Information Technology, B.S. (Berks)

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:

achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00
complete the following entrance-to-major courses with grades of C or better:
- IST 110 or CYBER 100 or CYBER 100S
- IST 140 or CMPSC 121 or CMPSC 131
- IST 210
- IST 220

Degree Requirements

For the Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology, a minimum of 120 credits is required:

Program Requirements
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)

Course List
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
ECON 102	Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy
ECON 104	Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy
PLSC 1	American Politics: Principles, Processes and Powers
PLSC 14	International Relations
PSYCH 100	Introductory Psychology
SOC 5	Social Problems
Select one of the following:		3
CAS 100A	Effective Speech
CAS 100B	Effective Speech
CAS 100C	Effective Speech
Select one of the following:		3
CMPSC 121	Introduction to Programming Techniques
CMPSC 131	Programming and Computation I: Fundamentals
IST 140	Introduction to Application Development
Select one of the following:		3
CYBER 100	Computer Systems Literacy
CYBER 100S	Computer Systems Literacy
IST 110	Information, People and Technology
Select one of the following:		4
DS 200	Introduction to Data Sciences
SCM 200	Introduction to Statistics for Business
STAT 200	Elementary Statistics
Select one of the following: ²		3-6
ACCTG 211	Financial and Managerial Accounting for Decision Making
ACCTG 201 & ACCTG 202	Introduction to Financial Accounting and Introduction to Managerial Accounting
BA 100	Introduction to Business
ECON 102	Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy ³
ECON 104	Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy ³
MGMT 301	Basic Management Concepts
MKTG 301	Principles of Marketing ³
Select one of the following: ²		3
CYBER 262	Cyber-Defense Studio
IST 226	Networking Essentials
IST 451	Network Security
IST 454	Computer and Cyber Forensics
Select one of the following:		3
CMPSC 122	Intermediate Programming
CMPSC 132	Programming and Computation II: Data Structures
IST 242	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

Course List
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
CMPSC 263	Blockchain and Modern Web Development
CMPSC 330	Advanced Programming in C++
ETI 300W	Development and Documentation of Enterprise Web
IST 261	Application Development Design Studio I
IST 311	Object-Oriented Design and Software Applications
or CMPSC 221	Object Oriented Programming with Web-Based Applications
IST 361	Application Development Design Studio II
IST 411	Distributed-Object Computing
IST 412	The Engineering of Complex Software Systems
IST 413	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

Course List
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
FIN 301	Corporation Finance
MGMT 301	Basic Management Concepts
MKTG 301	Principles of Marketing
SCM 301	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

Course List
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 262	Cyber-Defense Studio
IST 451	Network Security
IST 454	Computer and Cyber Forensics
IST 456	Information Security Management
SRA 472	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

Course List
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 262	Cyber-Defense Studio
IST 225	PC Hardware Basics
IST 226	Networking Essentials
IST 227	Network Administration
IST 228	Advanced Network Administration
IST 451	Network Security
IST 454	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

Course List
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
IST 432	Legal and Regulatory Environment of Information Science and Technology
IST 452	Legal and Regulatory Environment of Privacy and Security
IST 456	Information Security Management
SRA 211	Threat of Terrorism and Crime
SRA 231	Decision Theory and Analysis
SRA 311	Risk Analysis in a Security Context
SRA 365	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

Course List
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

Berks

Tricia Clark
Assistant Teaching Professor and Program Chair
Gaige 211
Reading, PA 19610
610-396-6349
BKInfoTech@psu.edu

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

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:

Course List
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 Berks 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 100A or 100B (GWS)^‡	3
IST 110 or CYBER 100^*#	3	MATH 110 or 140 (GQ)^‡	4
IST 140^*#	3	IST 220^*#	3
SRA 111 (GS)^*†	3	IST 242^*	3
General Education Course (GN or GA or GH)	3	General Education Course (GN or GA or GH)	3
First-Year Seminar (IST 111S recommended)	1
	16		16
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
ECON 102, 104, PLSC 1, PLSC 14, or PSYCH 100^†	3	ENGL 202C or 202D (GWS)^‡	3
IST 210^*#	3	IST 256^*	3
IST 230^*	3	IST 260W^*	3
SCM 200 or STAT 200 (GQ)^‡	4	SRA 221^*	3
General Education Course (GN or GA or GH)	3	Business Selection	3
	16		15
Third Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
IST 302^*	3	IST 261 (Option 2)^*	3
IST 331^*	3	IST 411 (Option 3)^*	3
IST 311 (Option 1)^*	3	Networking Selection^*	3
General Education Course (GN)	3	General Education Course (Integrative Studies)^*	3
General Education Course (Integrative Studies)	3	General Education Course (Exploration)	3
	15		15
Fourth Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
IST 495^*	1	IST 440W^*	3
ETI 461^*	3	IST 413 (Option 4)^*	3
Advanced IT Selection 1^*	3	Advanced IT Selection 2^*	3
General Education Course (GHW)	3	Elective	3
Elective	3	Elective	2
	13		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

