Using this Bulletin

Introduction

The Undergraduate Bulletin is Penn State's comprehensive source for undergraduate academic information and program requirements.

Use this section and navigation tools throughout the site to become familiar with general Bulletin information and discover new ways to explore academic opportunities across Pennsylvania and the world.

Students should follow the edition of the Bulletin that is active on their first day of class at the University. Past versions can be found on the Archive page.

New Features

Program Page Layout

  • Consistent layout of program information organized within the following tabs:
    • Overview
    • How to Get In
    • Program Requirements (University Degree, Bachelor of Arts Degree, General Education, and Major requirements)
    • Integrated Undergrad-Grad Program
    • Learning Outcomes
    • Academic Advising
    • Suggested Academic Plan
    • Career Paths
    • Contact

Begin and End Campus

At the top each program page, you will find a box that indicates where you can begin and end a program. Programs may have different begin and end campuses, so it is important to use this information to determine program availability at each campus.

How to Get In

This section describes requirements on how to enter your major. Common examples include, but are not limited to, minimum GPA and/or successful completion of a skills test, coursework, or preparation programs.

Suggested Academic Plan

The course series provided in the Suggested Academic Plan provides only one of many possible ways to move through the curriculum. To create a personalized academic plan, begin by taking the following steps:

  • Consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine your academic plan.
  • Use the Suggested Academic Plan in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report).
  • Familiarize yourself with information available in this Bulletin to learn about academic opportunities.
  • Explore resources available on your college and campus websites.

Please note that the University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements.

Changes Page

  • Real-time amendments to information in the Bulletin will be tracked on the Changes page.
  • Currently or previously enrolled students should consult the Bulletin Archive, their adviser, and degree audit reports for specific requirements.

Course Bubble

When a course link is clicked, a course bubble will appear with important course information including, but not limited to:

  • course title, description, and credits;
  • prerequisites;
  • course attributes and General Education learning objectives;
  • if the course is repeatable;
  • if the course is cross-listed;
  • if the course can be counted towards General Education requirements.

Nondiscrimination Statement

The University is committed to equal access to programs, facilities, admission and employment for all persons. It is the policy of the University to maintain an environment free of harassment and free of discrimination against any person because of age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, marital or family status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, physical or mental disability, gender, perceived gender, gender identity, genetic information or political ideas. Discriminatory conduct and harassment, as well as sexual misconduct and relationship violence, violates the dignity of individuals, impedes the realization of the University’s educational mission, and will not be tolerated. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to the Affirmative Action Office, The Pennsylvania State University, 328 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802-5901, Email: aao@psu.edu, Tel (814) 863-0471.

Start Exploring

The Undergraduate Bulletin is Penn State's comprehensive source for undergraduate academic information and program requirements. Using the search features, explore options to design your own, unique academic path at one of the world's leading research institutions. Discover new opportunities as you pursue your academic passion. Search boxes are located on the Undergraduate Bulletin landing page and throughout the website.

Narrow your search by using the following fields:

Degree Type

Choose the degree type to begin your search. Information on the following degrees are included in the Undergraduate Bulletin:

Associate Degree

Two-year majors that, with few exceptions, provide concentrated instruction to prepare graduates for specialized occupational assignments.

Baccalaureate Degree

Baccalaureate programs of study consist of no less than 120 credits and typically take four years to complete.

Minor

An academic program of at least 18 credits that supplements a major. A minor program may consist of course work in a single area or from several disciplines.

Undergraduate Certificate

Undergraduate certificates can reflect emerging academic areas, necessary professional development requirements, or groups of courses that do not constitute a degree program.

Learn more in the Definitions and Abbreviations section.

Campus

Penn State has over 20 campuses across Pennsylvania. Visit the Campus page to see the full listing and a brief description of each campus.

Interest

Search broad topics to discover programs associated with your interests. From helping people, to science, or business, select an area to help narrow down your academic choices.

College

Academic colleges at Penn State grant degrees and are generally organized around a subject matter. All Penn State majors are divided among academic colleges, which are the units from which students receive their degrees. Visit the College page to see the full listing.

Academic Authority

The University Faculty Senate has responsibility for, and authority over, all academic information contained in the Undergraduate Bulletin.

Each step of the educational process, from admission through graduation, requires continual review and approval by University officials. The University, therefore, reserves the right to change the requirements and regulations contained in this Bulletin and to determine whether a student has satisfactorily met its requirements for admission or graduation, and to reject any applicant for any reason the University determines to be material to the applicant's qualifications to pursue higher education.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ACADEMIC AUTHORITY

Understanding Course Description Information

The course description data that appears in the University Bulletins is directly imported from LionPATH, the student information system. At several times within an academic year, new or updated course description information is approved by the Faculty Senate and entered into LionPATH. This updated information subsequently appears in the University Bulletins on the date(s) it takes effect.

