Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
{{Short description|Private university in Pennsylvania, United States}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox university
| name = Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
| native_name =
| image = Harrisburg-U-Logo-Seal.png
| image_size = 75px
| image_alt =
| caption = Logo of Harrisburg University
| latin_name =
| motto =
| mottoeng =
| established = 2001{{cite web| url = http://harrisburgu.edu/hu-at-a-glance/| title = Harrisburg University: HU at a Glance| access-date = 2015-11-30}}
| closed =
| former_name = Harrisburg Polytechnic Institute (2001–2003)
| type = Private university
| affiliation =
| president = David A. Schankweiler{{cite web |title=David A. Schankweiler |url=https://www.harrisburgu.edu/about/our-people/faculty-staff/david-a-schankweiler/ |website=Harrisburg University |access-date=24 January 2025}}
| vice-president =
| superintendent =
| provost = Kevin M. Purcell, Ph.D.{{cite web |title=Kevin Purcell |url= https://www.harrisburgu.edu/about/our-people/faculty-staff/kevin-purcell/ |website=Harrisburg University |access-date=24 January 2025}}
| undergrad =
| postgrad =
| doctoral =
| other =
| city = Harrisburg
| state = Pennsylvania
| province =
| country = United States
| coor = {{Coord|40.2619|-76.8802|region:US-PA_type:edu}}
| campus = Urban
| former_names =
| free_label =
| free =
| colors =
| sporting_affiliations = Esports
| sports_nickname = The Storm
| mascot =
| website = [http://www.harrisburgu.edu/ harrisburgu.edu]
| logo = Image:Harrisburg-U-Logo-Full.png
| footnotes =
| faculty = 200 full-time employees
| staff =
| affiliations =
}}
Harrisburg University of Science & Technology, commonly referred to as Harrisburg University (HU), is a private STEM-focused university in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with an additional location in Philadelphia. Founded in 2001 as Harrisburg Polytechnic Institute, it offers STEM-focused degree and certificate programs.
Harrisburg University places special emphasis on education in fields related to engineering, applied science and technology and offers 15 bachelor's degrees, 13 master's degrees, and 3 doctoral degrees and certificate programs. The university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.{{cite web| url = https://www.msche.org/institution/9171/| title = Middle States Commission on Higher Education: Harrisburg University of Science and Technology| access-date = 2018-11-30}}
History
The university was started as Harrisburg Polytechnic Institute to address the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, region's need for educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math careers. Before creation of Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, Harrisburg was the largest state capital in the country without a four-year university. The institute received $12 million in state capital funding in 2003 for the construction and related services of the institute from then Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell.{{cite web| url = http://harrisburgu.edu/ten-years-of-brilliance/| title = Ten Years of Brilliance| access-date = 2016-04-30}} The YWCA building at 215 Market Street was the first home for the university. In the same year the university changed its name to Harrisburg University of Science and Technology.
