Information Sciences and Technology, A.S. (University College)

Program Code: 2ISUC_AS

Program Description

This associate degree major is structured to prepare graduates for immediate and continuing employment opportunities in the broad disciplines of information science and technology. This includes positions such as application programmers, associate systems designers, network managers, web designers and administrators, or information systems support specialists. Specifically, the major is designed to ensure a thorough knowledge of information systems and includes extensive practice using contemporary technologies in the creation, organization, storage, analysis, evaluation, communication, and transmission of information. The major fosters communications, interpersonal, and group interaction skills through appropriate collaborative and active learning projects and experiences. Technical material covers the structure of database systems, web and multimedia systems, and considerations in the design of information systems. Team projects in most courses, a required internship, and a second-year capstone experience provide additional, focused venues for involving students in the cutting-edge issues and technologies in the field.

The Associate of Science in IST degree will be offered at multiple campuses within the Penn State system of colleges and campuses. Note that not all options will be available at all locations.

Application Development Option

Available at the following campuses: Berks, Greater Allegheny, Hazleton, Mont Alto, Scranton, World Campus, York

The Application Development option prepares students for entry level position in applications development and/or web development. It also prepares students for IST related baccalaureate degrees such as HCDD, IT, ETI, and CYBER. Students take courses such as web development and advanced java programming as well as usability.

Custom Option

Available at the following campuses: Berks, DuBois, Greater Allegheny, Hazleton, Mont Alto, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, World Campus, York

The Custom option enables students to work closely with an adviser to develop a plan of study that meets the dual objectives of allowing a flexible academic program and a specific theme related to technology. Some examples of themes are web development, psychology, and usability.

Cybersecurity Option

Available at the following campuses: Berks, Greater Allegheny, Mont Alto, World Campus, York

The Cybersecurity option prepares students for an entry level position in the cyber security field. It also prepares students for IST related baccalaureate degrees such as Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations and SRA. Students take introductory courses in CYBER and SRA as well as advanced hand-on courses in these areas.

Generalized Business Option

Available at the following campuses: Berks, DuBois, Greater Allegheny, Mont Alto, Scranton, World Campus, York

The Generalized Business option enables students to specialize in the general business areas of accounting, marketing, and management, and is closely aligned with the requirements of the ETI major.

Networking Option

Available at the following campuses: DuBois, Mont Alto, World Campus

The Networking option prepares graduates for positions as entry-level computer network administrators. Students take courses in personal computer hardware, networking essentials, and network administration.

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.

Entrance to Major

Students must have a minimum 2.0 GPA to change to this Associate degree after admission to the University.

Degree Requirements

For the Associate in Science degree in Information Sciences and Technology, a minimum of 60 credits is required:

Requirement Credits
General Education 21
Electives 0-5
Requirements for the Major 43-47

6-9 of the 21 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major. For all options, this includes: 3 credits of GQ courses; 3 credits of GWS courses; 0-3 credits of GS courses. (3 credits of GQ courses in Additional Courses includes MATH 21, MATH 22, MATH 110, SCM 200 or STAT 200) and 3 credits of GWS courses including ENGL 15 or CAS 100 which are Prescribed Courses. Students may also overlap 3 credits of GS if they select SRA 111 in Additional Courses for the Major or if they select ECON 102/ECON 104 in the Generalized Business Option Additional Courses.)

Requirements for the Major

To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn a grade of C or better in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 82-44.

Common Requirements for the Major (All Options)

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
CAS 100Effective Speech3
ENGL 15Rhetoric and Composition Keystone/General Education Course3
IST 140Introduction to Application Development3
IST 210Organization of Data3
IST 220Networking and Telecommunications3
IST 260WIntroduction to Systems Analysis and Design3
Additional Courses
ENGL 202CEffective Writing: Technical Writing Keystone/General Education Course3
or ENGL 202D Effective Writing: Business Writing Keystone/General Education Course
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
IST 250Introduction to Web Design and Development3
or IST 256 Programming for the Web
Select 3 credits from the following: 13
Computer Systems Literacy
Computer Systems Literacy
Foundations of Human-Centered Design and Development
Foundations of Human-Centered Design and Development FYS
Information, People and Technology Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to Security and Risk Analysis Keystone/General Education Course
Select 1 credit from the following:1
Distributed Team Project
IST Internship
Internship
Select 3-4 credits from the following:3-4
College Algebra with Analytic Geometry with Applications I Keystone/General Education Course
College Algebra With Analytic Geometry and Applications II Keystone/General Education Course
Plane Trigonometry and Applications of Trigonometry Keystone/General Education Course
Techniques of Calculus I Keystone/General Education Course
Calculus With Analytic Geometry I Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to Statistics for Business Keystone/General Education Course
Elementary Statistics Keystone/General Education Course
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Any first-year seminar course. Students who complete CYBER 100S or HCDD 113S as additional courses do not have to schedule an additional first-year seminar.0-1
Requirements for the Option
Requirements for the Option: Require a grade of C or better
Select an option12-14
1