What course description data is currently showing in the University Bulletins?

There are three course effective dates within an academic year. These effective dates correspond to the first day of the summer, fall, and spring semesters. The University Bulletins shows course description data that is active as of the current semester. On the date a new semester begins, the course description information is updated on the same day to match that course data.

Course Description Update Calendar

May 11, 2026: University Bulletins begins showing course description information that is active for the Summer 2026 semester
August 17, 2026: University Bulletins begins showing course description information that is active for the Fall 2026 semester
December 21, 2026: University Bulletins begins showing course description information that is active for the Spring 2027 semester

Previous Versions of Course Description Information

If a course description is updated after the beginning of an academic year, the previous course description information for that course can be found on the Changes to the UG Bulletin page. Course description information from past years can be found in the appropriate archived Bulletin edition.

Definitions and Abbreviations

Described below are definitions referring to degrees, majors, options, minors, concurrent or sequential majors programs, and integrated undergraduate-graduate degree programs:

Associate Degree

Two-year majors that, with few exceptions, provide concentrated instruction to prepare graduates for specialized occupational assignments.

Baccalaureate Degree

Penn State offers more than 160 majors with four-year baccalaureate degrees. A baccalaureate program of study shall consist of no less than 120 credits. Students may elect to take courses beyond the minimum requirements of a degree program. Particular types of baccalaureate degrees identify educational programs having common objectives and requirements. Degree programs may provide academic, pre-professional, or professional experiences and preparation. Majors lead to a baccalaureate degree. Each student must select a major within a baccalaureate degree type. If options are offered within a major, a student selects one. The student may also elect to enroll in a minor to supplement the major. Alternatively, the student may seek to enroll in multiple majors within the same type of baccalaureate degree or to enroll in a simultaneous degree program.

Undergraduate majors offered at Penn State lead to one or more of the following baccalaureate degrees: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Architectural Engineering (five-year program), Bachelor of Architecture (five-year program), Bachelor of Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Humanities, Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (five-year program), Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Musical Arts, and Bachelor of Philosophy.

Not all degrees are offered at every location. Baccalaureate degrees offered at Penn State include both those that are designed to provide an academic (including pre-professional) experience and those that are specifically designed to provide professional preparation.

To ensure excellence, all professionally oriented degree majors provide a strong academic base. The Bachelor of Arts degree (with a given major) is an academic degree; the Bachelor of Science degree (with a given major) and the bachelor's degree in any subject area (e.g., Bachelor of Architecture) are professional degrees. The Bachelor of Philosophy degree, described in the Intercollege Undergraduate Programs section of this Bulletin, is planned individually and may be designed to serve either academic or professional purposes.

Major

A major is a plan of study in a field of concentration within a type of baccalaureate degree. Colleges and other degree-granting units may have common requirements for all of their majors. Each major may have requirements identified in prescribed, additional, and supporting courses and related areas categories. Elective credits are not considered part of the major.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MAJORS

Option

An option is a specialization within a major that should involve at least one-third of the course work credits required for the major, but need not be more than 18 credits. All options within a major must have in common at least one-fourth of the required course work credits in the major. A student can only be enrolled in an option within their own major.

Minor

A minor is defined as an academic program of at least 18 credits that supplements a major. A minor program may consist of course work in a single area or from several disciplines, with at least 6 but ordinarily not more than half of the credits at the 400-course level. Total requirements are to be specified and generally limited to 18 to 21 credits. Entrance to some minors may require the completion of a number of prerequisites, including courses, portfolios, auditions, or other forms of documentation that are not included in the total requirements for the minor. All courses for a minor require a grade of C or above.

Concurrent and Sequential Majors Programs

At the baccalaureate or associate degree level, students may be approved for admission to more than one major under the Concurrent Majors Program. A Concurrent Majors Program is one in which students take courses to concurrently meet the requirements of at least two majors, with graduation for all majors in the program occurring during the same semester. Concurrent majors must all be at the baccalaureate or associate degree level. Under the Sequential Majors Program, upon graduation from an associate or baccalaureate degree program, a student may apply for re-enrollment in another undergraduate degree program.

Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate (IUG) Degree Program

An Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate (IUG) degree program combines a Penn State baccalaureate degree with a master's degree as a continuous program of study. An IUG program allows qualifying students to:/p>

  • create a cohesive plan for baccalaureate and master's degree studies, with advising informed by requirements for both degree programs;
  • complete the combined degree program in less time than it would take to complete each program separately;
  • become familiar with the expectations of graduate studies in their programs;
  • access the resources of the Graduate School;
  • learn from current graduate students who share academic interests.

