1999-2000 Undergraduate Catalog
Indiana, Pennsylvania 15705

The University

History of the University
IUP has witnessed a history rich in accomplishment. Since 1875, when it served only 225 students in a single building, it has experienced continuous growth, becoming Pennsylvania's fifth largest university. The current enrollment is over thirteen thousand, with students from thirty-six states and over fifty-five countries.

The first building, named John Sutton Hall in honor of the first president of the Board of Trustees, was opened for students on May 17, 1875.

In April, 1920, control and ownership of the school passed to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In May, 1927, by authority of the General Assembly, the State Normal School became a college, with the right to grant degrees. The name was then changed to the State Teachers College at Indiana, Pennsylvania. In 1959, the legislature approved a change of name to Indiana State College; in the 1960s there followed a rapid growth in the liberal arts program. In December, 1965, Indiana was redesignated Indiana University of Pennsylvania and given the authority to expand its curriculum and to grant degrees at the master's level. At this time the first doctoral program was initiated.

Current academic offerings include more than a hundred undergraduate majors with a variety of internship and study abroad programs, more than forty master's degree programs, and eight doctoral degrees. Unusual opportunities for research at all levels and the Robert E. Cook Honors College provide special challenges for academic growth. The variety and quality of instruction are characteristic of a big university, yet at IUP, close, one-to-one-relationships develop within the teaching framework, and a strong sense of community prevails.

The following publications have all recognized IUP for its high academic standards and competitive costs: Arco's Dollarwise Guide to American Colleges; Barron's 300: Best Buys in College Education; The Best Buys in College Education by Edward Fiske, education editor of the New York Times; Changing Times; How to Get an Ivy League Education at a State University by Martin Nemko; Money magazine's Money Guide; Two Hundred Most Selective Colleges: The Definitive Guide to America's First-Choice Schools; and U.S. News and World Report.

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This information is maintained by the Office of the Registrar, with approval from the University Senate. Last Modified at 9:35 PM on 7/2/99.