At which campus can I study this program?
Program Description
This degree is a broad based technical and theoretical degree that will prepare students to implement and use information technology to realize a variety of goals within and between all types of organizations and businesses (e.g., reliability, accessibility, efficiency, cost reduction, and revenue enhancement). The emphasis is on providing the student with the theoretical frameworks needed to use information technology to solve problems while also providing a set of applied, real-world experiences. Students will acquire a broad set of skills across many areas of information technology, including programming and systems development, networking, databases, project management, and information security. Students will consider how the implementation of information technology in organizations affects social change and the delivery of information to the consumer. Upper-level course selections allow for specific advanced options including but not limited to application development, networking, cybersecurity, and business. Project-oriented, team-based projects that include significant writing and presentation components will be integrated throughout the curriculum.
Application Development Option
Available at the following campuses: Abington, Altoona, Beaver, Berks, Brandywine, Lehigh Valley, Schuylkill, Scranton, York
This option prepares students for the design and development of complex object-oriented programming and technical skills to succeed in a fast-paced development and operations environment.
Business Applications Option
Available at the following campuses: Abington, Altoona, Beaver, Berks, Brandywine, DuBois, Greater Allegheny, Hazleton, Lehigh Valley, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Schuylkill, Scranton, Shenango, York
This option prepares students to pursue careers in Information technology solving business organizational problems with an emphasis on the systems processes and business operations integration.
Cybersecurity Option
Available at the following campuses: Altoona, Beaver, Berks, Brandywine, Lehigh Valley, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Schuylkill, Scranton, Shenango, York
This option will provide students with the knowledge and cyber defense skills needed to critically assess and respond to modern information security threats. They will be prepared to protect information infrastructure and data from attacks and unauthorized access.
Networking Option
Available at the following campuses: Abington, DuBois, Mont Alto, Shenango
This option prepares students to pursue careers in the design, development, and support of complex networks and networking infrastructure.
Security and Risk Analysis Option
Available at the following campuses: Altoona, Berks, Brandywine, Lehigh Valley, Schuylkill
This option prepares students to address the current and emerging security and risk challenges that face individuals, organizations and our nation, over a variety of domains including national/homeland security, emergency and disaster management, law and crime, and enterprise risk management.
Specialized Technology Option
Available at the following campuses: Altoona, Berks, Brandywine, Greater Allegheny, Hazleton, Lehigh Valley, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Schuylkill, Scranton, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre, York
This option provides the opportunity for students to pursue an approved information technology interdisciplinary or exploratory program of study.
What is Information Technology?
Information Technology offers both broad organizational problem-solving skills and in-depth knowledge in current in-demand technical skills. Using technology to leverage organizational resources and address organizational challenges are at the forefront of the B.S. degree in Information Technology. The program includes required and optional courses in cybersecurity, databases, computer programming, project management, security and risk analysis, networking, web design and development, application development, and systems analysis. This broad base of skills is ideally suited for entry-level positions in all the above content areas.
You Might Like This Program If...
- You enjoy technology and working with others to build solutions.
- You want to create high-tech solutions to organizational and societal challenges.
- You are interested in application development and programming.
- You are interested in improving computer systems and enhancing their safety for individuals and corporations.
- You want to leverage current and emerging technologies to improve business processes.
Entrance to Major
To be eligible for entrance to the B.S. in Information Technology major, students must:
Degree Requirements
For the Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology, a minimum of 120 credits is required:
Requirement | Credits |
---|---|
General Education | 45 |
Electives | 3-9 |
Requirements for the Major | 87-93 |
19-21 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major. This includes: 4-6 credits of GQ courses; 6 credits of GS courses; 9 credits of GWS courses.
Requirements for the Major
To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn a grade of C or better in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 82-44.