Abbreviations, Acronyms, and Codes

Described below are common codes, abbreviations, acronyms, and other types of academic shorthand used at Penn State, along with a brief explanation of each.

Code Explanation
A Special topics (course suffix; indicates different versions of the same course, e.g., CAS 100A, CAS 100B, CAS 100C)
A & A Arts and Architecture (college abbreviation)
AA Arts and Architecture (college code)
AAPPM Academic Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual
AB Abington (campus code)
AB Abington (college code)
ACUE Administrative Council on Undergraduate Education
AG Agricultural Sciences (college code)
AL Altoona (campus code)
AL Altoona (college code)
AP Advanced Placement Program
APPL Course requires an application with the School of Music (course characteristic)
APPT By appointment (class meeting time)
AU Audit, attended regularly (grade reporting symbol)
AUDN Course requires an audition (course characteristic)
AUU Audit, did not attend regularly (grade reporting symbol)
B Special topics (course suffix; indicates different versions of the same course, e.g., CAS 100A, CAS 100B, CAS 100C)
BA Business, Smeal College of (college code)
BC Behrend (college code)
BK Berks (campus code)
BK Berks (college code)
BR Beaver (campus code)
BW Brandywine (campus code)
C Special topics (course suffix; indicates different versions of the same course, e.g., CAS 100A, CAS 100B, CAS 100C)
CA Capital (college code)
CALC Course requires a calculator (course characteristic)
CAMP College Assistance Migrant Program
CAT Online catalog, University Libraries
CC Commonwealth Campuses
CCP College Contact Person
CCRR College Contact and Referral Representative
CCSG Council of Commonwealth Student Governments
CE Continuing Education
CGPA Cumulative grade-point average
CIC Committee on Institutional Cooperation
CLEP College-Level Examination Program
CM Communications (college code)
CNCR Course is scheduled concurrently with another course (course characteristic)
CNTL Course is controlled (course characteristic)
COMM Communications (college abbreviation)
CORD Course is coordinated with other course(s) (course characteristic)
COST Course requires an additional fee (course characteristic)
D Special topics (course suffix; indicates different versions of the same course, e.g., HIST 297D, HIST 297E)
DAA Dean/Director of Academic Affairs
DF Deferred grade (grade reporting symbol)
DN Dickinson School of Law (campus code)
DS DuBois (campus code)
DU Division of Undergraduate Studies (college code)
D U S Division of Undergraduate Studies (college abbreviation)
E Special topics (course suffix; indicates different versions of the same course, e.g., HIST 297D, HIST 297E)
ECoS Eberly College of Science
ED Education (college code)
EM Earth and Mineral Sciences (college code)
EM SC Earth and Mineral Sciences (college abbreviation)
EN Engineering (college code)
ENGR Engineering (college abbreviation)
EOP Educational Opportunity Program
EPR Early Progress Report
EPS Educational Planning Survey
ER Behrend (campus code)
ESL English as a Second Language
EVEX Course has evening exams (course characteristic)
F Special topics (course suffix; indicates different versions of the same course, e.g., HIST 297F, HIST 297G)
FE Fayette (campus code)
FINL Course has a final exam (course characteristic)
FL Failure under pass/fail option (grade reporting symbol)
FYS First-Year Seminar
G Special topics (course suffix; indicates different versions of the same course, e.g., HIST 297F, HIST 297G)
GA Arts (General Education code)
GA Greater Allegheny (campus code)
GH Humanities (General Education code)
GHW Health and Wellness (General Education code)
GN Graduate non-degree (college code)
GN Natural Sciences (General Education code)
GPA Grade-point average
GQ Quantification (General Education code)
GR Graduate (level code)
GR ND Graduate non-degree (college code)
GS Social and Behavioral Sciences (General Education code)
GV Great Valley (campus code)
GV Great Valley (college code)
GWS Writing/Speaking (General Education code)
H Honors course or section (course suffix)
HB Harrisburg (campus code)
H H D Health and Human Development (college abbreviation)
HH Health and Human Development (college code)
HN Hazleton (campus code)
HY Hershey Medical Center (campus code)
I Incomplete (grade reporting symbol)
