Pennsylvania State University

Overview

Pennsylvania State University, also known as Penn State or P.S.U., belongs to the top 1% of universities in the world. It is a public research institution and ranks among the top 25 research universities in the United States. According to the Association of Research Libraries Library Investment Index, Penn State University Libraries also placed among the top 10 libraries in North America and second in the whole country.

Penn State offers a wide range of programs not only for undergraduate and graduate students but also for professionals who desire to continue their education by taking credit courses. Among the programs offered, Penn State’s highly ranked fields of study include business, engineering, education, liberal arts, sciences, and law. The university also offers a complete program for medical education for those who aim for an MD degree.

Penn State’s scientific research programs are strong testaments to the institution’s continued dedication to discovering breakthroughs and bringing innovation. Among its outstanding projects are the microbiome research, which focuses on discovering the role of microscopic organisms in agriculture, medicine, and others. Penn State also continues to establish partnerships with other organizations to further enhance its capabilities, infrastructures, and funding to accommodate more research projects.

Before Penn State became a university that offers a diverse course lineup, it was first a land-grant institution dedicated to agricultural research founded in 1855. It is one of three institutions in the US that received Land Grant, Sea Grant, Sun Grant, and Space Grant status. Penn State was originally named Farmers' High School of Pennsylvania and was commissioned to teach agricultural science and the practical application of scientific principles to farming.

It was not until the early 1900s when Penn State began expanding its curriculum outside the field of agriculture, which eventually led to campus expansion. During the Great Depression, Penn State made the effort to establish undergraduate branches to accommodate students in various locations. These branches built the foundation for the 24 Penn State campuses that are now spread across the state of Pennsylvania.

True to its mission, Penn State continues to make efforts to deliver education to anyone, anytime with its online education program. Students can earn their degrees through Penn State’s online portal, which offers more than 150 degrees from associate to PhD, as well as certificates to choose from. Penn State has continued to make relevant strides in convenience, flexibility, and quality in delivering accredited degrees and certificates online.