Students planning to complete the Cybersecurity option must select CYBER 100/CYBER 100S. Courses may not double count with option requirements.

Requirements for the Option

Application Development Option (12 credits)

Available at the following campuses: Berks, Greater Allegheny, Hazleton, Mont Alto, Scranton, World Campus, York

Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select 12 credits from the following:12
Intermediate & Object-Oriented Application Development
Programming for the Web 1
Application Development Design Studio I
Object-Oriented Design and Software Applications
Design Practice in Human-Centered Design and Development
Foundations of Human-Centered Design
1

IST 256 may count in the major requirements or the option, but may not double count toward both requirements.

Custom Option (12 credits)

Available at the following campuses: Berks, DuBois, Greater Allegheny, Hazleton, Mont Alto, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, World Campus, York

Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 12 credits in consultation with an adviser. All courses are C-required. Examples of specific themes include: Web Development, Psychology, Usability.12
Cybersecurity Option (12 credits)

Available at the following campuses: Berks, Greater Allegheny, Mont Alto, World Campus, York

Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select 12 credits from the following: 112
Cyber-Defense Studio
Intermediate & Object-Oriented Application Development
Introduction to Security and Risk Analysis Keystone/General Education Course
Threat of Terrorism and Crime
Overview of Information Security
1

Courses may not double count with the major requirements.

Generalized Business Option (12-14 credits)

Available at the following campuses: Berks, DuBois, Greater Allegheny, Mont Alto, Scranton, World Campus, York

Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select 12-14 credits from the following:12-14
Financial and Managerial Accounting for Decision Making
Social, Legal, and Ethical Environment of Business
Legal Environment of Business
Legal Environment of Business
and Social and Ethical Environment of Business
Finance
Corporation Finance
Supply Chains
Supply Chain Management
Marketing
Principles of Marketing
Management and Organization
Basic Management Concepts
Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy Keystone/General Education Course
Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy Keystone/General Education Course
Networking Option (12 credits)

Available at the following campuses: DuBois, Mont Alto, World Campus

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
IST 225PC Hardware Basics3
IST 226Networking Essentials3
IST 227Network Administration3
IST 228Advanced Network Administration3

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 associate degree students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.

The keystone symbol Keystone/General Education Course appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.

Foundations (grade of C or better is required and Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

  • Quantification (GQ): 3 credits
  • Writing and Speaking (GWS): 3 credits

Knowledge Domains

  • Arts (GA): 3 credits
  • Humanities (GH): 3 credits
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
  • Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits

Note: Up to six credits of Inter-Domain courses may be used for any Knowledge Domain requirement, but when a course may be used to satisfy more than one requirement, the credits from the course can be counted only once.

Exploration

  • Any General Education course (including GHW and Inter-Domain): 3 credits

University Degree Requirements

Cultures Requirement

3 credits of United States (US) or International (IL) cultures coursework are required and may satisfy other requirements

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 60 degree credits must be earned for a associates degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 60 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

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.

Program Learning Objectives

DuBois Campus

  • Know the System Development Lifecycle (SDLC): Demonstrate knowledge of the SDLC by applying its methods to information systems projects and lab exercises.
  • Know Information Systems and Industry Methods: Demonstrate ability to apply various industry standards in system development, system maintenance, and ISO/IEC/IEEE standards.
  • Use Information Sciences Theory/Practice: Use management theory and information technology processes in managing information systems, which include best practices for system design, development, and implementation.
  • Manage Information Systems: Demonstrate knowledge and execution of designing and managing various information systems.
  • Know Security Risk Factors: Demonstrate knowledge of security risk factors impacting on various system components; understand the impact of those risk factors on the larger information system; and demonstrate the ability to design, develop, and implement secure information systems, using the latest industry standards and best practices, (i.e., securing hardware, software compliance, etc.).
  • Use Communication Skills: Apply written, oral, and graphic communication effectively in both technical and nontechnical environments, and use appropriate technical literature.
  • Use Team Membership Skills: Function effectively as a member of a technical team.

