California, Clarion, Edinboro, Global Online

PennWest earns career-focused classification

student works with child at speech clinic

May 15, 2025

Pennsylvania Western University’s reputation as a career-focused institution is growing.

The university is now classified “Professions-focused Undergraduate/Graduate-Doctorate Medium” by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Learning – one of only 135 institutions in the country to achieve this designation.

Every three years, the Carnegie Classification groups U.S. colleges and universities by degree types awarded, fields of study and enrollment size. PennWest’s new label highlights:

Profession-focused: The majority of degrees prepare students for high-demand careers.

Broad program mix: An academic portfolio of over 100 certificate, associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs, including professional doctorates in criminal justice; educational administration and leadership; health science and exercise leadership; and nursing.

Medium-sized community: PennWest has 10,834 students across California, Clarion, Edinboro and online campuses.

Experiential learning: Internships, co-ops, clinical placements and real-world projects ensure graduates are workforce-ready from Day One. Every PennWest student is matched with a dedicated Career Coach, providing individualized guidance in exploring majors and careers, developing professional skills, and learning how to gain relevant experiences like internships and experiential learning opportunities.

“Earning this Carnegie designation validates our mission to launch careers, not just award degrees,” said Dr. James Fisher, interim provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.

“Through strengthened employer partnerships, dual-enrollment and direct-admit pathways, and signature initiatives like the Center for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, our students gain the skills, experience, and professional networks to thrive immediately upon graduation.”

For more information on the programs offered at PennWest, visit pennwest.edu/academics.