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

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 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.

Baccalaureate Option

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

This option provides maximum articulation with the baccalaureate degree. Students who complete this option will meet all lower division requirements for the baccalaureate degree. This is not the case with the remaining options, although the degree of articulation is quite high for all associate degree options.

Generalized Business Option

Available at the following campuses: Berks, DuBois, Hazleton, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Scranton, University Park, World Campus, York

This option enables students to specialize in the general business areas of accounting, marketing, and management.

Individualized Option

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

This 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 providing breadth of technical specialization. An example would be a program where a student would take some of the courses listed in the Web Administration option and the remainder in the Software option.

Networking Option

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

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

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:

Program Requirements
Requirement	Credits
General Education	21
Electives	4-7
Requirements for the Major	44-46

9-12 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; 6 credits of GWS courses. The Baccalaureate Option also includes 3 credits of GS courses to equal a total of 12 credits that double count; the General Business Option also includes 0-3 credits of GS courses to equal 9-12 credits that double count.

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.

Foundations (grade of C or better is required.)

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

Foundations or Knowledge Domains

A General Education course selected from GWS, GQ, GN, GA, GH, or GS, and may include Integrative Studies (Inter-domain or Linked) courses: 3 credits

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.

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.

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
CAS 100B	Effective Speech	3
ENGL 15	Rhetoric and Composition	3
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
CMPSC 101	Introduction to Programming	3
IST 110	Information, People and Technology	3
IST 111S	Seminar in Information Sciences and Technology	1
IST 210	Organization of Data	3
IST 220	Networking and Telecommunications	3
IST 250	Introduction to Web Design and Development	3
IST 260	Introduction to Systems Analysis and Design	3
Additional Courses
ENGL 202C	Effective Writing: Technical Writing	3
or ENGL 202D	Effective Writing: Business Writing
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
IST 295A	Distributed Team Project	1
or IST 295B	IST Internship
Requirements for the Option
Select an option		15-17

Requirements for the Option

Baccalaureate Option (17 credits)

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

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Prescribed Courses
ECON 102	Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy	3
STAT 200	Elementary Statistics	4
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
IST 230 & IST 240	Language, Logic, and Discrete Mathematics and Introduction to Computer Languages	6
Additional Courses
MATH 110	Techniques of Calculus I	4
or MATH 140	Calculus With Analytic Geometry I

Generalized Business Option (15-16 credits)

Available at the following campuses: Berks, DuBois, Hazleton, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Scranton, University Park, World Campus, York

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Additional Courses
Select 15 credits in consultation with the adviser from the following list:		15
ACCTG 151	Introductory Financial Accounting I
ACCTG 152	Introductory Financial Accounting II
ACCTG 211	Financial and Managerial Accounting for Decision Making
BA 250	Small Business Management
ECON 102	Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy
or ECON 104	Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy
or ECON 14	Principles of Economics
MATH 17
or MATH 21	College Algebra I
or MATH 22	College Algebra II and Analytic Geometry
or MATH 26	Plane Trigonometry
MGMT 100	Survey of Management
MGMT 150	Supervisory Management
MGMT 321	Leadership and Motivation
MGMT 341	Human Resource Management
MKTG 220	Introduction to Selling Techniques
MKTG 221	Contemporary American Marketing
MKTG 310	Public Relations and Marketing
MKTG 327	Retailing

Individualized Option (15 credits)

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

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 15 credits in consultation with an adviser that follow a coherent theme in information sciences and technology with a grade of C or better required for all IST courses.		15

Networking Option (15 credits)

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

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
IST 225	PC Hardware Basics	3
IST 226	Networking Essentials	3
IST 227	Network Administration	3
IST 228	Advanced Network Administration	3
Additional Courses
Select one of the following:		3
MATH 17
MATH 21	College Algebra I
MATH 22	College Algebra II and Analytic Geometry
MATH 26	Plane Trigonometry

Program Learning Objectives

Know the System Development Lifecycle (SDL): Demonstrate knowledge of the SDL by applying its methods to network projects and various networking hand-on lab exercises.
Know Networking Systems and Industry Methods: Demonstrate ability to apply various industry standards in networking, server maintenance, and hardware standards.
Use Information Sciences Theory/Practice: Use management theory and information technology processes in managing networks. Which includes best practices for network and infrastructure design, development, and implementation.
Manage Network Systems: Demonstrate knowledge of designing and management various networking systems.
Know Security Risk Factors: Demonstrate knowledge technology risk factors for networks, servers, various hardware components and their impact on technology systems. Having the ability to secure various networks, using the latest industry standards and best practices, design, develop, and implement (i.e. securing hardware, software compliance, etc.).

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

Mont Alto

Paul Bart
Lecturer, IST
6 Bookstore Building
Mont Alto, PA 17237
717-749-6241
pjb159@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
P.O. Box 264
Lehman, PA 18627
570-675-9142
weifan@psu.edu

York

William Cantor
Assistant Teaching Professor in IST
226 Grumbacher Building (GISTC)
York, PA 17403
717-771-4143
wpc2@psu.edu

Berks

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

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
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
IST 110	3	IST 210	3
IST 250	3	IST 220	3
IST 111S	1	CAS 100	3
ENGL 15	3	General Education: IL course	3
MATH 21	3
CMPSC 101 or CMPSC 121	3
	16		12
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits	Summer	Credits
IST 225	3	IST 227	3	IST 295B	1
IST 226	3	IST 228	3
IST 260 ( Writing across the curriculum)	3	General Education: GN	3
General Education: Arts	3	General Education: GH	3
ENGL 202C or 202D	3	General Education: GS	3
	15		15		1
Total Credits 59

*

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, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GN, GA, GH, and GS). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.

Hazleton Campus

Individualized Option

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
IST 110^*	3	IST 210^*	3
IST 250^*	3	IST 220^*	3
CMPSC 101 or IST 140^*	3	CAS 100^‡†	3
ENGL 15 or 30^‡†	3	Approved Supporting Course¹	3
PSU 8	1	General Education Course	3
	13		15
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits	Summer	Credits
Approved Supporting Course¹	3	Approved Supporting Course¹	3	IST 295A or 295B^*	1
Approved Supporting Course¹	3	Approved Supporting Course ¹	3
IST 260^*	3	General Education Course	3
General Education Course^†	3	ENGL 202C or 202D^‡†	3
General Education Course^†	3	General Education Course (US) or (IL)^†	3
		Elective	1
	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

Bachelor of Arts Requirements:

Bachelor of Arts students must take 9 credits in Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Fields (Humanities; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Arts; World Languages [2nd language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the 1st]; Natural Sciences; Quantification). The B.A. Fields courses may not be taken in the area of the student’s primary major. See your adviser and the Degree Requirements section of this Bulletin.

Bachelor of Arts students must take 3 credits in Other Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as Other Cultures courses.

Generalized Business Option

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
IST 110^*	3	IST 210^*	3
IST 250^*	3	IST 220^*	3
CMPSC 101 or IST 140^*	3	CAS 100^‡†	3
ENGL 15 or 30^‡†	3	Business Option Course¹	3
PSU 8	1	General Education Course	3
	13		15
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits	Summer	Credits
Business Option Course¹	3	Business Option Course	3	IST 295A or 295B^*	1
Business Option Course¹	3	Business Option Course	3
IST 260^*	3	General Education Course	3
General Education Course^†	3	ENGL 202C or 202D^‡†	3
General Education Course^†	3	General Education Course (US) or (IL)^†	3
		Elective	1
	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

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, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GN, GA, GH, and GS). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.

¹

Business Option Course
Consult IST Program Coordinator for a list of course selections.

Greater Allegheny Campus

Baccalaureate Option

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, 30, or ESL 15^‡†	3	CAS 100, 100A, 100B, or 100C^†	3
IST 110^*	3	IST 210^*	3
IST 111^*	1	IST 220^*	3
IST 250^*	3	General Education Course	3
MATH 110 or 140	4	General Education Course	3
	14		15
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
IST 260^*	3	ENGL 202C or 202D^*	3
ECON 102^†	3	IST 240^*	3
IST 230^*	3	IST 295A or 295B^*	1
STAT 200	4	General Education Course	3
CMPSC 101^‡†	3	Elective	3
		Elective	2
	16		15
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 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, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GN, GA, GH, and GS). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.

Individualized Option

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, 30, or ESL 15^‡†	3	CAS 100, 100A, 100B, or 100C^†	3
IST 110^*	3	IST 210^*	3
IST 111^*	1	IST 220^*	3
IST 250^*	3	General Education Course	3
General Education Course	3	General Education Course	3
Elective	2
	15		15
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
IST 260^*	3	ENGL 202C or 202D	3
CMPSC 101^*‡†	3	IST 295A or 295B^*	1
Option Supporting Course¹	3	Option Supporting Course¹	3
Option Supporting Course¹	3	Option Supporting Course¹	3
Option Supporting Course¹	3	Elective	2
		General Education Course	3
	15		15
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 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, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GN, GA, GH, and GS). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.

