Pennsylvania State University

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Pennsylvania State University Degree Programs Available

Pennsylvania State University appears in our ranking of 50 Great Value Colleges for Statistics.

Pennsylvania State University consistently ranks in the top one percent of the world’s institutes of higher learning. Students, faculty, and alumni understand that the measure of success goes far beyond classroom learning and that graduates have made an impact in communities around the world. Penn State, as the school is commonly called, offers more than 275 undergraduate degrees across 24 campuses with a goal to help students who have a career dream achieve that it.

Fifteen disciplines ranging from psychology to atmospheric science and materials engineering rank in the top ten tiers for research expenditures. Researchers at Penn State have developed cutting edge solutions, including methods to stop the spread of malaria as well as developing farming methods that help protect the Chesapeake watershed.

The most popular degree programs at Penn State include engineering, business, management, and marketing.  Following are some highlights of specific degree programs.

SAP is the leading global provider of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software. Companies of all sizes use the software to better manage operations, intelligence as well as to purchase materials. For this reason, businesses seek employees with ERP certifications. The ERP Certificate is designed for those who work in operations, information systems, project management or supply chain management. Instruction includes operations analysis, project management, software, information systems and details on supply chain management.

The Associate in Science in Labor and Employment Relations at Penn State prepares students for careers in labor, employment relations, and human resources. The program is available online or on campus. The program provides students with a basic understanding of theoretical and professional knowledge using a multidisciplinary approach. Students gain an understanding of employment relations, human resources, economics, history, law, sociology, and psychology.

Penn State offers a Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering that is available both online and on campus. The program provides students with a strong foundation in software engineering with a curriculum that includes classroom learning, design projects, and software development experience. Engineering principles are blended with computing skills, leadership, and software construction so that students gain a comprehensive understanding of the field. Strong problem-solving skills are developed and students are exposed to state-of-the-art technology used in developing software applications, web applications, and software used for embedded systems.

The Master’s in Marketing Analytics and Insights prepares graduates to embrace technology and analytics in order to improve the return on investment of an organization’s marketing budget. Students learn to integrate, visualize and leverage data in order to generate insights into digital marketing communications as well as customer experience and lifecycle along with brand management. Students learn to design and implement results-oriented campaigns for digital marketing while maximizing the effectiveness of campaigns. They will also be able to demonstrate a return on investment beyond metrics. Instruction is provided in social media influence, brand valuation, and e-commerce as well.

About Pennsylvania State University

In 1855, James Irvin gifted Centre County with an institute of higher learning. A farmer and ironmaster from Bellefonte, Irvin hired Evan Pugh as the president who drew on his European education to create a curriculum that not only focused on classroom learning but also practical applications. Penn State became a land-grant university under the Morrill Act in 1862 but it took until 1880 for the school to begin offering programs required under the act.

From that point, programs in engineering, science, liberal arts, and others were extremely popular at the school. A cooperative extension program was added in the early 1900s. Despite the Great Depression, Penn State added branch campuses allowing students who were location-bound because of the economy to continue their studies.

Today, Penn State has an enrollment of more than almost 100,000. U.S. News and World Report ranks Penn State as one of the best graduate schools in the country. In addition, their online program has been ranked as the number one school for bachelor’s programs and fourth best for online graduate education programs.

Pennsylvania State University Accreditation Facts

Penn State is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. In 2012, Penn State’s accreditation was reaffirmed by the Commission, lifting a warning that had been placed after a sexual abuse scandal. Evaluators determined that the school had responded appropriately to leadership, governance and financial challenges and that the school had a strong campus community, meeting all standards for accreditation. The school was commended for its resilience, fiscal stability and rapid change in the face of challenge. In addition, programs throughout the college are accredited by the following organizations:

  • ABET
  • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
  • Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications
  • American Academy of Forensic Sciences
  • American Bar Association
  • American Occupational Therapy Association, Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
  • American Physical Therapy Association, Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
  • American Psychological Association
  • American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
  • Association for Clinical Pastoral Education
  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
  • Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Commission on English Language Program Accreditation
  • Council on Education for Public Health
  • Council on Rehabilitation Education
  • Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
  • Liaison Committee on Medical Education
  • National Association of Schools of Art and Design, Commission on Accreditation
  • National Association of Schools of Music, Commission on Accreditation
  • National Association of Schools of Theatre
  • National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
  • Society of American Foresters

Pennsylvania State University Application Requirements

Freshmen must complete an application and provide official high school transcripts. Official ACT or SAT scores are also required. Some programs require prerequisites and additional application materials. Students are encouraged to speak to an admissions counselor before applying. Transfer students must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

Graduate students must submit an application along with official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. They must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Some programs may require additional admissions documents so students are asked to speak to an admissions counselor before applying.

Pennsylvania State University Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition for online undergraduate courses is $555 to $596 per credit hour. Tuition for online graduate programs is $930 per credit hour. On-campus tuition for full-time undergraduate study is $17,416 per year. Full-time graduate study ranges from $18,340 to $26,422.

Financial aid is available and students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). All students should complete the form regardless of financial status as some aid may be merit-based. Students may be offered grant, scholarships or work-study programs. Loans may also be included in financial packets.

Penn State believes ideas and solutions come from many perspectives. Pennsylvania State University is a community of shared pride and success where passion is met with collaboration in order for all students to accomplish their goals.