At which campus can I study this program?
Begin Campus
Any Penn State Campus
End Campus
Berks
Degree Information At Additional Campuses
Program Description
Not all options are available at every campus. Contact the campus you are interested in attending to determine which options are offered.
The Bachelor of Science in Security and Risk Analysis (SRA) in the College of Information Sciences and Technology responds to the expanding need for a highly trained analytic workforce to address a wide range of security and risk domains including national/homeland security, emergency and disaster management, law and crime, as well as enterprise risk management.
SRA program prepares students with core competence in four knowledge areas:
- understanding the fundamentals of security, risk, analytic methods and decision support for the purpose of recognizing, articulating, and addressing analytic needs;
- understanding the roles of data and analytics in various security domains and organizational contexts;
- applying data analytics, methods, and tools (structured analytics; data gathering and manipulation; visual analytics; analytic judgements and presentation) to derive and communicate insights and actionable knowledge;
- the legal, ethical, and professional issues within which analytics of security and risk are conducted.
Students may specialize in risk domains ranging from national security to community emergency preparedness and response. The SRA program positions our students to be future leaders to address the current and emerging security and risk challenges that face individuals, organizations and our nation.
SRA majors will choose one of the following options:
Intelligence Analysis and Modeling Option
Available at the following campuses: University Park
This option focuses on developing a more thorough knowledge of the strategic and tactical levels of intelligence collection, analysis, and decision-making. This includes examining the foundations of decision analysis, economic theory, statistics, data mining, and knowledge management, as well as the security-specific contexts in which such knowledge is applied.
Information and Cyber Security Option
Available at the following campuses: Altoona, Berks, Harrisburg, University Park, World Campus
This option includes a set of courses that provides an understanding of the theories, skills, and technologies associated with network security, cyber threat defense, information warfare, and critical infrastructure protection across multiple venues.
What is Security and Risk Analysis?
Security and risk analysis is a field that explores the integrated processes conducted to provide decision-makers with the information needed to understand factors that can negatively influence operations and outcomes, and make informed judgments concerning the extent of actions needed to reduce vulnerabilities, protect resources, and optimize investments. Security and risk analysis is a field of practice with two blended concentration areas: 1) security, which seeks to identify, understand, and analyze critical local, national and international security issues, and 2) risk, which includes risk assessment, risk characterization, risk communication, risk management, and the formulation of risk policy. In practice, the issues and processes for conducting of security and risk analytics are neither separate nor sequential. To be effective, the issues of security and risk must be addressed concurrently and synergistically.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SECURITY AND RISK ANALYSIS
You Might Like This Program If...
- You want to protect people, information, and assets from manmade and natural threats.
- You want to understand the role of data in protecting individuals, organizations and our nation.
- You are mission oriented, a good critical thinker and wish to put your problem-solving skills to work to make the world a safer place.
- You want to make informed strategic decisions that help to defend critical infrastructures that supports our daily lives.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT WHY STUDENTS CHOOSE TO STUDY SECURITY AND RISK ANALYSIS
Entrance to Major
In addition to the minimum grade point average (GPA) requirements described in the University Policies*, all Security and Risk Analysis (SRA) entrance to major course requirements must also be completed with a minimum grade of C: IST 140 (or equivalent CMPSC 101 or CMPSC 121), IST 210, SRA 111, and SRA 211. All of these courses must be completed by the end of the semester during which the admission to major process is carried out.
* In the event that the major is under enrollment control, a higher minimum cumulative grade-point average is likely to be needed at the time of confirming their major choice.
Entrance to the Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate (IUG) Program
The Integrated Undergraduate Graduate (IUG) program is available for strong undergraduate students who wish to pursue a bachelor’s and master’s degree in a shorter period of time than would be necessary if the degrees were pursued separately. Security and Risk Analysis undergraduates may apply for admission to the SRABS/ISTMS IUG program as early as February 15 of their sophomore year and no later than February 15 of their junior year after completing a minimum of 60 credits, if they meet the following admission requirements:
- Must be enrolled in the SRABS undergraduate degree program.