¹

Select 15 credits in consultation with an adviser that follow a coherent theme in information, science and technology; a grade of C or better is required for all IST courses.

Mont Alto Campus

Baccalaureate Option

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
IST 110^{*† 1}	3	IST 210^{*† 2}	3
IST 111^*†	1	IST 220^{* 2}	3
IST 140^*	3	CAS 100 (GWS)^‡	3
IST 250^{*† 1}	3	MATH 110 (GQ)^‡†	4
ENGL 15 (GWS)^‡	3	General Education Course	3
General Education Course	3
	16		16
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
IST 230^†	3	IST 242^*	3
IST 260^†	3	IST 295B	1
ECON 102^†	3	ENGL 202C or 202D^‡	3
STAT 200^†	4	General Education Course	3
General Education Course	3	General Education Course	3
	16		13
Total Credits 61

Advising Notes:

Students are encouraged to take SRA 111
Consider an IL or US cultures course

¹

Fall only course

²

Prerequisite: IST 110

*

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, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GN, GA, GH, and GS). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.

General Business Option

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
IST 110^*†	3	IST 210^{*† 2}	3
IST 111^{*† 1}	1	IST 220^{* 2}	3
IST 140^*	3	CAS 100 (GWS) ^‡	3
IST 250^{*† 1}	3	Concentration Course^{† 3}	3
ENGL 15 (GWS)^‡	3	General Education Course	3
General Education Course	3
	16		15
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
IST 260	3	IST 295B	1
Concentration Course³	3	ENGL 202C or 202D^‡	3
Concentration Course³	3	Concentration Course³	3
Concentration Course³	3	General Education Course	3
General Education Course	3	General Education Course	3
		General Education Course	3
	15		16
Total Credits 62

Advising Notes:

Students are encouraged to take SRA 111
Consider an IL or US cultures course

¹

Fall only course

²

Prerequisite: IST 110

³

Choose from: ACCTG 211 (4), BA 250 (3), MKTG 220 (3), MKTG 221 (3), MKTG 327 (3), MGMT 100 (3), MGMT 150 (3), MGMT 321 (3), MGMT 341 (3), ECON 102 (GS;3), ECON 104 (GS;3), ECON 14 (GS;3), MATH 17 (GQ;3), MATH 21 (GQ;3), MATH 22 (GQ;3), or MATH 26 (GQ;3)

*

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, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GN, GA, GH, and GS). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.

Individualized Option

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
IST 110^{*† 1}	3	IST 210^{*† 2}	3
IST 111^*†	1	IST 220^{* 2}	3
IST 140^*	3	CAS 100 (GWS)^‡	3
IST 250^{*† 1}	3	Option Course ^{† 3}	3
ENGL 15 (GWS)^‡	3	General Education Course	3
General Education Course	3
	16		15
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
IST 260	3	IST 295B	1
Option Course ^{† 3}	3	ENGL 202C or 202D (GWS)^‡	3
Option Course^{† 3}	3	Option Course^{† 3}	3
Option Course^{† 3}	3	General Education Course	3
General Education Course	3	General Education Course	3
		General Education Course	3
	15		16
Total Credits 62

Advising Notes:

Students are encouraged to take SRA 111
Consider an IL or US cultures course

¹

Fall only course

²

Prerequisite: IST 110

³

Consult with adviser

*

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, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GN, GA, GH, and GS). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.

Networking Option

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
IST 110^*†	3	IST 210^{* 2}	3
IST 111^{*† 1}	1	IST 220^{* 2}	3
IST 140^*	3	CAS 100 (GWS)^‡	3
IST 250^{*† 1}	3	MATH 17, MATH 21, MATH 22, MATH 26, or MATH 110 (GQ)^{‡† 3}	0-4
ENGL 15 (GWS)^‡	3	General Education Course	3
General Education Course	3
	16		12-16
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
IST 260^*	3	IST 227^*	3
IST 225^*	3	IST 228^*	3
IST 226^*	3	IST 295B	1
ENGL 202C or 202D^‡	3	General Education Course	3
General Education Course	3	General Education Course	3
		General Education Course	3
	15		16
Total Credits 59-63

Advising Notes:

Students are encouraged to take SRA 111
Consider an IL or US cultures course

¹

Fall only course

²

Prerequisite: IST 110

³

Based on placement test

*

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, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GN, GA, GH, and GS). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.

