The Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) is a major public research university in the United States, known for its strong academic programs, extensive research initiatives, and vibrant campus life. Founded in 1855 as the Farmers' High School of Pennsylvania, it later became the Agricultural College of Pennsylvania before adopting its current name. Today, Penn State is one of the largest universities in the country, with multiple campuses across Pennsylvania and a highly regarded online learning platform, Penn State World Campus.

The university's main campus, University Park, is located in State College, Pennsylvania, and serves as the flagship campus. It is home to over 40,000 undergraduate students and offers more than 275 majors. Penn State is classified as an R1 research institution, meaning it engages in a high level of research activity. The university receives significant funding from federal agencies, private industry, and nonprofit organizations, supporting research in fields such as engineering, medicine, business, and environmental sciences.

Penn State is also known for its strong athletic programs, particularly its football team, which competes in the NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference. The university's Beaver Stadium is one of the largest college football stadiums in the country, with a seating capacity of over 106,000. The Nittany Lions, as the athletic teams are called, have a passionate fan base and a long history of success in various sports.

Beyond academics and athletics, Penn State has a strong commitment to community service and philanthropy. The university hosts THON, the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, which raises millions of dollars annually for pediatric cancer research and support. The university also has a vast alumni network, with over 700,000 members worldwide, many of whom have gone on to achieve success in various industries.

With its combination of academic excellence, research innovation, and strong community engagement, Penn State continues to be a leading institution in higher education, attracting students from across the United States and around the world.

• College of Agricultural Sciences

  • We have 9 Academic Departments.
  • Our academic programs:
    • 17 undergraduate majors and 23 minors
    • 3 two-year programs and 2 certificate programs
    • Graduate programs in 18 major areas
  • The College of Agricultural Sciences invests nearly $97 million in research and graduatestudy yearly.
  • Penn State Extension, present in every county, delivers University expertise directly to your community and works to assess and address the social, educational, and physical needs of citizens throughout the state.
  • The only land-grant institution in Pennsylvania, Penn State became one of the nation's very first when President Abraham Lincoln signed the Morrill Act into law in 1862.
  • About 80 percent of the college's undergraduates come from non-agricultural backgrounds.

• College of Arts and Architecture

  The College of Arts and Architecture at Penn State is a comprehensive arts community including academic programs in music, theatre, dance, visual arts, art history, architecture and landscape architecture along with the Palmer Museum of Art and Center for the Performing Arts. The College is committed to artistic and scholarly creativity, research, and the preparation of specialized practitioners in all of the arts and design disciplines, along with community engagement in its programs. Barbara O. Korner has served as dean since 2007.

  The college offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the Department of Art History, the H. Campbell and Eleanor R. Stuckeman School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, the School of Music, the School of Theatre, and the Penn State School of Visual Arts. The college also includes the Center for the Performing Arts, the Palmer Museum of Art, Penn State Centre Stage, and Music at Penn’s Woods, which serve as important cultural resources that provide educational outreach programs for Penn State and area communities.

• Smeal College of Business

  The Penn State Smeal College of Business is a vibrant intellectual community offering highly ranked undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and executive education opportunities to more than 6,000 students from across the country and around the world. Since our introduction in 1953, we have prepared more than 75,000 students for professional success, annually adding to Penn State's vast alumni network. We are a destination of choice for top global organizations seeking talent that will make a positive difference. Through our leading faculty and network of research centers and institutes, we are a source of knowledge that influences the business practices of tomorrow. We are forging connections, creating opportunities, and producing results.

• College of Communications

  The College of Communications at Penn State provides the opportunities and resources of a large university with the personalized feel and support of a small school. As the largest accredited program of its kind in the nation, students can find a place where they can fit and succeed.

  Our four departments — Advertising/Public Relations; Film-Video and Media Studies; Journalism; and Telecommunications — offer five undergraduate majors. Graduate students may pursue a master’s degree in media studies or a Ph.D. program in mass communications, with several distinct areas of emphasis.

• College of Earth and Mineral Sciences

  The College is comprised of five highly ranked academic departments, Energy and Mineral Engineering, Geography, Geosciences, Materials Science and Engineering and Meteorology; three research institutes, Earth and Environmental Systems Institute (EESI), EMS Energy Institute, and the Institute for Natural Gas Research (INGaR); and an innovative online education institute, the John A. Dutton e-Education Institute.  It is home to approximately 250 faculty, 125 staff, 1,500 undergraduates and 550 graduate students.  Established in 1896, the College has an outstanding reputation for high-quality teaching and student centeredness, as well as research and service to industry, government and communities.