I Special topics (course suffix; indicates different versions of the same course, e.g., HIST 297I, HIST 297K)
I COL Intercollege programs (college abbreviation)
IB International Baccalaureate Program
IC Intercollege programs (college code)
IL International Cultures (General Education code)
INCP Incomplete (grade reporting symbol)
INTG Course is integrated with other courses (course characteristic)
IS Information Sciences and Technology (college code)
IST Information Sciences and Technology (college abbreviation)
ITS Information Technology Services
IUG Integrated undergraduate/graduate degree programs
IVID Course uses interactive video (course characteristic)
J Individualized instruction (course suffix)
K Special topics (course suffix; indicates different versions of the same course, e.g., HIST 297I, HIST 297K)
L Lecture section (course suffix)
LA Liberal Arts (college code)
LEAP Learning Edge Academic Program
LIAB Course has liability attendance policy (course characteristic)
LV Lehigh Valley (campus code)
LW Law (level code)
M Writing Across the Curriculum and Honors (course suffix)
MA Mont Alto (campus code)
MAC Morgan Academic Center (for Student-Athletes)
MD Medical (level code)
MD Medicine (college code)
MED Medicine (college abbreviation)
MEP Multicultural Engineering Program
MRC Multicultural Resource Center
MS Military Science (ROTC) (college code)
NACADA National Academic Advising Association
NC Non-credit (level code)
NDEGR/C/H Nondegree Regular/Conditional/High School (Classification of Undergraduate Students)
NG No grade (grade reporting symbol)
NK New Kensington (campus code)
NR Nursing (college code)
NSO New Student Orientation
OCLC Course meets at an off-campus location (course characteristic)
ODS Office for Disability Services
OSA Office of Student Aid
OUR Office of the University Registrar
P Pass (noncredit course) (grade reporting symbol)
P Practicum (or laboratory) section (course suffix)
PC Penn College (Pennsylvania College of Technology; campus code)
PREQ Course has prerequisites (course characteristic)
PS Pass (pass/fail option) (grade reporting symbol)
PSU Pennsylvania State University
R Recitation section (course suffix)
R Research (grade reporting symbol)
RAP Recommended Academic Plan
RI Resident Instruction
ROTC Reserve Officers' Training Corps
S First-Year Seminar (course suffix)
SA Satisfactory achievement (grade reporting symbol)
SATL Course is offered at multiple locations via satellite uplink (course characteristic)
SC Science, Eberly College of (college code)
SCIEN Science, Eberly College of (college abbreviation)
SEGM Course is segmented (course characteristic)
SGPA Semester grade-point average
SH Shenango (campus code)
SI Supplemental Instruction
SITE Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence
SL Schuylkill (campus code)
SLO Special Living Options
SOTP Student Orientation and Transition Programs
SRTE Student Ratings of Teacher Effectiveness
SSSP Student Support Services Program
T First-Year Seminar and Honors (course suffix)
TMDT Course has additional meeting times/dates (course characteristic)
U United States Cultures/International Cultures and Honors (course suffix)
UAO Undergraduate Admissions Office
UC University College (college code)
UE Undergraduate Education
UFO University Fellowships Office
UG Undergraduate (level code)
UG ND Undergraduate non-degree (college code)
UN Undergraduate nondegree (college code)
UN Unsatisfactory achievement (grade reporting symbol)
UP University Park (campus code)
UPUA University Park Undergraduate Association
US United States Cultures (General Education code)
W Official withdrawal (grade reporting symbol)
W Writing Across the Curriculum (course suffix)
WB Wilkes-Barre (campus code)
WC World Campus
WEB Web course; offered entirely through the Internet (course characteristic)
WEP Women in Engineering Program
WF Withdrew failing (grade reporting symbol)
WISE Women in the Sciences and Engineering
WN Withdrew no grade (grade reporting symbol)
WP Withdrew passing (grade reporting symbol)
WS Worthington Scranton (campus code)
X Writing Across the Curriculum and First-Year Seminar (course suffix)
XC State College Continuing Education (campus code)
XF Failure, academic dishonesty (course grade)
XS Foreign studies program (campus code)
Y Writing Across the Curriculum course and United States Cultures/International Cultures (course suffix)
YK York (campus code)