Greater Allegheny Campus

  • Design and Manage Network- and Information-based systems: Demonstrate knowledge and execution of designing and managing various information systems.

Hazleton and York Campuses

  • Knowledge/Application: Understand and apply the interdisciplinary, theoretical knowledge of the information sciences or security science
    • 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

Mont Alto Campus

  • 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
  • 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

Scranton Campus

  • Communication: Communicate and work effectively (both individually and in teams) with a range of perspectives and audiences through a variety of media.
  • Knowledge/Application: Understand and apply the interdisciplinary, theoretical knowledge of the information sciences or security sciences
  • Lifelong Learning: Commit to the continuous acquisition of relevant knowledge for professional development by self-teaching and/or on-going education and learning.
  • Problem-solving: Understand, apply and adapt various problem solving strategies, using appropriate technology and methods.
  • Professional Responsibilities: Understand professional responsibilities in terms of the ethical, legal, security and social aspects of any given problem and its solution.

Wilkes-Barre Campus

  • 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).

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

DuBois

Jason Long
Assistant Teaching Professor
1 College Place
DuBois, PA 16823
814-372-3000
jel115@psu.edu

Hazleton

Barbara Brazon
Associate Teaching Professor of Information Sciences and Technology
Kostos 117
Hazleton, PA 18202
570-450-3089
bxb30@psu.edu

Mont Alto

Elizabeth Denlea
Lecturer and Program Coordinator of IST
006 Bookstore
1 Campus Drive
Mont Alto, PA 17237
717-749-6048
ebd5343@psu.edu

Scranton

Debra Smarkusky
Associate Professor
120 Ridge View Drive
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

York

Bill Cantor
Assistant Teaching Professor in Information Sciences and Technology
1031 Edgecomb Ave.
York, PA 17403
717-771-4143
wpc2@psu.edu

Berks

Tricia Clark
Program Coordinator, Instructor
Gaige 211
Reading, PA 19610
610-396-6349
BKInfoTech@psu.edu

University Park

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

World Campus

Undergraduate Academic Advising
100 Innovation Blvd
Suite 225
University Park, PA 16803
814-863-3283
advising@worldcampus.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.

DuBois Campus

Custom Option: Information Sciences and Technology, A.S. at DuBois Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CYBER 100 or IST 110*#3IST 210*#3
PSU 81IST 220*#3
IST 140*#3Elective3
General Education Course (GS) (Recommend SRA 111)*†3Elective (Recommend IST 242)*3
ENGL 15 or 30H (GWS)3General Education Course (GH)3
MATH 21, 22, 26, 110, or 140 (GQ)3 
 16 15
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Custom Choice 1*3Custom Choice 3*3
Custom Choice 2*3Custom Choice 4*3
IST 260W*3General Education Course (GA)3
IST 256*3General Education Course (GN)3
CAS 100A (GWS)3ENGL 202C or 202D (GWS)‡†3
 IST 495 (Taken Any Time)1
 15 16
Total Credits 62
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Program Notes:

  • As long as two Arts (GA) and two Humanities (GH) are taken across the eight semesters, the particular order in which these courses are taken is not relevant. The course series listed above is only one of many possible ways to move through the IST curriculum.

Advising Notes:

  • A student's career/graduate school plans should be considered in developing an individual academic plan. Be sure to consult an adviser in this department when scheduling courses.

Generalized Business Option: Information Sciences and Technology, A.S. at DuBois Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CYBER 100 or IST 110*#3IST 210*#3
PSU 81IST 220*#3
IST 140*#3Elective3
General Education Course (GS) (Recommend SRA 111)*†3Elective (Recommend IST 242)*3
ENGL 15 or 30H (GWS)3General Education Course (GH)3
MATH 21, 22, 26, 110, or 140 (GQ)3 
 16 15
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Business Choice 1*3Business Choice 3*3
Business Choice 2*3Business Choice 4*3
IST 260W*3General Education Course (GA)3
IST 256*3General Education Course (GN)3
CAS 100A (GWS)3ENGL 202C or 202D (GWS)‡†3
 IST 495 (Taken Any Time)1
 15 16
Total Credits 62
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Program Notes:

  • As long as two Arts (GA) and two Humanities (GH) are taken across the eight semesters, the particular order in which these courses are taken is not relevant. The course series listed above is only one of many possible ways to move through the IST curriculum.

