Smeal Master's Admitted Preview Days

Get an inside look at what it’s like to be a Smeal master’s student during our exclusive Preview Day, designed just for admitted students. You’ll sit in on a live class, connect with current students and faculty, and see how a Smeal business master’s can accelerate your career. Plus, explore our temporary home in the Hammond Building and get a sneak peek at the state-of-the-art graduate classrooms debuting in the Business Building in Fall 2026.

You're invited to this exclusive experience designed for admitted students where you can join us at Penn State's University Park campus to experience life as a Smeal graduate student. During your visit, you'll sit in on a live class, connect with current students and faculty, and explore how a Smeal master's degree can accelerate your career.

This year, classes are being held in the Hammond Building while we renovate and reimagine our graduate learning spaces in the Business Building. As part of your visit, you’ll get a first-hand look at our temporary home in Hammond and an exclusive sneak peek at the modernized classrooms debuting in Fall 2026 in the Business Building.

Upcoming Preview Days

  • Thursday, November 20, 2025
  • Thursday, December 11, 2025
  • Thursday, January 15, 2026
  • Thursday, February 19, 2026
  • Thursday, March 19, 2026
  • Thursday, April 16, 2026
  • Thursday, May 21, 2026

Sample Agenda*

Attendees are welcome to participate in as many sessions as their schedules allow; full-day attendance is not required.

Arrive, grab a coffee, and get settled in for the day. During check-in, you’ll receive materials to help guide you through the sessions. This is also a great opportunity to meet members of the Admissions team and connect with fellow admitted students before the day begins. We recommend bringing a notebook, laptop, or tablet for note taking!
Hosted by the Admissions team, this session provides an overview of the day’s events, sets our shared goals, and opens the floor for your initial questions.
Learn how Smeal supports you in building a successful career from day one. In this session, you'll hear directly from our career services team about the tools and guidance available to help you. From personalized career coaching, professional development opportunities, employer engagement, and access to career fairs, you'll discover how Smeal equips you to thrive. You'll also get a look at where recent grads are working, what roles they landed, and the trends shaping the job market.
Sit in on a class to experience the energy of a live graduate lecture. You won't just be observing, you'll be immersed in the dynamic discussions, real-world case studies, and collaborative problem-solving that defines our learning environment. See how our graduate students engage with faculty and bring diverse perspectives to the table. Whether you're curious about the pace, the expectations, or the classroom culture, this is your chance to envision yourself as part of the Smeal community.
Enjoy lunch while connecting with faculty, staff, and current one-year master's students. This informal networking opportunity allows you to hear real stories, ask candid questions, and get a feel for the community you'll be joining. These conversations offer valuable insights from those living the graduate experience every day.
Hear from current master’s students representing a range of programs in this engaging panel session. They’ll share why they chose Smeal, what they’ve gained from the experience, and their advice for new students. You’ll also have plenty of time to ask your own questions and join the conversation.
Wrap up your Smeal Master's Preview Day with practical next steps for your transition to graduate school. The Admissions team will highlight recommended pre-arrival learning opportunities, offer tips for starting your career exploration early, and share guidance on relocating to State College, including housing and transportation resources.
End your day with an optional guided tour of the Business Building, home of the Penn State Smeal College of Business. You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at the ongoing renovations and the spaces where you'll soon be learning.
Where innovation meets education: New Smeal graduate classrooms coming Fall 2026.
A three dimensional rendering of a new classroom in the Smeal Business Building. It includes blue wheeled chairs with white desks in front of them. There are chalk boards to both sides of the room, two screens descending from the ceiling that utilize projectors, and a monitor in each of the front corners.

* Agenda subject to change.

RSVP

Keep an eye on your inbox! Admitted students will receive a direct invitation to their inbox from the Admissions team with registration details.

If you have not yet been admitted but are interested in attending, please contact admissions at smealmasters@psu.edu for more information.