¹: For General Education Course notations, please be sure to include three (3) credits of United States (US) Cultures and three (3) credits of International (IL) Cultures. Consult adviser for details.
²: The following courses are offered Fall Semester only: ETI 461, IST 230, IST 302, IST 311, IST 331.
³: The following courses are offered Spring Semester only: ENGL 202C, IST 256, IST 260W, IST 261, IST 411, IST 413.

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:

Business Selection Courses (cannot double count with other Additional or Option requirements):
- ACCTG 211
- BA 100
- ECON 102
- ECON 104
- MGMT 301
- MKTG 301
Networking Selection Courses (cannot double count with other Additional or Option requirements):
- CYBER 262
- IST 226
- IST 451
- IST 454
Option Courses:
- Application Development:
  - Select 12 credits, with at least 3 credits at the 400 level from: IST 261, IST 311, IST 361, IST 411, IST 412, IST 413
- Business Applications:
  - 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
- Cybersecurity:
  - Select 12 credits, with at least 3 credits at the 400 level from: CYBER 262, IST 451, IST 454, IST 456, SRA 472, or any 300 or 400 level CYBER course
- Security and Risk Analysis:
  - Select 12 credits, with at least 3 credits at the 400 level from: SRA 211, SRA 231, SRA 311, SRA 365, IST 432, IST 452, IST 456

Business Applications Option: Information Technology, B.S. at Berks 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 100A or 100B (GWS)^‡	3
IST 110 or CYBER 100^*#	3	MATH 110 or 140 (GQ)^‡	4
IST 140^*#	3	IST 220^*#	3
SRA 111 (GS)^*†	3	IST 242^*	3
General Education Course (GN or GA or GH)	3	General Education Course (GN or GA or GH)	3
First-Year Seminar (IST 111S recommended)	1
	16		16
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
ECON 102, 104, PLSC 1, PLSC 14, or PSYCH 100^†	3	ENGL 202C or 202D (GWS)^‡	3
IST 210^*#	3	IST 256^*	3
IST 230^*	3	IST 260W^*	3
SCM 200 or STAT 200 (GQ)^‡	4	SRA 221^*	3
General Education Course (GN or GA or GH)	3	ACCTG 211 (Option 1)^*	4
	16		16
Third Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
IST 302^*	3	Option 2^*	3
IST 331^*	3	Option 3^*	3
Business Selection^*	4	Networking Selection^*	3
General Education Course (GN)	3	General Education Course (Integrative Studies)	3
General Education Course (Integrative Studies)	3	General Education Course (Exploration)	3
	16		15
Fourth Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
IST 495^*	1	IST 440W^*	3
ETI 461^*	3	Option 4^*	3
Advanced IT Selection - Business Option^*	3	Advanced IT Selection^*	3
General Education Course (GHW)	3	Elective	3
Elective	3	Elective	1
	13		13
Total Credits 121

*: 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

¹: For General Education Course notations, please be sure to include three (3) credits of United States (US) Cultures and three (3) credits of International (IL) Cultures. Consult adviser for details.
²: The following courses are offered Fall Semester only: ETI 461, IST 230, IST 302, IST 331.
³: The following courses are offered Spring Semester only: ENGL 202C, IST 256, IST 260W.

