Programs

Education Policy and Leadership

The Education Policy and Leadership doctoral program at Penn State prepares students for leadership roles in education. It focuses on educational policy, leadership, and higher education, aiming to equip graduates for careers as researchers, faculty, or administrators in educational institutions or related organizations. The curriculum includes core coursework in policy, leadership, research, equity, and diversity, alongside specialized electives chosen in consultation with an advisor to support dissertation research.

Education, Development and Community Engagement

The Education, Development and Community Engagement graduate program at Penn State prepares students for impactful careers in various educational settings. Graduates are equipped for roles in university programs, youth and family services, state and local administration, private industry, and international education initiatives. The program offers Master of Education (M.Ed.) and Master of Science (M.S.) degrees, as well as a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). The M.Ed. focuses on teaching and learning for professional advancement, while the M.S. emphasizes research methods and data analysis for research-oriented careers or doctoral studies. The Ph.D. program delves deeper into research and leadership within the field.

Education, Development, and Community Engagement - Agricultural Education

Education, Development, and Community Engagement - Leadership and Community Development

Education, Development, and Community Engagement - Program Development and Evaluation

Education, Development, and Community Engagement (EDCE) Graduate Program

The Education, Development, and Community Engagement (EDCE) Graduate Program at Penn State aims to empower individuals to become effective agents of change within their communities. Through a blend of applied research and comprehensive education, this program focuses on translating knowledge into tangible action. Graduates are prepared for diverse roles in academic institutions, non-formal educational settings, administrative positions at state and local levels, private industry, and international education initiatives. The program offers flexibility, allowing students to personalize their degree around their specific interests and career aspirations, ensuring they gain the skills needed for impactful work.

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Graduate Programs

Penn State's School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) offers graduate programs designed to advance your knowledge and research skills in cutting-edge fields. These programs allow you to specialize in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Computer Architecture, Communications, Power Systems, and more. You'll have the opportunity to work with renowned faculty on groundbreaking research and contribute to the field's advancement.

Geosciences - M.S. / Ph.D.

The Department of Geosciences offers Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. These programs are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of geological sciences and significant research experience, culminating in a thesis. The primary aim is to equip graduates for careers in academia, government, or industry. With diverse faculty expertise and advanced research facilities, students can specialize in a wide array of geoscientific fields. Areas of study include aqueous geochemistry, rock and mineral physics/chemistry, geodynamics, global change and earth history, sedimentary geology and paleobiology, solid earth and applied geophysics, and surficial processes.

Graduate and Professional Programs at Penn State

Pennsylvania State University offers a vast array of graduate and professional programs, including over 200 graduate major programs, stand-alone graduate minors, and approximately 140 graduate and post-baccalaureate certificate programs. These programs are available across various campuses and academic colleges, with specialized professional programs offered at Penn State Dickinson Law and the College of Medicine. Students can explore and customize their academic path within a leading global research institution.

Graduate Program in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Penn State offers graduate degrees with a specialization in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS). This program is recognized nationally and internationally for its interdisciplinary approach to analyzing gender, power, and social inequality through transnational and feminist perspectives. The program fosters a vibrant intellectual community dedicated to social justice, bringing together faculty and students from across the university to tackle pressing social, political, and cultural issues. Students can pursue a dual-title Master of Arts (M.A.) or Master of Science (M.S.) degree, or a dual-title Ph.D. These dual-title programs allow students to integrate feminist, gender, and sexuality studies into their primary field of study, offering advanced training and distinctive scholarly opportunities. The program is housed within the College of the Liberal Arts, leveraging a diverse and interdisciplinary faculty committed to research and teaching excellence.

Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate (IUG) in Public Policy

Penn State offers an Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate (IUG) program allowing academically strong students to pursue both a bachelor's degree and a Master of Public Policy (MPP) in approximately five years. This accelerated pathway is designed for students interested in policy advocacy, design, and implementation. The IUG curriculum aims to integrate critical thinking skills, in-depth knowledge of a chosen specialization, and advanced public policy concepts, providing graduates with a competitive edge in the job market and for further graduate study. Employers highly value the MPP degree, with graduates typically earning significantly more than those with only a bachelor's degree.

