STEM-focused private university in Pennsylvania's capital, emphasizing engineering, technology, and applied sciences.
Harrisburg University specializes in STEM education with 15 undergraduate programs, 13 master's degrees, and 3 doctoral programs. The university operates on a trimester system and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Notable program accreditations include ABET for Computer and Information Science, PMI Global Accreditation Center for Project Management, and CCNE for nursing programs. The university was designated by the NSA as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, with its Master of Science in Computer Information Sciences serving as the NSA's validated program.
The main campus features a 371,000-square-foot, 16-story Academic Center at 326 Market Street in downtown Harrisburg, including classrooms, science labs, a 125-seat auditorium, and seven levels of parking. A $100-million UPMC Health Sciences Tower was dedicated in September 2023. Student housing includes the Residences on Market and Market View Place. The university operates a satellite location in Philadelphia offering select bachelor's and master's programs, and previously maintained locations in Dubai and Panama (closed July 2024). The esports varsity team has won two national championships.
The university offers online degree programs including an RN-to-BSN option. Programs are available at the main Harrisburg campus, the Philadelphia location, and online. Specific admissions pathways and requirements are not detailed in the provided sources.
In 2025, U.S. News & World Report ranked Harrisburg University #16 Most Innovative School in the Regional Universities North category. The university operates multiple research centers including the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Security Center of Excellence, and Government Technology Institute. Notable alumni include Timothy DeFoor, Pennsylvania's Auditor General.