Common abbreviations for course attributes and suffixes can be found in the University Course Descriptions section.

Changes to the Undergraduate Bulletin

Changes to the Undergraduate Bulletin will be tracked in real-time and listed below. At the end of every semester, these updates are incorporated into the Bulletin.

Courses Added: Effective Summer 2026

Courses Added: Effective Fall 2026

Courses Dropped: Effective Fall 2026

Course Changes: Effective Summer 2026

Course Changes: Effective Fall 2026

Program Changes

Biological Engineering, Minor (BE_UMNR)

Effective Summer 2026:

  • Added BE 404 to Additional Courses for the Minor
  • Removed BE 304 from Additional Courses for the Minor

Biomedical Engineering Technology, A.ENGT. (2BET_AENGT)

Effective Fall 2026:

  • Program added to Greater Allegheny campus

Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage, Certificate (CCUS_UCT)

Effective Summer 2026:

  • New certificate added

Computer Engineering, B.S. (Engineering) (CMPEN_BS)

Effective Summer 2026:

  • Changed total credits required for degree completion from 128 credits to 127 credits
  • Changed General Education credits included in Requirements for the Major from 27 credits to 24 credits
  • Changed Requirements for the Major from 110 credits to 106-108 credits
  • Changed Prescribed Courses for the Major from 72-73 credits to 58 credits
  • Added CMPSC 150N, CMPSC 222, CMPSC 315, CMPSC 316 to Prescribed Courses for the Major
  • Removed CMPSC 473, CMPEN 331, CMPSC 311, STAT 418/MATH 418, ENGL 202C, MATH 140, MATH 141, MATH 220, MATH 250 from Prescribed Courses for the Major
  • Changed Additional Courses for the Major from 32 credits to 48-50 credits
  • Added STAT 418/MATH 418, STAT 414, CMPEN 462, CAS 100C, CAS 100S, CAS 138T, ENGL 138T, CAS 137H, ENGL 137H, ESL 15, ENGL 202C, ENGL 202H, MATH 140, MATH 140H, MATH 141, MATH 141H, MATH 220, MATH 220H, MATH 250, MATH 251, MATH 251H to Additional Courses for the Major
  • Removed ECON 14, ECON 102, ECON 104, CMPEN 471 from Additional Courses for the Major
  • Removed Supporting Courses and Related Areas for the Major

Digital Multimedia Design, B.Des. (DIGMD_BDES)

Effective Summer 2026:

  • Changed Prescribed Courses for the Major from 27 credits to 30 credits
  • Changed DMD 400 from 3 credits to 6 credits in Prescribed Courses for the Major
  • Changed Additional Courses for the Major from 30 credits to 27 credits
  • Added COMM 130, COMM 210, COMM 262 to Additional Courses for the Major

Electrical Engineering, B.S. (Capital) (EENG_BS)

Effective Summer 2026:

  • Revised Program Description
  • Changed total requirements for degree completion from 134 credits to 129 credits
  • Changed General Education credits included in Requirements for the Major from 24 credits to 27 credits
  • Changed Requirements for the Major from 113-115 credits to 111-115 credits
  • Changed Prescribed Courses for the Major from 93 credits to 80-83 credits
  • Added CMPEN 372, EE 385 to Prescribed Courses for the Major
  • Removed CMPEH 472, EE 485, EMCH 211, EDSGN 100S, MATH 230, MATH 250 from Prescribed Courses for the Major
  • Changed MATH 220 from 2 credits to 2-3 credits in Prescribed Courses for the Major
  • Changed EE 317 from 2 credits to 3 credits in Prescribed Courses for the Major
  • Changed EE 405 from 1 credit to 1-3 credits in Prescribed Courses for the Major
  • Added C or better requirement to EE 405 in Prescribed Courses for the Major
  • Changed Additional Courses for the Major from 9-10 credits to 22-23 credits
  • Added EDSGN 100, EDSGN 100S, MATH 230, MATH 231, MATH 232, MATH 250, MATH 251, CMPSC 131, EE 465, STAT 318, CAS 100A, CAS 100S to Additional Courses for the Major
  • Removed STAT 200 from Additional Courses for the Major
  • Changed Supporting Courses and Related Areas for the Major from 11-12 credits to 9 credits
  • Added EE 410, EE 413, EE 416, EE 417, EE 421, EE 432, EE 434, EE 442, EE 453, EE 456, EE 458, EE 460, EE 480, EE 483, EE 488, EE 489, EE 497, BME 402, BME 403, CMPSC 436, PHYS 458, PHYS 462, SSET 495 to Supporting Courses and Related Areas for the Major

Electrical Engineering Technology, B.S. (Capital, Engineering) (EET_BS, EETEN_BS)

Effective Summer 2026:

  • Changed Electives from 5-18 credits to 4-18 credits
  • Changed Requirements for the Major from 86-96 credits to 86-97 credits
  • Changed Common Requirements for the Major from 60-70 credits to 60-71 credits
  • Changed Prescribed Courses for the Major from 27 credits to 27-29 credits
  • Changed EET 419 from 1 credit to 1-3 credits in Prescribed Courses for the Major
  • Changed Additional Courses for the Major from 33-43 credits to 33-42 credits
  • Added CMPEN 372, EET 385 to Additional Courses for the Major
  • Removed CMPEH 472 from Additional Courses for the Major
  • Removed CMPET 412, EET 478 from Additional Courses for the General Electrical Engineering Technology Option
  • Removed EET 478 from Additional Courses for the Power and Automation Option

Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology, B.S. (Engineering) (EMET_BS)

Effective Fall 2026:

  • Program added to Beaver campus

Film Production, B.A. (FILM_BA)

Effective Summer 2026:

  • Revised Program Description
  • Changed Electives from 18 credits to 15 credits
  • Changed Requirements for the Major from 33 credits to 36 credits
  • Changed Prescribed Courses for the Major from 15 credits to 24 credits
  • Added COMM 205, COMM 337, COMM 338 to Prescribed Courses for the Major
  • Changed Additional Courses for the Major from 18 credits to 12 credits
  • Added COMM 433 to Additional Courses for the Major
  • Removed COMM 337, COMM 338, COMM 339 from Additional Courses for the Major

Finance, B.S. (Capital, Abington) (FINCE_BS, FNCE_BS)

Effective Summer 2026:

  • Changed Prescribed Courses for the Major from 46 credits to 43 credits
  • Removed ENGL 202D from Prescribed Courses for the Major
  • Changed Additional Courses for the Major from 27 credits to 30 credits
  • Added ENGL 202A, ENGL 202B, ENGL 202C, ENGL 202D, FIN 405, FIN 406, FIN 418, FIN 428, FIN 455, FIN 470, FIN 477, ECON 470, FIN 471 to Additional Courses for the Major
  • Removed ACCTG 481 from Additional Courses for the Major
  • Added HRM course subject to 9-credit 200-400 level business courses requirements in Supporting Courses and Related Areas for the Major

Forest Ecosystem Management, B.S. (FOREM_BS)

Effective Fall 2026:

