More than 700 students graduated with degrees they earned online through Penn State World Campus during the summer 2026 commencement weekend, held August 14–15.
Penn State World Campus graduating students and their families are also invited each semester to attend a reception at the University Park campus to recognize their success, as well as meet the faculty, academic advisers, and other staff who helped them reach their goal.
The big picture
The summer members of the Penn State World Campus Class of 2026 include 759 graduates who earned degrees from 89 different academic programs. Here is a breakdown by the level of degree they received:
- 300 students received a bachelor’s degree.
- 420 students received a master’s degree.
- 6 students received a doctoral degree.
- 33 students received an associate degree.
The graduates hailed from 45 states and 16 countries. Their ages ranged from 17 to 66, and 33 people graduated with at least their second degree earned online through Penn State World Campus.
Two members of the Class of 2026 are Whitney and Sharon White, a married couple from Philadelphia. The duo celebrated earning their degrees by walking during commencement this summer. Whitney graduated with a Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security, and Sharon graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Security and Risk Analysis.
Staff from the Roz and Gene Chaiken Center for Student Success at Penn State World Campus celebrated with the couple. Deb Dworsky, left, was Whitney’s academic adviser when he graduated with his bachelor’s degree in 2024, and he received support from Maggie Kwok, right, from the disability services office. Amanda Holdren, second from the right, was Sharon’s academic adviser.
Recognizing service members
Graduating veterans and active-duty service members received red, white, and blue honor cords to wear during their academic commencement at a ceremony at Penn State University Park exclusively for military students.
There are 149 graduates in this class with a military affiliation, such as being an active-duty service member, a veteran, a military spouse, or a reservist.
Graduating with a Penn State degree earned online
Penn State World Campus has been offering a Penn State education online for more than 25 years. It has a comprehensive portfolio of more than 200 degree and certificate programs available in fields such as business, technology, education, health care, liberal arts, and more.
Penn State World Campus students can be part of signature Penn State experiences, such as commencement, just like their peers. The students can request to attend one of the commencement ceremonies across Penn State’s campuses during graduation weekend.