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:

Business Selection Courses (cannot double count with other Additional or Option requirements):
- ACCTG 211
- BA 100
- ECON 102
- ECON 104
- MGMT 301
- MKTG 301
Networking Selection Courses (cannot double count with other Additional or Option requirements):
- CYBER 262
- IST 226
- IST 451
- IST 454
Option Courses:
- Application Development:
  - Select 12 credits, with at least 3 credits at the 400 level from: IST 261, IST 311, IST 361, IST 411, IST 412, IST 413
- Business Applications:
  - 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
- Cybersecurity:
  - Select 12 credits, with at least 3 credits at the 400 level from: CYBER 262, IST 451, IST 454, IST 456, SRA 472, or any 300 or 400 level CYBER course
- Security and Risk Analysis:
  - Select 12 credits, with at least 3 credits at the 400 level from: SRA 211, SRA 231, SRA 311, SRA 365, IST 432, IST 452, IST 456

Custom Information Technology Option: Information Technology, B.S. at Berks 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 100A or 100B (GWS)^‡	3
IST 110 or CYBER 100^*#	3	MATH 110 or 140 (GQ)^‡	4
IST 140^*#	3	IST 220^*#	3
SRA 111 (GS)^*†	3	IST 242^*	3
General Education Course (GN or GA or GH)	3	General Education Course (GN or GA or GH)	3
First-Year Seminar (IST 111S recommended)	1
	16		16
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
ECON 102, 104, PLSC 1, PLSC 14, or PSYCH 100^†	3	ENGL 202C or 202D (GWS)^‡	3
IST 210^*#	3	IST 256^*	3
IST 230^*	3	IST 260W^*	3
SCM 200 or STAT 200 (GQ)^‡	4	SRA 221^*	3
General Education Course (GN or GA or GH)	3	Business Selection^*	3
	16		15
Third Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
IST 302^*	3	Option 2^*	3
IST 331^*	3	Option 3^*	3
Option 1^*	3	Networking Selection^*	3
General Education Course (GN)	3	General Education Course (Integrative Studies)^*	3
General Education Course (Integrative Studies)	3	General Education Course (Exploration)	3
	15		15
Fourth Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
IST 495^*	1	IST 440W^*	3
ETI 461^*	3	Option 4^*	3
Advanced IT Selection 1^*	3	Advanced IT Selection 2^*	3
General Education Course (GHW)	3	Elective	3
Elective	3	Elective	2
	13		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

¹: For General Education Course notations, please be sure to include three (3) credits of United States (US) Cultures and three (3) credits of International (IL) Cultures. Consult adviser for details.
²: The following courses are offered Fall Semester only: ETI 461, IST 230, IST 302, IST 331.
³: The following courses are offered Spring Semester only: ENGL 202C, IST 256, IST 260W.

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:

Business Selection Courses (cannot double count with other Additional or Option requirements):
- ACCTG 211
- BA 100
- ECON 102
- ECON 104
- MGMT 301
- MKTG 301
Networking Selection Courses (cannot double count with other Additional or Option requirements):
- CYBER 262
- IST 226
- IST 451
- IST 454
Option Courses:
- Application Development:
  - Select 12 credits, with at least 3 credits at the 400 level from: IST 261, IST 311, IST 361, IST 411, IST 412, IST 413
- Business Applications:
  - 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
- Cybersecurity:
  - Select 12 credits, with at least 3 credits at the 400 level from: CYBER 262, IST 451, IST 454, IST 456, SRA 472, or any 300 or 400 level CYBER course
- Security and Risk Analysis:
  - Select 12 credits, with at least 3 credits at the 400 level from: SRA 211, SRA 231, SRA 311, SRA 365, IST 432, IST 452, IST 456

CyberSecurity Option: Information Technology, B.S. at Berks 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 100A or 100B (GWS)^‡	3
CYBER 100^*#	3	MATH 110 or 140 (GQ)^‡	4
IST 140^*#	3	IST 220^*#	3
SRA 111 (GS)^*†	3	IST 242^*	3
General Education Course (GN or GA or GH)	3	General Education Course (GN or GA or GH)	3
First-Year Seminar (IST 111S recommended)	1
	16		16
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
ECON 102, 104, PLSC 1, PLSC 14, or PSYCH 100^†	3	ENGL 202C or 202D (GWS)^‡	3
IST 210^*#	3	IST 256^*	3
IST 230^*	3	IST 260W^*	3
SCM 200 or STAT 200 (GQ)^‡	4	SRA 221^*	3
General Education Course (GN or GA or GH)	3	CYBER 262 (Option 1)^*	3
	16		15
Third Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
IST 302^*	3	Option 2^*	3
IST 331^*	3	Option 3^*	3
Business Selection^*	3	Networking Selection^*	3
General Education Course (GN)	3	General Education Course (Integrative Studies)	3
General Education Course (Integrative Studies)	3	General Education Course (Exploration)	3
	15		15
Fourth Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
IST 495^*	1	IST 440W^*	3
ETI 461^*	3	Option 4^*	3
Advanced IT Selection 1^*	3	Advanced IT Selection 2^*	3
General Education Course (GHW)	3	Elective	3
Elective	3	Elective	2
	13		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

¹: For General Education Course notations, please be sure to include three (3) credits of United States (US) Cultures and three (3) credits of International (IL) Cultures. Consult adviser for details.
²: The following courses are offered Fall Semester only: ETI 461, IST 230, IST 302, IST 331.
³: The following courses are offered Spring Semester only: CYBER 262, ENGL 202C, IST 256, IST 260W.

