OpenFieldCheyney University of Pennsylvania
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania holds the historic distinction of being the first institution of higher education established for African Americans in the United States (founded 1837), operating as a leading public HBCU within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE).
Academic overview & excellence
Cheyney excels in applied biosciences, aquaculture, chemistry, cybersecurity, business administration, and communications. Its flagship Bioscience Science & Technology Hub hosts public-private partnerships conducting cutting-edge commercial biotechnology and urban agricultural research.
Research admissions & criteria
Undergraduate applicants submit high school transcripts with a recommended minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. Cheyney offers test-optional admissions for SAT/ACT. International candidates submit TOEFL (minimum 70) or IELTS (minimum 6.0) scores.
Verified opportunities & funding programs (7)
Cheyney University Keystone Honors Presidential Scholarship
Cheyney's premier merit award granted to high-achieving incoming freshmen enrolling in the Keystone Honors Academy.
Bachelor of Science in Biology with Biotechnology Concentration
Four-year laboratory-intensive bachelor's program integrated with Cheyney's Bioscience Hub, preparing students for biomanufacturing and graduate research.
Cheyney Bioscience & Technology Hub Undergraduate Research Fellowship
Competitive fellowship connecting Cheyney undergraduates with on-campus partner biotechnology enterprises for commercial lab research.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science & Cybersecurity
Comprehensive undergraduate degree covering network defense, cryptology, systems programming in Python/Java, and database architectures.
National Park Service & Environmental Aquaculture Internship
Summer research internship operating Cheyney's recirculating aquaculture facility and conducting urban river water quality testing.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration & Marketing
Undergraduate curriculum in corporate management, consumer analytics, accounting, and entrepreneurial venture creation.
Pre-Law & Criminal Justice Social Equity Certificate
Interdisciplinary certificate preparing students for LSAT examinations and careers in civil rights litigation, restorative justice, and policy analysis.
Distinguished faculty & researchers (3)
Dr. Steven Hughes
Professor of Aquaculture & Director of Aquaculture Research Education Center · Department of Natural and Applied Sciences
Dr. Steven Hughes is Professor of Aquaculture & Director of Aquaculture Research Education Center in the Department of Natural and Applied Sciences at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, conducting advanced research in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems, Aquaponics Sustainability, Fish Nutrition & Physiology.
Dr. Admasu Wasihun
Associate Professor of Computer Science & Mathematics · Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
Dr. Admasu Wasihun is Associate Professor of Computer Science & Mathematics in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, conducting advanced research in Cybersecurity Protocols, Network Intrusion Detection, Applied Data Mining.
Dr. Hazel L. Spears
Professor of Psychology & Chair of Social and Behavioral Sciences · Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Dr. Hazel L. Spears is Professor of Psychology & Chair of Social and Behavioral Sciences in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, conducting advanced research in Social Psychology, HBCU Higher Education Retention, Cognitive Behavioral Intervention.
Editorial & verification standards
Institution profile and program records reflect official documentation verified on 2026-10-15. OpenField is an independent student academic resource and is not formally affiliated with Cheyney University of Pennsylvania.