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. 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, The Consumer Insights Research Lab, The Government Technology Institute, The Food Science and Technology Center, and the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Controversy
In May 2020, a team of two Harrisburg University professors and a Ph.D. student announced they had developed computer facial recognition software capable of predicting whether someone is likely to be a criminal based solely on a photo of their face, and "with no racial bias," a claim found dubious by critics. The announcement was criticized as being "21st-century phrenology" and going "way further than the pseudoscience of physiognomy." The university later deleted the press release at the request of the researchers involved, noting that they are "updating the paper to address concerns raised."
Campus
The university's 371,000-square-foot Academic Center is a 16-story building in downtown Harrisburg, 326 Market St. The building includes classrooms, science labs, meeting areas, seminar rooms, a 125-seat auditorium and a courtyard. The academic center has wireless internet, video conferencing and a multi-media production facility. It also has seven levels of parking between the ground floor and the academic floors. In 2017, the University opened a satellite location in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia location offers bachelors courses in Computer and Information Science and Interactive Media and also Masters courses in Human-Centered Interaction Design and Techpreneurship.
Academics
Harrisburg University has 13 undergraduate, 12 master's degree and 2 doctoral programs 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 and Interactive Media and also master's courses in Human-Centered Interaction Design and Techpreneurship.
Professional Education
The university offers many professional education programs and centers in partnership with businesses and local government.
Agile Lean Center
Center for Advanced Entertainment and Learning Technologies
The university's housing is located close to campus in downtown Harrisburg. Housing is offered to undergraduate students and consists of the Residences on Market and Market View Place. The university is located near the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts, and the State Museum of Pennsylvania. The university is also a half block from the state capitol of Pennsylvania, and a brief walk to the riverfront. Fitness and dining facilities are leveraged by Strawberry Square. In 2017, the University opened a satellite location in Philadelphia. The University fields an Esports varsity team.
In its 2020 rankings, U.S. News & World Report ranked the university in the range #129-#170 in Regional Universities North and tied for #21 in the Most Innovative Schools list.
