Graduate Admissions
Harrisburg University’s graduate programs help you excel in a technologically diverse and rapidly changing work environment. Their convenient schedules can include online, weekend, and evening classes.
What do I need to apply?
General admissions requirements for non-international graduate students are as follows:
- A resume
- Final official undergraduate transcript(s)
- A personal goal statement that includes:
- Future career/professional goals
- Leadership or group contributions in which you have significantly influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time
The University does not require the GRE/GMAT for students seeking a master’s degree. However, the GRE/GMAT is strongly recommended for students seeking admission to a doctorate program.
In addition to the general admissions requirements listed above, doctoral candidates must also submit:
- An essay (in English) on how this degree supports the candidate’s academic and career aspirations. For prospective Data Science PhD students, this essay should take the form of a research statement. Prospective students should identify the specific research areas which they are interested in pursuing and how their research interests would contribute to the field of data science.
- Evidence of research potential. Such evidence could come from the submission of a master’s thesis or equivalent published research. Students who are finishing the thesis may submit the incomplete thesis as part of their application packet. Students that have no published thesis or other research should have other means of showing potential, such as courses taken or significant documented projects. For prospective Data Science PhD students, this should include evidence of achievements in research as well as highlighting evidence of knowledge/skills in statistics, computer science, programming, and other relevant domains.
- Two letters of recommendation from academic or industry professionals. For prospective Data Science PhD students, it is recommended that at least one of these letters speaks to the student’s ability or potential for independent research.
- If you earned your bachelor’s degree at a non-U.S. institution, your transcripts must be evaluated to WES/ECE to show the degree is the equivalent to a four-year undergraduate degree in the U.S.
When should I apply?
There is no application deadline for master’s degree applicants. We encourage graduate program applicants to apply at least two months prior to the start of any semester. This allows ample time to be accepted, develop an academic schedule, and to process financial aid applications, if applicable.
PhD Applicant Deadlines
| Semester | Application Deadline | Application Review Deadline for Program Leads |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | November 17, 2025 | December 1, 2025 |
| Summer 2026 | March 16, 2026 | April 6, 2026 |
| Fall 2026 | July 20, 2026 | August 3, 2026 |
How do I apply?
Step 1. Complete your free online application.
Step 2. Submit your undergraduate transcripts, goal statement, resume, and letters of recommendations to GradTranscripts@harrisburgu.edu.
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