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:

Business Selection Courses (cannot double count with other Additional or Option requirements):
- ACCTG 211
- BA 100
- ECON 102
- ECON 104
- MGMT 301
- MKTG 301
Networking Selection Courses (cannot double count with other Additional or Option requirements):
- CYBER 262
- IST 226
- IST 451
- IST 454
Option Courses:
- Application Development:
  - Select 12 credits, with at least 3 credits at the 400 level from: IST 261, IST 311, IST 361, IST 411, IST 412, IST 413
- Business Applications:
  - 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
- Cybersecurity:
  - Select 12 credits, with at least 3 credits at the 400 level from: CYBER 262, IST 451, IST 454, IST 456, SRA 472, or any 300 or 400 level CYBER course
- Security and Risk Analysis:
  - Select 12 credits, with at least 3 credits at the 400 level from: SRA 211, SRA 231, SRA 311, SRA 365, IST 432, IST 452, IST 456

Security and Risk Analysis Option: Information Technology, B.S. at Berks 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 100A or 100B (GWS)^‡	3
IST 110 or CYBER 100^*#	3	MATH 110 or 140 (GQ)^‡	4
IST 140^*#	3	IST 220^*#	3
SRA 111 (GS)^*†	3	IST 242^*	3
General Education Course (GN or GA or GH)	3	General Education Course (GN or GA or GH)	3
First-Year Seminar (IST 111S recommended)	1
	16		16
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
ECON 102, 104, PLSC 1, PLSC 14, or PSYCH 100^†	3	ENGL 202C or 202D (GWS)^‡	3
IST 210^*#	3	IST 256^*	3
IST 230^*	3	IST 260W^*	3
SCM 200 or STAT 200 (GQ)^‡	4	SRA 221^*	3
General Education Course (GN or GA or GH)	3	SRA 211 (Option 1)^*	3
	16		15
Third Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
IST 302^*	3	SRA 231 (Option 2)^*	3
IST 331^*	3	Option 3^*	3
Business Selection^*	3	Networking Selection^*	3
General Education Course (GN)	3	General Education Course (Integrative Studies)^*	3
General Education Course (Integrative Studies)	3	General Education Course (Exploration)	3
	15		15
Fourth Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
IST 495^*	1	IST 440W^*	3
ETI 461^*	3	Option 4^*	3
Advanced IT Selection 1^*	3	Advanced IT Selection 2^*	3
General Education Course (GHW)	3	Elective	3
Elective	3	Elective	2
	13		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

¹: For General Education Course notations, please be sure to include three (3) credits of United States (US) Cultures and three (3) credits of International (IL) Cultures. Consult adviser for details.
²: The following courses are offered Fall Semester only: ETI 461, IST 230, IST 302, IST 331.
³: The following courses are offered Spring Semester only: ENGL 202C, IST 256, IST 260W, SRA 231.

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:

Business Selection Courses (cannot double count with other Additional or Option requirements):
- ACCTG 211
- BA 100
- ECON 102
- ECON 104
- MGMT 301
- MKTG 301
Networking Selection Courses (cannot double count with other Additional or Option requirements):
- CYBER 262
- IST 226
- IST 451
- IST 454
Option Courses:
- Application Development:
  - Select 12 credits, with at least 3 credits at the 400 level from: IST 261, IST 311, IST 361, IST 411, IST 412, IST 413
- Business Applications:
  - 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
- Cybersecurity:
  - Select 12 credits, with at least 3 credits at the 400 level from: CYBER 262, IST 451, IST 454, IST 456, SRA 472, or any 300 or 400 level CYBER course
- Security and Risk Analysis:
  - Select 12 credits, with at least 3 credits at the 400 level from: SRA 211, SRA 231, SRA 311, SRA 365, IST 432, IST 452, IST 456

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: