Smeal Direct

General information related to the new Smeal Direct initiative starting in 2026.

 A new academic structure is being implemented for students starting in summer 2026 and beyond. Those admitted to Smeal upon acceptance into the University will enjoy guaranteed placement into a Smeal major, assuming appropriate academic progress. 

Penn State students starting in a non-Smeal academic program and who become interested in a Smeal major after completing initial course work will now be eligible to apply to change into Smeal through Smeal’s Second-Year Entry process. 

Most notably of the changes, students will now need to be in Smeal in order to pursue a Smeal major. 

Because of this, prospective students that are truly interested in a degree from Smeal are strongly encouraged to apply for Smeal when applying to Penn State. Starting in Smeal is the only way to guarantee earning a Smeal degree. 

APPLICATION AND ADMISSION TO PENN STATE 

The application process and admissions structure remain unchanged within this new structure. All applications to Penn State are handled through the Undergraduate Admissions Office. For more information, please visit admissions.psu.edu or contact admissions@psu.edu. 

Students applying for a Smeal degree should select one of the ten Smeal majors on the application - Accounting, Actuarial Science, Corporate Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Finance, Management, Business Analytics & Information Systems, Marketing, Real Estate, Risk Management, Supply Chain & Information Systems. 

All students accepted into Smeal will begin their academic career as a Business Administration Pre-Major (BA_PMAJ), despite applying for an intended major on the application.

SMEAL SECOND-YEAR ENTRY 

Students admitted to Penn State through another academic college, that become interested in a Smeal degree after initial coursework, will have equal opportunity to apply through Smeal’s Second-Year application process. 

Those applying to Smeal through the Smeal Second-Year Entry process must do so in the Spring of their first year. 

2+2 PROCESS

Starting at one of Penn State's 12 Commonwealth Campuses is a great option and possibility for many students beginning in Smeal. The 2+2 plan gives students flexibility to start their studies at one campus before transitioning to University Park. This option ensures you can begin where it’s most convenient for you and finish at a campus that fits your academic goals. Those starting at a Penn State campus would still be Smeal pre-major students and have access to the required coursework.

https://www.psu.edu/resources/first-year-students/2plus2plan  

WHAT IS CHANGING?  

  • Students interested in studying business within Smeal are encouraged to apply via Smeal upon application to the University, even if they are still undecided about their specific business major. The Division of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) is no longer a guaranteed pathway for entry into Smeal. 

  • All students admitted to Smeal are guaranteed a Smeal major if they maintain appropriate academic progress.  

  • Students looking to move from DUS to Smeal, like those from all other colleges and campuses, must apply through the highly competitive Smeal Second-Year Entry process. 

  • Smeal Second-Year Entry is a competitive application process for students from other Penn State colleges and campuses. First-choice majors are not guaranteed and criteria for evaluation will include academic performance and other considerations.  

WHAT IS NOT CHANGING? 

  • All students accepted into Smeal (either at University Park or a Commonwealth Campus) will begin their academic career as a Business Administration Pre-Major (BA_PMAJ).  

  • Students admitted via Smeal Direct who meet GPA and coursework requirements for their first-choice major are guaranteed their first-choice major. 

  • Students select their major in the spring semester of their second year, with plenty of opportunities for major exploration prior to deciding. 

  • Students in Smeal pre-major status will be assigned an academic adviser to assist with course and degree planning.  

  • Students at University Park and Commonwealth Campuses will have access to student support services including academic advising, tutoring, career services, access to clubs and organizations, and more.  

 

Please consider attending a Smeal Prospect Student Information Session virtually or in-person (https://www.psu.edu/admission/undergraduate/explore/visit/colleges)  or an Admitted Student Event (https://www.psu.edu/resources/admitted-students).  

 

 

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