- Must have completed 60 credits of an SRABS undergraduate degree program.
- Must have an overall GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) in undergraduate coursework and a minimum GPA of 3.5 in all coursework completed for the major.
- Must apply to and be accepted without reservation into the Graduate School and M.S. program in Informatics. Students must complete the Graduate School application.
- Must apply to the IUG program by February 15 of their junior year.
Degree Requirements
For the Bachelor of Science degree in Security and Risk Analysis, a minimum of 120 credits is required:
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| General Education | 45 |
| Electives | 5-13 |
| Requirements for the Major | 77-85 |
15 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major. This includes: 6 credits of GQ courses; 6 credits of GS courses; and 3 credits of GWS courses.
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.)
- Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
- Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits
Knowledge Domains
- Arts (GA): 6 credits
- Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
- Humanities (GH): 6 credits
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 6 credits
- Natural Sciences (GN): 9 credits
Integrative Studies (may also complete a Knowledge Domain requirement)
- Inter-Domain or Approved Linked Courses: 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.
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 | ||
| IST 110 | Information, People and Technology | 3 |
| IST 210 | Organization of Data | 3 |
| IST 432 | Legal and Regulatory Environment of Information Science and Technology | 3 |
| IST 495 | Internship | 1 |
| SRA 111 | Introduction to Security and Risk Analysis | 3 |
| SRA 211 | Threat of Terrorism and Crime | 3 |
| SRA 221 | Overview of Information Security | 3 |
| SRA 231 | Decision Theory and Analysis | 3 |
| STAT 200 | Elementary Statistics | 4 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| ENGL 202C | Effective Writing: Technical Writing | 3 |
| or ENGL 202D | Effective Writing: Business Writing | |
| PSYCH 100 | Introductory Psychology | 3 |
| or SOC 5 | Social Problems | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Economic Principles of Agribusiness Decision Making | ||
| Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy | ||
| Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3-5 | |
| College Algebra II and Analytic Geometry | ||
| Plane Trigonometry | ||
| Algebra, Trigonometry, and Analytic Geometry | ||
| Trigonometry and Analytic Geometry | ||
| Techniques of Calculus I | ||
| Calculus With Analytic Geometry I | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Geography of International Affairs | ||
| American Politics: Principles, Processes and Powers | ||
| International Relations | ||
| Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| SRA 365 | Statistics for Security and Risk Analysis | 3 |
| or STAT 460 | Intermediate Applied Statistics | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Application Development | ||
| Introduction to C++ Programming | ||
| Introduction to Programming Techniques | ||
| Requirements for the Option | ||
| Select an option | 30-36 | |
Requirements for the Option
Intelligence Analysis and Modeling Option (36 credits)
Available at the following campuses: University Park
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| IST 452 | Legal and Regulatory Environment of Privacy and Security | 3 |
| SRA 268 | Visual Analytics | 3 |
| SRA 311W | Risk Analysis in a Security Context | 3 |
| SRA 421 | The Intelligence Environment | 3 |
| SRA 433 | Deception and Counterdeception | 3 |
| SRA 440W | Security and Risk Analysis Capstone Course | 3 |
| SRA 468 | Visual Analytics for Security Intelligence | 3 |
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
| Select 15 credits from College-approved list (at least 3 credits must be at the 400-level) | 15 | |
Information and Cyber Security Option (30 credits)
Available at the following campuses: Altoona, Berks, Harrisburg, University Park, World Campus
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| IST 220 | Networking and Telecommunications | 3 |
| IST 451 | Network Security | 3 |
| IST 454 | Computer and Cyber Forensics | 3 |
| IST 456 | Information Security Management | 3 |
| SRA 311 | Risk Analysis in a Security Context | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| IST 440 | Information Sciences and Technology Integration and Problem Solving | 3 |
| or SRA 440W | Security and Risk Analysis Capstone Course | |
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
| Select 12 credits from College-approved list (at least 3 credits must be at the 400-level) | 12 | |
Integrated B.S. in Security and Risk Analysis / M.S. in Informatics
Available at the following campuses: University Park
The College of Information Sciences and Technology offers an integrated B.S./M.S. (IUG) program designed to allow academically superior students in the Security and Risk Analysis major to obtain both the Bachelor’s in Security and Risk Analysis and the M.S. degree in Informatics in a shorter period of time than would be necessary if the degrees were pursued separately. The first two to three years of undergraduate coursework follow the same undergraduate curriculum that other students follow in the Security and Risk Analysis major. Interested students may apply for admission to the IUG program no earlier than February 15 of their sophomore year and no later than February 15 of their junior year after completing a minimum of 60 credits. If admitted to the IUG, the final years of study include two graduate courses, IST 504 in the fall and IST 505 in the spring, plus six credits of research methods courses, twelve to fifteen credits of graduate specialty courses, and three to six credits of graduate thesis (IST 600) or scholarly paper (IST 594). Details are provided in the Sample Sequence of Graduate Coursework.
