ARCADIA UNIVERSITY
Glenside, Pennsylvania
The University
Founded in 1853, Arcadia University has the characteristics of a university yet retains a small-college atmosphere. Its diverse student population represents a cross section of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Enrollment includes 1,570 full-time and 254 part-time undergraduates and 1,472 graduate students. At present, Arcadia students come from thirty-eight states and twenty other countries, and 70 percent of the full-time undergraduate population reside on campus. Adult students attend classes through Continuing Education, take noncredit courses through the Community Scholars Program, or pursue bachelor's degrees during the day or evening.
Campus life, including more than thirty clubs and organizations, athletics, and cultural and social events, is rich and varied. Community service is part of the Arcadia University experience. Students volunteer on neighborhood improvement projects, work at literacy or gerontology centers, and assist disadvantaged or disabled children. NCAA Division III intercollegiate competition is offered in field hockey, lacrosse, softball, and volleyball for women; in baseball for men; and in basketball, cross-country, golf, equestrian events, soccer, swimming, and tennis for both men and women. Intramural sports offer many other athletic opportunities.
Master's programs are offered in the fields of counseling, education, English, environmental education, forensic science, genetic counseling, health education, humanities, international peace and conflict resolution, physician assistant studies, and public health. A Doctorate in Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) and a doctorate in special education are also offered.
Location
Set on a beautiful former private estate in Glenside, a suburb of Philadelphia, Arcadia University offers urban resources in a countrylike setting. The focal point of the campus is the unique Grey Towers Castle, a National Historic Landmark. In 1995, the University completed a state-of-the-art Health Sciences Center. Knight Hall, a contemporary residence hall featuring suite-style accommodations, opened in 1997. The University completed expansion of the dining complex and student center and refurbished Murphy Hall, one of Arcadia's most historic buildings, at roughly the same time. Recent building projects include a new physician assistant and business facility and a multimillion dollar addition and renovation of the Landman Library, which doubled in size and now features a full range of information resources. Because the University is only 25 minutes from the center of Philadelphia, Arcadia students have ready access to the dozens of museums, galleries, performing arts centers, night spots, and historic, government, and commercial sites in this vital metropolitan area. New York City and Washington, D.C., are just a few hours away by car or train, as are recreation areas such as the New Jersey shore and the Pocono Mountains.
Majors and Degrees
The Bachelor of Arts is offered in art, art history, biology, business administration, chemistry, communications, computer science, computing technology, education (early childhood, elementary, and secondary), English, health administration, history, interdisciplinary science, international business and culture, mathematics, philosophy, political science, psychobiology, psychology, scientific illustration, sociology, Spanish, and theater arts and English. The Bachelor of Science is offered in accounting, business administration, chemistry, chemistry and business, computer science, finance, health administration, management, management information systems, marketing, mathematics, and personnel/human resources administration. The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is awarded to students majoring in acting or studio arts with concentrations in ceramics, graphic design and illustration, interior design, metals and jewelry, painting, photography, and printmaking. Preparation for certification in art education is offered in conjunction with the B.F.A. program, as is preparation for graduate study in art therapy. A five-year program combines the Bachelor of Arts in education with a Master of Education in special education. Preparation for actuarial examinations comes through the Actuarial Science Program.
The physician assistant 4+2 program provides a four-year undergraduate degree in a related field and is followed by two years of study in the Master of Medical Science, Physician Assistant program at Arcadia. Qualified candidates are assured admission to the program. The University offers a combined undergraduate and graduate (4+3) program leading to the Doctorate in Physical Therapy (D.P.T.). Arcadia University undergraduates who meet established criteria are assured admission to the graduate track. The International Peace and Conflict Resolution Program provides a four-year undergraduate degree followed by two years of study in the Master of Arts in international peace and conflict resolution. The forensic science program provides a four-year undergraduate program in a related field followed by two years in the Master of Science in forensic science program.
A dual-degree (3-2) program in engineering is offered in conjunction with Columbia University. An accelerated program with Pennsylvania College of Optometry leads to the Bachelor of Arts/Doctor of Optometry degrees. A 3+2 program in environmental science leads to a B.A. in psychology and Master of Arts in Education in environmental education. Preprofessional preparation is offered for dentistry, law, medicine, and optometry as well as in other areas.
The evening program offers part-time study leading to the Bachelor of Science in accounting, business administration, computer science, and management information systems as well as the Bachelor of Arts in corporate communications, English, health administration, and liberal studies. Postbaccalaureate certificates are also offered in business, computer science, communication, MIS, health administration, and health professions (sciences).
Academic Programs
The academic program provides students with a solid background of liberal arts and sciences integrated with courses in their chosen fields. Students explore a variety of interests and can engage in research, internships, or cooperative education placements. Such experiences enable students to gain relevant work experience while putting their academic training to use. The Cooperative Education Program, for instance, provides students with the opportunity to combine on-campus study with off-campus employment in a program that helps them earn both credit and income.
Highly qualified freshmen, sophomores, and juniors may enhance their education through the Honors Program, which includes special seminars, independent study, and cultural events.
Credit toward graduation is granted for scores of 3 or better on the Advanced Placement examinations of the College Board. Exemption from or credit for courses may also be earned through the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) and locally administered examinations at the discretion of the department concerned.
