PennWest California AS Technical Studies & BS Science and Technology Multidisciplinary Studies

Pennsylvania Western University California offers an online AS in Technical Studies and BS in Science and Technology Multidisciplinary Studies, notable in the underserved niche of interdisciplinary STEM degrees online.

The BS allows max 90 sh transfer including max 30 sh "prior learning assessment (PLA) of work and other applicable nontraditional learning experiences." PLA is available for "Students who have completed certificates, certifications, workforce training, apprenticeships, or have on-the-job work experience." The AS allows max 45 sh transfer.

50% of major coursework must be completed from PennWest California or other Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) member institutions. PASSHE includes some but not all state-supported universities in Pennsylvania. From the university-wide undergraduate transfer credit policy: "All first baccalaureate degree students will take at least 30 of the last 60 credits" in-house; first associate degree students, at least 15 of their last 30. Current students need pre-approval to take new outside courses to transfer in. Grades D or above accepted for undergraduate transfer. Transfer credit not counted towards GPA. CLEP, DSST, and ACE military recommendations are specifically accepted.

AS Technical Studies and BS Science and Technology Multidisciplinary Studies majors are designed by students and advisors and include courses from two or more distinct program subject areas.

AS major requirements are a Professional Technical Core of 33 to 35 sh. This can include "Certificate programs, apprenticeship equivalencies, workforce training equivalencies, minors, regular, coursework, internships, on-the-job work experience, etc."

BS major requirements are 60 sh which consists of a 24 sh STEM area (6 sh each in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), a 33 sh discipline program area (including a minimum 15 sh special area of interest of 300-400 level classes in one specific STEM department), and a 3 sh capstone.

It looks like students can draw on courses from PennWest California's online programs in Computer Information Systems and Industrial Technology Management, and other STEM courses that PennWest California or other PASSHE members offer.

Pennsylvania Western University California (PennWest California) will be the new name of California University of Pennsylvania on July 1, 2022 as part of a three-way merger with Clarion University of Pennsylvania and Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, becoming one institution PennWest with three campuses.