(Note: For Schreyer Honors College students, those who complete the graduate thesis for the Master’s requirement may use the graduate thesis, itself, to fulfill the undergraduate honors thesis requirement, as well. Honors students who opt for the Master’s scholarly paper must also complete an undergraduate honors thesis.)
The integrated B.S. in Security and Risk Analysis / M.S. in Informatics (IUG) degree meets the needs of the most academically talented students in the Security and Risk Analysis undergraduate major. A proportion of these successful students wish to pursue graduate studies sometime after graduation. Offering the IUG benefits these students by offering an accelerated path to a graduate degree. Additionally, the IUG program can provide these students with a more cohesive program of study with opportunities to engage in more comprehensive research leading to both the bachelor’s and master’s degree.
For the B.S. in Security and Risk Analysis / M.S. in Informatics IUG program, a minimum of 120 credits is required for the bachelor’s degree and 30 credits for the M.S. degree. Students admitted to the IUG program may double-count a maximum of 12 credits to their graduate and undergraduate degrees. The required 6 credits of IST 504 and IST 505 will apply to both the graduate program and the undergraduate program. Students may choose an additional 6 credits to double-count for both the undergraduate and graduate degrees from the following:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SRA 433 | Deception and Counterdeception | 3 |
| SRA 468 | Visual Analytics for Security Intelligence | 3 |
| SRA 471 | Informatics, Risk, and the Post-Modern World | 3 |
| IST 451 | Network Security | 3 |
| IST 452 | Legal and Regulatory Environment of Privacy and Security | 3 |
| IST 454 | Computer and Cyber Forensics | 3 |
| IST 456 | Information Security Management | 3 |
Graduate thesis or scholarly paper credits may not double-count.
The objectives of the Integrated Undergraduate Graduate Program include:
- To offer highly qualified students the opportunity to earn two degrees in less time than it would take to do two sequential degrees. In particular, IUG students may count up to 12 credits towards both their B.S. and M.S. degree requirements.
- To permit coherent planning of studies through the graduate degree, with advising informed by not only the requirements of the baccalaureate program, but also the longer-range goals of the graduate degree.
- To introduce undergraduate students to the rigors of both graduate study and graduate faculty.
- To make the resources of the Graduate School available to IUG students.
- To allow students with IUG status to benefit from their association with graduate students whose level of work and whose intensity of interest and commitment parallel their own.
Admission Requirements
To initiate the application process, students must submit a College of IST Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate (IUG) Plan of Study, a transcript, and two letters of recommendation (both from faculty members) to the IST Graduate Programs Office. The IUG Coordinator in Graduate Programs will help undergraduate candidates determine a proposed sequence of courses that will prepare them for their application to the Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate (IUG) degree program. Acceptance into the IST IUG program will be determined by the Graduate Recruitment Committee.
Security and Risk Analysis undergraduate majors may apply for admission no earlier than February 15 of their sophomore year and no later than February 15 of their junior year after completing a minimum of 60 credits, if they meet the following admission requirements:
- Must be enrolled in the SRABS undergraduate degree program.
