Open House

Ready to see all that Penn State Behrend has to offer? Join us at our fall Open House on Saturday, October 12, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to noon.

You can meet with faculty from the Black School of Business, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, School of Science, and School of Engineering to learn more about Penn State Behrend’s 40 undergraduate degrees and 50 minors and certificates.

A student information fair, admissions and financial aid information session, walking tour of campus, and lab demonstrations also will be offered.

As a bonus: If you attend the Open House, we'll waive your $65 undergraduate application fee when you apply at admissions.psu.edu.

Register online for fall open house

The Pennsylvania State University encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Andrea Konkol in advance of your participation or visit.

Fall 2024 Open House Agenda

We have a full morning of information fairs, Q&As, presentations, and tours planned for you. Where you go, and when, is entirely up to you, but you can use our agenda to help guide you. A complete agenda will be given to you at the Open House, but you can see our sessions below or download a PDF if you want a sneak peek.

Where to Start:

Check in at 9:00 a.m. in McGarvey Commons, inside the Reed Union Building.

Then visit our Meet the Experts Fair, from 9:00 a.m. to noon in McGarvey Commons, to learn more about activities, programs, and services available to Behrend students. 

Where to Go Next:

Choose what you want to explore ...

Academic Majors

Choose the field that interests you:

  • Business: Majors in Accounting, Business Economics, Economics, Finance, Functional Data Analytics, Interdisciplinary Business with Engineering Studies, Interdisciplinary Science and Business, International Business, Management Information Systems,  Marketing, Project and Supply Chain Management Business
  • Engineering: Majors in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering, Interdisciplinary Business with Engineering Studies, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Plastics Engineering Technology, Polymer Engineering and Science, Software Engineering
  • Humanities & Social Sciences: Majors in Communication, Creative Writing,  Digital Media, Arts, and Technology, Elementary and Early Childhood Education, English, General Arts and Sciences, History, Political Science,   Psychology
  • Nursing: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • Pre-Health: Preparation for careers in Dentistry, Medicine, Optometry, Pharmacy, Physical or Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant, Veterinary Medicine
  • Science: Majors in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Interdisciplinary Science and Business, Mathematics, Physics, Science, Secondary Education in Mathematics
  • Undecided/Exploratory: Not sure about a major? That's OK! We can help.

Business Information Fair:

Meet with faculty members and staff to learn about programs in the Black School of Business. Also: Tour Burke Center, 9:00 a.m. to noon, to see our business classrooms and labs, including our Financial Markets Lab.
9:00 a.m.–noon, Burke Center

Business Presentation:

Learn about majors, internships, clubs, professional development, and the many job opportunities a business degree can offer.
10:15 a.m., 180 Burke Center

Engineering Information Fair:

Meet with faculty members and staff to learn about Engineering programs. Want to check out some of our labs? Locate the Penn State flag in Clark Café to join a tour of lab spaces, or request to see the Plastics Lab by connecting with Plastics faculty at the info fair.
9:00 a.m.–noon, Burke Center

Engineering Presentations:

Learn more about engineering and technology majors, minors, and certificates in the School of Engineering.
9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., 180 Burke Center

Humanities & Social Sciences Information Fair:

Meet with faculty, students, and staff to hear about programs in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Also: Visit Psychology labs, 9:00 am to noon in Turnbull Hall, and check out the Communication and Digital Media labs in Kochel Center throughout the morning.
9:00 a.m.–noon, Kochel Center

Humanities & Social Sciences Presentation:

Learn about majors, minors, certificates, languages and global cultures, arts, and pre-law, as well as our graduates’ careers. Hear from student ambassadors and learn more about H&SS outreach programs, such as the Public Policy Initiative and the Susan Hirt Hagen Center for Community Outreach, Research, and Evaluation (CORE). 
11:15 a.m., 57 Kochel Center

Nursing Information Fair:

Meet with faculty members and staff to learn about programs in the Nursing Program.
9:00 a.m.–noon, Roche Hall

Nursing Presentation:

