With a rich history rooted in adult-education classes first offered more than a century ago, Pennsylvania College of Technology turns today’s eager learners into the highly skilled workforce of tomorrow.
A special mission affiliate of Penn State and a national leader in applied technology education, Penn College consistently satisfies employers’ needs in diverse and in-demand professions. In fields such as welding, culinary and aviation maintenance technology, to leading-edge options in cybersecurity and entrepreneurship, the College offers more than 100 “degrees that work.”
Unique and Useful
Penn College nimbly responds to workforce needs. New for 2020–21 are bachelor’s degrees in business administration: restaurant and hospitality operations, automation engineering technology: mechatronics, and automation engineering technology: robotics and automation; bachelor’s and associate degrees in human services and restorative justice; an associate degree in electrical construction; and a certificate in professional baking.
The academic year also features a state-of-the-art expansion of the College’s welding labs — made possible, in part, by a $2-million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration — that will enable enrollment of up to 60 more students annually. The 55,000-square-foot facility includes new robotic equipment and the addition of laser welding to the curriculum; it additionally will house the only electron beam welder at a U.S. educational institution.
A Friend to Industry
Penn College is among a half-dozen institutions nationwide with plastics degrees accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET.
In addition to hiring graduates with two- and four-year plastics degrees, the industry benefits from training assistance, as well as research and development, through the College’s internationally renowned Plastics Innovation & Resource Center.
The PIRC now includes the Shell Polymers Rotational Molding Center of Excellence, made possible by a $250,000 gift that enhances the College’s efforts to produce highly skilled graduates for the industry while helping to ease the growing skills gap in plastics manufacturing.
Green With Opportunity
The nearby Earth Science Center offers one of the most scenic living laboratories imaginable. There, horticulture/landscape technology students beautifully make their mark, and forest technology specialists learn stewardship of woodland and wildlife alike. The campus is also home to popular heavy equipment, diesel and power generation programs.
The College’s Aviation Center at the Williamsport Regional Airport provides a 50,000 square-foot instructional facility for students pursuing careers in aviation maintenance and avionics. Aircraft such as a Boeing 727 and a Dassault Falcon business jet help students hone their skills.
Ideal Location
Nestled among the mountains of northcentral Pennsylvania, the Williamsport main campus is within minutes of some of the best outdoor recreation options in the commonwealth.
Students may also sample the abundant cultural offerings of a vibrant downtown, including the college-owned Community Arts Center, where many nationally renowned entertainers have performed. Looking for even more diverse options? The Penn College campus is about a three-hour drive from Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, New York City and Baltimore/Washington, D.C.
Focus on Student Success
The College’s applied-technology approach to learning provides students with access to the latest technology in classrooms, labs, the college library and study areas. Students log hundreds of hours of hands-on lab time, beginning in their first semester.
The skills gap in the American workforce — the shortfall between job openings and qualified applicants — is addressed by many of Penn College’s majors, including signature fields like health care and manufacturing, which carry high potential for rapid postgraduate employment and workplace advancement. Twice-yearly Career Fairs attract Fortune 500 companies, drawn by the College’s reputation for talented and industrious students and alumni.
A Convincing Level of Commitment
Courses are taught by experienced faculty, who often have relevant work-related knowledge; a 1:13 faculty-to-student ratio and small class sizes (averaging 17 students) ensure personal attention, and there is ample cross-disciplinary exposure.
Undecided? Students may choose from two- or four-year degrees in more than 100 exciting career areas. The graduate-placement rate is 95 percent overall, reaching 100 percent in some majors.
Nearly nine out of 10 Penn College students receive financial aid from various sources, and more than 275 scholarships administered by the College’s foundation are available.
The College is committed to student success and access to education. The College follows a test-optional model for admissions, allowing students to use placement testing or SAT/ACT scores to determine which classes they’ll take.
Student Life
A full college experience features on-campus housing, student activities and Greek Life opportunities in nationally affiliated fraternities. The campus community includes active clubs and organizations, many aligned with students’ fields of study.
Penn College is a member of NCAA Division III, and 12 of 15 Wildcat Athletic teams participate in the North Eastern Athletic Conference, allowing student-athletes to compete for national championships.
Experience Penn College Firsthand
Sign up for a tour: Visit www.pct.edu, email admissions@pct.edu or call toll-free 1-800-367-9222.