Arcadia University
Arcadia University is a private university in Glenside, Pennsylvania, founded in 1853 as Beaver Female Seminary and maintaining strong programs in education, health sciences, and global studies. Located on a 76-acre campus approximately nine miles north of Center City Philadelphia, Arcadia serves approximately 3,500 undergraduate and graduate students. The university's emphasis on international education—with the first study abroad program in the nation and ongoing global programming—distinguishes it from regional peers while programs in physical therapy, physician assistant, and education serve regional workforce needs.[1]
History
[edit | edit source]Beaver Female Seminary opened in 1853 as one of numerous nineteenth-century institutions providing education for women when such opportunities remained limited. The institution evolved through name changes—Beaver College from 1925 to 2001—before adopting the Arcadia University name to reflect contemporary identity and aspirations. Growth from women's seminary through women's college to coeducational university traced patterns common among similar institutions responding to changing demographics and educational expectations.[1]
The name change from Beaver College addressed concerns that the former name created marketing challenges in the internet age, with the word's alternative meanings generating inappropriate search results. The transition to Arcadia University also marked institutional aspirations to university status and stronger identity beyond regional recognition. This rebranding, while controversial among some alumni, enabled growth and visibility that has strengthened the institution.[1]
Academic Programs
[edit | edit source]Arcadia offers over 80 undergraduate majors and numerous graduate programs across colleges of arts and sciences, health sciences, and global studies. Graduate programs in physical therapy (DPT), physician assistant studies, education, and forensic science serve professional workforce needs. The College of Global Studies administers study abroad programs that send thousands of students worldwide annually, building on traditions dating to the first American study abroad program in 1948.[1]
The university's emphasis on global education reflects founding vision of faculty member Louis Lange, whose 1948 program pioneered sending American students abroad for academic credit. This tradition continues through programs serving Arcadia students and those from other institutions who participate in Arcadia programs. The global emphasis shapes campus culture and creates opportunities for international engagement that distinguish Arcadia from institutions focused primarily on local or regional education.[1]
Campus
[edit | edit source]Arcadia's 76-acre campus in Glenside includes Grey Towers Castle, a National Historic Landmark mansion that serves as administration building and campus centerpiece. The castle, built in the 1890s for sugar magnate William Welsh Harrison, provides distinctive architectural identity while newer academic, residential, and athletic facilities serve contemporary educational needs. The campus's suburban setting provides green space and traditional collegiate environment.[1]
The campus's location, accessible via SEPTA Regional Rail to Center City, connects students to Philadelphia's resources while maintaining suburban character. Glenside's commercial district provides local amenities within walking distance. This combination of suburban campus with urban accessibility attracts students seeking traditional collegiate experience with city access.[1]