Millersville University of Pennsylvania (MUP) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Millersville University (MU) began as Lancaster County Normal School in 1855 and slowly grew into a four-year institution through expansions and program additions over the next 150 years. Today, MU serves more than 7,000 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate students on a 250-acre campus in the center of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The school has made U.S. News and World Report’s annual list of the top 10 public universities in the North and has been widely recognized for its academic excellence.

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Information Summary

Ranks 57th in Pennsylvania and 692nd overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	84.2
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$30,538
Admission Success rate	N/A
SAT 75%ile scores	1180
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	20 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	75% / 44%
Enrollment Total (all students)	7,746

Academics

MU is a comprehensive university that offers 55 bachelor’s degree programs, 61 graduate programs (both degrees and certificates), and 3 associate degree programs. Students can take classes in any of MU’s four divisions: the School of Science & Mathematics, the School of Education, the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. There is also an Honors College for students who have excelled academically and wish to be challenged further in their courses.

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

The majority of MU’s courses are offered through the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, which encompasses a vast range of theoretical, practical, and creative areas. Students can study in the departments of art and design, economics, history, social work, business administration, and more. This School also sponsors special initiatives like the Shanghai Executive Training Program, which brings together local and international business representatives for cross-cultural exchange.

School of Education

The School of Education offers programs in a variety of education fields, psychology, industry and technology, and wellness and sport sciences. Students learn the theory and practice of education in the classroom, then apply their knowledge through hands-on student teaching assignments and field experiences.

School of Science and Mathematics

Students in the School of Science and Mathematics have the opportunity to study and train in research- and industry-related fields. Students can work with faculty on research projects, get hands-on experience at the Marine Science Consortium, or prepare for medical school with the pre-med program. Many science classes are held in the new James P. and Tasia K. Argires Science Complex, which has more than 25 science teaching laboratories as well as faculty offices and classrooms.

College of Graduate and Professional Studies

The College of Graduate and Professional Studies offers more than 50 graduate degrees and certificate programs in a number of disciplines. Students can pursue their master’s degree or earn professional certifications that will help them in their careers. Graduate students can also apply for graduate assistantships, through which a student works 20 hours per week and receives a tuition waiver for 24 credits each year as well as a $5,000 stipend. This program helps students afford their graduate degree while gaining experience in the classroom or the office.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Admissions

Undergraduate Study

Undergraduate admissions at MU are competitive, so not every applicant is guaranteed a spot at the school. Freshmen applicants should begin by completing an online application and submitting the corresponding application fee. Applicants should also send an official high school transcript and SAT or ACT scores. MU also allows applicants to submit an optional personal statement and letters of reference, which are highly recommended for a successful application. Different programs may require additional materials or submissions.

Graduate Study

Graduate students can also apply online through one of the four applications for graduate programs offered at MU. Students can enroll in a master’s degree program, a post-baccalaureate certification program, a post-master’s certification program, or a non-degree program. Each type of graduate study has a different application form and different requirements. In general, applicants must submit an official transcript of baccalaureate work, an official score report from relevant graduate admissions tests (GRE, MAT, or ACTFL), electronic recommendations from professional supervisors or faculty members, and a personal statement on academic and professional goals. Different graduate tracks may require additional materials or submissions.

Financial Aid

Students seeking financial aid should begin by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is available online at fafsa.gov. This form determines eligibility for federal aid in the form of grants, loans, and work-study programs. It is also required as a supplementary material for many third-party loan and scholarship applications.

Students may also qualify for merit-based aid through a third-party sponsor or through MU itself. MU offers a competitive, merit-based scholarship program to honor the work of exceptional students. Scholarship winners can earn awards ranging from $100 to full tuition. In order to be considered for scholarships, students must complete a supplement to the admissions application, which gives students space to highlight their extracurricular activities and write a short personal statement.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 1007th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Pennsylvania.

Students

Students at MU have hundreds of opportunities to get involved in their college community, whether through joining a society, contributing to a newspaper, or just living in one of the on-campus residences. MU features more than 90 student clubs and organizations catering to all types of interests and activities. There are also a number of Greek organizations on campus, offering social, service, and academic communities to close knit groups of students. Even those who don’t join a group are able to participate in the many campus events, which are sponsored by the student and hall governments as well as a number of student organizations.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Local Community

MU is conveniently located in the historic Lancaster County, Pennsylvania area. The campus occupies 250 acres in the heart of the city and has a mix of historic and modern buildings that reflect the university’s lengthy history. Students can explore within the campus or venture into Lancaster County itself to enjoy the local culture. It’s easy to step off campus for a bite to eat or a coffee rendezvous with friends. For a more active nightlife, students can take a short trip to a number of nearby East Coast cities like Washington, D.C.; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Baltimore, Maryland. Even New York City is only a two to three hour drive from campus, so students can head to Manhattan for a weekend of shopping or sightseeing without being late to their Monday classes.

Faculty

There are slightly over 300 full-time faculty and 550 full-time staff and administration members at Millersville University. With so many professors, the student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1 and the average class size is just 25 students. This creates a more intimate and personal learning environment than students would find in a larger university. It also leads to the possibility of student-faculty collaboration through mentoring and research projects.

Bibliography

Millersville University On-line Application Process. Web. 29 Sept. 2011.

Welcome to Millersville University. Web. 29 Sept. 2011.

Millersville University of Pennsylvania