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.[5]

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.[6] 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, Security Center of Excellence, the Government Technology Institute, Center for Advanced Agriculture and Sustainability, and the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.[7]

Harrisburg University has 15 undergraduate,[20] 13 master’s[21] and 3 doctoral programs[21] 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.[17]

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education since 2009.[5] All Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral (Research) degrees are accredited.[5] In 2014, the commission placed the university on probation for failing to comply with its standards.[22] In March, 2016, the commission determined that the school was in compliance and reaffirmed accreditation until 2021.[23] In 2022, the university accreditation was re-affirmed through 2029.[24]

The university is also approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education Bureau of Postsecondary and Adult Education.[25] 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).[26]