- Must have completed 60 credits of an SRABS undergraduate degree program.
- Must have an overall GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) in undergraduate coursework and a minimum GPA of 3.5 in all coursework completed for the major.
- Must meet with the Graduate Program IUG Coordinator to declare interest and receive information about the IUG program.
- Must present an approved plan of study. The plan should cover the entire time period of the integrated program, and it should be reviewed periodically with an adviser.
- Must acquire two letters of recommendation from faculty members.
- Must apply to and be accepted without reservation into the Graduate School and M.S. program in Informatics. Students must complete the Graduate School application.
- Must apply to the IUG program by February 15 of their junior year.
In addition, applicants must apply to and be admitted to the Graduate School of the Pennsylvania State University at the time of their application to the IUG degree program.
These admission standards are high, as it is thought the program will only be appropriate for students with high levels of academic skills. The program area does have discretion in admitting Security and Risk Analysis majors into the integrated program, and extenuating circumstances can always be considered in terms of possible admission. Individuals who are unable to be admitted into the integrated program of study can apply for regular admission to the graduate program when they complete their undergraduate program of study.
Sample Sequence of Graduate Coursework in Addition to Undergraduate Courses
Students admitted to the IUG program may double-count a maximum of 12 credits toward their graduate and undergraduate degrees in Information Sciences and Technology. In their senior year, IUG students will take 6 credits of specified graduate work, courses IST 504 and IST 505, and 6 credits of methods courses. These 6 credits of IST 504 and IST 505 will apply to both the graduate program and the undergraduate IST/SRA support option requirement. In their super senior year, students may choose an additional 6 credits to double-count for both the undergraduate and graduate degrees. These courses must be at the 400-level or above. Students may choose any 400-level undergraduate option course that they are using to fulfill an undergraduate option requirement and apply the credits to both the undergraduate option requirement and the graduate specialty course requirement:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SRA 433 | Deception and Counterdeception | 3 |
| SRA 468 | Visual Analytics for Security Intelligence | 3 |
| SRA 471 | Informatics, Risk, and the Post-Modern World | 3 |
| IST 451 | Network Security | 3 |
| IST 452 | Legal and Regulatory Environment of Privacy and Security | 3 |
| IST 454 | Computer and Cyber Forensics | 3 |
| IST 456 | Information Security Management | 3 |
Credits associated with the culminating research thesis or scholarly paper, i.e., IST 600 or IST 594, respectively, may not be double-counted. However, for Schreyer Honors College students who choose the research thesis option, the Master's research thesis deliverable, itself, may double-count for the undergraduate thesis deliverable requirement.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| IST 5041 | 3 | IST 5051 | 3 |
| Methods course2 | 3 | Methods course2 | 3 |
| IST 600 or 594 (or Grad Specialty Course)3,5 | 3 | IST 600 or 5943 | 3 |
| 9 | 9 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Grad Specialty Course4 | 3 | Grad Specialty Course5 | 3 |
| Grad Specialty Course4 | 3 | Grad Specialty Course5 | 3 |
| 6 | 6 | ||
| Total Credits 30 | |||
| 1 | These courses will double-count in the student's undergraduate support of option area. Although IST 505 is an optional course for Master's students in the Informatics program, it is a required course for students in the IUG; because IUG students will benefit from additional coursework on research paper writing. |
| 2 | Choose graduate level methods course after consultation with the student's faculty adviser. |
| 3 | Students who choose to do a research thesis for their culminating experience must take 6 credits of IST 600. Students who choose to do a scholarly paper for their culminating experience may take either 3 or 6 credits of IST 594. Honor students in the IUG degree must choose the research thesis option and take 6 credits of IST 600, in order for their Master's research thesis to count for their undergraduate honors thesis requirement. |
| 4 | Choose from approved list of 400-level required option courses in the student's undergraduate major. These courses will double-count in the student's graduate and undergraduate programs. |
| 5 | Choose any 400 or 500 level course that contributes to the student's chosen area of specialty, such that the total number of credits at the 500 level or above equals at least 18. Total number of graduate specialty credits will vary according to the number of credits taken for the culminating experience (i.e., IST 600 or IST 594), such that the total number of credits toward the MS requirements equals 30. |
The total resulting credits will be a minimum of 150 credits, with 120 credits completed for the undergraduate SRA degree. Twelve graduate credits will be completed in the senior year, and the remaining 18 graduate credits will be completed in the super senior year.
