Information Technology, B.S. (Altoona)

Program Code: ITSAL_BS

Program Description

This degree is a new 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, 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.

Custom Information Technology Option

Available at the following campuses: Altoona, Berks, Brandywine, Greater Allegheny, Hazleton, Lehigh Valley, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Schuylkill, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, York

This option provides the opportunity for students to pursue an approved information technology interdisciplinary or exploratory program of study.

Cybersecurity Option

Available at the following campuses: Altoona, Beaver, Berks, Brandywine, Lehigh Valley, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Schuylkill, Scranton, 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

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.

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 7-9
Requirements for the Major 87-89

21 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major. This includes: 9 credits of GWS courses; 6 credits of GQ courses; and 6 credits of GS 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)

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
ETI 461Database Management and Administration3
IST 210Organization of Data3
IST 220Networking and Telecommunications3
IST 230Language, Logic, and Discrete Mathematics3
IST 242Intermediate & Object-Oriented Application Development3
IST 256Programming for the Web3
IST 260WIntroduction to Systems Analysis and Design3
IST 302IT Project Management3
IST 331Foundations of Human-Centered Design3
IST 440WInformation Sciences and Technology Integration and Problem Solving3
IST 495Internship1
SRA 111Introduction to Security and Risk Analysis Keystone/General Education Course3
SRA 221Overview of Information Security3
Additional Courses
Select one of the following:3
Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy Keystone/General Education Course
Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy Keystone/General Education Course
American Politics: Principles, Processes and Powers Keystone/General Education Course
International Relations Keystone/General Education Course
Introductory Psychology Keystone/General Education Course
Social Problems Keystone/General Education Course
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
ENGL 15Rhetoric and Composition Keystone/General Education Course3
or ENGL 30H Honors Rhetoric and Composition Keystone/General Education Course
ENGL 202CEffective Writing: Technical Writing Keystone/General Education Course3
or ENGL 202D Effective Writing: Business Writing Keystone/General Education Course
MATH 110Techniques of Calculus I Keystone/General Education Course4
or MATH 140 Calculus With Analytic Geometry I Keystone/General Education Course
Select one of the following:3
Effective Speech Keystone/General Education Course
Effective Speech Keystone/General Education Course
Effective Speech Keystone/General Education Course
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 Keystone/General Education Course
Select one of the following:4
Introduction to Data Sciences
Elementary Statistics Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to Statistics for Business Keystone/General Education Course
Select one of the following: 13-4
Financial and Managerial Accounting for Decision Making
Introduction to Business Keystone/General Education Course
Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy Keystone/General Education Course 2
Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy Keystone/General Education Course 2
Basic Management Concepts
Principles of Marketing 2
Select one of the following: 13
Cyber-Defense Studio
Networking Essentials
Network Security
Computer and Cyber Forensics
Requirements for the Option
Select an option18-19
1

These courses may not double count with other additional or option requirements.

2

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

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
Application Development Design Studio I
Object-Oriented Design and Software 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 credits)

Available at the following campuses: Abington, Altoona, Beaver, Berks, Brandywine, DuBois, Greater Allegheny, Hazleton, Lehigh Valley, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Schuylkill, Scranton, York

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
ACCTG 211Financial and Managerial Accounting for Decision Making4
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select one of the following: 13
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

Option courses may not double count with other requirements.

Custom Information Technology Option (18 credits)

Available at the following campuses: Altoona, Berks, Brandywine, Greater Allegheny, Hazleton, Lehigh Valley, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Schuylkill, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, York

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
Cybersecurity Option (18 credits)

Available at the following campuses: Altoona, Beaver, Berks, Brandywine, Lehigh Valley, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Schuylkill, Scranton, York

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

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

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

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 Keystone/General Education Course 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

Altoona

David Barnes
Teaching Professor, Information Sciences and Technology
Penn Building, 212C
Altoona, PA 16601
814-949-5275
drb21@psu.edu

Abington

Joseph Oakes
Program Chair
1600 Woodland Road
Abington, PA 19001
267-633-3316
jxo19@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

Advising Office
Academic Affairs

101 Frable Building
4000 University Drive
McKeesport, PA 15132
412-675-9140
GA-Academics@lists.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

Joseph Kasten
Assistant Professor of IST
IST Dept. Coordinator
1031 Edgecomb Ave.
York, PA 17403
jzk99@psu.edu

Suggested Academic Plan

The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2023-24 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition (Note: the archive only contains suggested academic plans beginning with the 2018-19 edition of the Undergraduate Bulletin).

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:

IST 402Emerging Issues and Technologies3
IST 413Usability Engineering3
IST 425New Venture Creation3
IST 431The Information Environment3
IST 446An Introduction to Building Computer/Video Games3
IST 454Computer and Cyber Forensics3
IST 456Information Security Management3
MIS 390Foundations of Information Systems3
MIS 404Introduction to ERP and Business Processes3
IST 301Information and Organizations3
IST 420Fundamentals of Systems and Enterprise Integration3
IST 421Advanced Enterprise Integration: Technologies and Applications3
IST 432Legal and Regulatory Environment of Information Science and Technology3
IST 452Legal and Regulatory Environment of Privacy and Security3

Information Technology, B.S. at Altoona 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
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
ENGL 15 or 30H (GWS)3CAS 100 (GWS)3 
IST 110 or CYBER 100*#3MATH 110 or 140 (GQ)4 
IST 140*# or CMPSC 121 (GQ) #‡ or CMPSC 131*#3IST 220*#3 
SRA 111 (GS)*†3IST 242*3 
First-Year Seminar (IST 111S)1General Education Course (GN or GA or GH)3 
General Education Course (GN or GA or GH) or Elective3  
 16 16 
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
Business Selection*3IST 210*#3 
SRA 221*3IST 230*3 
STAT 200 (GQ) or SCM 200 (GQ) or DS 200*4IST 256*3 
ECON 102/ECON 104 or PSYCH 100/SOC 5 or PLSC 1/PLSC 14 (GS)3ENGL 202C or 202D (GWS)3 
Elective or General Education Course (GN/GA/GH)3General Education Course (GN or GA or GH)3 
 16 15 
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
IST 302*3IST 260W*3IST 495*1
IST 331*3Option 2*3 
Option 1*3Networking Selection*3 
General Education Course (GN or GA or GH)3Advanced IT Selection 1*3 
General Education Course (GN or GA or GH)3General Education Course (GN or GA or GH)3 
 15 15 1
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
ETI 461*3IST 440W*3 
Option 3*3Option 4*3 
General Education Course (GHW)3Advanced IT or Business IT Selection 2*3 
Elective3General Education Course (GN or GA or GH)3 
 Elective2 
 12 14 
Total Credits 120
*

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:

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:

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

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

Abington

DIVISION OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
1600 Woodland Road
Abington, PA 19001
267-633-3316
jxo19@psu.edu

https://www.abington.psu.edu/academics/majors-at-abington/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

101 Frable Building
4000 University Drive
McKeesport, PA 15132
412-675-9140

https://greaterallegheny.psu.edu/academics/degree-programs/information-technology

Hazleton

Kostos 117
Hazleton, PA 18202
570-450-3089
bxb30@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/it

York

225 Grumbacher Building (GISTC)
York, PA 17403
717-718-6775
jzk99@psu.edu

https://www.york.psu.edu/academics/baccalaureate/information-technology