International Agriculture and Development (INTAD) Dual-Title Graduate Program

The International Agriculture and Development (INTAD) dual-title graduate program is designed for students interested in addressing global issues related to agriculture and development. This program equips students with the knowledge, training, and academic achievement necessary for impactful careers in research, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and corporations worldwide. It emphasizes understanding the complex interrelationships between agriculture and various economic, social, cultural, and political systems, and how these factors influence food security, poverty, and health globally. Students will develop a deeper capacity to connect theoretical knowledge with practical action, fostering leadership skills for diverse international settings. The program aims to enhance intercultural communication skills and build a network of contacts within the academic and international development communities, opening doors to employment, research, and internship opportunities. While prior international experience is not required, the program actively encourages students to gain it through coursework, research, and potential opportunities abroad within the College of Agricultural Sciences.

LL.M. in Law

The Penn State Dickinson Law LL.M. program is designed for both U.S. and international legal professionals aiming to enhance their legal expertise and gain a competitive edge. This intensive one-year program offers flexibility, allowing students to choose from a wide range of courses and specialize in various legal fields. It is ideal for ambitious individuals committed to advancing legal scholarship and practice for the future.

LL.M. Program

Master of Arts in Media Studies

The Master of Arts in Media Studies program offers a systematic exploration of mass media. It aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the systems, processes, networks, cultures, and information associated with mass media. The program is designed to be flexible, with study plans tailored to individual student objectives. Capstone research and thesis projects connect theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing graduates for advanced academic pursuits or professional roles.

Master of Education in Counselor Education

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Counselor Education program at Penn State offers specialized tracks for those passionate about guiding others. Students can choose emphases in Clinical Mental Health and Rehabilitation Counseling or School Counseling. This program is designed to prepare students for impactful careers in counseling professions, focusing on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The program is delivered in residence at the University Park campus.

Master of International Affairs (M.I.A.)

The Master of International Affairs (M.I.A.) program at Penn State's School of International Affairs (SIA) is an interdisciplinary degree designed to provide students with hands-on instruction and professional development opportunities. The program allows you to tailor your master's degree to your specific academic and career aspirations. You will learn from distinguished faculty within a research-intensive university environment and benefit from a small classroom setting.

Master of Professional Studies in Organization Development and Change

The Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.) in Organization Development and Change is an online degree program designed for professionals working in fields such as talent management, corporate development, and performance improvement within government, nonprofit, and industry sectors. This program offers an international perspective, exposing students to global issues and contemporary change processes worldwide, with a strong emphasis on the role of technology in facilitating change. Graduates will have the opportunity to build a portfolio of work samples to present to potential employers.

Master of Project Management (M.P.M.)

The Master of Project Management (M.P.M.) is an interdisciplinary graduate program focusing on the theory and practical application of project management. It utilizes problem-based learning and web-based instruction to facilitate learning across different locations and times. The curriculum covers key areas such as planning, cost, and value management, project control, human and strategic issues in project management, and risk analytics.

Master of Science in Global Economic and Business Relations

This STEM-designated Master of Science program offers a unique blend of rigorous quantitative methods training and a deep understanding of global institutions and dynamics. You will learn to analyze complex global policy problems using data, complementing analytical skills with coursework on international actors, legal frameworks, cultures, diplomacy, and international relations theory. The program prepares you to navigate an increasingly complex world shaped by geoeconomic competition and macroeconomic pressures, equipping you with transferable skills for diverse career paths in private companies, NGOs, and multilateral organizations.

Master of Science in Information Science

This online Master of Science in Information Science program is designed to equip you with the skills to navigate and address the dynamic challenges within the IT field. You will gain expertise in crucial areas such as system integration, data security, and advanced data analysis. The curriculum also focuses on preparing you to develop cutting-edge IT applications and effectively manage IT projects and personnel to ensure seamless business operations.

Master of Science in Meteorology and Atmospheric Science

The Master of Science program in Meteorology and Atmospheric Science at Penn State focuses on advanced study and research in weather and climate. This program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to analyze atmospheric phenomena, develop sophisticated forecasting models, and contribute to scientific advancements in the field. Students engage with cutting-edge research, including the application of machine learning and artificial intelligence to improve weather prediction accuracy and lead times for severe weather events. The curriculum delves into complex topics such as numerical weather prediction, deep learning for nowcasting thunderstorms, and the performance of AI-based systems in forecasting high-impact weather. Graduates are prepared for careers in research, operational forecasting, and advanced atmospheric science roles, equipped to tackle some of the most challenging problems in understanding and predicting Earth's atmosphere.