Central Pennsylvania College

About Central Pennsylvania College

Central Pennsylvania College is a career-oriented, baccalaureate, residential college in the suburbs of Harrisburg Pennsylvania. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education*, their standards for excellence are high and their graduates are in demand. Since 1881, they have remained dedicated to providing a hands-on education in a real-world setting taught by experienced, caring faculty.

With more than 20 bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees and certificate programs, their students enjoy the variety and flexibility of their academic programs whether they want to hone their skills or earn a degree.

Mission

Central Penn’s mission is to provide an education that prepares its graduates to obtain employment or advancement in their chosen field, continue their education, and be contributing members of society.

Core Values

What do the words integrity, professionalism, service, respect, and educational focus mean to you? At Central Penn, they are the five pillars on which they stand while preparing students for future personal and professional success.

Central Pennsylvania College History

Central Pennsylvania College Central Pennsylvania College traces its history to 1881, when Joseph N. Currey founded the Pennsylvania Business College at 307 Market Street in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. For the next 89 years, a continuous series of career-oriented business colleges existed on Market Street in the heart of the business district of Harrisburg. Their main focus was always clear – to provide career-oriented education.

In 1922, Professor William H. Hartsock was relieved from his position as head of the accountancy department at the Harrisburg Business College/School of Commerce located at 15 S. Market Square. Numerous faculty and anywhere from 150 to 250 Harrisburg Business College students followed Professor Hartsock, who, on October 30 that same year, opened the doors to Central Pennsylvania Business College, less than three blocks away. By 1923, all predecessor institutions (Pennsylvania Business College, Harrisburg Business College/School of Commerce) were non-existent. Only Hartsock’s Central Pennsylvania Business College survived.

In 1970, Central Pennsylvania Business School moved across the Susquehanna River to Summerdale, Pennsylvania. Bart and Jean Milano began the creation of the School’s current suburban Harrisburg campus, featuring all new structures that included academic buildings, apartment-style housing, and recreation facilities. The transition from business school to college began in 1977 when the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools accredited Central Penn. In 1999 the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania recognized Central Penn as a two-year college with degree granting privileges. In December of 2000, Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Education approved Central Pennsylvania College to operate as a four-year degree granting college.

In 2002, the College doubled the size of its academic buildings with the opening of the Advanced Technology Education Center, which also houses a conference center and restaurant. Later that year, Henszey’s Bridge, an 1869 wrought iron structure listed in the National Historic Register, was restored and placed in the center of the campus. It serves both practical and symbolic purposes. The Charles “T” Jones Leadership Library opened its doors in October 2002. In addition to serving Central Penn’s academic needs, it houses a collection of personal development and leadership materials from many of the country’s top motivational speakers and authors. Constructed in the spring of 2003, the Craiger C. Parker Amphitheatre showcases the College’s core values and provides a scenic setting where outdoor classes and other activities can be held.

In 2004, Central Pennsylvania College began offering online courses as well as blended courses, and opened its first additional location – Central Penn Lancaster. Located just off Route 30 near the heart of downtown Lancaster, Central Penn Lancaster currently serves approximately 100 adult students enrolled in bachelor degree completion programs in a variety of majors. Plans are underway to open a similar location in the Lehigh Valley area.

In 2005, Central Penn was granted permission from the Middle States Commission and the Pennsylvania Department of Education to begin offering two fully online bachelor degree programs. Today Central Penn offers seven fully-online degrees.

In 2006, the College completed a $1,000,000 learning facility at its main campus - featuring a crime lab, a physical therapist assistant clinic, and a medical assisting lab.

In June 2007, the Central Pennsylvania College Education Foundation announced completion of its $1,000,000 Campaign for Scholarships.

In October 2007, the new Student Fellowship Area opened when 1 1/2 acres were transformed into a beautiful outdoor setting with a large amphitheatre, a stage/performance area, a picnic area, and a plaza, all connected by macadam stamped pathways. Professionally designed landscaping, lighting, fencing, and a wrought iron archway add to this attractive campus addition.

Central Pennsylvania College is Harrisburg’s private, residential co-educational college. In addition to academic buildings, conference center, library, historic bridge, and Craiger C. Parker Amphitheatre, the 35-acre campus includes furnished apartments, townhouses, recreational facilities, and a child development center.

Educational offerings at Central Penn include a wide variety of practical, high-quality, career-focused programs. Additional bachelor degree programs continue to be submitted for review by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The College currently serves approximately 1,150 traditional-age residential and non-residential students and working adults across central Pennsylvania.

Central Penn’s mission is to provide an education that prepares its graduates to obtain employment or advancement in their chosen field, continue their education, and be contributing members of society.

Accreditation

Central Pennsylvania College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 (Ph: 267-284-5000). The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.