Harrisburg University has many research centers, including the Center for Advanced Entertainment and Learning Technologies, the Security Center of Excellence, the Government Technology Institute, the Center for Advanced Agriculture and Sustainability, and the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.{{Cite web |title=Centers & Institutes |url=https://www.harrisburgu.edu/about/centers-institutes/ |access-date=2022-03-23 |website=Harrisburg University |language=en-US}}
In 2023, the university downsized employees due to a budget shortfall.{{Cite web |last=Urie |first=Daniel |date=2023-06-28 |title=A restructuring at Harrisburg University eliminates 9 positions |url=https://www.pennlive.com/business/2023/06/a-restructuring-harrisburg-university-eliminates-9-positions.html |access-date=2024-05-09 |website=pennlive |language=en}} In May 2024, the university missed a bond payment, signifying a cash flow crunch.{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Charles |date=2024-05-08 |title=Harrisburg University misses payment into bond fund |url=https://www.pennlive.com/news/2024/05/harrisburg-university-misses-payment-into-bond-fund.html |access-date=2024-05-09 |website=pennlive |language=en}} A second round of layoffs took place in June 2024.{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Charles |date=2024-06-27 |title=Staff cuts, other changes made at Harrisburg University |url=https://www.pennlive.com/news/2024/06/staff-cuts-other-changes-made-at-harrisburg-university.html |access-date=2024-07-08 |website=pennlive |language=en}} In July 2024, the university closed its locations in Dubai and Panama.{{cite web |url=https://www.insidehighered.com/news/business/cost-cutting/2024/08/06/harrisburg-university-abruptly-closes-international-campuses |title=Harrisburg University Abruptly Closes International Campuses |work=Inside Higher Ed |first=Josh |last=Moody |date=August 6, 2024 |accessdate=August 8, 2024}}
In May 2020, a team of two Harrisburg University professors and a Ph.D. student announced they had developed computer facial recognition software capable of predicting whether someone is likely to be a criminal based solely on a photo of their face, and "with no racial bias",{{cite news |title=Harrisburg University develops facial recognition software to ID criminals, no racial bias |url=https://local21news.com/news/local/harrisburg-university-develops-facial-recognition-software-to-id-criminals-no-racial-bias |access-date=15 May 2020 |publisher=CBS 21 News |date=May 4, 2020}} a claim found dubious by critics.{{cite news |last1=Rose |first1=Janus |title=University Deletes Press Release Promising 'Bias-Free' Criminal Detecting Algorithm |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/university-deletes-press-release-promising-bias-free-criminal-detecting-algorithm/ |access-date=15 May 2020 |publisher=Vice |date=May 6, 2020}} The announcement was criticized as being "21st-century phrenology"{{cite news |last1=Kasana |first1=Mehreen |title=Researchers still foolishly think AI can predict criminality by looking at photos |url=https://www.inputmag.com/culture/researchers-still-foolishly-think-ai-can-predict-criminality-by-looking-at-photos |access-date=15 May 2020 |publisher=Input Magazine |date=May 6, 2020}} and going "way further than the pseudoscience of physiognomy."{{cite news |title=Facial profiling and recognition to spot potential criminals – is physiognomy back? |url=https://www.i-scoop.eu/facial-recognition/facial-profiling-physiognomy/ |access-date=15 May 2020 |publisher=i-SCOOP}} The university later deleted the press release at the request of the researchers involved,{{cite news |last1=Holmes |first1=Aaron |title=Researchers said their 'unbiased' facial recognition could identify potential future criminals — then deleted the announcement after backlash |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/harrisburg-university-lab-facial-recognition-identify-future-criminals-2020-5 |access-date=15 May 2020 |publisher=Business Insider |date=May 7, 2020}} noting that they are "updating the paper to address concerns raised."{{cite web |title=Research brief on facial recognition software |url=https://harrisburgu.edu/hu-facial-recognition-software-identifies-potential-criminals/ |website=Harrisburg University |access-date=15 May 2020}}
Four years later, Harrisburg University leaders announced that the university had been designated by the National Security Agency (NSA) as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD).{{Cite web |last=Wilhelm |first=Dan |date=2024-03-15 |title=Harrisburg University Receives NSA Designation as Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) |url=https://www.harrisburgu.edu/news/harrisburg-university-receives-nsa-cae-designation/ |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Harrisburg University |language=en-US}} According to a university press release, “schools seeking to become NSA-approved CAE institutions undergo an extensive program validation process; prove relevant courses map to NSA requirements, objectives, and priorities; and meet high academic standards.” Harrisburg University’s Master of Science in [https://www.harrisburgu.edu/programs/ms-computer-information-sciences/ Computer Information Sciences] served as the NSA’s validated program of study. The university also offers a [https://www.harrisburgu.edu/programs/bs-cybersecurity-operations-and-management/ Bachelor of Science] and [https://www.harrisburgu.edu/programs/cybersecurity-operations-and-control-management/ Master of Science] in Cybersecurity Operations & Control Management.
Campus
File:4th Street towards Pennsylvania State Capitol Building, Harrisburg, PA - 52441723198.jpg as seen from Harrisburg University campus.]]
