Programs

Master's in Education, Development, and Community Engagement - Program Development and Evaluation

Master's in Geosciences

Materials Science and Engineering

The Intercollege Graduate Program in Materials Science and Engineering at Penn State offers comprehensive graduate education focusing on the fundamental relationships between material synthesis, structure, properties, and performance. Our faculty have diverse research interests spanning biomaterials, ceramics, composites, computational materials science, electronic and photonic materials, metals, nanostructured materials, polymers, and soft materials. Students can tailor their studies to focus on key areas such as materials for energy applications, nanotechnology, materials in medicine, and materials for communication and sensor applications, by combining core MATSE courses with a wide range of materials-related courses from other science and engineering departments.

Median Air Quality Index from the Air Quality Metrics - Annual Summary Data

This program focuses on analyzing air quality data, specifically the median Air Quality Index (AQI) over time. It utilizes datasets from the Air Quality Metrics - Annual Summary Data database, which includes information from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The AQI measures the level of five major air pollutants: ground-level ozone, particle pollution, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. Higher AQI values indicate increased pollution and potential health concerns. The data collected by the EPA, state, local, and tribal air pollution control agencies are sourced from thousands of monitors across the United States. This program aims to interpret this data, particularly for Core-Based Statistical Areas (CBSAs) like Greensboro-High Point, NC, to understand trends and their implications for public health and environmental policy.

Operations Research (Dual-Title)

Operations Research (OR) is an interdisciplinary field focused on using mathematical modeling and quantitative analysis to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of complex systems. It draws techniques from various fields like mathematics, engineering, economics, and physical sciences to understand and optimize processes. Penn State offers a dual-title graduate degree program in OR, allowing students to earn a Ph.D. or Master's in OR alongside their primary graduate degree in a participating program.

Penn State World Campus Graduate Certificates

Penn State World Campus offers a wide range of online graduate certificate programs designed to help you advance your studies or career. These programs are developed and taught by the same distinguished faculty who teach on Penn State's residential campuses, ensuring a high-quality educational experience. With over 75 certificates available, you can specialize in a chosen field and gain new skills or credentials at a graduate level, all through flexible online learning.

Ph.D. (Information Sciences and Technology)

Ph.D. in Art Education

Ph.D. in Biobehavioral Health

The Ph.D. in Biobehavioral Health at Penn State is an interdisciplinary program that investigates the complex interplay of biological, psychological, social, environmental, and cultural factors influencing health and disease across the entire lifespan. The program focuses on three core training domains related to health, alongside essential training in statistics, research methods, ethics, and professional development. Students in this program engage in research that spans areas such as health and wellness, public health, global health, and health psychology. The program places a strong emphasis on diversity as a critical component for understanding and addressing health disparities, aiming to advance both equality and overall health outcomes.

Ph.D. in Geosciences

Ph.D. Program in Hospitality Management

Penn State's Ph.D. in Hospitality Management is an advanced doctoral program designed for professionals aiming for careers as researchers or university-level professors. It provides a strong foundation in the field, preparing students to be leaders at the forefront of hospitality management. The program emphasizes both mastering core knowledge and conducting significant conceptual research across various specialization areas.

Ph.D., Informatics

The Ph.D. in Informatics program at Penn State focuses on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of technology and society. You will collaborate with faculty on pressing challenges, combining computer and data sciences with the study of people, organizations, and communities. The program offers opportunities to research areas like artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, cybersecurity, and health informatics. You will develop strong quantitative and qualitative research skills, preparing you for careers as professors, industry researchers, or leaders in technology-shaping organizations.

Plant Biology, Ph.D.

The Plant Biology Ph.D. program at Penn State offers advanced study and research opportunities for students passionate about understanding plant life. This program focuses on the scientific investigation of plants, encompassing their genetics, physiology, ecology, and molecular mechanisms. Students engage in cutting-edge research under the guidance of expert faculty, contributing to the growing knowledge base in plant sciences. The curriculum is designed to provide a strong theoretical foundation and practical research skills, preparing graduates for careers in academia, research institutions, government, and the private sector. The program emphasizes independent research, critical thinking, and effective communication of scientific findings.

Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management

The Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management graduate program at Penn State prepares students for leadership roles in research, teaching, administration, and supervision within various sectors including higher education, public and private park systems, non-profit organizations, and commercial enterprises. The program is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies to their specific research interests in areas such as community recreation, tourism, therapeutic settings, park planning, resource management, outdoor education, and interpretive services.

Simulation Modeling and Analysis

This program, focused on Simulation Modeling and Analysis, offers comprehensive and up-to-date coverage of simulation techniques. It's designed for both university courses and professional practice, providing clear explanations and numerous examples. The curriculum delves into various aspects of simulation studies, including modeling, software, validation, input analysis, random number generation, output analysis, and experimental design. It also incorporates modern approaches like agent-based simulation, system dynamics, and the integration of AI and machine learning with simulation modeling. This sixth edition has been streamlined to focus on essential and currently used techniques.

Soil Science Graduate Program

The Soil Science graduate program at Penn State offers opportunities for students interested in soil and related water resources to develop into professional leaders and independent scholars. You will work closely with faculty advisors and committee members to design a study and research program tailored to your specific interests. The department faculty are experts in various subfields of soil science, allowing for specialization in areas such as soil genesis, classification, morphology, microbiology, chemistry, physics, hydrology, and land management.

Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (Dual-Title)

Pennsylvania State University offers dual-title Master of Arts (M.A.) or Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS). These dual-title programs must be pursued alongside a graduate degree in one of the university's fourteen partner programs, including fields like Art Education, Communication Arts and Sciences, English, History, and Political Science. The WGSS program provides students with advanced training in conceptual, methodological, and pedagogical approaches within the field, emphasizing intersectional and transnational feminist perspectives. By integrating WGSS with a primary discipline, students gain the ability to produce interdisciplinary scholarship, teach across both fields, and prepare for diverse career paths. The program encourages research that spans the arts, humanities, and social sciences, equipping graduates to excel in academic and professional environments that value interdisciplinary expertise.