Now well into its second century of service to the people of Pennsylvania, Clarion University has successfully been Carrier Seminary, a state normal school, a state teachers college, a state college, and beginning July 1, 1983, a university in the State System of Higher Education. Each phase of this development has marked a stage in the continuing effort of the institution to respond to the educational needs and aspirations of increasing numbers of students.
Today, Clarion University is a high achieving, nationally recognized, comprehensive university with an enrollment of approximately 7,300 students. Those students attend Clarion from 45 states and 31 countries, while attending classes that specialize in more than 90 degree programs.
Baccalaureate programs lead to a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Seven graduate programs lead to the Master of Arts, Master of Business Administration, Master of Education, Master of Science, Master of Science in Library Science and Master of Science in Nursing. Associate degrees in 11 areas and two certificate programs in business are also offered.
Students are enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business Administration, the College of Education and Human Services and the School of Nursing.
The Clarion campus has 100 acres and 44 buildings. The main campus has the charm of its traditional buildings like Founders Hall and the Chapel, while brand new buildings dot the landscape. Situated at the west end of town is a 29-acre complex with football, baseball, softball, practice fields and Memorial Stadium, seating 5,000 spectators. Renovated locker rooms, bleachers and scoreboard have been added recently.
Clarion University’s main campus is located within the Borough of Clarion, some two miles north of Interstate 80 at exits 62 and 64, and is less than two hours driving time from Pittsburgh, Erie, State College and Youngstown. High on the Allegheny Plateau overlooking the Clarion River, the rural setting is in the midst of one of Pennsylvania's most scenic areas.
Brand new facilities have been dedicated since 2009 to support programs at Clarion University including the new Science and Technology Center, the Gregory Barnes Center for Biotechnology Business Development, Eagle Commons Dining Hall and two new Campus Suites for student living. Also recently completed are the Reinhard Village student apartment complexes next to the main campus. The newly renovated Carlson Library; the George R. Lewis Center for Computing Services; updated computer labs; a planetarium; well-equipped support areas for special education and speech pathology and audiology; a modern business building; technologically equipped classrooms; radio and television studios and experimental audio-visual facilities; a conference and book center; a writing center, tutorial services and counselors to assist students with these services, all enrich student learning and development.
The Venango Campus, located in Oil City, Pa., is a 64-acre campus. The newly renovated Rhoades Center, the Charles L. Suhr Library, along with brand new apartment style living in the Bradford, George, Carmack, Barnes Residence Halls provide a quality learning and living atmosphere.
Clarion's rich athletic tradition is second to none in the State System. Clarion's intercollegiate athletic program includes football, basketball, baseball, wrestling, golf, track, cross country, swimming, tennis, soccer, softball and volleyball. National champions have been crowned in wrestling, swimming, basketball, baseball, gymnastics and bowling. An extensive intramural program has been developed.
