Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

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 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 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 bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees and certificate programs. The university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

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. 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 is home to many research centers including the Center for Advanced Entertainment and Learning Technologies, The Consumer Insights Research Lab, The Government Technology Institute, The Food Science and Technology Center, and the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

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. It also has seven levels of parking between the ground floor and the academic floors.

In 2017, the University opened a satellite location in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia location offers bachelors courses in Computer and Information Science and Interactive Media and also Masters courses in Human-Centered Interaction Design and Techpreneurship.

Academics
Harrisburg University has 13 undergraduate, 12 master's degree and 2 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 and Interactive Media and also master's courses in Human-Centered Interaction Design and Techpreneurship.

Professional Education
The university offers many professional education programs and centers in partnership with businesses and local government.
 * Government Technology Institute
 * Security Center of Excellence
 * Agile Lean Center
 * Center for Advanced Entertainment and Learning Technologies
 * Geospatial Technology 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. 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. Fitness and dining facilities are leveraged by Strawberry Square. In 2017, the University opened a satellite location in Philadelphia. The University "fields" an Esports varsity team.

Accreditation and memberships
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. It is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education Bureau of Postsecondary and Adult Education.

Nationally, the university is a member of the Association of American Colleges and Universities, the American Council on Education, and the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.

Ranking
US News & World Report ranked Harrisburg University of Science and Technology at #142-#187 in Regional Universities North in the 2019 rankings.

The University also tied at 203 in a ranking from guidance counselors.