Residency Experiences

Integration, Collaboration, and Engagement

A defining component of the Penn State Online MBA is the required, five-day residency held in University Park, Pennsylvania, at the start of the program. Designed to provide information, introduce resources, and foster valuable interactions with faculty and student peers, the residency helps to prepare students for a successful, integrative, collaborative, and engaging online learning experience.

During the residency, you will be immersed in a team performance class; review key program components, including a core course overview and an introduction to the concentrations; and receive technical training on systems you will use as a student. You will also attend workshops outlining resources designed to enhance your online learning experience, including student advising services, career management, stress management, alumni relations, networking, and time management. By the end of the residency, you will have already earned credit towards the degree program.

The program office pays for residency lodging and meals. Transportation to the residency, however, is not included and is the responsibility of the student.

(We strongly recommend that you arrive on Sunday, one day prior to the start of your residency.)

January 2021 and May 2021 residencies will be delivered virtually in response to health and safety concerns associated with COVID-19. Travel to and from University Park will not be required for these events. Please contact the program office at [email protected] for updated information.