Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

Harrisburg University of Science & Technology, commonly referred to as Harrisburg University (HU), is a private STEM-focused university in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania with an additional location in Philadelphia. Founded in 2001 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania as Harrisburg Polytechnic Institute, it offers STEM-focused degree and certificate programs.

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
Logo of Harrisburg University
TypePrivate, nonprofit,[1] coeducational, nonsectarian
Established2001[2]
Endowment$0
PresidentEric D. Darr, Ph.D.[3]
ProvostBili S. Mattes, D.Ed.[4]
Academic staff
160
Students5,950[2]
Location
Harrisburg
,
Pennsylvania
,
United States

40.2619°N 76.8802°W / 40.2619; -76.8802
CampusUrban
Websiteharrisburgu.edu

Harrisburg University places special emphasis on education in fields related to engineering, applied science and technology and offers bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees and certificate programs. The university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.[1]

History

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.[5] 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," [6] a claim found dubious by critics.[7] The announcement was criticized as being "21st-century phrenology"[8] and going "way further than the pseudoscience of physiognomy."[9] The university later deleted the press release at the request of the researchers involved,[10] noting that they are "updating the paper to address concerns raised."[11]

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.[12] It also has seven levels of parking between the ground floor and the academic floors.[13]

In 2017, the University opened a satellite location in Philadelphia.[14] 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.[15]

Academics

Harrisburg University has 13 undergraduate,[16] 12 master's degree [17] and 2 doctoral programs[17] 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.[15]

Professional Education

The university offers many professional education programs and centers in partnership with businesses and local government.[18]

  • Agile Lean Center
  • Center for Advanced Entertainment and Learning Technologies
  • Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  • Geospatial Technology Center
  • Government Technology Institute
  • Security Center of Excellence
  • User Experience Center

Student life

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.[19] 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.[20] The University fields an Esports varsity team.

Accreditation and memberships

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education since 2009.[1] All Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral (Research) degrees are accredited.[1] In 2014, the commission placed the university on probation for failing to comply with its standards.[21] In March, 2016, the commission determined that the school was in compliance and reaffirmed accreditation until 2021.[22]

It is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education Bureau of Postsecondary and Adult Education.[23]

Nationally, the university is a member of the Association of American Colleges and Universities,[24] the American Council on Education,[25] and the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.[26]

Ranking

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.[27]

References
  1. "Middle States Commission on Higher Education: Harrisburg University of Science and Technology". Retrieved 2018-11-30.
  2. "Harrisburg University: HU at a Glance". Retrieved 2015-11-30.
  3. "Harrisburg University: Eric D. Darr, Ph.D." Archived from the original on 2015-12-08. Retrieved 2015-11-30.
  4. "Harrisburg University: Bili S. Mattes, D.Ed". Archived from the original on 2015-12-08. Retrieved 2015-11-30.
  5. "Ten Years of Brilliance". Retrieved 2016-04-30.
  6. "Harrisburg University develops facial recognition software to ID criminals, no racial bias". CBS 21 News. May 4, 2020. Retrieved 15 May 2020.
  7. Rose, Janus (May 6, 2020). "University Deletes Press Release Promising 'Bias-Free' Criminal Detecting Algorithm". Vice. Retrieved 15 May 2020.
  8. Kasana, Mehreen (May 6, 2020). "Researchers still foolishly think AI can predict criminality by looking at photos". Input Magazine. Retrieved 15 May 2020.
  9. "Facial profiling and recognition to spot potential criminals – is physiognomy back?". i-SCOOP. Retrieved 15 May 2020.
  10. Holmes, Aaron (May 7, 2020). "Researchers said their 'unbiased' facial recognition could identify potential future criminals — then deleted the announcement after backlash". Business Insider. Retrieved 15 May 2020.
  11. "Research brief on facial recognition software". Harrisburg University. Retrieved 15 May 2020.
  12. "Academic Center". Harrisburg University. 2015-06-09. Retrieved 2019-03-18.
  13. "Construction of Harrisburg University Academic Center Incorporates Precast Concrete to Bring Iconic Presence to City Skyline". PRWeb. Retrieved 2019-03-18.
  14. "Harrisburg University launches Philadelphia location". Retrieved 2017-12-08.
  15. "Harrisburg University launches Philadelphia location". Retrieved 2018-04-18.
  16. "Undergraduate Students | Harrisburg University". Harrisburg University. 2015-06-15. Retrieved 2017-11-22.
  17. "Graduate Programs | Harrisburg University". Harrisburg University. 2017-06-29. Retrieved 2017-11-22.
  18. "Professional Development & Continuing Education Programs – Harrisburg University". professionaled.harrisburgu.edu. Retrieved 2017-11-22.
  19. http://harrisburgu.edu/housing-options/
  20. http://harrisburgu.edu/philadelphia-location/
  21. Nick Malawskey (10 July 2014). "Harrisburg University placed on probation by accrediting agency". PennLive. Retrieved 26 January 2020.
  22. Jan Murphy (8 March 2016). "Harrisburg University back in good standing with accrediting agency". PennLive. Retrieved 26 January 2020.
  23. "EDUCATIONAL NAMES & ADDRESSES: Harrisburg University of Science and Technology". Pennsylvania Department of Education. Retrieved November 16, 2018.
  24. "AAC&U Members:Harrisburg University of Science and Technology". Association of American Colleges and Universities. Retrieved November 16, 2018.
  25. "ACE Members and Associates Directory:Harrisburg University of Science and Technology". American Council on Education. Retrieved November 16, 2018.
  26. "Harrisburg University of Science & Technology". National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. Retrieved June 16, 2017.
  27. "Harrisburg University of Science and Technology". U.S. News. Retrieved 8 February 2020.

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