The university's 371,000-square-foot Academic Center is a 16-story building in downtown Harrisburg, 326 Market St. The building includes classrooms, science labs, meeting areas, seminar rooms, a 125-seat auditorium and a courtyard. The academic center has wireless internet, video conferencing and a multi-media production facility.{{Cite web|url=http://harrisburgu.edu/academic-center/|title=Academic Center|date=2015-06-09|website=Harrisburg University|language=en-US|access-date=2019-03-18}} It also has seven levels of parking between the ground floor and the academic floors.{{Cite web|url=https://www.prweb.com/releases/construction_of_harrisburg_university_academic_center_incorporates_precast_concrete_to_bring_iconic_presence_to_city_skyline/prweb14382464.htm|title=Construction of Harrisburg University Academic Center Incorporates Precast Concrete to Bring Iconic Presence to City Skyline|website=PRWeb|access-date=2019-03-18}}
In 2017, the university opened a satellite location in Philadelphia.{{cite web|url=http://harrisburgu.edu/harrisburg-university-launches-philadelphia-location/|title=Harrisburg University launches Philadelphia location|access-date=2017-12-08}} The Philadelphia location offers bachelor's degree programs in Computer and Information Science, Esports Management, Information Systems and Information Technologies, Management and Entrepreneurship, and Interactive Media and also master's courses in Techpreneurship.{{cite web|url=http://philadelphia.harrisburgu.edu/programs-in-philadelphia/|title=Harrisburg University launches Philadelphia location|access-date=2018-04-18}}
In 2022, the university opened a location in the City of Knowledge in Panama.{{Cite web |title=HULATAM |url=https://www.harrisburgu.edu/hulatam/ |access-date=2022-03-23 |website=Harrisburg University |language=en-US}} Additionally, the university is currently constructing a $100-million Science Education Center at 3rd and Chestnut in Harrisburg. The 11-story building is set to open in January 2023.{{Cite web |date=2022-03-21 |title=Harrisburg University’s reaccreditation is latest 2022 highlight |url=https://www.pennlive.com/news/2022/03/harrisburg-universitys-reaccreditation-is-latest-2022-highlight.html |access-date=2022-03-23 |website=pennlive |language=en}}
Academics
Harrisburg University has 15 undergraduate,{{Cite news|url=http://harrisburgu.edu/undergraduate-students/|title=Undergraduate Students {{!}} Harrisburg University|date=2015-06-15|work=Harrisburg University|access-date=2017-11-22|language=en-US}} 13 master's{{Cite news|url=http://harrisburgu.edu/graduate-programs-main/|title=Graduate Programs {{!}} Harrisburg University|date=2017-06-29|work=Harrisburg University|access-date=2017-11-22|language=en-US}} and 3 doctoral programs in science and technology-related disciplines. The university follows a trimester system. Programs are offered at the academic center located on the main campus in downtown Harrisburg. Some programs are also offered at the Harrisburg University location in Philadelphia, while others are offered only online. The Philadelphia location offers bachelor's courses in Computer and Information Science, Esports Management, Information Systems and Information Technologies, Management and Entrepreneurship, and Interactive Media and also master's courses in Techpreneurship. The university offers online degree programs, including an RN-to-BSN.