  • Changed name to Forest Ecosystems
  • Revised Program Description
  • Changed total requirements for degree completion with the Community and Urban Forest Management option from 123 credits to 120 credits
  • Changed General Education credits included in Requirements for the Major from 21-24 credits to 27 credits
  • Changed Electives from 2-11 credits to 3-8 credits
  • Changed Requirements for the Major from 88-100 credits to 94-99 credits
  • Changed Common Requirements for the Major from 33-34 credits to 32-33 credits
  • Changed Prescribed Courses for the Major from 24 credits to 17 credits
  • Added FOR 123N, FOR 204 to Prescribed Courses for the Major
  • Removed CHEM 110, CHEM 111, FOR 421, FOR 200, FOR 266 from Prescribed Courses for the Major
  • Changed Additional Courses for the Major from 9-10 credits to 15-16 credits
  • Added CAS 138T/ENGL 138T, CAS 100, ENGL 15, ENGL 30H, ENGL 137H/CAS 137H to Additional Courses for the Major
  • Changed Name of Forest Biology Option to Biodiversity and Conservation Option
  • Changed Forest Biology Option from 57-58 credits to 62-63 credits
  • Changed Prescribed Courses for the Forest Biology Option from 34 credits to 25 credits
  • Added FOR 201N, FOR 431/WFS 431, FOR 445, WFS 430/FOR 430, WFS 465/FOR 465 to Prescribed Courses for the Forest Biology Option
  • Removed WFS 209N, CHEM 202, FOR 204, FOR 409, FOR 410, FOR 430, FOR 450W, HORT 445, FOR 350 from Prescribed Courses for the Forest Biology Option
  • Changed Additional Courses for the Forest Biology Option from 8-9 credits to 16-17
  • Added CHEM 110, CHEM 130, FOR 450W, FOR 480, FOR 455, GEOG 363, SOILS 450, FOR 266, FOR 350, WFS 310, WFS 340 to Additional Courses for the Forest Biology Option
  • Removed ENT 313, FOR 403, PPEM 318, HORT 445 from Additional Courses for the Forest Biology Option
  • Changed Supporting Courses and Related Areas for the Forest Biology Option from 15 credits to 21 credits
  • Changed Forest Management Option from 57-60 credits to 63-66 credits
  • Changed Prescribed Courses for the Forest Management Option from 29 credits to 35 credits
  • Added FOR 421, FOR 442, FOR 266 to Prescribed Courses for the Forest Management Option
  • Removed FOR 204, WFS 209N from Prescribed Courses for the Forest Management Option
  • Changed FOR 320 from 2 credits to 3 credits in Prescribed Courses for the Forest Management Option
  • Added CHEM 110, CHEM 130, WFS 209N, FOR 445, MATH 22, MATH 26, MATH 41 to Additional Courses for the Forest Management Option
  • Removed FOR 410, FOR 430/WFS 430, FOR 409, SOILS 102, ERM 448, FOR 439, FOR 475 from Additional Courses for the for the Forest Management Option
  • Changed Name of Community and Urban Forest Management Option to Forests, Trees, and People Option
  • Changed Community and Urban Forest Management Option from 62-66 credits to 63-66 credits
  • Added CAS 404, FOR 320, FOR 403, FOR 421, FOR 440, SOILS 422, FOR 266 to Prescribed Courses for the Community and Urban Forest Management Option
  • Removed ENT 313, ENT 314, GEOG 430, HORT 138, HORT 301, HORT 408, PLANT 217, PPEM 318, FOR 204 from Prescribed Courses for the Community and Urban Forest Management Option
  • Changed Additional Courses for the Community and Urban Forest Management Option from 22-25 credits to 19-22
  • Added CHEM 110, CHEM 130, EDPSY 14, EDTHP 115, AG 160, ANTH 45N, METEO 133N, PHIL 118, MATH 22, MATH 26, MATH 41 to Additional Courses for the Community and Urban Forest Management Option
  • Removed ARCH 316, LARCH 60, LARCH 65, RPTM 435, RPTM 470, RPTM 320, FOR 409, SOILS 102, ERM 448, FOR 439, FOR 475, FOR 495, FOR 496 from Additional Courses for the Community and Urban Forest Management Option
  • Changed Supporting Courses and Related Areas for the Forest Biology Option from 8-9 credits to 12 credits
  • Changed Name of Watershed Management Option to Watershed Ecohydrology Option
  • Changed Watershed Management Option from 55-59 credits to 64 credits
  • Changed Prescribed Courses for the Watershed Management Option from 7 credits to 42 credits
  • Added BIOL 110, CHEM 110, CHEM 111, CHEM 112, CHEM 113, FOR 475, MATH 141, PHYS 211, PHYS 213, SOILS 102, FOR 350, FOR 370, FOR 477, MATH 140 to Prescribed Courses for the Watershed Management Option
  • Removed FOR 450W, FOR 471 from Prescribed Courses for the Watershed Management Option
  • Changed Additional Courses for the Watershed Management Option from 9-11 credits to 10
  • Added FOR 455, SOILS 450, FOR 496, SOILS 496, GEOSC 1, GEOSC 20, Writing-intensive (W) course offered in the College of Agricultural Sciences to Additional Courses for the Watershed Management Option
  • Removed FOR 475, MATH 110, MATH 140, MATH 111, MATH 141, FOR 409, SOILS 102, ERM 448, FOR 439 from Additional Courses for the Watershed Management Option
  • Changed Supporting Courses and Related Areas for the Watershed Management Option from 39-41 credits to 12 credits
  • Added 12 credits from department list requirements to Supporting Courses and Related Areas for the Watershed Management Option
  • Removed EBF 200, ECON 302, EGEE 211, ENVST 100, GEOG 20, GEOG 30N, GEOG 160, PLSC 1, PLSC 135, EARTH 100, EARTH 103, EARTH 111, GEOG 10, GEOG 110, GEOSC 1, GEOSC 10, GEOSC 40, METEO 3, METEO 122, MICRB 106, MICRB 201, PHYS 1, PHYS 150, PHYS 151, PHYS 211, PHYS 213, PHYS 250, PHYS 251, FOR 455, GEOG 362, GEOG 363, GEOG 364, SOILS 450, ASM 327, CED 201, CED 327, CED 429, CED 431W, CED 450, ERM 411, ERM 412, ERM 413W, FOR 410, FOR 440, GEOG 411W, GEOG 430, GEOG 431, SOILS 422, ASM 309, CE 360, CE 370, CE 371, ENVE 411, ENVE 415, ENVSE 408, ERM 435, ERM 447, ERM 450, GEOG 310, GEOG 311, GEOG 412W, GEOSC 412, GEOSC 413W, GEOSC 440, GEOSC 452, METEO 451, METEO 454, SOILS 405, WFS 422 from Supporting Courses and Related Areas for the Watershed Management Option

Foundations of Business, Certificate (FDOBUS_UCT)

Effective Summer 2026:

  • Revised Program Description
  • Changed total requirements for certification completion from 13 credits to 15 credits
  • Added BA 100S, BA 100, LHR 100, MKTG 122N, MKTG 301, DA 101, MIS 204, MIS 250, SCM 200, STAT 200 to Required Courses
  • Removed BA 243, BA 241, BA 242, ENGL 15, MIS 204 from Required Courses

