At Penn College, you’ll start living your career from day one. Whether it’s getting to work in the welding lab or learning your way around a commercial kitchen, the hands-on experience begins your first semester.
Sure, you’ll dig into textbooks and engage in lecture-based learning. But the real magic happens in the labs. After testing and measuring, seeing and believing, it’s amazing how quickly complex concepts come into focus.
3:1
Lab-to-Lecture Ratio
150+
Hands-On Labs
97.6%
2023–24 Graduate Placement Rate
Just because you’re getting fully immersed in your field, that doesn’t mean we’re skimping on big-picture essentials. Wildcats are known problem solvers. Highly talented, imaginative, hardworking critical thinkers are not easy to find. Ask employers. Bring the technical know-how and an eye for innovation and you’ll be first in line for your choice of job opportunities.
Learn how to approach a problem from every angle and offer thoughtful solutions.
Enjoy asking questions to arrive at the best possible outcome.
Lay the foundation to become a successful communicator.
Everything from the courses you take to the labs where you’ll explore your next big idea were designed around industry input. Thanks to valuable partnerships with experts in the field, you’ll learn the precise skills, techniques, and details that employers need most. That’s great for them and even better for you.
Wildcats love spreading their wings and flexing their talents outside of the traditional classroom and lab settings. At Penn College, you'll have lots of opportunities to get even more real-world experience through clinicals, internships, community projects, clubs, and competitions.
Here, you’ll train with experts in your field. Dream of becoming a master brewer? You’ll perfect your craft with the help of one. A licensed paramedic? You’ll learn from a professional with 15+ years of experience. There’s no substitute for the insight that comes from real-world know-how.
Emergency Management & Homeland Security
His proven approach blends research and theory with real-world experience.
Graphic Design & Art
The graphic design program at Penn College is challenging. But that's the way Nick likes it.
Biomedical & Prehospital
He believes that new discoveries are born from unbridled curiosity and lifelong learning is the mindset of success
Human Services & Restorative Justice
Compassionate and caring, Sarah leads by example, inspiring tomorrow's agents of change.
Radiography
As the clinical supervisor of the radiography program, Becky is always ready to lend a hand.
Aviation
From the moment he looked under the hood of his first car at age 16, Matt was hooked.
Nursing
She's always looking for inventive and interactive ways to engage students in hands-on learning.
Brewing & Fermentation Science
Tim is an award-winning brewer with a passion for sharing his knowledge with others.
Business, Arts & Sciences
At Penn College, learning goes beyond the labs. In addition to technical training, you’ll explore diverse perspectives through courses like the ones Dr. Miller leads.
Diesel Truck, Heavy Equipment & Power Generation
Not one to sit behind a desk, Chris brings his experience to the lab to inspire others.
Radiography
Engineering Design Technology
He's a licensed engineer and published author, but also a creative catalyst for his students.
Surgical Technology
Working alongside experienced professionals like Elizabeth, surgical technologists in training learn from experts so that they can become the best in their future careers. Meet our clinical director who brings 20+ years of expertise and learn what she loves about the program.
Accounting & Business Administration
Instructor Tammy Rich teaches more than theories. She'll lead you through real-world activities.
Electrical
Kevin shares his real-world experience and time-tested know-how. And he loves every minute.
Landscape/Plant Production
Carl truly loves what he does and enjoys empowering students to chase their dreams.
Forestry
To the Black Hills and back, Eric's bringing real-world experience that can't be beat.
Baking & Culinary
He's highly respected in the industry and adored by his students.
Electronics & Computer Engineering Technology
Ken brings decades of experience and invaluable insight to every course he teaches.
Civil Engineering
David isn't afraid to challenge his students. That's because he's 100% invested in their success.
Accounting & Business Administration
He brings a wide range of industry experience to the classroom. From financial reporting and tax preparation to compliance issues, Bob shares his experiences with the next generation of accounting professionals.