=Accreditations=
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education since 2009. All Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral (Research) degrees are accredited. In 2014, the commission placed the university on probation for failing to comply with its standards.{{cite web|url=https://www.pennlive.com/midstate/2014/07/harrisburg_university_placed_o.html|title=Harrisburg University placed on probation by accrediting agency|author=Nick Malawskey|date=10 July 2014|website=PennLive|access-date=26 January 2020}} In March, 2016, the commission determined that the school was in compliance and reaffirmed accreditation until 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.pennlive.com/news/2016/03/harrisburg_university_back_in.html|title=Harrisburg University back in good standing with accrediting agency|author=Jan Murphy|date=8 March 2016|website=PennLive|access-date=26 January 2020}} In 2022, the university accreditation was re-affirmed through 2029.{{Cite web |date=2022-03-17 |title=Middle States Commission reaffirms Harrisburg University’s accreditation |url=https://www.harrisburgu.edu/news/hu-accreditation/ |access-date=2022-03-23 |website=Harrisburg University |language=en-US}}
The university is also approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education Bureau of Postsecondary and Adult Education.{{cite web| title=EDUCATIONAL NAMES & ADDRESSES: Harrisburg University of Science and Technology| url=http://www.edna.pa.gov/Screens/wfInstitutionDetails.aspx?ID=40757| publisher=Pennsylvania Department of Education| access-date=November 16, 2018}} The MS in Project Management is accredited by the Global Accreditation Center from the Project Management Institute. The B.S. in Computer and Information Science program is accredited by ABET. The RN-BSN and MS in Nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).{{Cite web |title=Nursing RN to BSN (Online) |url=https://www.harrisburgu.edu/programs/bsn-nursing-online/ |access-date=2022-03-23 |website=Harrisburg University |language=en-US}}
= Rankings =
In its 2020 rankings, U.S. News & World Report ranked the university in the range #129-#170 in Regional Universities North and tied for #21 in the Most Innovative Schools list.{{cite web|url=https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/harrisburg-university-of-science-and-technology-39483/overall-rankings| website=U.S. News| title=Harrisburg University of Science and Technology|access-date=8 February 2020}} In the 2025 rankings, U.S. News & World Report ranked the university #16 Most Innovative School in the "Regional Universities North" category.{{Cite web |last=Wilhelm |first=Dan |date=2024-09-24 |title=US News & World Report Ranks Harrisburg University Among America's Best Colleges |url=https://www.harrisburgu.edu/news/2024-09-24-us-news-world-report-ranks-harrisburg-university-among-americas-best-colleges-2025/ |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Harrisburg University |language=en-US}}
= Professional education =
The university offers many professional education programs and centers in partnership with businesses and local government.{{Cite web |title=Professional Development & Continuing Education |url=https://www.harrisburgu.edu/professional-dev/ |access-date=2022-03-23 |website=Harrisburg University |language=en-US}}{{Cite web|url=https://professionaled.harrisburgu.edu/|title=Professional Development & Continuing Education Programs – Harrisburg University|website=professionaled.harrisburgu.edu|language=en-US|access-date=2017-11-22}}
- Agile Lean Center
- Center for Advanced Entertainment and Learning Technologies
- Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Geospatial Technology Center
- Government Technology Institute
- Security Center of Excellence
- User Experience Center
Student life
The university's housing is located close to campus in downtown Harrisburg. Housing is offered to undergraduate students and consists of the Residences on Market and Market View Place.{{Cite web|url=http://harrisburgu.edu/housing-options/|title=Housing}} The university is located near the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts, and the State Museum of Pennsylvania. The university is also a half block from the state capitol of Pennsylvania, and a brief walk to the Riverfront Park along the Susquehanna River. Fitness and dining facilities are leveraged by Strawberry Square. In 2017, the university opened a satellite location in Philadelphia.{{Cite web|url=http://harrisburgu.edu/philadelphia-location/|title=Philadelphia Location}} The university fields an esports varsity team that has won two national championships.{{Cite web|date=2019-05-13|title=Harrisburg University Esports team wins inaugural ESPN-hosted championship|url=https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/05/harrisburg-university-of-science-and-technology-wins-inaugural-collegiate-esports-championship-hosted-by-espn.html|access-date=2021-06-16|website=pennlive|language=en}}{{Cite web|date=2020-07-18|title=Harrisburg University captures esports national title in 'Overwatch'|url=https://www.pennlive.com/life/2020/07/harrisburg-university-captures-esports-national-title-in-overwatch.html|access-date=2021-06-16|website=pennlive|language=en}}
Notable alumni
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons}}
- [http://www.harrisburgu.edu/ Official website]
{{Colleges and Universities in Pennsylvania}}
{{Polytechnic Universities}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Coord|40.2619|-76.8802|region:US-PA_type:edu|display=title}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Harrisburg University Of Science And Technology}}
Category:Educational institutions established in 2001
Category:Universities and colleges in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Category:Engineering universities and colleges in Pennsylvania
Category:Technological universities in the United States
Category:Private universities and colleges in Pennsylvania