Labor and Human Resources, B.A. (LHRBA_BA)

Effective Summer 2026:

  • Changed total requirements for degree completion from 123 credits to 120 credits
  • Changed General Education credits included in Requirements for the Major from 3-6 credits to 0-6 credits
  • Changed Electives from 18-21 credits to 15-21 credits
  • Changed Requirements for the Major from 39 credits to 36 credits
  • Changed Additional Courses for the Major from 9 credits to 6 credits
  • Removed ECON 14, ECON 102, ECON 104 from Additional Courses for the Major
  • Added ECON 102, ECON 104, ECON 315, Any OLEAD Course to Supporting Courses and Related Areas for the Major
  • Removed OLEAD 100, OLEAD 409, OLEAD 464, OLEAD 465 from Supporting Courses and Related Areas for the Major

Nursing, B.S.N. (NURS_BSN)

Effective Fall 2026:

  • Added NURS 450C to Prescribed Courses for the Second Degree Option
  • Removed NURS 302, NURS 450B, NURS 495 from Prescribed Courses for the Second Degree Option

Portuguese, Minor (PORT_UMNR)

Effective Summer 2026:

  • Changed total credits required for the minor from 19 credits to 18-19 credits
  • Changed Prerequisite Courses for the Minor from 7 credits to 3 credits
  • Added PORT 200 to Prescribed Courses for the Minor
  • Removed PORT 3, PORT 405 from Prescribed Courses for the Minor
  • Changed Additional Courses for the Minor from 0 credits to 3-4 credits
  • Added PORT 3, PORT 123 to Additional Courses for the Minor

Radiological Sciences, A.S. (2RSUC_AS)

Effective Fall 2026:

  • Program added to Greater Allegheny campus
  • Program phased out at New Kensington campus

FAQs

  1. Where can I find a list of General Education courses and information about requirements?
    • For information about General Education requirements, please see the General Education section in this Bulletin.
  2. The General Education requirements have changed. Do the new requirements apply to me?
    • The new General Education requirements apply to students who start at Penn State in Summer 2018 and later. Requirements have not changed for students who began at Penn State before this semester. The older set of requirements can be found in the Archives page. Additional information is available on the Office of General Education website.
  3. What does the blue keystone symbol mean?
    • The keystone indicates that the course is designated as a General Education course. See the degree requirements for your program to identify the General Education courses that are required. Not all courses marked with the keystone count as meeting General Education requirements when required within your program. See the program requirements and speak to an adviser regarding General Education courses that count or do not count toward the General Education requirements.
  4. Where can I find bachelor of arts degree requirements?
    • Bachelor of arts degree requirements are included in the program requirements section for B.A. programs. You may also see the B.A. requirements in the Academic Information section.
  5. Where can I find a list of courses and course descriptions?
    • You may find courses and descriptions several different ways within the Bulletin. You may navigate to the full listing of courses and descriptions from the Courses link in the top navigation menu. You may also scroll over any course number within the Bulletin to see the course description in a course bubble. Search for specific courses through the search option on the homepage or in the search functions throughout the Bulletin.
  6. Which Undergraduate Bulletin should I use?
    • Your official record of general education requirements, University degree requirements, and program requirements is found in the Bulletin that matches the semester in which you enrolled at Penn State. See the Archive page to find past Bulletins.
  7. Where can I find past Bulletins?
    • Past Bulletins can be found on the Archive page, which can be accessed from any page in the Bulletin's top navigation menu.
  8. When will the Undergraduate Bulletin be updated?
    • The Bulletin will be updated at the beginning of each semester (fall, spring, and summer). Changes that occur between updates are identified on the Changes page.
  9. What course description information is currently showing in the Bulletin?
    • The University Bulletins shows course description data that is active as of the most recently released Schedule of Courses. When an upcoming semester's Schedule of Courses is released, the course description information is updated on the same day to match that course data. Please visit the Understanding Course Description Information page to view the course description update calendar.
  10. Why are there are some courses listed in the Bulletin that I can't schedule?
    • The Bulletin Course Description section displays all courses that are currently active at Penn State. Not all of these courses are taught every academic semester or year. To view courses that are available for enrollment by semester, please view the LionPATH Class Search.
  11. How can I do a wild card search in the search box?
    • Use an asterisk (*) in the search box as a wild card. For example, MATH* will find everything that starts with "MATH", *MATH everything that ends with "MATH", and *MATH* everything that contains "MATH".
  12. Where can I find the Graduate Bulletin?

Have a question we didn't include? Please let us know by emailing bulletins@psu.edu.