Common Requirements for the Major (All Options)
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Prescribed Courses | ||
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
ETI 461 | Database Management and Administration | 3 |
IST 210 | Organization of Data | 3 |
IST 220 | Networking and Telecommunications | 3 |
IST 230 | Language, Logic, and Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
IST 256 | Programming for the Web | 3 |
IST 260W | Introduction to Systems Analysis and Design | 3 |
IST 302 | IT Project Management | 3 |
IST 331 | Foundations of Human-Centered Design | 3 |
IST 440W | Information Sciences and Technology Integration and Problem Solving | 3 |
SRA 111 | Introduction to Security and Risk Analysis | 3 |
SRA 221 | Overview of Information Security | 3 |
Additional Courses | ||
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
ENGL 15 | Rhetoric and Composition | 3 |
or ENGL 30H | Honors Rhetoric and Composition | |
ENGL 202C | Effective Writing: Technical Writing | 3 |
or ENGL 202D | Effective Writing: Business Writing | |
ITECH 495 | Internship 1 | 1 |
or IST 495 | Internship | |
MATH 110 | Techniques of Calculus I | 4 |
or MATH 140 | Calculus With Analytic Geometry I | |
Select one of the following. Students planning to complete the Business Applications option are advised to select ECON 102. | 3 | |
Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy | ||
Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy | ||
American Politics: Principles, Processes and Powers | ||
International Relations | ||
Introductory Psychology | ||
Social Problems | ||
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
Effective Speech | ||
Effective Speech | ||
Effective Speech | ||
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
Introduction to Programming Techniques | ||
Programming and Computation I: Fundamentals | ||
Introduction to Application Development | ||
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
Computer Systems Literacy | ||
Computer Systems Literacy | ||
Information, People and Technology | ||
Select one of the following: | 4 | |
Introduction to Data Sciences | ||
Introduction to Statistics for Business | ||
Elementary Statistics | ||
Select one of the following: 2 | 3-6 | |
Financial and Managerial Accounting for Decision Making | ||
Introduction to Financial Accounting and Introduction to Managerial Accounting | ||
Introduction to Business | ||
Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy 3 | ||
Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy 3 | ||
Basic Management Concepts | ||
Principles of Marketing 3 | ||
Select one of the following: 2 | 3 | |
Cyber-Defense Studio | ||
Networking Essentials | ||
Network Security | ||
Computer and Cyber Forensics | ||
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
Intermediate Programming | ||
Programming and Computation II: Data Structures | ||
Intermediate & Object-Oriented Application Development | ||
Requirements for the Option | ||
Select an option | 18-21 |
- 1
ITECH 495 allows students to take the internship in two parts for students who can't obtain the enough hours in one semester to complete the 1 credit hour requirement because of course loads or employer limitations.
- 2
These courses may not double count with other additional or option requirements.
- 3
Course does not require a grade of C or better.
Requirements for the Option
Application Development Option (18 credits)
Available at the following campuses: Abington, Altoona, Beaver, Berks, Brandywine, Lehigh Valley, Schuylkill, Scranton, York
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Additional Courses | ||
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
Select 12 credits, with at least 3 credits at the 400 level, from the following: | 12 | |
Blockchain and Modern Web Development | ||
Advanced Programming in C++ | ||
Development and Documentation of Enterprise Web | ||
Application Development Design Studio I | ||
Object-Oriented Design and Software Applications | ||
or CMPSC 221 | Object Oriented Programming with Web-Based Applications | |
Application Development Design Studio II | ||
Distributed-Object Computing | ||
The Engineering of Complex Software Systems | ||
Usability Engineering | ||
Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better | ||
Select 6 credits at the 300 or 400 level in Advanced IT courses from College approved list. | 6 |
Business Applications Option (19-21 credits)
Available at the following campuses: Abington, Altoona, Beaver, Berks, Brandywine, DuBois, Greater Allegheny, Hazleton, Lehigh Valley, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Schuylkill, Scranton, Shenango, York
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Additional Courses | ||
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better 1 | ||
ACCTG 211 | Financial and Managerial Accounting for Decision Making | 4-6 |
or ACCTG 201 & ACCTG 202 | Introduction to Financial Accounting and Introduction to Managerial Accounting | |
Select one from the following: | 3 | |
Corporation Finance | ||
Basic Management Concepts | ||
Principles of Marketing | ||
Supply Chain Management | ||
Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better | ||
