The mission of Penn State World Campus is to connect learner needs with Penn State resources through a variety of program delivery technologies and methods to help individuals transform their lives through education. Penn State World Campus will fulfill this mission by:
- offering individual learners and organizational clients convenient and effective access to Penn State credit and noncredit educational online degree programs
- supporting faculty in the creation of learning communities at a distance
- providing mechanisms by which learners can establish a lifelong relationship with the University and its resources
Welcome from Dr. Graham B. Spanier
Welcome to Penn State's newest campus—the World Campus. Penn State, as one of the nation's leading public research universities, has a longstanding commitment to reach beyond our traditional campuses and to engage in helping to solve the needs of the individuals and communities we serve. From our pioneering innovation with correspondence study—the first generation of distance education—in 1892 to our leadership in online learning in the 21st century, Penn State has made creative use of technology to address the changing nature of work, home life, and learning. Now, you are at the gates of a campus that extends Penn State's signature undergraduate, graduate, certificate, and continuing education programs to a community of learners, like you, around the globe. 
The World Campus uses technology, but it is not defined by technology. It's real strengths are Penn State's renowned faculty—the same faculty who teach on our traditional campuses. We combine this with strong learner support services that have been designed specifically for adult learners studying at a distance—everything from advising to online registration and access to resources. The World Campus is a complete academic environment. You will have an opportunity to do homework with others in your class, to join discussions led by a faculty member, to delve into the resources of one of the nation's top research universities—all at your fingertips in your home or office.
The World Campus has grown rapidly since its launch in 1998. It offers a diverse array of more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degrees, postbaccalaureate certificates, and noncredit professional development programs. These programs represent some of Penn State's most highly regarded academic programs. New courses are available every semester. So, if you don't see courses that interest you today, be sure to return often to check our new offerings. Better yet, contact the World Campus. Let us know what you would like to have available.
Dr. Graham B. Spanier, President, The Pennsylvania State University
Celene Elm