New Kensington Campus

Generalized Business Option

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
IST 110^*	3	IST 210^*	3
IST 111^*	1	IST 220^*	3
IST 140^*	3	CAS 100^‡	3
IST 250^*	3	Business Course	3
ENGL 15 or 30^‡	3	General Education Course	3
General Education Course	3
	16		15
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
Business Course	3	Business Course	3
Business Course	3	Business Course	3
General Education Course	3	ENGL 202C or 202D^‡	3
General Education Course	3	IST 260^*	3
General Elective	3
	15		12
Total Credits 58

*

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, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GN, GA, GH, and GS). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.

Baccalaureate Option

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	Summer	Credits
IST 110^*	3	IST 210^*	3	IST 295B or 495^*	1-3
IST 111^*	1	IST 220^*	3
IST 140^*	3	CAS 100^‡	3
IST 250^*	3	MATH 110 or 140^*†‡	4
ENGL 15 or 30^‡	3
ECON 102	3
	16		13		1-3
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
IST 230^*	3	ENGL 202C or 202D^‡	3
STAT 200^{† ‡}	4	General Education Course	3
General Education Course	3	General Elective	3
General Education Course	3	IST 242^*	3
General Education Course	3	IST 260^*	3
	16		15
Total Credits 61-63

*

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, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GN, GA, GH, and GS). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.

Scranton Campus

Baccalaureate Option

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^†	3	CAS 100A^†	3
CMPSC 101^*‡	3	IST 210^*	3
IST 110^*	3	IST 220^*	3
IST 111S^*	1	MATH 110 or 140	4
IST 250^*	3	General Education Course¹	3
General Education Course¹	3
	16		16
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
IST 230^*	3	IST 240^*	3
IST 260^*	3	IST 295B^*	1
STAT 200	4	ECON 102^†	3
General Education Course¹	3	ENGL 202C or 202D	3
General Education Course	3	General Education Elective	3
	16		13
Total Credits 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 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, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GN, GA, GH, and GS). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.

¹

One of the GA, GS or GH courses must satisfy the University US/IL requirement.

Program Notes

All students are required to complete a 150-hour internship, which is a mentored work experience where the student is employed in an information sciences and technology position in industry, government or academia. If students are planning to continue with the baccalaureate degree, they should complete a 300-hour internship. Students may complete the internship after their first semester and may complete multiple internships during their academic career.

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.
This is a recommended academic plan and degree requirements for major (and options) may change periodically. Students should consult with their academic adviser once a semester to keep abreast of new degree requirements and course offerings.

Generalized Business Option

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^†	3	CAS 100A^†	3
CMPSC 101^*‡	3	IST 210^*	3
IST 110^*	3	IST 220^*	3
IST 111S^*	1	Additional Course From Approved List	3
IST 250^*	3	General Education Course¹	3
General Education Course¹	6
	19		15
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
IST 260^*	3	IST 295B^*	1
Additional Course from Approved List	3	ENGL 202C or 202D	3
Additional Course from Approved List	3	Supporting Course in Related Area	3
General Education Course	3	Supporting Course in Related Area	3
General Education Course¹	3	General Education Elective	3
	15		13
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 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, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GN, GA, GH, and GS). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.

¹

One of the GA, GS or GH courses must satisfy the University US/IL requirement.

Program Notes

The student, with the concurrence of an adviser selects 15 credits from the following list of courses:

Introductory Financial Accounting I (ACCTG 151), ACCTG 152, ACCTG 153, ACCTG 160, ACCTG 170, ACCTG 211
BA 250
ECON 102, ECON 104, OR ECON 14
MATH 17, MATH 21, MATH 22, OR MATH 26
MGMT 100, MGMT 150, MGMT 321, MGMT 341
MKTG 220, MKTG 221, MKTG 310, MKTG 327

All students are required to complete a 150-hour internship, which is a mentored work experience where the student is employed in an information sciences and technology position in industry, government or academia. If students are planning to continue with the baccalaureate degree, they should complete a 300-hour internship. Students may complete the internship after their first semester and may complete multiple internships during their academic career.

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.
This is a recommended academic plan and degree requirements for major (and options) may change periodically. Students should consult with their academic adviser once a semester to keep abreast of new degree requirements and course offerings.

Individualized Option

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^†	3	CAS 100A^†	3
CMPSC 101^*†	3	IST 210^*	3
IST 110^*	3	IST 220^*	3
IST 111S^*	1	Supporting Course in Related Area^*	3
IST 250^*	3	General Education Course¹	3
General Education Course¹	3
	16		15
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
IST 260^*	3	IST 295B^*	1
Supporting Course in Related Area^*	3	ENGL 202C or 202D	3
Supporting Course in Related Area^*	3	Supporting Course in Related Area^*	3
General Education Course	3	Supporting Course in Related Area^*	3
General Education Course¹	3	General Education Elective	3
	15		13
Total Credits 59

*

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, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GN, GA, GH, and GS). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.