Select 6 credits from ACCTG, BA, BLAW, EBF, ECON, ENTR, FIN, FINSV, HPA, IB, LER, MIS, MGMT, MKTG, RM, SCM, or STAT, including 3 credits at the 400-level. | 6 | |
Select 3 credits at the 300 or 400 level in Advanced IT Business courses from College-approved list. | 3 | |
Select 3 credits at the 300 or 400 level in Advanced IT courses from College-approved list. | 3 |
- 1
These courses will not double count with major requirements
Cybersecurity Option (18 credits)
Available at the following campuses: Altoona, Beaver, Berks, Brandywine, Lehigh Valley, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Schuylkill, Scranton, Shenango, York
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Additional Courses | ||
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
Select 12 credits, with at least 3 credits at the 400 level, from the following: | 12 | |
Cyber-Defense Studio | ||
Network Security | ||
Computer and Cyber Forensics | ||
Information Security Management | ||
Integration of Privacy and Security | ||
Any 300 or 400 Level CYBER Course | ||
Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better | ||
Select 6 credits at the 300 or 400 level in Advanced IT courses from College-approved list. | 6 |
Networking Option (18 credits)
Available at the following campuses: Abington, DuBois, Mont Alto, Shenango
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Additional Courses | ||
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
Select 12 credits, with at least 3 credits at the 400 level, from the following: | 12 | |
Cyber-Defense Studio | ||
PC Hardware Basics | ||
Networking Essentials | ||
Network Administration | ||
Advanced Network Administration | ||
Network Security | ||
Computer and Cyber Forensics | ||
Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better | ||
Select 6 credits at the 300 or 400 level in Advanced IT courses from College-approved list. | 6 |
Security and Risk Analysis Option (18 credits)
Available at the following campuses: Altoona, Berks, Brandywine, Lehigh Valley, Schuylkill
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Additional Courses | ||
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
Select 12 credits, with at least 3 credits at the 400 level, from the following: | 12 | |
Legal and Regulatory Environment of Information Science and Technology | ||
Legal and Regulatory Environment of Privacy and Security | ||
Information Security Management | ||
Threat of Terrorism and Crime | ||
Decision Theory and Analysis | ||
Risk Analysis in a Security Context | ||
Statistics for Security and Risk Analysis | ||
Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better | ||
Select 6 credits at the 300 or 400 level in Advanced IT courses from College-approved list. | 6 |
Specialized Technology Option (18 credits)
Available at the following campuses: Altoona, Berks, Brandywine, Greater Allegheny, Hazleton, Lehigh Valley, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Schuylkill, Scranton, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre, York
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better | ||
Select 12 credits, with at least 3 credits at the 400 level, in consultation with an adviser that follow a coherent theme in information technology. | 12 | |
Select 6 credits at the 300 or 400 level in Advanced IT courses from College-approved list. | 6 |
General Education
Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.
The keystone symbol appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.
Foundations (grade of C or better is required and Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)
- Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
- Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits
Breadth in the Knowledge Domains (Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)
- Arts (GA): 3 credits
- Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
- Humanities (GH): 3 credits
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
- Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits
Integrative Studies
- Inter-Domain Courses (Inter-Domain): 6 credits
Exploration
- GN, may be completed with Inter-Domain courses: 3 credits
- GA, GH, GN, GS, Inter-Domain courses. This may include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the 12th credit level or the requirements for the student’s degree program, whichever is higher: 6 credits
University Degree Requirements
First Year Engagement
All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.
Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.
First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.
Cultures Requirement
6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements
- United States Cultures: 3 credits
- International Cultures: 3 credits
Writing Across the Curriculum
3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.
Total Minimum Credits
A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.
Quality of Work
Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.
Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition
The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.
Academic Advising
The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.
Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.
READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY
Abington
June Lane
IT Program Chair, Lecturer
1600 Woodland Road
Abington, PA 19001
215-881-7509
jul62@psu.edu
Altoona
David Barnes
Teaching Professor, Information Sciences and Technology
Penn Building, 212C
Altoona, PA 16601
814-949-5275
drb21@psu.edu
Beaver
Richard Lomotey
Assistant Professor, Information Sciences and Technology
100 University Dr.
Monaca, PA 15061
724-773-3814
rkl5137@psu.edu
Berks
Tricia Clark
Assistant Teaching Professor and Program Chair
Gaige 211
Reading, PA 19610
610-396-6349
BKInfoTech@psu.edu
Brandywine
Nannette D'Imperio
Lecturer in Computer Science
25 Yearsley Mill Road
Media, PA 19063
610-892-1343
nxd13@psu.edu
DuBois
Jason Long
Assistant Teaching Professor
1 College Place
DuBois, PA 16823
814-372-3000
jel115@psu.edu
Greater Allegheny
Lawrence M. Dupak
Program Coordinator of Information Technology and Lecturer of Information Sciences and Technology
Frable Building, 201D
4000 University Drive
McKeesport, PA 15132
412-675-9482
lmd347@psu.edu
Hazleton
Barbara Brazon
Assistant Teaching Professor of Information Sciences and Technology
Kostos 117
Hazleton, PA 18202
570-450-3089
bxb30@psu.edu
Lehigh Valley
Kermit Burley
Coordinator of Information Technology
2809 Saucon Valley Road
Center Valley, PA 18034
610-285-5071
kmb6846@psu.edu
Mont Alto
Elizabeth Denlea
Lecturer and Program Coordinator of IT
006 Bookstore
1 Campus Drive
Mont Alto, PA 17237
717-749-6048
ebd5343@psu.edu
New Kensington
Hal Smith
Associate Professor, Information Sciences and Technology
036 Theater & IST Building
3550 Seventh Street Road
New Kensington, PA 15068
724-334-6089
hhs10@psu.edu
Schuylkill
Brian Gardner
Lecturer, Information Sciences and Technology
200 University Dr
Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972
570-385-6076
bkg113@psu.edu
Scranton
Debra Smarkusky
Associate Professor and Program Co-Coordinator, IST
114B Dawson
120 Ridge View Drive
Dunmore, PA 18512
570-963-2593
dls102@psu.edu
Wilkes-Barre
Wei-Fan Chen
Associate Professor and Program Coordinator, IST
44 University Drive
Dallas, PA 18612
570-675-9142
weifan@psu.edu
York
Bill Cantor
Assistant Teaching Professor in Information Sciences and Technology
1031 Edgecomb Ave.
York, PA 17403
717-771-4143
wpc2@psu.edu
Suggested Academic Plan
The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2024-25 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition.
Advanced IT Selection – All Options
As noted in each Suggested Academic Plan below, all options of the Information Technology, B.S. major require students to select 300 or 400 level Advanced IT courses from a College-approved list. Students in the Business Application option must select 3 credits of these Advanced IT courses. Students in all other options must select 6 credits of these Advanced IT courses. The list of Advanced IT courses that all students may choose from includes the following:
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
IST 402 | Emerging Issues and Technologies | 3 |
IST 413 | Usability Engineering | 3 |
IST 425 | New Venture Creation | 3 |
IST 431 | The Information Environment | 3 |
IST 446 | An Introduction to Building Computer/Video Games | 3 |
IST 454 | Computer and Cyber Forensics | 3 |
IST 456 | Information Security Management | 3 |
MIS 390 | Foundations of Information Systems | 3 |
MIS 404 | Introduction to ERP and Business Processes | 3 |
IST 301 | Information and Organizations | 3 |
IST 420 | Fundamentals of Systems and Enterprise Integration | 3 |
IST 421 | Advanced Enterprise Integration: Technologies and Applications | 3 |
IST 432 | Legal and Regulatory Environment of Information Science and Technology | 3 |
IST 452 | Legal and Regulatory Environment of Privacy and Security | 3 |
Application Development Option: Information Technology, B.S. at Abington Campus
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
First Year | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