If for any reason a student admitted to the B.S./M.S. program is unable to complete the requirement for the Master of Science degree program in Informatics, the student will be permitted to receive the SRA bachelor’s degree assuming all degree requirements have been satisfactorily completed.
Student performance will be monitored on an on-going basis by the student’s adviser and Graduate Programs. Students admitted to the integrated program must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of a 3.3 overall and a minimum 3.0 GPA in all courses used toward the M.S. degree in order to maintain good academic standing and meet graduation requirements. (See information on Grade-Point Average in the Graduate Education Policies section of the Graduate School’s website) For SHC students in the IUG program, students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4 overall and a minimum 3.0 GPA in all courses used toward the M.S. degree in order to maintain good academic standing and meet graduation requirements. Successful completion of a Schreyer Scholar’s Master’s thesis will be accepted as completion of the honors thesis requirement.
Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate (IUG) Degree Program B.S. in Security and Risk Analysis and Master of International Affairs (M.I.A.)
Available at the following campuses: University Park
The integrated undergraduate-graduate (IUG) degree program (B.S. in Security and Risk Analysis/M.I.A. in International Affairs) provides an opportunity for strong students in these majors to complete a master’s degree with 5 total years of study.
Persistent advanced threats to cyber networks; transnational threats such as climate, migration, poverty, and energy sustainability; hybrid-war strategies; and non-state actors’ seeking to cause chaos by compromising cyber-space create an evolving international threat environment that challenges the balance between security and privacy and requires experience in intelligence analysis and knowledge of threats and vulnerabilities pertaining to cybersecurity. Identifying and mitigating the prevalent threats and vulnerabilities associated with the new age requires critical thinkers who are the product of interdisciplinary education. Collaboration between the College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) and the School of International Affairs (SIA) positions Penn State to provide a program that prepares the next generation to prepare for, respond to, mitigate, and recover from the threats posed by this dynamic international environment.
Admission Requirements
The number of openings in the integrated B.S./M.I.A. program is limited. Admission will be selective based on specific criteria set by the School of International Affairs. Students shall be admitted to an IUG program no earlier than the beginning of the third semester of undergraduate study at Penn State (regardless of transfer or AP credits accumulated prior to enrollment) and no later than the end of the second week of the semester preceding the semester of expected conferral of the undergraduate degree, as specified in the proposed IUG plan of study. Specific requirements:
- Must be enrolled in the Security and Risk Analysis B.S. program.
- Must apply to and be accepted into The Graduate School and the M.I.A. program in the School of International Affairs. Students must complete the Graduate School application. All applicants will submit one letter of recommendation and a personal statement addressing their reasons for pursuing a graduate degree in international affairs and discussing their plans and goals.
- Although the program has no fixed minimum grade point average, an applicant is generally expected to have a minimum overall GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) in undergraduate coursework and a minimum GPA of 3.5 in all coursework completed for the major.
- Must include a plan of study identifying undergraduate credits to be applied to the M.I.A. degree elective requirements. The plan should cover the entire time period of the integrated program, and it should be reviewed periodically with an adviser.
- Must provide written endorsement from the Associate Dean of the College of Information Sciences and Technology.
M.I.A. Requirements for the Integrated B.S./M.I.A.
