Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
| Harrisburg University | |
| Type | Private |
|---|---|
| Established | 2001 |
| Endowment | US $40-million Connect Campaign launched on November, 2006 [1] |
| President | Melvyn D. Schiavelli |
| Provost | Eric D. Darr |
Academic staff | 67 full and part-time (2009) [2] |
| Students | 569 (2009) |
| Location | , , |
| Campus | Urban |
| Tuition | US $$9,000 full-time 12-16 credit hours |
| Colors | Green and gold |
| Nickname | HU |
| Affiliations | ACE, NSF |
| Website | www.harrisburgu.edu/ |
The Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is a private research university located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The university offers applied programs in the nationally critical Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines for a diversity of student learners. The University also matches students with mentors and requires internships. Harrisburg University is the first private, non-profit science and technology focused university to be chartered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in more than 100 years.[1]. The National Center for Science and Civic Engagement is located at the university.
History
Established in 2001 to address Central Pennsylvania’s need for increased opportunities for study leading to careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, Harrisburg University is a private institution that produces graduates in science and technology disciplines. Harrisburg University ensures institutional access for underrepresented students and links learning and research to practical outcomes. As a private University serving the public good, Harrisburg University remains the only STEM-focused comprehensive university located between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.[2]
Location and campus
Harrisburg University Academic Center
The University's facilities include a 16-story $73-million Academic Center at the corner of Fourth and Market streets. The Academic Center has room for 1,600 students spread out among 24 classrooms, six scientific teaching labs, a 20,000 volume library, 125-seat auditorium, six student meeting areas, a multi-media production facility and a courtyard.
Academics
Harrisburg University maintains undergraduate and graduate programs in science and technology related disciplines. The student/faculty ratio is 9 to 1 with an average class size of 12 and 100% of the full-time faculty has a Ph.D. or higher.
Bachelor of Science Programs (B.S.)
Concentrations include Molecular and Microbial, Food Science, Nanotechnology
Concentrations include Computer Security, New Media Design, IT Project Management & Analysis.
Concentrations include Management, eBusiness, Technology.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is an emerging high-tech field. This program allows students to master GIS related software. Some courses include: Intro to GIS, Geography, Cartography, Geospatial Technology, GIS Policy, Spatial Statistics, Satellite Remote Sensing.
Concentrations include biology, biological chemistry, chemistry, forensics.
Master of Science Degrees (M.S.)
The 36-credit-hour degree program covers essential skills and topics including procurement and risk management, to systems integration and organizational leadership. Additionally, the curriculum has received Registered Education Provider (REP) status through the Project Management Institute (PMI), providing preparation for the nationally recognized PMP certification.
This is a 36 semester credit hour program that provides students with leading edge approaches and skills to help them apply existing and emerging learning technologies in a variety of learning environments.
The 36-credit-hour degree program provides students with both technical and business skills to advance further in careers in information systems, and features renowned faculty teaching an interdisciplinary blend of information systems, systems engineering, and engineering management. Graduates are ready to lead, manage, and engineer the complex IT systems needed to support businesses and other organizations.
Certificate programs
- GIS Technologist and Developer Certificate
- Biotechnology
- Computer and Information Science
- Forensic Biotechnology
Information Technology Project Management Specialized Graduate Certificates:
- Managing Software Development Projects
- Business Analysis for Project Management
- IT Project Management
Non-Credit IT courses
The University offers computer science training classes taught by professionals over the internet.
Demographics
There are 569 students enrolled at Harrisburg University. Of these students, 42% are of ethnic minority and 98% demonstrate a need for financial aid.
Housing
Students can maintain their apartment, or commute from home. Additionally, there are several independently owned and operated options close to the University, such as Pennsylvania Place and the International House. The Harrisburg International House is an HU housing partner.
Research
The National Center for Science & Civic Engagement, located at Harrisburg University, supports and disseminates campus-based science education reform strategies that strengthen learning and build civic responsibility among students. The Center’s programs teach basic science and mathematics through a focus on some of the most important and complex civic issues facing society today. The center also operates offices in Somerset, New Jersey and Washington D.C., and administers projects such as the internationally-known Science Education for New Civic Engagements and Responsibilities(SENCER), which is supported by a major grant from the National Science Foundation.
Nearly 200 colleges and universities in more than 40 states and 10 foreign nations are working on the project, with faculty teaching SENCER courses to strengthen student learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics(STEM) by providing them with real-life problems and issues to which the various disciplines can be applied. Issues range from health challenges like asthma, HIV, diabetes, emerging infectious diseases and tuberculosis, to matters involving transportation, energy and environment, as well as specific civic concerns, such as maximizing the accuracy of the census and methods of voting.
Founded in 2007, the University is also home to the Center for Advanced Entertainment Learning Technologies. The CAELT is a collaborative partnership between HU and Carnegie Mellon University.
See also
- SciTech High School - regional math and science magnet high school affiliated with Harrisburg University
References
- ^ "Can a Start-Up College Revive a City?". insidehighered.com. 15 November 2006. Retrieved 2006-12-20.
{{cite web}}:|first=missing|last=(help) - ^ Fischer, Karin (June 26, 2009). "Corporate Ties Help Build a University From the Ground Up". The Chronicle of Higher Education. LV (40): A19.