About Pennsylvania State University
Pennsylvania State University, commonly known as Penn State, is a prestigious public research university founded in 1855 as the Farmers' High School of Pennsylvania. It evolved into a land-grant institution under the Morrill Act in 1863, emphasizing agriculture, engineering, and liberal arts. Today, with its main campus in University Park, Centre County, Pennsylvania, United States, Penn State operates 24 campuses statewide and serves over 100,000 students. The university is renowned for its research output, exceeding $1 billion annually, and key achievements include pioneering work in materials science, meteorology, and child development through institutes like the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences. Penn State's mission focuses on teaching, research, and public service, fostering innovation and community impact. Notable alumni include CEOs, astronauts, and Nobel laureates. The university's athletic programs, particularly football, contribute to its vibrant culture. For more details, visit the Pennsylvania State University Website. Explore academic jobs in related locations such as Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in Pennsylvania, and Academic Jobs in Centre County. Pennsylvania State University stands as a hub for higher education jobs, offering professor positions and research jobs that drive academic careers forward.
Penn State's history is marked by expansion, including the establishment of the Commonwealth Campuses in the mid-20th century to broaden access to education. Key departments include the College of Engineering, Smeal College of Business, and the Eberly College of Science, which lead in innovation and rankings. The university's commitment to diversity and inclusion has grown, with initiatives supporting underrepresented groups in academia. Campus locations span from urban settings like Penn State Abington to rural ones like Penn State DuBois, but the flagship University Park campus in Centre County remains the epicenter for research and faculty opportunities. Penn State boasts over 1,000 student organizations and a strong emphasis on sustainability, with projects like the MorningStar Solar Home. For academics interested in Pennsylvania State University academic opportunities, the institution provides a dynamic environment for growth. Discover more about academic careers at Pennsylvania State University through resources on Higher Ed Jobs and rate professors via Rate My Professor.
In recent years, Penn State has invested heavily in interdisciplinary research, such as the Institutes of Energy and the Environment, addressing global challenges like climate change. The university's endowment exceeds $4 billion, supporting scholarships and faculty endowments. Achievements include multiple Fulbright scholars and high rankings in U.S. News & World Report for programs like supply chain management and earth sciences. Mission-driven, Penn State aims to advance knowledge and improve lives, evident in its outreach programs like Cooperative Extension. For job seekers, this translates to robust support for faculty in pursuing grants and collaborations. Explore salaries in Pennsylvania State University academia and lecturer roles through Professor Salaries. Whether you're eyeing professor positions at Pennsylvania State University or research jobs, the university's legacy of excellence makes it a top choice.
Penn State's global reach includes international partnerships and study abroad programs, enhancing its appeal for international faculty. The university's libraries house millions of volumes, supporting scholarly work. Key milestones include the development of the first artificial heart pump and contributions to space science via the Swift Gamma-Ray Burst Mission. With a focus on ethical leadership post-scandals, Penn State has strengthened governance. For those seeking higher education jobs at Pennsylvania State University, the institution offers a blend of tradition and forward-thinking initiatives.
Faculty Job Opportunities at Pennsylvania State University
💼 Faculty job opportunities at Pennsylvania State University are abundant, particularly in high-demand areas like engineering, health sciences, and environmental studies. As a major research institution, Penn State frequently posts professor positions, lecturer roles, and research jobs, with trends showing growth in STEM fields due to initiatives like the Materials Research Institute. For instance, assistant professor roles in the College of Engineering often focus on sustainable technologies, while the College of Medicine seeks experts in biomedical research. Job trends for 2025 indicate increased hiring in data science and artificial intelligence, driven by collaborations with industry leaders. Salaries vary; assistant professors typically earn $80,000-$100,000, associates $100,000-$130,000, and full professors $130,000-$200,000+, higher in fields like business or law. Factors include experience, tenure status, and department funding. Explore these academic careers at Pennsylvania State University through Higher Ed Jobs filtered by Pennsylvania State University. Rate professors in these roles via Rate My Professor to gauge teaching quality.
In the College of Agricultural Sciences, positions like research fellows in plant science are common, reflecting Penn State's land-grant roots. The university's emphasis on interdisciplinary work creates roles in emerging areas like cybersecurity and renewable energy. According to 2025 trends, there's a surge in adjunct professor jobs for flexible teaching, especially in online programs. Faculty in the liberal arts might find opportunities in communications or psychology, with competitive grants available. Pennsylvania State University academic opportunities extend to administrative roles, such as department chairs, offering leadership paths. For those in Pennsylvania, the location provides access to vibrant communities. Salaries in Pennsylvania State University academia are influenced by cost-of-living adjustments and union negotiations. Check Faculty Jobs for current listings. High-intent seekers of best faculty jobs at Pennsylvania State University will find tenure-track positions rewarding, with benefits like sabbaticals.
Research jobs at Pennsylvania State University often involve funded projects, such as those from NSF or NIH, with postdoc positions paying $50,000-$70,000. Lecturer roles in education departments emphasize pedagogy, aligning with trends in teacher training. The university's diversity initiatives prioritize hiring from underrepresented groups, enhancing inclusivity. For career guide Pennsylvania State University, consider networking at events like the Faculty Senate. Integrate keywords like higher education jobs Pennsylvania State University naturally. Visit Higher Ed Jobs for tailored searches and Rate My Professor for insights into colleagues.
Overall, Pennsylvania State University stands out for its scale, with over 7,000 faculty members. Trends show a focus on hybrid roles combining teaching and research. Salary data from 2025 sources like AAUP indicate competitive pay, especially for highest paid professors in Pennsylvania State University in engineering. Explore Research Jobs and Lecturer Jobs.