Students must fulfill all requirements for each degree in order to be awarded that degree, subject to the double-counting of credits as outlined below. Degree requirements for the B.S. in Security and Risk Analysis are listed in the Undergraduate Bulletin. Degree requirements for the M.I.A. degree are listed in the Master’s Degree Requirements section above. If students accepted into the IUG program are unable to complete the M.I.A. degree, they are still eligible to receive their undergraduate degree if all the undergraduate degree requirements have been satisfied. Students must sequence their courses so all undergraduate degree requirements are fulfilled before taking courses to count towards the graduate degree.
Up to 12 credits may be double-counted towards the degree requirements for both the graduate and undergraduate degrees; a minimum of 50% of the double-counted courses must be at the 500 or 800 level. Credits associated with the culminating experience for the graduate degree cannot be double-counted.
The list of courses that can double-count for both the undergraduate and graduate degrees includes: SRA 421, SRA 433, SRA 440W, SRA 468, INTAF 801, INTAF 802, and INTAF 804.
Program Learning Objectives
Knowledge/Application:
- Understand and apply the interdisciplinary, theoretical knowledge of the information sciences or security sciences.
- Define and explain the core concepts, principles, processes, and theories within the academic majors of IST and/or SRA.
- Apply the core concepts of the academic majors of IST and/or SRA to real-world problems.
Problem-Solving:
- Understand, apply and adapt various problem solving strategies, using appropriate technology and methods.
- Identify information problems and/or opportunities in terms of the human, informational and technology dimensions.
- Analyze issues surrounding the problem and/or opportunity in terms of the human, informational, and technology dimensions; and determine the requirements appropriate to understanding the situation.
- Design systems, architectures, processes, components, or programs to meet desired needs of the human context at varying levels of analysis (e.g., individual, group, organization, society, and/or world).
- Deploy up-to-date and appropriate techniques, methodologies, and/or tools necessary for understanding opportunities and constraints and/or the optimal design, implementation and continuance of an information based solution.
- Evaluate the success of systems, architecture, processes, components, or programs intended to meet desired needs of the human context at varying levels of analysis (e.g., individual, group, organization, society, and/or world).
Communication (Individual and Team):
- Communicate and work effectively (both individually and in teams) with a range of perspectives and audiences through a variety of media.
- Participate effectively on teams in order to accomplish a common goal.
- Communicate effectively with a range of audiences, formally or informally, through writing and the spoken word.
- Seek out, analyze, and incorporate diverse ideas and broader perspectives represented in the diversity of people.
- Make respectful and inclusive choices in interacting with customers, peers, supervisors, and/or subordinates with a diversity of identity .characteristics (e.g., age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, or veteran status).
Professional Responsibilities:
- Understand professional responsibilities in terms of the ethical, legal, security and social aspects of any given problem and its solution.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the cognitive, social, legal, ethical, diversity, and security perspectives surrounding a given problem.
- Assess the impact of information, computing and technology on individuals, groups, organizations, society, and the world for the purpose of making informed decisions from a sociological, governmental, legal, and/or security perspective.
Lifelong Learning:
- Commit to the continuous acquisition of relevant knowledge for professional development by self-teaching and/or on-going education and learning.
- Employ information-seeking strategies and self-directed learning in pursuit of current knowledge.
- Enroll in professional development and tutoring opportunities.
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
Program Coordinator, Instructor
Gaige 211
Reading, PA 19610
610-396-6349
tkc3@psu.edu
Altoona
David Barnes
Associate Teaching Professor, Information Sciences and Technology
Penn Building 212C, 3000 Ivyside Park
Altoona, PA 16601
814-949-5275
drb21@psu.edu
Harrisburg
Jesse Middaugh, PMP
Program Coordinator
Olmsted Building E335
Middletown, PA 17057
717-948-6153
jlm10@psu.edu
University Park
Office of Undergraduate Academic Advising
E103 Westgate Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-8947
advising@ist.psu.edu
World Campus
Undergraduate Academic Advising
301 Outreach Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-3283
advising@outreach.psu.edu
Suggested Academic Plan
The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2019-20 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition (Note: the archive only contain suggested academic plans beginning with the 2018-19 edition of the Undergraduate Bulletin).