ENGL 15 or 30H (GWS)‡ | 3 | CAS 100 (GWS)‡ | 3 | ||
IST 110 or CYBER 100*# | 3 | MATH 110 or 140 (GQ)‡ | 4 | ||
IST 140*# or CMPSC 121 (GQ) #‡ or CMPSC 131*# | 3 | IST 220*# | 3 | ||
SRA 111 (GS)*† | 3 | General Education Course (GN or GA or GH) | 3 | ||
IST 111S (First-Year Seminar) | 1 | IST 242* | 3 | ||
General Education Course (GN or GA or GH) or Elective | 3 | ||||
16 | 16 | ||||
Second Year | |||||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
STAT 200‡ (GQ) or SCM 200‡ (GQ) or DS 200* | 4 | Business Selection* | 3 | IST 495* | 1 |
IST 256* | 3 | ENGL 202C or 202D (GWS)‡ | 3 | ||
ECON 102/ECON 104 or PSYCH 100/SOC 5 or PLSC 1/PLSC 14 (GS)† | 3 | General Education Course (GN or GA or GH) | 3 | ||
Elective or General Education Course (GN/GA/GH) | 3 | IST 210*# | 3 | ||
SRA 221* | 3 | IST 230* | 3 | ||
IST 390 | 1 | ||||
16 | 16 | 1 | |||
Third Year | |||||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
IST 302* | 3 | IST 260W* | 3 | IST 495* | 1 |
IST 331* | 3 | IST 311 (Option 2)* | 3 | ||
IST 261 or 361 (Option 1)* | 3 | Networking Selection* | 3 | ||
General Education Course (GN or GA or GH) | 3 | IST 402 (Advanced IT Selection 1)* | 3 | ||
General Education Course (GN or GA or GH) | 3 | General Education Course (GN or GA or GH) | 3 | ||
IST 390 | 1 | ||||
15 | 16 | 1 | |||
Fourth Year | |||||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
ETI 461* | 3 | IST 440W* | 3 | ||
IST 411 (Option 3)* | 3 | IST 412 or 413 (Option 4)* | 3 | ||
General Education Course (GHW) | 3 | IST 446 or MIS 404 (Advanced IT Selection 2)* | 3 | ||
Elective | 3 | General Education Course (GN or GA or GH) | 3 | ||
Elective | 2 | ||||
IST 390 | 1 | ||||
12 | 15 | ||||
Total Credits 124 |
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
Advising Notes:
- Advanced IT Courses (All Options) Course List:
- Business Selection Courses (cannot double count with other Additional or Option requirements):
- Networking Selection Courses (cannot double count with other Additional or Option requirements):
Application Development Courses: (Total 18 Credits)
- Select 12 credits, with at least 3 credits at the 400 level from:
- Select 6 credits, Supporting Courses from:
Business Applications Option: Information Technology, B.S. at Abington Campus
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
First Year | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
ENGL 15 or 30H (GWS)‡ | 3 | CAS 100 (GWS)‡ | 3 | ||
IST 110 or CYBER 100*# | 3 | MATH 110 or 140 (GQ)‡ | 4 | ||
IST 140*# or CMPSC 121 (GQ) #‡ or CMPSC 131*# | 3 | IST 220*# | 3 | ||
SRA 111 (GS)*† | 3 | General Education Course (GN or GA or GH) | 3 | ||
IST 111S (First-Year Seminar) | 1 | IST 242* | 3 | ||
General Education Course (GN or GA or GH) or Elective | 3 | ||||
16 | 16 | ||||
Second Year | |||||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
IST 256* | 3 | Business Selection* | 3 | IST 495* | 1 |
STAT 200‡ (GQ) or SCM 200‡ (GQ) or DS 200* | 4 | ENGL 202C or 202D (GWS)‡ | 3 | ||
ECON 102/ECON 104 or PSYCH 100/SOC 5 or PLSC 1/PLSC 14 (GS)† | 3 | General Education Course (GN or GA or GH) | 3 | ||
Elective or General Education Course (GN/GA/GH) | 3 | IST 210*# | 3 | ||
SRA 221* | 3 | IST 230* | 3 | ||
IST 390 | 1 | ||||
16 | 16 | 1 | |||
Third Year | |||||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
IST 302* | 3 | IST 260W* | 3 | IST 495* | 1 |
IST 331* | 3 | FIN 301, MGMT 301, MKTG 301, or SCM 301 (Option 2)* | 3 | ||
ACCTG 211 (Option 1)* | 4 | Advanced IT Selection - Business Option* | 3 | ||
General Education Course (GN or GA or GH) | 3 | Networking Selection* | 3 | ||
General Education Course (GN or GA or GH) | 3 | General Education Course (GN or GA or GH) | 3 | ||
IST 390 | 1 | ||||
16 | 16 | 1 | |||
Fourth Year | |||||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
ETI 461* | 3 | IST 440W* | 3 | ||
Option 3 (Business Course)* | 3 | 400-Level Business Course (Option 4)* | 3 | ||
