School Details
Recognized for its online education and career training programs, Central Penn College fosters diversity in the classroom. Core values include integrity, scholarship, excellence, professionalism, inclusivity and community service. Faculty with experience in their respective fields teach students in small class settings, providing individualized learning and further enhancing this community-like learning environment.
Degree offerings include associate, bachelor and master of professional studies programs in areas of business, healthcare, criminal justice, and computer sciences. A post-secondary certificate is also available.
Learning opportunities include day, evening, hybrid and online courses in order to fit your educational goals within your lifestyle. A year round schedule, combined with courses that follow accelerated 11-week formats, allows you to complete a bachelor’s degree within three years.
Central Penn has two physical locations, one of which is in Summerdale, Pennsylvania and the other located in Lancaster County.
Accreditation & Licensing
Central Penn College is accredited by:
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
All Programs
Business
The Associate in Science in Accounting from Central Penn teaches students the essential skills required for entry-level positions in accounting. Students learn how to use accounting and financial software common in the industry, as well as understand tax and other financial laws and regulations.
Courses emphasize problem-solving skills and professional communication beneficial in any business setting. This online Accounting degree covers topics in nonprofit accounting, cost accounting, managerial accounting, and more. An internship opportunity allows you to gain real-world experience prior to graduation.
Careers in the accounting field include:
- Accounts receivable clerk
- Accounts payable clerk
- Budget analyst
- Credit analyst
- Financial examiner
- Tax preparer
Put your words to work with an Associate in Science in Communications. Organizations from large corporations to small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies all utilize communications teams to get their message across.
Students in this online Communications degree program will learn how to effectively communicate through various channels such as web, social, email, print, broadcast, events, and more. Courses explore ways to provide messaging to both internal and external audiences. Graduates of this program will be well suited for a career in public relations, journalism, social media, marketing, and more.
Courses cover topics in:
- Advertising
- Digital photography
- Public relations
- Opinion writing
- Journalism
- Communications law
If you’re dreaming of owning your own business or are looking for insights to make your business more successful, the Associate of Science in Entrepreneurship and Small Business is for you. The curriculum covers the fundamentals of innovation and initiative while offering real-world experience creating and shaping the future of a company.
This online Entrepreneurship degree program guides you through creating a business plan, analyzing trends, conducting research, implementing marketing strategies, and more. In addition to those interested in owning their own business, this degree can be beneficial for roles including consulting, sales, fundraising, recruiting, training, and account management.
Students will learn about topics such as:
- Accounting
- Management
- Human resources
- Finance
Gain valuable job skills with the Associate in Science in Marketing from Central Penn. Marketing students learn how to plan events, promote a cause, and encourage others to take action. A variety of employers from major corporations to small businesses and ad agencies to government organizations rely on marketing to get their message across to others.
In this online Marketing degree, courses cover planning and launching a marketing campaign, implementing marketing strategies, writing marketing reports and ad copy, and communicating with stakeholders. Students learn about the fundamentals of selling and consumer behavior, along with management, human resources, and marketing research.
Graduates can use this degree to pursue roles such as:
- Event coordinator
- Market research analyst
- Public relations specialist
- Sales representative
- Marketing coordinator
Start your pathway to success with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Central Penn College. Many graduates of this program go on to become Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). With this degree, you can also work as an accountant or auditor for a large corporation, small business, or government agency.
Students in this online Accounting degree program learn how to interpret and analyze financial data, as well as use various industry software and perform cost and revenue projections. An internship experience in your local area provides real-world understanding of the field.
Courses cover material related to:
- Managerial accounting
- Income tax
- Auditing
- Cost accounting
- Finance
Combine general business knowledge with key skills to meet the demands of today’s banking and financial services industries with an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration online degree focused on Banking and Finance. This program from Central Penn College provides expertise in areas including investments, insurance, credit analysis, personal financial management, and international finance.
In addition to the specialized coursework in this online Finance degree, students also gain a broad understanding of the business world through core Business Administration coursework. Classes examine ways to interpret and analyze data, utilize the latest business technologies, communicate effectively, and create a successful business plan.
Graduates can pursue any number of positions after graduation, such as:
- Loan officer
- Credit analyst
- Financial manager
- Mortgage loan officer
- Branch manager
- Compliance officer
- Commercial lender
Explore the complexities of human resources with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration focused on Human Resource Management. Through this program, you will gain key skills in workforce training and development and effective recruitment and retention strategies.
This online HR Management degree program also takes a look at current ethical and regulatory issues in employment, and techniques for evaluating and improving performance. Graduates will have the skills necessary to construct effective compensation and benefit programs and oversee labor and management relations.
Core coursework in this online Business Administration degree covers topics related to:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Management
- Marketing
- Business law
Gain key leadership skills with the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Management. This online business management degree from Central Penn explores various management theories, as well as the relationships necessary among departments within an organization. Students will gain experience with planning and information software commonly used in today’s business office environments.
With this Business Administration degree online, students learn how to interpret and analyze data, use business technologies, communicate effectively, and create a successful business plan. Students will be prepared to meet the complex challenges of today’s business world.
Students can anticipate courses covering topics such as:
- Accounting
- Marketing
- Human relations
- International business
- Business law
The Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing degree at Central Penn provides broad business foundations for entrepreneurial business owners to positions in large corporations. You will have the opportunity to learn innovative business technologies and strategies for data analysis. This online marketing degree also teaches you how to develop advertising campaigns and effectively use multimedia.
Core business courses include studies in accounting, business, finance, microeconomics, marketing, organizational behavior and more.
Potential careers:
- Sales representatives
- Marketing research analysis
- Advertising coordinators
- Public relation specialists
- Marketing managers and communications specialists
Choose from day, evening, hybrid or completely online learning formats.
In the Bachelor of Science in Corporate Communications degree program, students learn how to create content in a wide range of formats, styles, and genres. From website copy and social media posts to feature articles or live videos, graduates will have the knowledge and skills to effectively communicate their brand to the world.
Courses in this Communications online degree explore a variety of applications, such as writing press releases, developing programming for podcasts, preparing for media relations in crisis situations, and writing talking points for a CEO.
Graduates will be well prepared for positions in:
- Public relations
- Journalism
- Social media
- Internal communications
- Media relations
- Marketing and advertising
Learn business essentials to help you save time and money with the online Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Small Business from Central Penn. This nine-month program is geared toward individuals interested in starting their own business or making their current business more successful.
This online Entrepreneurship program offers relevant and up-to-date content designed to help entrepreneurs adapt and pivot quickly when circumstances change. Students gain a strong foundation in business topics including accounting, management, marketing, and human resources.
Graduates can use their knowledge in roles such as:
- Small business owner
- Restaurateur
- Web developer
- Landscaper
- Event planner
- Tradesperson
The Certificate in Human Resource Management from Central Penn College provides key HR skills and knowledge in just nine months online. Students can use this certificate program to enter a new career field or build on their existing skills and experience in the field.
Coursework in this online HR Management program covers topics in employee relations, organizational culture, compensation and benefits, and training. Students learn about important legal and ethical issues in the Human Resources industry. Graduates will additionally have skills in recruitment, screening, interviewing, and hiring personnel.
Take your leadership skills and your career to the next level with the Master of Professional Studies in Organizational Leadership. This online degree from Central Penn offers multiple concentrations to prepare you to be an effective and influential leader in the workplace.
Core coursework focuses on foundations in ethical leadership, communication, research, and management. Graduates will be well equipped for roles including upper-level manager, financial advisor, risk analyst, organizational development specialist, or entrepreneur.
Students can choose from concentrations in:
- Financial analysis
- Organizational development
Computer Science & IT
An online Computer Information Systems degree with a focus in Applications Development is tailored to anyone interested in project management and application development. Gain hands-on experience in order to deliver solutions for your organization. Study topics in programming, networking, data modeling, systems analysis and more. Finish out with an internship and a job pursuit seminar.
Jobs in technology and computer science continue to be in high demand. Train for a potential career in computer information systems, work as a software developer or data communications analyst.
This program allows for maximum flexibility, offering courses online, on-campus day or in the evening.
An online CIS degree can give you a leading edge in a growing field. The Networking and Security concentration further enhances your skill sets with knowledge in setting up and maintaining complex networks. Learn how to identify and disable viruses. Gain fundamentals in programming and software development and develop essentials in JAVA language and C++ programming.
Foundational courses include studies in programming, networking, data modeling, SQL fundamentals, systems analysis and design, firewalls and intrusion detection, and more. You will also engage in hands-on experiences through an internship.
Choose to complete your degree online, or attend day or evening courses.
With information technology positions in high demand, an online IT degree can equip you with necessary skill sets to be competitive. Gain added credentials through the Applications Development specialization. Utilize course studies and an internship to learn how to collaborate and manage project teams. Complete courses ranging from discrete mathematics and networking to advanced systems and data structures and algorithm analysis.
This degree is an ideal fit for a position as a:
- Systems manager
- Network administrator
- Data analyst
- IT specialist
Coursework is offered in day, evening and online formats.
An IT degree online with a focus in Networking and Security can jumpstart your career in systems management, client support and network security. If you excel in technology and problem solving, and tend to be an analytical thinker, then studies in information technology are likely to be a good match. This bachelor’s degree offers coursework in networking, data modeling, mathematics, operating systems, firewalls and intrusion detection and more.
The Networking and Security specialization targets the design, installation and ongoing maintenance of complex networks. You will also develop skills in finding and disabling malicious software.
Courses are offered in multiple formats, including day, evening and online.
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
The online Criminal Justice degree equips professionals with the necessary workforce training to begin careers in law enforcement and investigations. Develop decision-making skill sets as you move through courses, some of which include corrections, juvenile justice, intelligence analysis, procedures and law, and others.
Upon completion of this program, you will be prepared for work in either the public or private sector. Potential careers include:
- Police officer
- Probation officer
- Parole officer
- Correctional officer
- Caseworker
- Private investigator
- Loss prevention specialist
Fit learning into your schedule through online, hybrid, day and evening coursework opportunities.
If you are service-minded, love working with your community and think logically, then criminal justice may be a good fit for you. The Criminal Justice Administration online degree at Central Penn prepares you for a career in law enforcement, administrative services or government. Courses include studies in corrections, juvenile justice, intelligence analysis, criminal procedures, investigative reporting and more.
Gain expertise in:
- Investigating techniques
- Following the chain of evidence
- Conducting interviews
- Understanding laws and due process
- Prevention practices
Flexible course schedules allow for online, hybrid, day and evening options.
Healthcare
Become a competent, entry-level paraprofessional in healthcare with the Associate in Applied Science in Medical Assisting. This online health science degree prepares students to assist doctors in delivering compassionate, effective medical care, working primarily in physicians’ offices and medical clinics. Courses, taught by experts in the field, teach students to perform such tasks as:
- Preparing patients for various exams
- Assist with minor office surgeries
- Draw blood
- Perform tests and treatments
- Administer injections and medications
- Maintain medical records
Gain practical, real-world experience in a simulated medical office through current scholarly and hands-on education.
The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam is required as part of the internship. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam.
The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree online with a concentration in Healthcare Administration prepares students for administrative and strategic planning positions in a wide range of healthcare settings. Coursework in this online Healthcare Administration degree examines the politics and public policies affecting the healthcare industry today.
Students gain expertise with planning methods used in the healthcare field and become familiar with the various sectors of the industry. Additional classes explore skills and knowledge useful in any business environment.
Some of the general business topics covered in this program include:
- Accounting
- Microeconomics
- Human resources
- Organizational behavior
- Business law
Advance into supervisory, management, or educational positions in healthcare with the Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management. This online healthcare administration degree is designed for healthcare professionals who preferably hold a professional credential in the field. Gain skills in leadership, communication, critical thinking, problem solving, and analytical reasoning through courses that use innovative online educational strategies.
Courses cover such topics as:
- Healthcare Management
- Policy
- Healthcare Delivery Strategies
- Complexities of Healthcare Organizations
- Business Concepts and Models
This is an online degree, so students are able to earn their degree without quitting their current careers. Plus, this allows you to quickly put this new knowledge and skills to use in the workplace.
This online medical billing and coding degree prepares students for entry-level careers in this field. Learn how to set-up payment plans for patients and organize and verify patient records, bills, and statements. Students will gain an understanding of how to code patients’ diagnoses and how to request payment from insurance companies or individuals. In addition, you will be able to record and process patient data including treatment records and insurance information.
In as few as nine months graduates are ready to take on roles as:
- Certified Medical Coders
- Medical Billing & Coding Technicians
- Medical Billing & Coding Specialists
- Dental Insurance Coders
- Practice Coordinators