Hear from nursing faculty members; tour nursing facilities, including the simulation lab; and discover the benefits of earning a four-year bachelor of science in nursing degree.
10:30 a.m., 185 Benson Building

Pre-Health Information Fair:

Meet with faculty members and staff to learn about the pre-health options and School of Science programs.
9:00 a.m.–noon, Roche Hall

Pre-Health Presentation:

Meet with the pre-health coordinator to learn about requirements, program admission, and careers in the health professions.
11:15 a.m., 21 Witkowski Building

Science Information Fair:

Meet with faculty members and staff to learn about School of Science programs. Also visit some of our Science lab spaces—the Anatomy and Physiology Lab (172 Benson Building), the Chemistry Lab (108 Otto Behrend Science Building), and the new Advanced Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Lab (126 Otto Behrend Science Building)—between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. 
9:00 a.m.–noon, Roche Hall

Science Presentation:

Hear from School of Science leaders about careers and opportunities in science fields, and hear from current Behrend students about life on campus.
10:00 a.m., 21 Witkowski Building

Undecided/Exploratory:

Not sure which major to pursue? That's OK! Hear from Exploratory and Pre-Major advisers about how they can help you explore areas of study and connect your interests to potential majors an careers.
11:00 a.m., 114 Reed Union Building

Admissions and More

Admissions Info Session:

Find out how to apply to Penn State, learn how admissions decisions are made, and get helpful tips about the application process.
9:30 a.m., 117 Reed Union Building

Graduate Programs Info Session:

Whether you are a current college student or in high school, it is never too early to think about graduate school opportunities. This session will discuss our master's degrees in Clinical Psychology, Business Administration, Manufacturing Management, and Project Management.  Plus, learn about the Graduate School financial aid and admissions processes.
10:00 a.m., 114 Reed Union Building

Honors Program Sessions:

Learn about the benefits and requirements of the Penn State Behrend Honors Program and the Schreyer Honors College.
10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., Metzgar Center

Individual Q&A Session:

Still have specific questions about admissions, financial aid, or anything else? Whether you're thinking about applying or are in the middle of the enrollment process, we're here to help.
Noon–1:00 p.m., Metzgar Center

Campus Tours and Drop-Ins

Campus Tours:

Explore campus! Tours depart every 20 minutes and take about one hour. Stay for the full tour or stop at an academic building for info and presentations. First tour leaves at 8:30 a.m.; final tour leaves at noon.
8:30 a.m.–noon, start at Reed Union Building

Housing Tours:

Peek inside a few residence halls—Niagara, Trippe, and Ohio. The shuttle loops from Reed Union Building to residence halls. Hop on or off at any stop.
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., start at Reed Union Building

Erie Hall Tours:

Visit our new fitness, recreation, and wellness center. 
10:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Erie Hall

Behrend Bookstore Drop-Ins:

Get your Penn State gear at the Behrend Bookstore!
9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., Reed Union Building

Communication and Digital Media Labs Drop-Ins:

Tour some of the Communication and Digital Media lab and learning spaces in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.
9:00 a.m.–noon, Kochel Center

Engineering Labs Drop-Ins:

Connect with faculty at the Engineering Information Fair to see labs, including our Plastics Lab, or locate the Penn State flag in Clark Café to join a tour of labs.
9:00 a.m.–noon, Burke Center

Esports Center Drop-Ins:

Get a look at our esports team's high-tech gaming center, open to all Behrend students.
9:00 a.m.–noon, Perry Hall

Financial Markets Lab Drop-Ins:

Visit business classrooms and labs, including our Financial Markets Lab, equipped with Bloomberg Terminals—the same technology uses on Wall Street.
9:00 a.m.–noon, 153 Burke Center

Psychology Lab Drop-Ins:

Get a closer look at the Psychology labs and talk with some of our students and faculty members about their research.
9:00 a.m.–noon, Turnbull Building

Science Lab Drop-Ins:

Take a look at some of our Science labs—the Anatomy and Physiology Lab with virtual dissection tables (172 Benson Building); the Chemistry Lab (108 Otto Behrend Science Building); and the Advanced Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Lab (126 Otto Behrend Science Building). 
9:00–11:00 a.m. various locations in Science Complex

Dining

Cash, Visa, Discover, American Express, MasterCard accepted.

