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Degrees Offered at California University of Pennsylvania
California University of Pennsylvania appears in our ranking of the 10 Best Online Schools for Graphic Design.
California University of Pennsylvania offers a wide range of degree options that are available both online, on-campus or in a hybrid version that combines both formats. The programs are challenging and on-campus programs are offered in state-of-the-art facilities. Classes are taught by professors who provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their chosen field.
The most popular programs at California University of Pennsylvania, all of which are also highly ranked, are the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Homeland and International Security Concentration, the Master of Business Administration and the doctorate in Health Science and Exercise Management.
The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Homeland and International Security provides students with an understanding of the criminal justice system as it relates to law enforcement, security and the court system. The program is available on campus or in a 100 percent online format. Faculty have extensive experience in the field, providing students with an understanding of the functions and operations of the field with specialized instruction in homeland and international security. The program focuses on the Department of Homeland Security and its efforts to prevent terrorism around the world. Students complete 11 core courses in areas such as justice, corrections, criminological theory, law adjudication, law enforcement, and research methods. There is also instruction in counterterrorism, executive protection, criminal intelligence analysis, cybercrimes, and military criminal justice.
The Master of Business Administration provides students with the skills necessary to become leaders in their chosen industry. They are equipped with solid knowledge in business administration, mathematical and quantitative skills, analytical and problem-solving skills as well as information technology skills designed for effective decision-making. The program is available both on-campus and online. The MBA provides a well-rounded business education focused on tools that make graduates job-ready. Students may choose from three concentrations:
- Business Analytics
- Entrepreneurship
- Healthcare Management
Each concentration requires specific elective courses and, combined with core courses, prepares graduates for careers in a wide range of industries.
The Doctor of Health Science in Exercise Leadership prepares students for leadership positions in areas of health promotion, wellness, adult learning, and evidence-based practice. The program is available online with an optional dissertation. The program is 48-credit hours that includes courses such as advanced exercise science, adult learning, leadership, and research. Through the program, students create an evidence-based portfolio that follows a distinctive research thread. It is designed to address real-life issues with the purpose of developing problem-solving skills and forming solutions. The goal is to create graduates who move from the current “sickness-centric” healthcare system to one that is focused on preventive health and wellness.
Other popular programs offered at the California University of Pennsylvania include the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Bachelor of Science in Digital Media Technology, Master of Science in Exercise Science, Master of Science in Social Work as well as both the Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Sport Management.
About California University of Pennsylvania
Founded in 1852 as the California Academy, California University of Pennsylvania, began when the small community of California, Pennsylvania, through donations and tax revenues, created a school that would teach children from Kindergarten through college.
In 1864, the school purchased ten acres of land and moved to its present location. One year later, the school was chartered as a normal school, designed to prepare educators for Pennsylvania public schools. In 1875, it became the South Western Normal College. In 1914, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania took over the school, renaming it California State Normal School and converting it to a two-year teacher training school.
The school became California State Teachers College in 1928 after four-year programs were reinstated. The school was not only known for its teacher education programs but also for its strengths in industrial arts and special education. Over time, programs were expanded at the school and it was once again renamed California State college. Graduate programs were added in 1962 and the college gained university status in 1974.
In 1983, Cal U, as it is commonly known, joined Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education. At that time the name changed again to California University of Pennsylvania. Today, the school has an enrollment of over 7,300 students. US News & World Report rank the MBA and other programs as some of the best in the country. OnlineSchoolsReport.com ranks the school 7th for online Homeland Security programs and CollegeValuesOnline.com ranks the Doctor of Health Science and Exercise Leadership degree 14th in the country.
California University of Pennsylvania Accreditation Details
California University of Pennsylvania is accredited by the Middles States Commission on Higher Education. The Commission is an independent accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education as creating criteria that indicates excellence in education. The University agrees to periodic reviews to confirm they continue to deliver the highest quality education possible to students and addresses any areas identified as needing improvement as quickly as possible. Programs throughout the University are accredited by the following organizations:
- Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Computing Accreditation
- Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Engineering Technology Accreditation
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs
- Accreditation for Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions
- Accrediting Council for Collegiate Graphic Communications
- American Chemical Society
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
- Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education
- Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
- Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation
- Council on Social Work Education
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
- National Association of School Psychologists
- National Association of Schools of Art and Design
- National Association for Schools of Theatre
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
California University of Pennsylvania Application Requirements
In order to apply for undergraduate programs, applicants must complete either an online or paper application. Official high school transcripts along with official ACT or SAT scores are required unless the applicant has been out of high school for two years. A personal essay and letters of recommendation are optional. Applicants who have attended other colleges or universities must submit official transcripts from all institutes of higher learning attended.
In order to apply for the Master of Business Administration, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher and must have a 3.0 or higher in undergraduate studies. They must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Applicants must have successfully completed Financial Accounting, Principles of Microeconomics or Elements of Economics, Business Statistics or Statistics, as well as College Algebra before applying.
Applicants to the Doctor of Science in Health Science and Exercise Leadership must provide official transcripts from all colleges and university. They must hold a master’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university. The applicant’s overall graduate GPA must be 3.5 or higher and official GRE scores must be provided. Applicants must have a valid license or be credentialed as a health, wellness or exercise provider and have two years’ experience. A current resume, a personal statement and two professional reference letters are required. If the applicant has a master’s thesis, journal publication or professional presentation in the field, that may be submitted as well.
California University of Pennsylvania Tuition and Financial Aid
Undergraduate tuition at the California University of Pennsylvania is $322 per credit hour for Pennsylvania residents and $482 per credit hour for non-residents. Online tuition is $328 per credit hour regardless of residency. Graduate tuition is $516 per credit hour for residents and $774 per credit for non-residents.
Financial aid is available and students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify. Approximately 90 percent of students who attend Cal U receive some type of financial assistance. About 74 percent of students receive need-based aid. Financial aid may be offered in the form of scholarships and grants, whether federal, state or private as well as student loans. Work-study programs may be offered to on-campus students.
California University of Pennsylvania offers a wide range of degree programs that are available both on-campus and in online formats. California University of Pennsylvania offers world-class academics that give students the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen field.
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