Information & Cyber Security Option 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 30‡ | 3 | CAS 100A or 100B‡ | 3 |
| SRA 111*# | 3 | SCM 200 or STAT 200 (MATH 21 recommended prior to taking STAT 200, but not required.)‡ | 4 |
| IST 110* | 3 | SRA 211*# | 3 |
| IST 140 or CMPSC 101 (IST 140 recommended.)*# | 3 | IST 220* | 3 |
| First-Year Seminar (IST 111S recommended) | 1 | General Education Course | 3 |
| MATH 22‡ | 3 | ||
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ECON 102 or 104† | 3 | ENGL 202C or 202D‡ | 3 |
| SRA 221* | 3 | SRA 231* | 3 |
| PSYCH 100 or SOC 5† | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| IST*# | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| SRA 311* | 3 | IST 451* | 3 |
| PLSC 1 or 14 | 3 | SRA 365 or STAT 460* | 3 |
| IST 432* | 3 | Support of Option Requirement | 3 |
| Support of Option Requirement | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| IST 440 or SRA 440 (Course fulfills the Writing Across The Curriculum Requirement.)* | 3 | IST 456* | 3 |
| IST 454* | 3 | Support of Option Requirement | 3 |
| IST 495* | 1 | General Education Course (GHW) | 3 |
| Support of Option Requirement | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 13 | 15 | ||
| 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 University 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.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
| 1 | The following courses are offered Fall Semester only: IST 432, PLSC 1, SRA 221, 311. |
| 2 | The following courses are offered Spring Semester only: IST 451, 454, 456, PLSC 14, SRA 231, 365. |
| 3 | For Support of Option Requirement, consult adviser for list. |
Career Paths
The Security and Risk Analysis program responds to the expanding need for a highly trained analytic workforce to address a wide range of security and risk domains including national/homeland security, emergency and disaster management, law and crime, as well as enterprise risk management. The SRA degree prepares students to be future leaders to address the current and emerging security and risk challenges that face individuals, organizations and our nation. IST's Office of Career Solutions helps students navigate internship and career development through coaching, workshops, interview preparation, resume reviews, career fairs, job postings, and networking opportunities.
Careers
Security and Risk Analysis students may specialize in risk domains ranging from national security to community emergency preparedness and response. Because our courses blend technical knowledge with skills in communication and business, a Security and Risk Analysis degree allows students to pursue opportunities in intelligence, counterterrorism, computer forensics, and a number of other growing careers. SRA graduates work in a variety of fields, including defense, business, and emergency management; and many graduates go on to work for government intelligence agencies like the CIA, FBI, and NSA.
Opportunities for Graduate Studies
With a focus on problem solving, critical thinking and the presentation of analytic findings, the SRA program is a great stepping-stone to graduate education and higher learning. Many SRA graduates will go on to pursue graduate degrees in fields like law, cyber security, and data science. The foundational skills obtained in the SRA degree directly apply to graduate education.
Contact
Berks
EBC DIVISION
Gaige Building
Reading, PA
610-396-6349
tkc3@psu.edu
http://berks.psu.edu/bs-security-and-risk-analysis
Altoona
DIVISION OF BUSINESS, ENGINEERING, AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
Penn Building 212C, 3000 Ivyside Park
Altoona, PA 16601
814-949-5275
drb21@psu.edu
http://altoona.psu.edu/academics/bachelors-degrees/security-risk-analysis/request-information
Harrisburg
DEPARTMENT OF SECURITY AND RISK ANALYSIS
Olmsted Building E355
Middletown, PA 17057
717-948-6141
ljc43@psu.edu
University Park
OFFICE OF THE ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR GRADUATE AND UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES
E397F Westgate Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-3450
programs@ist.psu.edu
https://ist.psu.edu/directory/office/grad_undergrad_studies
World Campus
OFFICE OF THE ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR GRADUATE AND UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES
E397F Westgate Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-3450
programs@ist.psu.edu