Advising Notes:

Networking Option: Information Sciences and Technology, A.S. at DuBois Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CYBER 100 or IST 110*#3IST 210*#3
PSU 81IST 220*#3
IST 140*#3Elective3
General Education Course (GS) (Recommend SRA 111)*†3Elective (Recommend IST 242)*3
ENGL 15 or 30H (GWS)3General Education Course (GH)3
MATH 21, 22, 26, 110, or 140 (GQ)3 
 16 15
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
IST 225*3IST 227*3
IST 226*3IST 228*3
IST 260W*3General Education Course (GA)3
IST 256*3General Education Course (GN)3
CAS 100A (GWS)3ENGL 202C or 202D (GWS)‡†3
 IST 495 (Taken Any Time)1
 15 16
Total Credits 62
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Program Notes:

  • As long as two Arts (GA) and two Humanities (GH) are taken across the eight semesters, the particular order in which these courses are taken is not relevant. The course series listed above is only one of many possible ways to move through the IST curriculum.

Advising Notes:

A student's career/graduate school plans should be considered in developing an individual academic plan. Be sure to consult an adviser in this department when scheduling courses.

Greater Allegheny Campus

All Options: Information Sciences and Technology, A.S. at Greater Allegheny Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 153CAS 1003
IST 140*3IST 220*3
First-Year Seminar (IST 111S, CYBER 100S)*1STAT 200, SCM 200, DS 200, MATH 21, MATH 22, MATH 26, MATH 110, or MATH 1403-4
SRA 111, CYBER 100, CYBER 100S, IST 110, or HCDD 113S*3Application Focus Selection 2*3
Application Focus Selection 1*3General Education Course3
General Education Course3 
 16 15-16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
IST 210*3IST 260W*3
IST 250 or 256*3IST 295A, 295B, or 495*1
Application Focus Selection 3*3ENGL 202C or 202D3
Application Focus Selection 4*3Elective (General Education Course, US/IL Course)3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
 15 13
Total Credits 59-60
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Advising Notes:

Hazleton Campus

Application Development Option: Information Sciences and Technology, A.S. at Hazleton Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
IST 110 or SRA 111*3IST 210*3
IST 140*3IST 220*3
ENGL 15 or 30H‡†3CAS 100‡†3
General Education Course (GQ)3IST 2423
General Education Course3General Education Course3
PSU 81 
 16 15
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
IST 250*3IST 2613
IST 3113IST 3313
IST 260W*3IST 295A or 295B*1
General Education Course3ENGL 202C or 202D‡†3
General Education Course3IST 2563
 Elective1
 15 14
Total Credits 60
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Custom Option: Information Sciences and Technology, A.S. at Hazleton Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
IST 110*3IST 210*3 
IST 140*3IST 220*3 
ENGL 15 or 30H‡†3CAS 100‡†3 
General Education Course (GQ)3Approved Supporting Course13 
PSU 81General Education Course3 
 13 15 
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
Approved Supporting Course13Approved Supporting Course13IST 295A or 295B*1
Approved Supporting Course13ENGL 202C or 202D‡†3 
IST 260W*3General Education Course3 
IST 250*3General Education Course3 
General Education Course3Elective4 
 15 16 1
Total Credits 60
*

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

Consult IST Program Coordinator for a list of course selections.

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) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Mont Alto Campus

Application Development Option: Information Sciences and Technology, A.S. at Mont Alto Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
CYBER 100*13IST 210*23 
IST 111S11IST 220*23 
IST 140*13IST 242*2,33 
ENGL 15 (GWS)*‡†3General Education Course (GA)#3 
MATH 21, 22, 110, or STAT 200 (GQ)*‡†3General Education Course (GH)#3 
General Education Course (GS)# (SRA 111)†1,53  
 16 15 
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
IST 260W*13IST 331*2,33IST 295B or 495 (Take Any Time)*1
IST 256*13IST 311*3,43 
IST 261*3,43ENGL 202C or 202D (GWS)*‡†3 
CAS 100A (GWS)*‡†3General Education Course (GN)#3 
Elective3Elective3 
 15 15 1
Total Credits 62
*

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

Fall only course

2

Spring only course

3

Choose from: IST 242, IST 256, IST 261, IST 311, IST 331

4

DLC course

5

Recommended Course

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) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Program Notes:

  • The course series listed above is only one of many possible ways to move through the IST curriculum.