  The College is a world leader in generating the fundamental knowledge needed to develop novel solutions to challenges such as:

  • achieving energy security,
  • sustaining a viable planetary life support system,
  • developing profoundly new materials to meet societal needs,
  • creating knowledge of how changing human goals and values will influence the scientific questions of the future. 

• College of Education

  The Penn State College of Education offers you unique experiences that can be found only here. As a student, you get a solid foundation from your courses. But that’s not all. You are surrounded by a support system of faculty members, advisers, and more who will help you succeed. You can be involved in multiple educational experiences on and off campus, from across the street to across the globe. You’ll discover new cultures and innovative ideas while at Penn State. Soon enough, those new ideas will be coming from you. It is going to be an invaluable chapter in a your life.

• College of Engineering

  Vibrant educational programs that exhibit breadth, depth, technical diversity, innovative research, and products that directly impact the quality of life of global citizens, and a responsive community of intellectuals that is focused on serving the technical profession and society.

  Penn State Engineering exhibits all of the above.

  Our faculty and staff are amongst the best in the nation, and the world. Their deep commitment to educating the world-class engineer is unwavering, and their contributions to addressing today's grand challenges are acclaimed.

  With a firm grounding in fundamentals, Penn State Engineering embraces multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary education and research, and integrates component solutions into a systems perspective. With 12 departments and schools offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in a broad spectrum of engineering disciplines and computer science, and with over 30 research centers and laboratories, we are one of the nation's leading academies of learning, discovery, and application. Our work is intertwined with industry, both at our doorstep in Pennsylvania and further afield, thus affording our students unparalleled training and employment opportunities.

• College of Health and Human Development

  The College of Health and Human Development (HHD) is committed to improving the quality of your life.

  Our faculty represent some of the most respected leaders in their disciplines. The college enjoys enrollment of some of the most intelligent, motivated, and passionate students. Our research and outreach efforts touch people everywhere.

  Our work is relevant to people everywhere, which is why we lead the way in offering high-quality education to our students and in producing research that will positively affect the ways we live today and in the future.

• College of Information Sciences and Technology

  At IST, we're about creating intelligence. The digital age has made the world smaller, faster, more interactive and increasingly mobile. But no matter how fast and smart machines become, they still rely on the power of human creativity. It’s people that create new ways to look at and evaluate the infinite opportunities of the digital age. IST draws on a variety of knowledge disciplines to help individuals unlock the power of their own creativity and fuel the world’s most powerful problem solving machine—the human mind.

• Dickinson School of Law

  Founded in 1834, The Dickinson School of Law is the oldest law school in Pennsylvania and the fifth oldest in the country. Over the years, our graduates have included the nation’s finest attorneys, judges, government and corporate leaders, and legal educators. Our 1997 merger with Penn State expanded our reputation, network, and joint degree programs—complementing Dickinson Law’s legacy as an innovative leader in experiential education.

• Penn State Law

  Penn State Law, located on Penn State’s largest campus, offers all of the resources of a world-class, public research institution together with challenging and innovative classroom study and ample opportunities for learning by doing.

  From orientation day to commencement day, the Penn State Law faculty guides students as they learn the law, refine analytical, writing, and communication skills, and apply new knowledge in clinics, externships, and problem-based courses. 

• College of the Liberal Arts

  The College of the Liberal Arts is a national leader in education and research, and a very exciting place to be!

  Our degree programs combine commitments to digital fluency, preparation for a global world, and engagement with the traditional liberal arts values of communication, analytic thinking, ethical decision making, civic engagement, and appreciation for other cultures and other times.  Our Paterno Undergraduate Fellows Program and our Career Enrichment Network enable students to do research, study and work abroad, and gain valuable internship experience. In addition, we offer more than forty-five major fields, and more than a dozen baccalaureate and master's degrees online through Penn State's World Campus. 