Clark Cafe:

While in Burke, grab Starbucks coffee and other treats.
8:00 a.m.–noon, Burke Center

Dobbins Dining Hall:

Enjoy our all-you-care-to-eat brunch at a special price of $9.20 per person.
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., Dobbins Dining Hall

Paws Coffee Shop:

Stop by for Starbucks coffee, Penn State Bakery items, and Penn State Berkey Creamery ice cream.
9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., Reed Union Building

Bruno’s Cafe:

Choose from a selection of a la carte, deli, pizza, and grill items for lunch and dinner.
11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m., Reed Union Building

Full schedule

Starting at 8:00 a.m.

  • Clark Cafe: Open 8:00 a.m.–noon, Burke Center

Starting at 8:30 a.m.

  • Campus Tours: 8:30 a.m.–noon, depart Reed Union Building every 20 minutes

Starting at 9:00 a.m.

  • Business Information Fair: 9:00 a.m.–noon, Burke Center
  • Behrend Bookstore Drop-Ins: 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., Reed Union Building
  • Communication and Digital Media Labs Drop-Ins: 9:00 a.m.–noon, Kochel Center
  • Engineering Information Fair: 9:00 a.m.–noon, Burke Center
  • Engineering Lab Drop-Ins: 9:00 a.m.–noon, Burke Center
  • Esports Center Drop-Ins: 9:00 a.m.–noon, Perry Hall
  • Financial Markets Lab Drop-Ins: 9:00 a.m.–noon, 153 Burke Center
  • Humanities & Social Sciences Information Fair: 9:00 a.m.–noon, Kochel Center
  • Meet the Experts Fair: 9:00 a.m.–noon, Reed Union Building
  • Nursing Information Fair: 9:00 a.m.–noon, Roche Hall
  • Paws Coffee Shop: Open 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., Reed Union Building
  • Pre-Health Information Fair: 9:00 a.m.–noon, Roche Hall
  • Psychology Lab Drop-Ins: 9:00 a.m.–noon, Turnbull Hall
  • Science Information Fair: 9:00 a.m.–noon, Roche Hall
  • Science Lab Drop-Ins: 9:00–11:00 a.m., Anatomy and Physiology Lab with virtual dissection tables (172 Benson Building); Chemistry Lab (108 Otto Behrend Science Building); Advanced Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Lab (126 Otto Behrend Science Building)

Starting at 9:30 a.m.

  • Admissions Info Session: 9:30 a.m., 117 Reed Union Building
  • Engineering Presentations: 9:30 and 11:00 a.m., 180 Burke Center

Starting at 10:00 a.m.

  • Erie Hall Tours: 10:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Erie Hall
  • Graduate Program Info Session: 10:00 a.m., 114 Reed Union Building
  • Housing Tours: 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., depart Reed Union Building
  • Science Presentation: 10:00 a.m., 21 Witkowski Building 

Starting at 10:15 a.m.

  • Business Presentation: 10:15 a.m., 180 Burke Center

Starting at 10:30 a.m.

  • Honors Program Sessions: 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., Metzgar Center
  • Nursing Presentation: 10:30 a.m., 185 Benson Building

Starting at 11:00 a.m.

  • Bruno’s Cafe: Open 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m., Reed Union Building
  • Dobbins Dining Hall: Open 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., Dobbins Dining Hall
  • Engineering Presentations: 9:30 and 11:00 a.m., 180 Burke Center
  • Undecided/Exploratory Session: 11:00 a.m., 114 Reed Union Building

Starting at 11:15 a.m.

  • Humanities and Social Sciences Presentation: 11:15 a.m., 57 Kochel Center
  • Pre-Health Presentation: 11:15 a.m., 21 Witkowski Building 

Starting at 11:30 a.m.

  • Honors Program Sessions: 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., Metzgar Center

Starting at Noon

  • Individual Q&A Session: Noon–1:00 p.m., Metzgar Center