General Education Course (GHW) | 3 | IST 446 or MIS 404 (Advanced IT Selection)* | 3 | ||
Elective | 3 | General Education Course (GN or GA or GH) | 3 | ||
Elective | 1 | ||||
IST 390 | 1 | ||||
12 | 14 | ||||
Total Credits 124 |
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
Advising Notes:
- Advanced IT Courses (All Options) Course List:
- Business Selection Courses (cannot double count with other Additional or Option requirements):
- Networking Selection Courses (cannot double count with other Additional or Option requirements):
Business Application Courses: (Total 19 Credits)
- ACCTG 211
- Select 3 Credits from: FIN 301,MGMT 301,MKTG 301,SCM 301
- Select 6 credits, with at least 3 credits at the 400 level from: ACCTG, BA, BLAW, EBF, ECON, ENTR, FIN, FINSV, HPA, IB, LER, MIS, MGMT, MKTG, RM, SCM, or STAT
- Select 3 credits, Supporting Courses - Advanced IT - Business courses from course list:
- Select 3 credits, Supporting Courses- Advanced IT from course list:
Networking Option: Information Technology, B.S. at Abington Campus
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
First Year | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
ENGL 15 or 30H (GWS)‡ | 3 | CAS 100 (GWS)‡ | 3 | ||
IST 110 or CYBER 100*# | 3 | MATH 110 or 140 (GQ)‡ | 4 | ||
IST 140*# or CMPSC 121 (GQ) #‡ or CMPSC 131*# | 3 | IST 220*# | 3 | ||
SRA 111 (GS)*† | 3 | General Education Course (GN or GA or GH) | 3 | ||
IST 111S (First-Year Seminar) | 1 | IST 242* | 3 | ||
General Education Course (GN or GA or GH) or Elective | 3 | ||||
16 | 16 | ||||
Second Year | |||||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
IST 256* | 3 | IST 226 or CYBER 262 (Networking Selection)* | 3 | IST 495* | 1 |
STAT 200‡ (GQ) or SCM 200‡ (GQ) or DS 200* | 4 | ENGL 202C or 202D (GWS)‡ | 3 | ||
ECON 102/ECON 104 or PSYCH 100/SOC 5 or PLSC 1/PLSC 14 (GS)† | 3 | General Education Course (GN or GA or GH) | 3 | ||
Elective or General Education Course (GN/GA/GH) | 3 | IST 210*# | 3 | ||
SRA 221* | 3 | IST 230* | 3 | ||
IST 390 | 1 | ||||
16 | 16 | 1 | |||
Third Year | |||||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
IST 302* | 3 | IST 260W* | 3 | IST 495* | 1 |
IST 331* | 3 | IST 228 (Option 2)* | 3 | ||
IST 227 (Option 1)* | 3 | Business Selection* | 3 | ||
General Education Course (GN or GA or GH) | 3 | IST 402 (Advanced IT Selection 1)* | 3 | ||
General Education Course (GN or GA or GH) | 3 | General Education Course (GN or GA or GH) | 3 | ||
IST 390 | 1 | ||||
15 | 16 | 1 | |||
Fourth Year | |||||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
ETI 461* | 3 | IST 440W* | 3 | ||
IST 451 (Option 3)* | 3 | IST 454 (Option 4)* | 3 | ||
General Education Course (GHW) | 3 | IST 446 or MIS 404 (Advanced IT Selection 2)* | 3 | ||
Elective | 3 | General Education Course (GN or GA or GH) | 3 | ||
Elective | 2 | ||||
IST 390 | 1 | ||||
12 | 15 | ||||
Total Credits 124 |
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
Advising Notes:
- Advanced IT Courses (All Options) Course List:
- Business Selection Courses (cannot double count with other Additional or Option requirements):
- Networking Selection Courses (cannot double count with other Additional or Option requirements):
Networking Option Courses: (Total 18 Credits)
- Select 12 credits, with at least 3 credits at the 400 level from:
- Select 6 credits, Supporting Courses- Advanced IT from course list:
Career Paths
With a B.S. degree in Information Technology (IT), students will develop an understanding of core information technologies and prepare for the practical application of IT. The combination of a strong technical foundation, well-developed communication and collaborative skills, business core competencies, and specialization in an area of choice produces graduates who are well-qualified to enter the IT workforce in a position that meets their interests and abilities as well as the needs of employers in industries including consulting, business, government, defense, entertainment, and medicine.
