University Bulletin
Undergraduate Degree Programs
Penn State Altoona, a scenic campus of 157 acres, is just 45 miles from the University Park campus. Enrolling approximately 4,000 students, Penn State Altoona offers a unique residential undergraduate experience by combining a small-college atmosphere within the context of a major research university. Small classes taught by experienced professors in a friendly setting provide students with the opportunity to complete baccalaureate majors at Penn State Altoona. Penn State Altoona also offers the first two years of course work for more than 180 Penn State majors, which can be completed at other Penn State locations.
GENERAL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
All baccalaureate degree candidates must follow the graduation requirements as established by the University Faculty Senate:
1. Minimum 2.00 cumulative grade-point average.
2. Completion of minimum total credits for graduation.
3. Completion of all General Education, college, elective, and major requirements. See http://bulletins.psu.edu/bulletins/bluebook/general_education.cfm for more information on General Education.
4. Grade of at least C in each major course designated by the major as a C-required course.
5. Students in Bachelor of Arts degree programs must complete University-wide bachelor of arts degree requirements, including completion of level 3 of a foreign language with a D or higher. See http://bulletins.psu.edu/bulletins/bluebook/ba_requirements.cfm for courses that meet University-wide bachelor of arts degree requirements.
6. Students in Bachelor of Science degree programs must have either 2 Carnegie Units of foreign language completed prior to admission to Penn State, or a grade of C or higher in college-level 1 or 2 of a foreign language, or a grade of D or higher in college-level 3.
PENN STATE ALTOONA ADMINISTRATION
LORI J. BECHTEL, Chancellor
PATTI MILLS, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
COLLEGE ACADEMIC ORGANIZATION
DIVISION OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES
PROFESSOR KENNETH A. WOMACK, Head
The division offers a bachelor of arts degree program in Letters, Arts, and Sciences with self-designed curricula in one of six options: Arts; Humanities; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Science and Mathematics; Science, Technology, and Society; or Liberal Studies. The division also offers bachelor of arts degrees in Communications, English, History, Integrative Arts, and Visual Art Studies. An associate degree in Letters, Arts, and Sciences is also available.
DIVISION OF BUSINESS AND ENGINEERING
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR WILLIAM G. ENGELBRET, Interim Head
The division focuses on the needs of undergraduate students who will begin careers in business and industry after graduation. It provides all four years of the bachelor of science in Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology (BSEMET) and the bachelor of science in Business (BSB), and associate degrees in Business, Electrical Engineering Technology, and Mechanical Engineering Technology. The division also provides the first two years of most bachelor of science degrees offered by Smeal College of Business and the College of Engineering.
DIVISION OF EDUCATION, HUMAN DEVELOPMENT, AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR TIMOTHY SLEKAR, Head
The division offers bachelor degrees in Criminal Justice (B.A. and B.S.), Elementary and Kindergarten Education (Elementary Teaching option), Human Development and Family Studies (Community Human Services option), Nursing, and Psychology (B.A. and B.S. with Science and Business options). The division also offers associate degrees in Criminal Justice, Human Development and Family Studies, and Nursing. The first one or two years of many programs in the Colleges of Education, Health and Human Development, and the Liberal Arts are supported by the division.
DIVISION OF MATHEMATICS AND NATURAL SCIENCES
PROFESSOR NICHOLAS M. MISKOVSKY, Head
The division offers bachelor degrees in Biology, Environmental Studies, Mathematics, and Science. The division also offers the courses for the first two years of degree programs offered by the Eberly College of Science and the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, and some degree programs offered by the College of Agricultural Sciences. An associate degree in Science is also available.
DIVISION OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES
JOANN M. SHAFFER, Senior DUS Programs Coordinator
The Division of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) at Penn State Altoona is an academic unit of enrollment for students who wish to explore the University's academic opportunities before deciding upon a field of study. DUS enrollment is also available to students who encounter changes in interests and career goals and wish to redefine their academic goals. In addition to offering a unit of enrollment, DUS also provides the following services: testing, counseling, and advising for all entering first-year students and their families; academic advising and educational planning for students and prospective students; and a University-wide academic advising and information network available to all Penn State students, faculty, and staff.
DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
SEAN KELLY, Director
The Division of Student Affairs at Penn State Altoona provides students with the services, activities, and developmental opportunities that will supplement and enhance their academic experience and the quality of their lives while enrolled at the college. Departments and services offered by the Division of Student Affairs include Student Life, Residence Life, Career Services, International Student Services, Judicial Affairs, Institutional Equity and Diversity, Intramural and Recreation Sports, Club Sports, Religious Affairs, Greek Life, Off-Campus Housing, New Student Orientation, Service Learning, Health Services, Counseling and Psychological Services, Health Education, and Student Aid.
INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS
FREDINA M. INGOLD, Director of Athletics
Athletics includes intramural and recreational sports and activities, along with varsity athletics. Men's varsity sports are baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, swimming, and tennis. Women's varsity sports are basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, and volleyball. Penn State Altoona is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Division III in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference(AMCC). Regionally, Penn State Altoona is a member of the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC).