State Harrisburg is an undergraduate college and graduate school of The Pennsylvania State University, one of the largest and most widely-recognized institutions in the nation. Penn State Harrisburg enrolls more than 4,000 students and offers two associate, 32 baccalaureate, 23 master’s, and three doctoral programs, as well as certificate and certification programs. The college is also home to the first two years of study leading to more than 160 Penn State undergraduate majors available throughout the Commonwealth.

Many strengths of study exist within Penn State Harrisburg, including the opportunity to work and study side-by-side with nationally respected faculty experts, to participate in productive internships, and to study in close proximity to the state capital and the region’s hub of business, commerce and industry. Our student-focused mission is to you students with a quality education to meet your personal and career goals. Simply put, our students come first!

The School of Science, Engineering, and Technology offers undergraduate study leading to Bachelor of Science degrees in Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Environmental Engineering, Mathematical Sciences or Mathematical Sciences with the secondary education option, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Science, and Structural Design and Construction Engineering Technology. All of our engineering and engineering technology programs are either accredited or will seek accreditation when eligible by ABET. At the graduate level, our school offers master’s degree study in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Science, Engineering Management, Environmental Engineering, and Environmental Pollution Control.

Since many of the academic programs offered by the School of Science, Engineering, and Technology are hands-on in nature, the majority of the faculty is required to possess extensive industrial experience as well as excellence in teaching and research. As a student at Penn State Harrisburg, you will benefit from our vast resources while pursuing your degree in a smaller campus setting.

Our school responds to the needs of diverse constituencies by generating and replenishing resources essential to the intellectual, economic, civic, and cultural well-being of the area. Our respected, innovative, and interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate programs, our record of research and scholarly contributions, and our community outreach activities promote human and economic development through the expansion and dissemination of knowledge and its applications.

Our aim is to educate students to think critically, communicate effectively, and act responsibly within the context of personal and professional ethics.

Once again, we welcome your interest in our school and encourage you to explore our Web site. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at jfs1@psu.edu and I will be happy to assist you.

Sincerely,

Jerry Shoup, Ph.D.
Interim Director, School of Science, Engineering, and Technology

Mission

As the regional leader in the integration of teaching, research, and service, the mission of Penn State Harrisburg is to:

Provide a comprehensive portfolio of undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs to meet the educational needs of diverse learners and promote regional economic development;
Provide student access to higher education from three distinct entry points of study –freshman, transfer, and graduate;
Partner with other Penn State campuses and colleges and the World Campus to expand programming capability and extend access to the University;
Demonstrate excellence through national accreditation, periodic academic program review, and student learning assessment;
Anticipate challenges and pursue opportunities to maximize strengths, meet emerging educational needs, and realize new ventures.

The College pursues this mission using interdisciplinary, innovative, and applied approaches to learning and problem solving that transcend academic specializations and organizational barriers.

Vision

Penn State Harrisburg will be the premier higher education institution and a steward of the University in the Capital Region, recognized for educational excellence, a comprehensive portfolio of programs, commitment to diversity, and strategic alliances. Through the distinction of its signature programs and global partnerships, the College will contribute significantly to the mission of the University and the vitality of the region.

Statement of Values:

Embodied within Penn State Harrisburg’s vision and mission statements is a commitment to the following:

The Penn State Principles of respect, academic integrity, social and personal responsibility;
Inclusiveness and diversity within the College community;
Sensitivity to students’ individual needs to ensure full participation in the collegiate experience;
A supportive environment for the personal and professional growth of all members of the academic community;
The success of graduates as productive citizens of a global, dynamic society.