University Overview
Established in 1855, Penn State University is a non-profit public state higher-education institution located in the rural setting of the large town of University Park (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Pennsylvania. This institution also has branch campuses in the following locations: Abington, Logan Township, Monaca, Spring Township, Media, DuBois, Erie, Uniontown, McKeesport, Middletown, Hazleton, Fogelsville, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Schuylkill Haven, Sharon, Lehman, Dunmore, York, Carlisle, Malvern, Hershey, Williamsport. Officially accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Penn State University (PSU) is a very large (uniRank enrollment range: over-45,000 students) coeducational US higher education institution. Penn State University (PSU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. This 165 years old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. The admission rate range is 50-60% making this US higher education organization a averagely selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. PSU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Pre-Bachelor degrees
It includes undergraduate programs and courses that:
1) lead to tertiary certificates, diplomas, and foundation or associate degrees that are below the bachelor's degree level.
2) usually take less than 2 years to complete.
The UNESCO International Standard Classification of Education classifies these as short-cycle tertiary education (ISCED Level 5) programs that are typically practically based, vocational or occupationally specific and prepare for labor market entry. These programs may also provide a pathway to other tertiary programs such as bachelor's degrees.
Bachelor's degrees
It includes undergraduate programs and courses that:
1) lead to bachelor's degrees.
2) usually take between 3 to 5 years to complete.
The UNESCO International Standard Classification of Education classifies these as bachelor's or equivalent (ISCED Level 6) programs that are designed to provide intermediate academic and/or professional knowledge, skills and competencies leading to a first tertiary degree or equivalent qualification.
Master's degrees
It includes postgraduate programs and courses that:
1) lead to master's degrees.
2) usually take between 1 to 3 years to complete.
The UNESCO International Standard Classification of Education classifies these as master's or equivalent (ISCED Level 7) programs that are designed to provide advanced academic and/or professional knowledge, skills and competencies leading to a second tertiary degree or equivalent qualification.
Doctoral's degrees
It includes postgraduate programs and courses that:
1) lead to doctorate degrees.
2) usually take 4 or more years to complete.
The UNESCO International Standard Classification of Education classifies these as doctorate or equivalent (ISCED Level 8) programs that are designed primarily to lead to an advanced research qualification, usually concluding with the submission and defense of a substantive dissertation of publishable quality based on original research.
Arts & Humanities
This University offers courses in at least one of the following subjects:
- Applied Arts
- Classics
- Design
- Education
- Fine Arts
- History
- Literature
- Museum Studies
- Performing Arts
- Philosophy
- Religion and Theology
- Visual Arts
- Other Arts & Humanities Studies