  Our faculty are not only engaged teachers, they are outstanding researchers who have brought our departments and graduate programs to national leadership positions. We are proud that so many of our departments ranked among the top ten of their peers in the last National Research Council rankings.  Our graduate students study and work with the nation's top scholars in many fields, gain teaching experience, and are well prepared for the job market when they graduate. Our goal is nothing less than to make the College the premier institution for study and work in the liberal arts disciplines.

• College of Medicine

  Penn State College of Medicine is committed to enhancing the quality of life through improved health, the professional preparation of those who will serve the health needs of others, and the discovery of knowledge that will benefit all. We’re dedicated to demonstrating our core values: respect, integrity, teamwork and excellence.

  Penn State College of Medicine is part of an academic medical center group that also includes:

  • Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, the flagship hospital, a 551-bed, tertiary-care facility that serves central Pennsylvania;
  • Penn State Children's Hospital, the only Level I pediatric trauma center between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh; and
  • Penn State Medical Group, the academic physician practice and associated outpatient practice sites of our group.

• Eberly College of Science

  The Eberly College of Science is the home of the basic biological, physical, and mathematical sciences at Penn State. We are proud to be a vibrant scientific community that has emerged as a premier center of education and research. We are proud of our students, our alumni, our staff, and our faculty. We are the Penn State Eberly College of Science and we are making a difference in the world.

• Schreyer Honors College

  A legacy of vision and values. A tradition of academic excellence. A future of great promise.

  That passion for success with honor at Penn State and beyond has defined the Schreyer Honors College since its founding.

  We say we are "shaping people who shape the world." This is why Mr. Schreyer used to say that he was "bullish" on our future, because Penn Staters — our leadership, our faculty, and our students — are ready to make this world a better place.

• Graduate School

  The Graduate School at Penn State is one of the largest in the nation with more than 10,000 graduate students enrolled at the University Park and Harrisburg campuses and at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College; Penn State Great Valley; College of Medicine at The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Certain professional degree programs (M.Eng., M.Agr., M.Ed., etc.) are also offered off-campus and through the Penn State World Campus.

  We take pride in being one of the largest graduate schools in the nation. In fact, the Graduate School has awarded 129,809  graduate degrees to date. In addition, we are proud of our exemplary faculty and high-quality degree programs, many of which are nationally ranked.

  The Graduate School is committed to ensuring that all individuals regardless of ethnicity, gender, or other personal characteristics are afforded the opportunity to achieve their full potential as scholars and professionals. Our international enrollment has increased to an all-time high with more than 3,132 students from China, India, Korea, Taiwan, Turkey, Japan, Canada, Thailand, the United Kingdom, Germany and a host of other countries. Furthermore, we are particularly proud of our efforts directed toward increasing the enrollment of underrepresented graduate students.

• Pennsylvania College of Technology

  Pennsylvania College of Technology became an affiliate of The Pennsylvania State University in 1989, after establishing a national reputation for education supporting workforce development, first as a technical institute and later as a community college.

• Division of Undergraduate Studies

  The Division of Undergraduate Studies is the academic home for students exploring multiple academic programs before committing to a course of study. Academic advisers in DUS teach students how to:

  • understand the purposes of higher education
  • make connections between personal interests, life goals, and academic opportunities
  • think critically and question common assumptions about majors and careers
  • find educational opportunities such as study abroad programs, research assistantships, leadership activities, and internships

Pennsylvania State University, commonly known as Penn State, was founded in 1855 as the Farmers' High School of Pennsylvania. It was established with the goal of providing agricultural education to students in the state. In 1862, the institution was designated as Pennsylvania’s land-grant university under the Morrill Act, which allowed it to expand its curriculum beyond agriculture to include engineering, science, and liberal arts. In 1863, the school was renamed the Agricultural College of Pennsylvania, and in 1874, it became the Pennsylvania State College. Finally, in 1953, it was granted university status and became Pennsylvania State University.

Throughout its history, Penn State has grown into one of the largest and most respected public universities in the United States. It has developed a strong reputation for research, innovation, and academic excellence. The university operates 24 campuses across Pennsylvania, with its main campus located in University Park. Penn State is also known for its World Campus, which offers online degree programs to students worldwide.

Penn State has played a significant role in research and development, particularly in fields such as engineering, medicine, and technology. The university is a member of the Big Ten Academic Alliance and has a strong athletic tradition, with its Nittany Lions teams competing in the NCAA Division I. The football program, in particular, has a storied history and a passionate fan base.