¹

One of the GA, GS or GH courses must satisfy the University US/IL requirement.

Program Notes

All students are required to complete a 150-hour internship, which is a mentored work experience where the student is employed in an information sciences and technology position in industry, government or academia. If students are planning to continue with the baccalaureate degree, they should complete a 300-hour internship. Students may complete the internship after their first semester and may complete multiple internships during their academic career.

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.
This is a recommended academic plan and degree requirements for major (and options) may change periodically. Students should consult with their academic adviser once a semester to keep abreast of new degree requirements and course offerings.

Wilkes-Barre Campus

Individualized Option

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
IST 110^*	3	IST 210^*	3
IST 140^*‡†	3	CAS 100A^‡	3
IST 256^*	3	General Education course	3
ENGL 15^‡	3	General Education course	3
PSU 8	1	Approved supporting course¹	3
	13		15
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits	Summer	Credits
Approved Supportig Course¹	3	Approved Supporting Course¹	3	IST 295A or 295B	1-3
Approved Supporting Course¹	3	Approved Supportig Course¹	3
IST 220^*	3	General Educarion Course	3
IST 260^*	3	ENGL 202C or 202D^‡	3
General Education course	3	Elective	1
		General Education Course	3
	15		16		1-3
Total Credits 60-62

*

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 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, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GN, GA, GH, and GS). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.

Footnotes:

1 Supporting Courses (15 credits): This option requires the student to work closely with an adviser to choose appropriate supporting courses which follow a coherent theme in information sciences and technology and which allow for a flexible academic program and a breadth of technical specialization.

Program Notes:

IST 295A or 295B is a one-credit internship usually completed over the summer, representing 150 hours of a supervised experience in an IT position. The course can be repeated and up to 3 credits can be applied to the degree. It is recommended that students engage in as many internship opportunities as possible. NOTE: If the student intends to later pursue a bachelor's degree in IST, he/she should opt to complete IST 495 instead of IST 295. IST 495 is a one-credit course which represents 300 hours of a supervised experience in an IT position. The ISSUC_BS degree requires IST 495 and IST 295 does not meet the requirements.

Baccalaureate Option

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
IST 110^*	3	IST 210^*	3
IST 140^*‡†	3	CAS 100A^‡	3
IST 256^*	3	ECON 102^†	3
ENGL 15^‡†	3	General Education Course	3
General Education Course	3	General Education Course	3
PSU 8	1
	16		15
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits	Summer	Credits
IST 220^*	3	IST 230^*	3	IST 295A or 295B	1
IST 240^*	3	STAT 200^‡	4
IST 260^*	3	ENGL 202C or 202D^‡	3
MATH 110 or 140^‡	4	General Education Course	3
General Education Course	3
	16		13		1
Total Credits 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 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, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GN, GA, GH, and GS). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.

Program Notes:

IST 295A or 295B is a one-credit internship usually completed over the summer, representing 150 hours of a supervised experience in an IT position. The course can be repeated and up to 3 credits can be applied to the degree. It is recommended that students engage in as many internship opportunities as possible. NOTE: If the student intends to later pursue a bachelor's degree in IST, he/she should opt to complete IST 495 instead of IST 295. IST 495 is a one-credit course which represents 300 hours of a supervised experience in an IT position. The ISSUC_BS degree requires IST 495 and IST 295 does not meet the requirements.

MATH 110 or 140: Depending on the student's ALEKS placement, other prerequisite math courses might need to be taken as early as semester 1.

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
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
ENGL 15 or 30^‡	3	IST 210^*	3
CMPSC 101^*	3	IST 220^*	3
IST 110^*	3	IST 250^*	3
IST 111S^*	1	General Education course	6
Option Selection course (math suggested)	3-4
	13-14		15
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
IST 260^*	3	ENGL 202C or 202D^‡	3
CAS 100^‡	3	IST 495 or 295B	1
Option Selection courses	3-4	Option Selection courses	6
General Education course	6	Elective	7
	15-16		17
Total Credits 60-62

*

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 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, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GN, GA, GH, and GS). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.

Contact

DuBois

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

http://dubois.psu.edu/ist

Hazleton

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

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

Mont Alto

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

http://montalto.psu.edu/directory/baccalaureate-information-technology-program

Scranton

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

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

Wilkes-Barre

P.O. Box 264
Lehman, PA 18627
570-675-9142
weifan@psu.edu

http://wilkesbarre.psu.edu/academics/ist/associate-degrees

York

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

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

Berks

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

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

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

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