Additional information about IT careers can be found at:
- Computer and Information Technology Occupations: Occupational Outlook Handbook:: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)
- IS Job Index – AIS – Temple University Information Systems Job Index
Opportunities for Graduate Studies
A baccalaureate degree in Information Technology prepares students to pursue master’s degrees in programs such as information systems or information technology and obtain admission to MBA programs and law schools, among other post-graduate opportunities.
Penn State offers graduate programs related to information technology:
Contact
Abington
DIVISION OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
1600 Woodland Road
Abington, PA 19001
jul62@psu.edu
https://www.abington.psu.edu/academics/majors-at-abington/information-technology
Altoona
DIVISION OF BUSINESS, ENGINEERING, AND INFORMATION SCIENCES & TECHNOLOGY
Penn Building, 212C
Altoona, PA 16601
814-949-5275
drb21@psu.edu
https://altoona.psu.edu/academics/bachelors-degrees/information-technology
Beaver
100 University Dr.
Monaca, PA 15061
724-773-3814
rkl5137@psu.edu
https://beaver.psu.edu/academics/majors/it
Berks
EBC DIVISION
Gaige Building
Reading, PA 19610
610-396-6349
tkc3@psu.edu
https://berks.psu.edu/academics/baccalaureate-degrees/information-technology
Brandywine
25 Yearsley Mill Road
Media, PA 19063
610-892-1343
nxd13@psu.edu
https://www.brandywine.psu.edu/academics/bachelors-degrees/information-technology
DuBois
1 College Place
DuBois, PA 16823
814-372-3000
jel115@psu.edu
https://dubois.psu.edu/academics/degrees/IT/bachelor
Greater Allegheny
Frable Building, 201D
4000 University Drive
McKeesport, PA 15132
412-675-9482
lmd347@psu.edu
https://greaterallegheny.psu.edu/academics/information-technology
Hazleton
204 Butler
Hazleton, PA 18202
570-450-3194
HNAdvising@psu.edu
https://hazleton.psu.edu/information-technology
Lehigh Valley
2809 Saucon Valley Road
Center Valley, PA 18034
610-285-5071
kmb6846@psu.edu
https://lehighvalley.psu.edu/academics/degrees/information-sciences-and-technology
Mont Alto
006 Bookstore
1 Campus Drive
Mont Alto, PA 17237
717-749-6048
ebd5343@psu.edu
https://montalto.psu.edu/academics/bachelors/information-technology
New Kensington
036 Theater & IST Building
3550 Seventh Street Road
New Kensington, PA 15068
724-334-6089
hhs10@psu.edu
https://newkensington.psu.edu/4-year-information-technology
Schuylkill
200 University Drive
Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972
570-385-6076
bkg113@psu.edu
https://schuylkill.psu.edu/academics/bacc-degrees/information-technology
Scranton
114B Dawson
120 Ridge View Drive
Dunmore, PA 18512
570-963-2593
dls102@psu.edu
https://scranton.psu.edu/academics/degrees/bachelors/information-sciences-technology-degree
Wilkes-Barre
44 University Drive
Dallas, PA 18612
570-675-9142
weifan@psu.edu
https://wilkesbarre.psu.edu/academics/bachelors/information-technology
York
1031 Edgecomb Ave.
York, PA 17403
717-771-4143
wpc2@psu.edu
https://www.york.psu.edu/academics/baccalaureate/information-technology