Pennsylvania State University: Online

Penn State University, also known as Penn State World Campus, is part of the Pennsylvania State University, a land-grant public research university. Penn State has 24 campuses across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, including the online World Campus, in University Park just outside of State College.

The university offers over 160 graduate degree programs, including doctorates and both academic and professional master’s degrees. Their goal is to foster teaching, research, and public service with local and global reach.

Why Consider Pennsylvania State University?

Penn State World Campus opened in 1998, but the campus and its programs are grounded in over 150 years of teaching, research, and service. Penn State Online offers certificate programs, undergraduate degree programs, and graduate degree programs, including master’s and doctoral programs.

Students enjoy technology-enhanced learning experiences, career-focused curriculum, and a supportive network of faculty, students, and staff. As a Penn State student, you’ll become part of a nationally-recognized university with global impact — whether you choose to study on campus or online.

Expert Online Delivery

Penn State is a pioneer in distance education, having offered early versions of distance learning as far back as 1892! Online degree programs through Penn State World Campus are centered on best practices in online delivery, taught by faculty who understand how to teach in an online format, and designed to support optimal learning outcomes as well as convenience.

A Focus on Careers

Penn State World Campus offers degree and certificate programs designed to help you pursue enhanced career goals. Choose from 150 programs in education, business, engineering, technology, health care, and more. Each program features a career-focused curriculum that includes the latest industry trends, plus courses taught by faculty members who are experts in their fields.

Flexible, Convenient Courses

Penn State Online offers a variety of degree programs that can be pursued at your own pace. Asynchronous courses mean you don't have to log into your classes at a specific time.

Students complete weekly assignments, readings, discussions, and other activities at times that are most convenient to them. And, a combination of self-study and peer-to-peer interaction makes online learning both flexible and rewarding.

A Full Range of Student Services

Students pursuing their graduate degrees online still need the support of dedicated faculty and staff. Pennsylvania State University online students have access to the same services on-campus students enjoy, like new student orientation, academic advising, career counseling resources, a nationally recognized research library, and technical support.

A Military-Friendly Online University

Penn State World Campus is approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the GI Bill, and the Yellow Ribbon Program. In addition to having a dedicated Office of Veterans Programs, Penn State has a Academic Military Support Team staffed by professionals who promote academic success and achievement for military students.

And, the flexible online degree programs offered by Penn State may be perfect for the lifestyles of military members and their families.

Join a Global Community

Whether they learn online or on campus, Penn State students join a diverse and extensive community of learners from around the country and the world. Graduates are also part of a worldwide network of more than 673,000 alumni.

In fact, Penn State has the largest dues-paying alumni association in the world, with more than 174,000 members. Become a Penn-Stater, and join the family!

Mission, Vision, and Values

The Pennsylvania State University fosters research and scholarship that promotes human and economic development, global understanding, and advancement in professional practice.

The university, including the World Campus, upholds President Eric Barron’s Six Imperatives:

1. Committing to Excellence
2. Engaging our Students
3. Serving a Diverse World
4. Creating Economic Impact
5. Capitalizing on Technology
6. Supporting Educational Access

Admissions

To apply to Penn State World Campus, check the requirements for your prospective degree or certificate program, and submit an online application. Depending on their situation, some students may have additional considerations when applying.

Transfer Students—Transfer of graduate credit is determined on a case-by-case basis by the program you are applying to. Among other considerations, potential transfer courses must appear on a graduate-level transcript from a regionally accredited institution, you must have earned at least a B in each course, and the credits must not have been used toward the completion of a previous graduate degree.

International Students—Among other requirements, international graduate students must submit scores for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Some graduate-level programs, like the Penn State online MBA, may require travel to the United States to fulfill certain degree requirements.

Military Students—Penn State World Campus is committed to helping military members, veterans, and their families navigate admissions procedures, such as transferring credits, applying for financial aid, and more. Contact an admissions counselor for assistance.

Financial Aid

Full- and half-time degree-seeking students at Penn State World Campus are eligible to apply for federal student aid. To find out if you qualify, you must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Accreditation

The Pennsylvania State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Individual programs may have additional accreditations.

• The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
• The GEOINT Analytics certificate is accredited by the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF).
• The Master of Finance program is accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
• The Master of Health Administration in Health Policy and Administration is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME).

Pennsylvania State University Online Academics and Degree Programs

Penn State World Campus offers 150 accredited degree programs in fields that include business, education, nursing, engineering, technology and sciences, homeland security, and other career-focused areas. Penn State online graduate programs include master’s, doctoral, and graduate certificate programs.

PSU Online Program Highlights: PENN STATE ONLINE MBA

The online, AACSB–accredited MBA program at Penn State World Campus offers flexibility, choice, and a curriculum designed to help you pursue new heights in business. Study business strategies, collaborative teamwork, strategic leadership, and other key professional functions while learning at a pace that suits your busy life. The 48-credit program features 39 core credits and 9 credits within your concentration.

An Interdisciplinary Curriculum: Penn State’s online MBA is designed to integrate multiple business disciplines and concepts. You could study everything from economics and financial management to global business and corporate innovation, plus work on projects that simulate a real-world business environment.

Career-focused Concentrations: Customize your program by choosing a nine-credit concentration, like accounting foundations, business analytics, finance, marketing analytics, or general management, among others.

Five-Day Residency: Held in University Park, Pennsylvania, the required residency gives you a chance to meet instructors and peers, attend a team performance class for credit, enjoy keynote speakers, and more.

Career Support: Online MBA candidates have access to the same expert career advisers and educational support resources as on-campus students

Choose a Program at Pennsylvania State University Online

Browse our directory of online graduate degree programs offered by Penn State World Campus. Click to learn more about programs that interest you, and don’t forget to request more information from Pennsylvania State University Online.