About the College
Radha Pyati, Chancellor and Dean, Penn State Berks
At Penn State Berks, students earn a Penn State degree in a small campus setting. The college enrolls nearly 2,900 students and offers 20 bachelors and 4 associate degree programs, and 2 master’s degree programs. Students can also choose to complete the first two years of more than 160 Penn State degree programs at Berks, and finish their degree at another campus. Berks offers students many opportunities, such as conducting research with faculty members and gaining real-world experience through internships as part of their degree programs. The college is located on 258 scenic acres in Spring Township, and the campus includes 28 buildings with residence halls providing housing for 804 students. Students enjoy a rich student life: Berks has 12 varsity athletic programs and competes as members of the NCAA Division III and North Eastern Athletic Conference. The college also offers a wide variety of clubs and organizations.
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Mission and Goals
The college provides a Penn State education in a small campus setting that integrates high-quality teaching, research, and dynamic community outreach. As part of a premier land-grant institution, the college stresses excellence in all areas while providing opportunities for students from a range of abilities to reach their full potential. Berks is committed to engaged learning that encourages individual growth, cultural awareness, ethical decision-making, and civic responsibility for all members of the community.
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Accreditation
The Pennsylvania State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. This accreditation applies to all campuses and colleges of the University.
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Baccalaureate Degrees
- Accounting, B.S. (Berks)
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, B.S. (Berks)
- Biology, B.S. (Berks)
- Business, B.S. (Berks)
- Communication Arts and Sciences, B.A. (Berks)
- Criminal Justice, B.A. (Berks)
- Criminal Justice, B.S. (Berks)
- Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations, B.S. (Berks)
- Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology, B.S. (Berks)
- Elementary and Kindergarten Education, B.S. (Berks)
- Global Studies, B.A.
- Hospitality Management, B.S. (Berks)
- Information Technology, B.S. (Berks)
- Kinesiology, B.S. (Berks)
- Mechanical Engineering, B.S. (Berks)
- Psychology, B.A. (Berks)
- Psychology, B.S. (Berks)
- Science, B.S. (Berks)
- Security and Risk Analysis, B.S. (Berks)
- Writing and Digital Media, B.A.
Associate Degrees
Minors
Certificates
College Procedures
Change of Campus
Students generally declare their academic major at the end of their second year of enrollment during the entrance-to-major process. If the student applies for a major that is not offered at the student’s current location, the student will be required to select an approved location during the entrance-to-major process.
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Concurrent Majors
A Concurrent Majors Program is one in which students take courses to concurrently meet the requirements of at least two majors, with graduation for all majors in the program occurring during the same semester. Concurrent majors must be all at the baccalaureate or associate degree level.
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READ SENATE POLICY 60-00: COMPLETING MORE THAN ONE UNDERGRADUATE MAJOR PROGRAM
Academic Warning
A student who fails to earn a 2.00 cumulative grade-point average will be placed on academic warning. A student placed on academic warning will have a hold placed on registration and will be required to meet with an academic adviser in order for this registration hold to be removed. To remove academic warning, the cumulative grade-point average must be 2.00 or higher.
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READ SENATE POLICY 54-20: ACADEMIC WARNING
Academic Suspension
A student in academic warning who fails to maintain a semester grade-point average of 2.00 or higher will be academically suspended. A student who has been academically suspended may not schedule courses at the University for two consecutive semesters. (Note: Summer session is equal to one semester.)
Resources
Academic Advising Center
The Center provides academic advising, information, and referral services to Division of Undergraduate students, as well as to students enrolled elsewhere in the University, prospective students, faculty, and staff. Advisers help students evaluate their educational plans, answer questions about major fields, and provide information about policies and procedures.
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Housing
On-campus housing serves 800+ students in The Village and The Woods. Both offer fully furnished suites that include amenities such as refrigerator/freezers, microwaves, wireless internet, computer ports, and much more. The college provide a safe, inclusive, comfortable, and supportive living environment for all students residing on campus.
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Career Services
The Career Services Office is a full-service resource for students and alumni of Penn State Berks, providing online career resources, counseling, and assistance in all facets of career planning and development, including career exploration, assistance for graduating seniors, student career services, internship opportunities, and workshops and networking events.
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Canvas
Canvas is Penn State’s online system for teaching and learning. It allows students to view their grades, keep track of due dates for assignments, submit assignments and quizzes, post and respond to discussions, and send and receive messages.
Financial Aid
The Financial Aid Office works provides information about federal financial aid programs, including grants, loans, and work-study programs; state grant funds; and scholarship support. First-year students do not have to apply for funds as all students are reviewed in early spring for eligibility, based upon their prior academic performance.
Honors Programs
Schreyer Honors College
The Schreyer Honors College, regarded as one of the nation’s top programs of its kind, promotes achieving academic excellence with integrity, building a global perspective, and creating opportunities for leadership and civic engagement. Schreyer Scholars, including those admitted after their first or second year of enrollment, are a diverse and motivated group of approximately 2,000 students at University Park and 20 Commonwealth campuses. The College strives to educate students who will have an important and ethical influence in the world, to improve educational practice, and to continue to be recognized as a leading force in honors education nationwide.
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Honors at Penn State Berks
Penn State Berks offers the Berks College Honors Program. Students may select from a variety of special honors courses, honors options, independent study, and research programs. At the beginning of each academic semester, students work closely with both an academic adviser and the honors coordinator to develop individualized academic plans. Students receive several benefits including priority registration, semester-long library loans, partially-funded international travel, access to the Honors Student Lounge, and guidance on national and international scholarships.