Assistant Professor in Engineering
Focus on innovative research; salary ~$90,000.
Lecturer in Business
Teaching-focused; salary ~$70,000-$90,000.
Research Fellow in Sciences
Grant-supported; salary ~$60,000.
Associate Professor in Health
Tenure-track; salary ~$110,000.
Why Work at Pennsylvania State University
Working at Pennsylvania State University offers unparalleled research opportunities, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and collaborations. Academic careers here provide job security through tenure, competitive salaries, and benefits like health insurance and retirement plans. Unique perks include tuition discounts for family and professional development funds. The university's location in Centre County offers a balanced lifestyle with cultural events and outdoor activities. Faculty enjoy a supportive community, with emphasis on work-life balance and diversity. Explore why via Higher Ed Career Advice.
Penn State's global reputation attracts top talent, fostering innovative environments. Career prospects include advancement to leadership roles, with strong alumni networks. Benefits extend to sabbaticals and research leaves. For those in academic careers at Pennsylvania State University, the rewarding aspects include impacting thousands of students and contributing to groundbreaking discoveries.
Salary Guide for Faculty at Pennsylvania State University
📊 The salary guide for faculty at Pennsylvania State University reflects its status as a top-tier institution. Based on 2025 data from sources like the AAUP and Chronicle of Higher Education, average salaries are competitive. Assistant professors earn $80,000-$100,000, influenced by department—higher in engineering ($95,000+) versus humanities ($85,000). Associate professors range from $100,000-$130,000, with tenure adding boosts. Full professors can expect $130,000-$200,000+, especially in high-demand fields like medicine or business, where top earners exceed $250,000 with endowments. Factors include experience, publication record, grants, and location adjustments for campuses outside University Park. Union agreements via the Penn State chapter of AAUP ensure fair pay scales. Compared to national averages, Penn State salaries are above median, with benefits adding 30% value. For detailed breakdowns, visit Professor Salaries. Salaries Pennsylvania State University academia also consider cost of living in Centre County, which is moderate.
In STEM departments, salaries trend higher due to external funding; for example, a computer science professor might start at $110,000. Adjuncts earn $3,000-$5,000 per course, while lecturers average $70,000 full-time. 2025 trends show increases due to inflation adjustments and retention efforts. Faculty in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences benefit from industry partnerships, pushing salaries up. Experience matters: entry-level with PhD starts lower, but 10+ years can double pay. Location impacts: main campus offers higher base than satellite ones. Explore faculty salaries Pennsylvania State University through University Salaries. Highest paid professors Pennsylvania State University often hold chaired positions with bonuses.
Benefits like health coverage and pension contributions enhance total compensation. For international faculty, visa support is available. Data from Glassdoor and university reports confirm these ranges. In comparison to Ivy League, Penn State offers value with lower living costs. For career guide, consider negotiating based on these benchmarks.
Overall, salaries at Pennsylvania State University support a high quality of life, with opportunities for supplemental income via consulting. Trends indicate growth in equity-focused pay structures.
| Role | Average Salary | Department Example |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $80,000-$100,000 | Engineering |
| Associate Professor | $100,000-$130,000 | Sciences |
| Full Professor | $130,000-$200,000+ | Business |
| Lecturer | $70,000-$90,000 | Liberal Arts |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Pennsylvania State University
⭐ Discover top educators at Pennsylvania State University using Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com. This platform helps students and academics find highly rated professors, aiding course selection and recognizing teaching excellence. Ratings highlight strengths in programs like engineering and business. Rate professors at Pennsylvania State University to contribute feedback.
Dr. Barbara Shaw - Materials Science
Rating: 4.8/5 - Praised for engaging lectures.
Dr. Jonathan Lynch - Plant Science
Rating: 4.7/5 - Expert in root biology research.
Dr. Susan Trolier-McKinstry - Engineering
Rating: 4.9/5 - Innovative in piezoelectrics.
Dr. Paul Berg - Biochemistry (Emeritus)
Rating: 4.6/5 - Nobel laureate influence.
Dr. Nina Jablonski - Anthropology
Rating: 4.8/5 - Skin color evolution expert.
Career Progression at Pennsylvania State University
Career progression at Pennsylvania State University follows a structured path, starting from assistant professor to full professor with tenure. Research funding is robust, with opportunities through centers like the Penn State Cancer Institute. Professional development includes workshops and mentoring. Salaries increase with rank: assistant $80k+, associate $100k+, full $130k+. Link to Higher Ed Career Advice. University-specific factors include interdisciplinary collaborations and state funding.
Tenure-track emphasizes publications and grants; non-tenure roles focus on teaching. Explore via Professor Jobs.
Research and Innovation at Pennsylvania State University
🔬 Research at Pennsylvania State University thrives in areas like energy, materials, and health, with $1B+ funding. Major centers include the Applied Research Laboratory. Trends for 2025 focus on AI and sustainability. Explore Research Jobs.
Collaborations with NASA and industry drive innovation. Opportunities abound for faculty in cutting-edge projects.
Resources for Pennsylvania State University Academics
- 🎓 Professional development via Faculty Development Center.
- Union support through AAUP chapter.
- Benefits include comprehensive health and retirement plans.
- Grants office for funding assistance.
- Diversity resources via Affirmative Action Office.
Student Life and Perspectives at Pennsylvania State University
Student life at Pennsylvania State University is vibrant, with clubs, sports, and events. Programs in engineering lead to strong career outcomes. Use Rate My Professor for professor selection. Resources include career services and advising.
Perspectives highlight inclusive community and research involvement for undergrads.