Engineering Design Technology
From creating imaginative forts as a kid to perfecting advanced CAD techniques as an adult, J.D.’s talent for design continues to grow, awe his students, and amaze the world via his YouTube channel.
Automated Manufacturing & Machining
John's passion for creating and drive for innovation spurred his decision to choose a career in machining.
Building Automation Engineering
He's proud to prepare tomorrow makers for one of the most widespread and diverse fields.
Nursing
After experiencing first-hand the compassionate care that nurses provide, Sherry pursued her associate’s in nursing. But that was only the beginning of her fulfilling career.
Polymer Engineering
Sharing his passion for plastics with the next generation of industry leaders.
Collision Repair & Restoration
As a graduate of Penn College, Loren knows the value of a hands-on education. He brings 25+ years of combined industry and teaching experience to the lab along with an impressively long list of certifications.
Information Technology
As someone who has been fascinated with computers for as long as she can recall, Alicia can’t imagine a more thrilling career field.
Dental Hygiene
For someone who thrives in a classroom setting, Sarah wasn’t sure what to expect when she decided to pursue her bachelor’s degree fully online. It took some time to adjust, but she soon found her rhythm and appreciated the flexibility of living out of state and working in her field while earning her degree remotely. Completing her bachelor’s opened the door to opportunities beyond the clinical environment.
Automated Manufacturing & Machining
Meet Howard, instructor of automated manufacturing, machine tool technology, and mechatronics.
Diesel Truck, Heavy Equipment & Power Generation
After nearly 30 years of teaching at Penn College, he still aims to learn something new every day.
Physical Therapist Assistant
Sheryl brings hands-on experience as a working physical therapist assistant and instructor.
Building Construction
His passion? Transforming tomorrow. Whether it’s restoring an historic home to its original beauty or helping his students realize their peak potential, Jack appreciates the growth process. As a builder, instructor, and author, he takes pride in hard work and finds joy in the finished result.
Architecture & Sustainable Design
He's a true tomorrow maker who is determined to change the future for the better.
Physician Assistant
Melissa and her colleagues know that the hard work and hands-on preparation are precisely what students need to prepare for the real world. Meet Melissa and learn what she finds most rewarding about training future physician assistants and how the program at Penn College sets them up for success.
Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
With 25+ years of industry experience, Jason's labs and lessons are real-world relevant.
Welding
Ryan will bring out the best in you. He’ll challenge you to solve complex problems. Inspire you to strive for perfection. And groom you to become the leader that others are proud to follow.
Whether you're studying nursing or IT, each curriculum is carefully crafted with a combination of specialization, foundations, and perspectives courses.
Gain an in-depth understanding and high-level of proficiency. These are usually courses directly related to your area of study.
Example Courses:
Set the stage for success with practical, intellectual, and social skills. These courses are critical to overall success.
Example Courses:
Broaden your point of view and explore creative problem-solving strategies. These are courses designed to increase your understanding of related areas.
Example Courses:
At Penn College, each program is expertly created and purposeful. STEM concepts are ingrained in the way we imagine courses, design labs, and build curriculums. STEM is the future. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates nearly 80,000 new STEM jobs by 2029 and lists the median annual wage for STEM careers as $86,980 compared to $38,160 for all other jobs.
The wide safety net of support you'll enjoy at Penn College is designed to help you thrive academically and personally.
Prospective students are paired with admissions representatives who will guide you through the process.
Students get one-on-one advice, motivation, and support from trained staff in our Hudock Center for Academic Excellence.
Lean on the expertise of an academic advisor to ensure you keep pace with the expectations of your major.
Wildcats have lifetime access to a full-service career hub with everything from resume and interview prep to the alumni mentorship program.
Explore our programs at-a-glance.
Plan using the cost estimator tool.
Have questions about aid and scholarships? We're here to help.
Curious about Penn College or the admissions process? The Admissions team is ready to answer all of your questions.
