University History
Over 160 Years Strong
Susquehanna: A Legacy of Purpose & Global Perspective
Susquehanna has grown through the dedication of faculty and staff, robust campus development and philanthropic support. Today, it’s a dynamic, diverse institution committed to transformative undergraduate education.
Founded in 1858, Susquehanna University began as a bold initiative by the leaders of Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. They donated land and funds to establish the Missionary Institute of the Evangelical Lutheran Church to prepare ministers for domestic and foreign missions and to provide higher education for local youth pursuing broader vocations.
By 1895, the institution had evolved into a comprehensive university focused on the arts, humanities and sciences. In 1903, students selected the distinctive school colors of orange and maroon — one of only a handful of universities with that bold pairing. In the early 20th century, Susquehanna ended the missionary institute and focused on offering a growing range of bachelor’s degrees.
The 1960s marked a turning point. Inspired by student activism and shifting cultural values, Susquehanna began to emphasize intellectual curiosity, personal growth and service. This adaptability has remained a hallmark of the university.
On a global scale, the Sigmund Weis School of Business, established in the early 1980s, prepares students to lead in the international marketplace. It holds prestigious AACSB accreditation, a distinction earned by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide. The school pioneered the nation’s only undergraduate degree in luxury brand marketing & management and was the first business school in the world to guarantee international internships for all business students.
Susquehanna’s award-winning Global Opportunities (GO) program, launched in 2009, deepens every student’s cultural competence and global perspective. All students participate in a cross-cultural experience — whether through semester-long study abroad, faculty-led trips or self-designed immersions. GO builds skills in adaptability, empathy and intercultural communication, preparing graduates to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
Building on its long tradition of excellence in the arts, Susquehanna established the School of the Arts in the early 2020s. This integrated hub brings together art and design, creative writing, music and theatre, offering Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Music degrees. Students work closely with faculty mentors to create, perform and showcase their work across campus and beyond.
The university’s location near the Susquehanna River — one of the oldest in the world — makes it an ideal setting for environmental science and sustainability studies. A unique partnership with the Chesapeake Conservancy gives students unmatched access to field research, advocacy and conservation initiatives in the Susquehanna watershed, which is the principal feeder of the Chesapeake Bay.
From its humble beginnings to its place as a nationally recognized institution, Susquehanna University has always looked ahead. Rooted in tradition and powered by innovation, it empowers students to discover their passions, expand their worldviews and make a lasting impact — wherever their journeys take them.
Rooted in Excellence
Future-Ready Education
Susquehanna University is a thriving private, residential liberal arts college, primarily dedicated to undergraduate education. With an array of 100+ majors and programs, the university fosters a rich academic environment.
Susquehanna comprises four schools with emphases in the Arts, Business, Humanities, and Natural & Social Sciences — and offers unique opportunities like dual-degree programs, such as engineering, pharmacy and ability to earn an MBA. The university is recognized for its commitment to cross-cultural learning through the GO Program and has consistently ranked among the nation’s top liberal arts colleges for academic excellence, the lifelong earning potential of graduates and the social mobility of its students.
Land Acknowledgement
Susquehanna honors the Susquehannock tribe, from which the university’s name is derived. Sas-k-we-an-og translates to “those who live in a place where water is heard grating on the shore.” The Susquehannock people are known as the river people because they lived in harmony and balance with the river and land. The campus rests on their unsurrendered territory.
The Susquehannock Tribute Circle, pictured, is a dedicated space on campus.