The university is also known for its commitment to community service and philanthropy. One of its most famous traditions is THON, the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, which raises millions of dollars each year to support children with cancer.

Today, Penn State continues to be a leader in higher education, with a diverse student body, a strong research focus, and a commitment to academic excellence. Its alumni network includes influential figures in business, politics, science, and the arts, further solidifying its reputation as a prestigious institution.

Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) has a competitive admissions process that evaluates applicants based on academic performance, standardized test scores (if submitted), extracurricular activities, and personal statements. The university offers both first-year and transfer admissions, with specific requirements for each category.

For first-year applicants, Penn State considers high school coursework, GPA, and standardized test scores (SAT or ACT). However, Penn State has adopted a test-optional policy, allowing students to decide whether to submit their SAT or ACT scores. The university recommends that students complete a strong high school curriculum, including four years of English, three years of mathematics (including Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry), three years of science, and three years of social studies or history. Additional coursework in foreign languages and the arts is encouraged.

The application process requires students to submit an online application through the Common Application, Coalition Application, or Penn State’s own application portal. Applicants must provide high school transcripts, a personal statement, and a list of extracurricular activities. Letters of recommendation are not required but may be submitted to strengthen an application.

Penn State has an Early Action deadline of November 1, which allows students to receive an admissions decision by December 24. The regular application deadline varies by program, but most students are encouraged to apply by December 1 for priority consideration.

For transfer students, Penn State evaluates college coursework and GPA. Transfer applicants must have completed at least 18 semester credits at an accredited institution. The minimum GPA requirement varies by program, but most majors require at least a 2.5 GPA. Some competitive programs, such as engineering and business, may have higher GPA requirements.

International students must demonstrate English proficiency through standardized tests such as the TOEFL or IELTS. The minimum TOEFL score required is 80 (iBT), while the minimum IELTS score is 6.5. Some programs may have higher requirements. International applicants must also provide proof of financial support to obtain a student visa.

Penn State offers a holistic review process, considering not only academic achievements but also leadership, community involvement, and personal experiences. The university encourages students to highlight their strengths and unique qualities in their application materials.

Overall, Penn State seeks students who are academically prepared, motivated, and engaged in their communities. The admissions process is designed to identify individuals who will contribute to the university’s diverse and dynamic student body.

Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). MSCHE is responsible for ensuring that Penn State meets rigorous academic and institutional standards. Accreditation by MSCHE signifies that the university maintains high-quality education, financial stability, and institutional integrity.

Penn State’s accreditation by MSCHE applies to all of its campuses, including the University Park campus, Commonwealth Campuses, and Penn State World Campus, which offers online degree programs. The university undergoes periodic reviews to maintain its accreditation status, ensuring continuous improvement in academic programs, faculty qualifications, and student services.

In addition to institutional accreditation, many of Penn State’s academic programs hold specialized accreditations from professional organizations. For example, the College of Engineering is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), and the Smeal College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and the College of Education holds accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Accreditation is essential for Penn State students, as it ensures that their degrees are recognized by employers and other institutions of higher education. It also allows students to qualify for federal financial aid programs. The university regularly submits self-study reports and participates in peer reviews to demonstrate compliance with accreditation standards.

Penn State’s commitment to maintaining accreditation reflects its dedication to academic excellence, research, and student success. The university continuously evaluates its programs and policies to align with accreditation requirements and best practices in higher education.

Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) offers a vibrant student life with numerous opportunities for academic, social, and personal growth. With over 40,000 students at the University Park campus, Penn State provides a dynamic and engaging environment for students from diverse backgrounds.

One of the key aspects of student life at Penn State is its wide range of student organizations. The university has over 1,000 clubs and organizations, including academic societies, cultural groups, sports clubs, and volunteer organizations. Students can join organizations related to their academic interests, such as the Engineering Society or the Business Association, or participate in cultural groups that celebrate diversity and inclusion.

Penn State is also known for its strong sense of school spirit, particularly in athletics. The university's football team, the Penn State Nittany Lions, competes in the NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference. Beaver Stadium, one of the largest stadiums in the country, hosts thousands of students and fans during football games, creating an electrifying atmosphere. The university also offers a variety of intramural and club sports for students who want to stay active and compete at different levels.

