Information Sciences and Technology, B.S. (Information Sciences and Technology)

Please Note: The Bachelor of Science degree in Information Sciences and Technology is also available through Penn State World Campus (ISSWC_BS). 

Program Description

Not all options are available at every campus. Contact the campus you are interested in attending to determine which options are offered.

This major is structured to provide students with the theoretical frameworks and skill sets necessary to compete and be productive in the information technology-intensive global context that defines the new "Information Age." Specifically, the degree will be focused on a program that will build an understanding of core information technologies and related areas of study; will prepare students for the practical application of various information sciences and related technologies; and engage students in sharpening their abilities to think critically and to work in teams. All this will be done with considerable interdisciplinary integration in order to expose students to the cognitive, social, institutional, and global environments of IST. Team projects in most courses, a required internship, and a senior capstone experience provide additional, focused venues for involving students in the cutting-edge issues and technologies of the field.

Information Context: People, Organizations, and Society Option

Available at the following campuses: Beaver, Berks, Scranton, University Park

This option focuses on how information technology affects social change and the delivery of information to the consumer. This includes the human-machine interface; organization and retrieval of information; digital libraries; information and telecommunications services; information and media industry structures; software services and intermediaries; telecommunications and information law and policy; sociological aspects of technology change; multimedia; and art, design, and aesthetics.

Information Systems: Design & Development Option

Available at the following campuses: Abington, Beaver, Berks, Brandywine, Harrisburg, Lehigh Valley, Scranton, University Park, World Campus, York

This option is focused on expanding the skills needed to develop advanced information technology systems using state-of-the-art tools and techniques. The emphasis is on providing the student with both knowledge in the design, implementation, testing and evolution of complex software systems as well as a set of project-oriented, team-programming experiences.

Information Technology: Integration & Application Option

Available at the following campuses: Abington, Beaver, Berks, Brandywine, Greater Allegheny, Harrisburg, Hazleton, Lehigh Valley, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Schuylkill, Scranton, University Park, Wilkes-Barre, World Campus, York

This option is designed to prepare students to use information technology to realize a variety of system-based goals (e.g., reliability, accessibility, efficiency, etc.). It is focused on developing a theoretical foundation and the skill set needed for integrating information technology into different systems for the purpose of enhancing system performance. The emphasis is on providing the student with both the theoretical frameworks needed to use information technology as a system attribute as well as a set of application-oriented experiences and skills.

What is Information Sciences and Technology?

Information Sciences and Technology is a discipline that explores how we can strengthen the power of information and technology, and use it to increase human potential. This includes focusing on creating innovative systems and technological solutions that benefit businesses, organizations, and individuals, and understanding the role of technology in how we live our lives.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT INFORMATION SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY

You Might Like This Program If...

• You want to develop new software and web applications, help businesses operate more effectively by creating and implementing technological solutions, or understand how technology is connected to broader social issues.
• You are interested in technology but also want to work with people.
• You enjoy coming up with creative solutions to difficult challenges.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT WHY STUDENTS CHOOSE TO STUDY INFORMATION SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY

Entrance to Major

University Park

This program currently has administrative enrollment controls. Administrative Enrollment Controls are initiated when limitations of space, faculty, or other resources in a major prevent accommodating all students who request them. Students must follow the administrative enrollment controls that are in effect for the semester that they enter the university.

First-Year Students Entering Summer 2020, Fall 2020, Spring 2021

In order to be eligible for entrance to this major, students must satisfy the following requirements:

• 40-70 graded Penn State credits (excludes transfer and AP credits)
• completed with a grade of C or better: IST 110, IST 140 or CMPSC 101 or CMPSC 121, IST 210, IST 220
• earned a minimum cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 3.00

Students Who Entered Prior to Summer 2020

Students who entered the University from Summer 2018 through Spring 2020 should view the administrative enrollment controls in the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin archive. Students who entered the University prior to the summer 2018 semester should view the administrative enrollment controls for the semester that they entered the university on the Academic Advising Portal.

World Campus

To be eligible for entrance to the Information Sciences and Technology (ISTBS) major, students must:

1. have completed the following entrance-to-major requirements with a grade of C or better in each: IST 110; IST 140 (or equivalent CMPSC 101 or CMPSC 121 ) IST 210; and IST 220.
2. have achieved a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 prior to and through the end of the semester during which the entrance-to-major procedure is carried out.

