Pennsylvania is home to some of America's most significant historical spots: the signing of the Declaration of Independence, for example, and Gettysburg, the Civil War battleground that is now a national park. It's fitting that a state with so much to learn about also has plenty of opportunities for education. The University of Pennsylvania has more than a dozen campus locations throughout the state, while Penn State also offers numerous campus sites including the well-known State College, home to the Nittany Lions. Other postsecondary public school institutions exist, particularly in Pittsburgh, the second-largest city in the state (following Philadelphia), and in Harrisburg, the state's capital. In their off-time, students should find plenty to do in Pennsylvania: They can explore any of the 100-plus state parks, catch a Pittsburgh Pirates baseball game, create their own "Rocky" moment by running up the stairs to the Philadelphia Museum of Art or head over to Punxsutawney come Groundhog Day to see whether Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow.
Establishing your career with a Pennsylvania college degree
Computer fields are expected to be some of the most promising in terms of occupational growth in the state. Opportunities for network systems and data communications specialists are predicted to grow by more than 27 percent--growth considered faster than average by the Bureau of Labor Statistics--during the 2008 to 2018 decade. Occupations for computer software engineers are also expected to see considerable growth from 18 to 26 percent. Other fields that require a bachelor's degree that are predicted to see high growth in upcoming years include those for computer systems analysts as well as postsecondary teachers. The state is also home to 23 Fortune 500 companies including Comcast, Erie Insurance Group and Rite Aid.
Mean annual wages for workers in some of these fields were, according to 2010 BLS data:
You'll find a number of colleges and careers that you can explore in Pennsylvania. More than $30 billion in Recovery Act funds are headed into Pennsylvania with $5.9 billion of that going toward the workforce and $3 billion going toward education, according to the state website page. With that being said, an education could be your 'key' to finding a growing career in Pennsylvania.
See also: Pennsylvania Vocational Schools and Career Training
The USC School of Social Work’s MSW@USC offers the opportunity to earn a Master of Social Work degree through the Virtual Academic Center without relocating to Southern California. This online program is designed to prepare social workers with the knowledge and skills to make a difference in world, improve the lives of people and communities and eradicate pressing societal problems.
Give your career a boost with University of Saint Mary. We offer online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels to help make your educational and professional goals a reality.
As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.
Start your career with an education from Anna Maria College. We are a private, not-for-profit, regionally accredited university that offers online degree programs as an alternative to our traditional campus courses.
Bellevue University makes it possible for motivated adult learners to earn a high-quality college degree.
Get the right foundation for your future with a degree from Strayer University. Evening, weekend and online classes are all available to meet the needs of busy adults.
Advance your career with an education from Prism Career Institute - Upper Darby. We offer programs in accounting and business, paralegal, legal secretary and computer applications, early childhood education, medical assisting, health information technology, and medical billing and coding.
Pittsburgh Technical Institute offers you a career-focused education shaped by industry insiders and employers. Get the skills that can get you the job in 24-month associate programs and 9 to 15 month certificate programs that include business, technology, medical and design degree opportunities.
Purdue University offers a strong foundation of tradition and history, an environment of intellectual curiosity and discovery, and a supportive, student-centered approach to learning.
Advance your career and increase your earning potential with a masters or a doctoral degree from the University of Liverpool. Study online in small groups of business professionals.
Jolie Hair and Beauty Academy can give you the skills, professional instruction, and hands-on training and you'll need to launch your career the rewarding cosmetology field.
Earn a degree at Central Penn College and achieve your career goals. Choose from bachelor and associate degree programs in criminal justice, business, and technology.
ICM School of Business & Medical Careers provides career-based degrees to students wishing to work in the fields of Business & Computers, Medical Services, Fashion, or Tourism.
Regis University offers a rich tradition of Jesuit education to enrich your life and further your career.
All-State Career - Healthcare Division is committed to providing quality training for students just like you. Financial aid is available for students who qualify. * Programs vary by location * Please contact each individual campus for accreditation information
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We've been collecting links to universities and colleges in Pennsylvania, where you can find information on admissions, courses, degree programs and more. We hope these links help your Pennsylvania college search, but please note that each school is responsible for its own website, business practices and academic standards.