Advising Notes:

  • A student's post-graduation plans should be considered in developing an individual academic plan. Be sure to consult an adviser in this department when scheduling courses.

Custom Option: Information Sciences and Technology, A.S. at Mont Alto Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
CYBER 100*13IST 210*23 
IST 111S11IST 220*23 
IST 140*13General Education Course (GA)#3 
ENGL 15 (GWS)*‡†3General Education Course (GH)#3 
MATH 21, 22, 110, or STAT 200 (GQ)*‡†3Elective (IST 242)2,43 
General Education Course (GS)# (SRA 111 or ECON 102/ECON 104)*†43  
 16 15 
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
Option Course*33Option Course*33IST 295B or 495 (Take Any Time)*1
Option Course*33Option Course*33 
IST 260W*13ENGL 202C or 202D (GWS)*‡†3 
CAS 100A (GWS)*‡†3General Education Course (GN)#3 
IST 256*13Elective3 
 15 15 1
Total Credits 62
*

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

Fall only course

2

Spring only course

3

Consult with adviser

4

Recommended course

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) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Program Notes:

  • The course series listed above is only one of many possible ways to move through the IST curriculum.

Advising Notes:

  • A student's post-graduation plans should be considered in developing an individual academic plan. Be sure to consult an adviser in this department when scheduling courses.

Cybersecurity Option: Information Sciences and Technology, A.S. at Mont Alto Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
CYBER 100*13IST 210*23 
IST 111S11IST 220*23 
IST 140*13IST 242*2,53 
ENGL 15 (GWS)*‡†3SRA 111*2,33 
MATH 21, 22, 110, or STAT 200 (GQ)*‡†3Elective3 
General Education Course (GS)# (ECON 102/ECON 104)*†53  
 16 15 
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
IST 260W*13SRA 221*2,33IST 295B or 495 (Take Any Time)*1
CYBER 262 or SRA 211*3,43ENGL 202C or 202D (GWS)*‡†3 
CAS 100A (GWS)*‡†3General Education Course (GA)#3 
IST 256*13General Education Course (GN)#3 
General Education Course (GH)#3Elective3 
 15 15 1
Total Credits 62
*

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

Fall only course

2

Spring only course

3

Choose from: CYBER 262, IST 242, SRA 111, SRA 211, SRA 221

4

DLC course

5

Recommended course

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) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Program Notes:

  • The course series listed above is only one of many possible ways to move through the IST curriculum.

Advising Notes:

  • A student's post-graduation plans should be considered in developing an individual academic plan. Be sure to consult an adviser in this department when scheduling courses.

Generalized Business Option: Information Sciences and Technology, A.S. at Mont Alto Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
CYBER 100*13IST 210*23 
IST 111S11IST 220*23 
IST 140*13General Education Course (GA)#3 
ENGL 15 (GWS)*‡†3General Education Course (GH)#3 
MATH 21, 22, 110, or STAT 200 (GQ)*‡†3Elective (IST 242)2,43 
General Education Course (GS)# (SRA 111 or ECON 102/ECON 104)*†43  
 16 15 
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
Option Course*33Option Course*33IST 295B or 495 (Take Any Time)*1
Option Course*33Option Course*33 
IST 260W*13ENGL 202C or 202D (GWS)*‡†3 
CAS 100A (GWS)*‡†3General Education Course (GN)#3 
IST 256*13Elective3 
 15 15 1
Total Credits 62
*

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

Fall only course

2

Spring only course

3

Choose from: ACCTG 211, BA 243, ECON 102 or ECON 104, FIN 301, MGMT 301, MKTG 301, SCM 301

4

Recommended course

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) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Program Notes:

  • The course series listed above is only one of many possible ways to move through the IST curriculum.

Advising Notes:

  • A student's post-graduation plans should be considered in developing an individual academic plan. Be sure to consult an adviser in this department when scheduling courses.