Another significant part of student life at Penn State is THON, the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. THON is a year-long fundraising effort that culminates in a 46-hour dance marathon to support children with pediatric cancer. Thousands of students participate in fundraising events, and the final dance marathon is a major highlight of the academic year.

Penn State provides excellent on-campus housing options, including traditional dormitories, suite-style residences, and apartment-style living. The university also has a variety of dining options, with multiple dining halls and food courts offering diverse cuisine choices.

The university’s location in State College, Pennsylvania, also contributes to student life. The town, often referred to as "Happy Valley," offers a welcoming and student-friendly atmosphere with restaurants, coffee shops, entertainment venues, and outdoor recreational activities.

Academically, Penn State supports students with numerous resources, including libraries, tutoring centers, and career services. The university encourages students to engage in research, internships, and study abroad programs to enhance their educational experience.

Overall, student life at Penn State is dynamic and full of opportunities for students to grow academically, socially, and personally. Whether through athletics, student organizations, philanthropy, or academics, Penn State provides a well-rounded and enriching college experience.

Pennsylvania State University offers a wide range of services and facilities to support students beyond lectures and seminars. The university provides extensive library resources, including the Pattee and Paterno Libraries, which offer study spaces, research assistance, and access to numerous academic materials. Additionally, students can utilize computer labs and IT support services to assist with their technological needs.

For health and wellness, Penn State has the University Health Services (UHS), which provides medical care, counseling, and psychological services. The university also offers fitness and recreational facilities, including the Intramural Building, White Building, and McCoy Natatorium, where students can participate in sports, fitness classes, and recreational activities.

Housing and dining services ensure that students have comfortable living arrangements and access to a variety of meal options. The university provides on-campus housing, dining halls, and meal plans to accommodate different dietary needs.

Career services at Penn State help students with job placement, internships, resume building, and interview preparation. The university also has a strong alumni network that provides mentorship and career opportunities.

Student organizations and clubs play a significant role in campus life, offering opportunities for leadership, networking, and personal development. Penn State has hundreds of student-run organizations, including cultural, academic, and recreational clubs.

Transportation services, including campus buses and bike-sharing programs, make it easy for students to navigate the university. Additionally, Penn State provides academic advising, tutoring centers, and writing support to help students succeed in their studies.

Overall, Penn State University offers a comprehensive range of services and facilities to enhance student life and support academic and personal growth.

Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) is one of the top public research universities in the United States, offering a world-class education, cutting-edge research opportunities, and a vibrant campus life. Here are a few reasons why students should choose Penn State:

1. Academic Excellence – Penn State is consistently ranked among the top universities in the U.S. and offers more than 275 undergraduate majors and over 150 graduate programs. The university is known for its strong programs in engineering, business, computer science, and health sciences.

2. Research Opportunities – As a leading research institution, Penn State provides students with access to state-of-the-art facilities and opportunities to work on groundbreaking research projects in various fields, including artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and medicine.

3. Global Recognition – Penn State has a strong reputation worldwide, with a vast network of alumni who have gone on to become leaders in their industries. The university’s degrees are highly respected by employers and graduate schools.

4. Career Services and Job Placement – The university has one of the largest career services centers in the country, helping students secure internships and full-time jobs. Many Fortune 500 companies actively recruit Penn State graduates.

5. Diverse and Inclusive Community – With students from all 50 U.S. states and over 130 countries, Penn State fosters a diverse and inclusive environment where students can learn from different perspectives and cultures.

6. Strong Alumni Network – Penn State has one of the largest and most active alumni networks in the world, with over 750,000 members. This network provides students with valuable connections and career opportunities.

7. Campus Life and Extracurricular Activities – The university offers over 1,000 student organizations, including academic clubs, sports teams, and cultural groups. Penn State’s football team and the famous Beaver Stadium create an exciting college sports atmosphere.

8. Community Engagement and Service – Penn State is home to THON, the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, which raises millions of dollars annually to support children with cancer.

9. Beautiful Campus and Facilities – The university’s main campus in University Park is known for its picturesque setting, modern facilities, and excellent student resources, including libraries, research centers, and recreational areas.

10. Affordable Education and Financial Aid – Penn State offers various scholarships, grants, and financial aid options to help students manage tuition costs.

With its strong academic programs, research opportunities, and vibrant student life, Penn State provides an exceptional college experience that prepares students for successful careers and lifelong connections.