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. Information Sciences and Technology undergraduates may apply for admission to the ISTBS/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:

1. Must be enrolled in the ISTBS undergraduate degree program.
2. Must have completed 60 credits of an ISTBS undergraduate degree program.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Must apply to the IUG program by February 15 of their junior year.

Degree Requirements

For the Bachelor of Science degree in Information Sciences and Technology, a minimum of 125 credits is required:

12 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major. This includes 12 credits of General Education courses: 6 credits of GQ courses; 3 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)

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Prescribed Courses
STAT 200	Elementary Statistics	4
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
IST 110	Information, People and Technology	3
IST 210	Organization of Data	3
IST 220	Networking and Telecommunications	3
IST 230	Language, Logic, and Discrete Mathematics	3
IST 301	Information and Organizations	3
IST 331	Foundations of Human-Centered Design	3
IST 440W	Information Sciences and Technology Integration and Problem Solving	3
IST 495	Internship	1
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
ENGL 202C	Effective Writing: Technical Writing	3
or ENGL 202D	Effective Writing: Business Writing
MATH 110	Techniques of Calculus I	4
or MATH 140	Calculus With Analytic Geometry I
Select one of the following:		3
CMPSC 101	Introduction to Programming
CMPSC 121	Introduction to Programming Techniques
IST 140	Introduction to Application Development
Select one of the following:		3
ECON 14	Principles of Economics
ECON 102	Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy
ECON 104	Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Attainment of third-level proficiency in a single foreign language 1		12
Select 6 credits of international courses in foreign culture from College-approved list		6
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 3 credits at the 400 level in emerging issues and technologies from College-approved list		3
Requirements for the Option
Select an option		24

Requirements for the Option

Information Context: People, Organizations, and Society Option (24 credits)

Available at the following campuses: Beaver, Berks, Scranton, University Park

Information Systems: Design & Development Option (24 credits)

Available at the following campuses: Abington, Beaver, Berks, Brandywine, Harrisburg, Lehigh Valley, Scranton, University Park, World Campus, York

Information Technology: Integration & Application Option (24 credits)

Available at the following campuses: Abington, Beaver, Berks, Brandywine, Greater Allegheny, Harrisburg, Hazleton, Lehigh Valley, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Schuylkill, Scranton, University Park, Wilkes-Barre, World Campus, York

Integrated B.S. in Information Sciences and Technology and M.S. in Informatics

Available at the following campuses: University Park

Requirements for the Integrated B.S. in Information Sciences and Technology and M.S. in Informatics can be found in the Graduate Bulletin.

Program Learning Objectives

Knowledge/Application:

1. Understand and apply the interdisciplinary, theoretical knowledge of the information sciences or security sciences.
   1. Define and explain the core concepts, principles, processes, and theories within the academic majors of IST and/or SRA.
   2. Apply the core concepts of the academic majors of IST and/or SRA to real-world problems.

Problem-Solving:

1. Understand, apply and adapt various problem solving strategies, using appropriate technology and methods.
   1. Identify information problems and/or opportunities in terms of the human, informational and technology dimensions.
   2. 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.
   3. 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).
   4. 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.
   5. 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):

1. Communicate and work effectively (both individually and in teams) with a range of perspectives and audiences through a variety of media.
   1. Participate effectively on teams in order to accomplish a common goal.
   2. Communicate effectively with a range of audiences, formally or informally, through writing and the spoken word.
   3. Seek out, analyze, and incorporate diverse ideas and broader perspectives represented in the diversity of people.
   4. 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:

1. Understand professional responsibilities in terms of the ethical, legal, security and social aspects of any given problem and its solution.
   1. Demonstrate an understanding of the cognitive, social, legal, ethical, diversity, and security perspectives surrounding a given problem.
   2. 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:

1. Commit to the continuous acquisition of relevant knowledge for professional development by self-teaching and/or on-going education and learning.
   1. Employ information-seeking strategies and self-directed learning in pursuit of current knowledge.
   2. 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

University Park

Undergraduate Academic Advising Center
E103 Westgate Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-8947
advising@ist.psu.edu

Abington

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

Berks

Tricia Clark
Program Coordinator, Instructor
Gaige 211
Reading, PA 19610
610-396-6349
tkc3@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

Harrisburg

Jesse Middaugh, PMP
Program Coordinator
Olmsted Building E335
Middletown, PA 17057
717-948-6153
jlm10@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 Sciences and Technology
2809 Saucon Valley Road
Center Valley, PA 18034
610-285-5071
kmb6846@psu.edu

Mont Alto

Paul Bart
Lecturer, IST
6 Bookstore Building
Mont Alto, PA 17237
717-749-6241
pjb159@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

Scranton

Debra Smarkusky
Associate Professor
212F Dawson
Dunmore, PA 18512
570-963-2593
dls102@psu.edu

Wilkes-Barre

Wei-Fan Chen
Program Co-Coordinator, IST
44 University Drive
Dallas, PA 18612
570-675-9142
weifan@psu.edu

World Campus

Undergraduate Academic Advising
301 Outreach Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-3283
advising@outreach.psu.edu

York

William Cantor
Assistant Teaching Professor in IST
226 Grumbacher Building (GISTC)
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 2020-21 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).

Design and Development Option, University Park 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.

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.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL/CAS 137 in the fall semester and ENGL/CAS 138 in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and replace both ENGL 30 and CAS 100. Each course is 3 credits.

Advising Notes:

• 1 credit of IST 495 is required.  A grade of C or better must be earned for this course.
• IST courses have enforced pre-requisites.

Integration and Application Option, University Park 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.

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.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL/CAS 137 in the fall semester and ENGL/CAS 138 in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and replace both ENGL 30 and CAS 100. Each course is 3 credits.

Advising Notes:

• 1 credit of IST 495 is required.  A grade of C or better must be earned for this course.
• IST courses have enforced pre-requisites.

People, Organizations, and Society Option, University Park 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.

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.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL/CAS 137 in the fall semester and ENGL/CAS 138 in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and replace both ENGL 30 and CAS 100. Each course is 3 credits.

Advising Notes:

• 1 credit of IST 495 is required.  A grade of C or better must be earned for this course.
• IST courses have enforced pre-requisites.

Career Paths

IST allows you to explore some of the biggest challenges facing society and work to solve them by leveraging information and using technology. It blends skills from a number of fields – computer science, business, psychology, math, sociology, political science – so you can help people and organizations thrive. IST's Office of Career Solutions helps students navigate their internship and career development in the field through coaching, workshops, interview preparation, resume reviews, career fairs, job postings, and networking opportunities.

Careers

Because our courses blend technical knowledge with skills in communication and business, an IST degree allows for careers in nearly every industry including consulting, business, government, defense, entertainment, and medicine.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS FOR GRADUATES OF THE INFORMATION SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

Contact

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

Abington

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

http://abington.psu.edu/information-sciences-and-technology-ist

Berks

EBC DIVISION
Gaige Building
Reading, PA 19610
610-396-6349
tkc3@psu.edu

http://berks.psu.edu/bs-information-sciences-and-technology

Brandywine

25 Yearsley Mill Road
Media, PA 19063
610-892-1343
nxd13@psu.edu

http://brandywine.psu.edu/information-sciences-and-technology

DuBois

1 College Place
DuBois, PA 16823
814-372-3000
jel115@psu.edu

http://dubois.psu.edu/ist

Greater Allegheny

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

http://greaterallegheny.psu.edu/information-sciences-and-technology-bs

Harrisburg

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Olmsted Building, E355
717-948-6141
ljc43@psu.edu

https://harrisburg.psu.edu/business-administration/information-sciences-technology-security-risk-analysis/bachelor-science-information-sciences-and-technology

Hazleton

Kostos 117
Hazleton, PA 18202
570-450-3089
bxb30@psu.edu

http://hazleton.psu.edu/bachelor-science-information-sciences-and-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

6 Bookstore Building
Mont Alto, PA 17237
717-749-6241
pjb159@psu.edu

https://montalto.psu.edu/academics/bachelors/information-sciences-and-technology-degree

New Kensington

036 Theater & IST Building
3550 Seventh Street Road
New Kensington, PA 15068
724-334-6089
hhs10@psu.edu

https://newkensington.psu.edu/2-year-information-sciences-technology

Scranton

212F Dawson
Dunmore, PA 18512
570-963-2593
dls102@psu.edu

http://worthingtonscranton.psu.edu/information-sciences-and-technology

Wilkes-Barre

44 University Drive
Dallas, PA 18612
570-675-9142
weifan@psu.edu

http://wilkesbarre.psu.edu/academics/ist

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

https://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/degrees-and-certificates/information-sciences-and-technology-bachelors/overview

York

226 Grumbacher Building (GISTC)
York, PA 17403
717-771-4143
wpc2@psu.edu

http://york.psu.edu/academics/baccalaureate/information-sciences-and-technology