Networking Option: Information Sciences and Technology, A.S. at Mont Alto Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
CYBER 100*13IST 210*23 
IST 111S11IST 220*23 
IST 140*13General Education Course (GA)#3 
ENGL 15 (GWS)*‡†3General Education Course (GH)#3 
MATH 21, 22, 110, or STAT 200 (GQ)*‡†3Elective (IST 242)2,33 
General Education Course (GS)# (SRA 111)†1,33  
 16 15 
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
IST 225*13IST 227*23IST 295B or 495 (Take Any Time)*1
IST 226*13IST 228*23 
IST 260W*13ENGL 202C or 202D (GWS)*‡†3 
CAS 100A (GWS)*‡†3General Education Course (GN)#3 
IST 256*13Elective3 
 15 15 1
Total Credits 62
*

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

Fall only course

2

Spring only course

3

Recommended course

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) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Program Notes:

  • The course series listed above is only one of many possible ways to move through the IST curriculum.

Advising Notes:

  • A student's post-graduation plans should be considered in developing an individual academic plan. Be sure to consult an adviser in this department when scheduling courses.

Scranton Campus

All Options: Information Sciences and Technology, A.S. at Scranton Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 15 or 30H3IST 210*3
IST 140*3IST 220*3
CYBER 100, HCDD 113, IST 110, or SRA 111*3General Education Course3
IST 111S*1General Education Course3
MATH 21, 22, 26, 110, 140, SCM 200, or STAT 200 (based on MATH placement)3-4Option Selection 1*3
 13-14 15
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CAS 100A, 100B, or 100C (GWS)3IST 260W*3
Option Selection 2*3IST 256*3
Option Selection 3*3-4ENGL 202C or 202D3
General Education Course3Option Selection 4*3
General Education Course3Elective2-4
 IST 495, 295A, or 295B*1
 15-16 15-17
Total Credits 58-62
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Advising Notes:

  • Application Development Option:
  • Custom Option:
    Select 12 credits in consultation with an adviser
  • Generalized Business Option:

Wilkes-Barre Campus

Custom Option: Information Sciences and Technology, A.S. at Wilkes-Barre Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
IST 110, CYBER 100, or SRA 111* 3IST 210* 3 
IST 140*‡†3CAS 100A3 
IST 220*3MATH 21, 22, 110, STAT 200, or SCM 2003-4 
ENGL 153General Education Course3 
PSU 81Approved Supporting Course3 
 13 15-16 
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
Approved Supporting Course3IST 256*3IST 295A or 295B1-3
Approved Supporting Course3IST 260W*3 
Approved Supporting Course3Approved Supporting Course3 
General Education Course3ENGL 202C or 202D3 
General Education Course3General Education Course3 
 15 15 1-3
Total Credits 59-62
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

York Campus

Information Sciences and Technology, A.S. at York Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 15 or 30H3IST 210*3
IST 140*3IST 220*3
CYBER 100, IST 110, HCDD 113, or SRA 1113General Education course6
IST 111S*1Option Selection 13
MATH 21, 22, or 110 (based on math placement)3 
 13 15
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
IST 260W*3ENGL 202C or 202D3
CAS 100A, 100B, or 100C (GWS)3IST 2563
Option Selection 23IST 495 or 295B1
General Education Course (or Option Selection 3)3-4Option Selection 3 or General Education Selection3
General Education Course3Option Selection 43
 Elective3-4
 15-16 16-17
Total Credits 59-61
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Program Notes:

Contact

DuBois

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

https://dubois.psu.edu/academics/degrees/IT

Hazleton

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

https://hazleton.psu.edu/associate-science-information-sciences-technology

Mont Alto

006 Bookstore
1 Campus Drive
Mont Alto, PA 17237
717-749-6048
ebd5343@psu.edu

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

Scranton

120 Ridge View Drive
Dunmore, PA 18512
570-963-2593
dls102@psu.edu

https://scranton.psu.edu/academics/degrees/associate/ist

Wilkes-Barre

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

https://wilkesbarre.psu.edu/academics/associate/information-sciences-and-technology

York

1031 Edgecomb Ave.
York, PA 17403
717-771-4143
wpc2@psu.edu

https://www.york.psu.edu/academics/associate/information-sciences-and-technology

Berks

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

https://berks.psu.edu/academics/associate-information-sciences-technology

University Park

COLLEGE OF INFORMATION SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
411 Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub Building
State College, PA 16801
814-865-3528

World Campus

COLLEGE OF INFORMATION SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
411 Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub Building
State College, PA 16801
814-865-3528

https://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/degrees-and-certificates/penn-state-online-information-sciences-and-technology-associate-in-science-degree