The academic year is divided into two semesters. Summer sessions begin in May and continue through early August. Most students carry four academic courses in each regular semester; 128 semester hours are required for graduation.
Off-Campus Programs
Arcadia University operates one of the largest campus-based study-abroad programs in the country. Students may participate in any of more than 100 programs at locations in Australia, England, Equatorial Guinea, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, and Wales. The First Year Study Abroad Experience (FYSAE) is an opportunity offered to select incoming students to spend their first semester in London or Scotland. London and Scotland Preview are opportunities available to freshmen in good standing to spend a week in either location during spring break. The cost is $245 and includes round-trip airfare, housing, and programming. Off-campus study in the Philadelphia area includes internships and fieldwork in most majors. The University offers the Washington (D.C.) Semester at American University. Juniors and seniors may enroll for one advanced course each semester at the University of Pennsylvania.
Academic Facilities
Boyer Hall of Science houses the biology, chemistry and physics, genetic counseling, mathematics and computer science, psychology, and sociology departments. Individual laboratories are available for both faculty and student research.
The Health Sciences Center houses the Department of Physical Therapy. Taylor Hall is home to the education, English, history, philosophy and religion, and political science departments. Brubaker Hall houses the business department and the physician assistant studies program. Murphy Hall houses the fine arts, communications, music, and theater departments as well as video production and digital imaging studios. Students have easy access to campus computer facilities and to the Internet. Internet services include the World Wide Web, Telnet, ftp, and e-mail. Arcadia was recently awarded a special Tech Grant to implement Internet II broadband capability to foster interaction with classes abroad and make the whole campus wireless. The campus network extends to each room in the residence halls. Computer facilities include an Alpha mainframe with Ethernet connections to more than thirty on-site and dial-up workstations. There are also four computer labs and a Mac lab. The fine arts department offers a state-of-the-art computer graphics system to allow students to work with and master this technique of graphic design as well as desktop publishing and computer-aided design systems. A prime academic resource on campus is the Landman Library, which not only offers an extensive collection of books, journals, periodicals, microforms, and audio materials but also provides links to college and community library resources throughout the metropolitan area.
Costs
The charge for tuition in 200405 was $22,440. Student fees were $280 per year. Room and board charges were $8960 per year. Books and supplies were between $300 and $500 per semester.
Financial Aid
Every effort is made to see that students requiring financial assistance are able to attend Arcadia. Aid is awarded on the basis of need, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Arcadia University Financial Aid Application, and is available in the form of grants, loans, and part-time employment or some combination of the three. In 2004, 97 percent of the enrolled students received some form of financial aid, including need-based aid and merit awards. Scholarships are presented annually to students who have achieved academic distinction or have been recognized for outstanding extracurricular accomplishments. Distinguished Scholarships, ranging from $20,000 to $89,760 over four years, and the Arcadia University Achievement Awards, ranging from $4000 to $24,000 over four years, recognize academic excellence, leadership, and extracurricular accomplishments. A limited number of full tuition scholarships are available. Candidates have outstanding records of achievement, pursue competitive programs of study, and often excel in leadership, community service, and extracurricular activities. Transfer students are given special consideration. Financial Analysis Service Today (FAST) enables families to find out what the expected family contribution toward college costs and the estimated Arcadia University financial aid package will be. This service is available from September through January of the senior year of high school. To receive full consideration for financial aid, students should complete their applications and submit the FAFSA and the Arcadia University Financial Aid Application by March 1.
Faculty
Arcadia University has a faculty with a primary commitment to teaching. The average class size is 16 students, and the ratio of students to faculty members is 12:1, so professors come to know and care about their students. This fosters an environment in which students and faculty collaborate on research and writing and engage in informal discussions, field trips, and other special activities outside the classroom. Eighty-five percent of the Arcadia faculty members hold doctorates or terminal degrees, and all courses are taught by faculty members.
Student Government
Student life is largely self-regulated by the Student Government Organization (SGO) through the Student Senate. Most students feel that the SGO has proved effective in working with the faculty and administration on matters of student concern, as well as in developing the social climate of the University. Students serve on most major faculty committees, and student leaders attend Board of Trustees meetings.
Admission Requirements
Students are carefully selected on the basis of educational preparation, intellectual promise, and potential. Each candidate's credentials are reviewed individually by members of the enrollment management staff. Particular emphasis is placed on the candidate's academic record, including the type of program followed and the grades and class rank earned. Standardized test scores, counselor and teacher recommendations, participation in school and community activities, and other supporting credentials are also considered.
Freshman applicants must submit an official high school transcript, standardized test scores (SAT I or ACT), and counselor and teacher recommendations. Applicants should pursue a college-preparatory program, usually consisting of 16 academic units. Early admission, early decision, deferred admission, and advanced placement are available. Students may be admitted through the Gateway To Success or Act 101 Program. Students are encouraged to visit the campus for a student-guided tour and an admission interview.
Transfer applicants may apply for the fall term or at midyear and must submit official college transcripts. In some cases, transfer applicants will be required to submit high school transcripts and SAT I or ACT scores.
Application and Information
Students are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible in the senior year. Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis, and applicants are usually notified within a month of the date of completion of the application.
Requests for further information should be directed to:
