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

Program Code: ISSUC_BS

Entrance to Major

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

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

Entrance to the Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate (IUG) Program

The Integrated Undergraduate Graduate (IUG) program is available for strong undergraduate students who wish to pursue a bachelor's and master's degree in a shorter period of time than would be necessary if the degrees were pursued separately. Information Sciences and Technology undergraduates may apply for admission to the ISTBS/ISTMS IUG program as early as February 15 of their sophomore year and no later than February 15 of their junior year after completing a minimum of 60 credits, if they meet the following admission requirements:

  1. Must be enrolled in the ISTBS undergraduate degree program.
  2. Must have completed 60 credits of an ISTBS undergraduate degree program.
  3. Must have an overall GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) in undergraduate coursework and a minimum GPA of 3.5 in all coursework completed for the major.
  4. Must apply to and be accepted without reservation into the Graduate School and M.S. program in Informatics. Students must complete the Graduate School application.
  5. Must apply to the IUG program by February 15 of their junior year.

Degree Requirements

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

Requirement Credits
General Education 45
Electives 8
Requirements for the Major 84

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

General Education

Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.

The keystone symbol 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.)

  • Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
  • Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits

Knowledge Domains

  • Arts (GA): 6 credits
  • Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
  • Humanities (GH): 6 credits
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 6 credits
  • Natural Sciences (GN): 9 credits

Integrative Studies (may also complete a Knowledge Domain requirement)

  • Inter-Domain or Approved Linked Courses: 6 credits

University Degree Requirements

First Year Engagement

All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.

Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.

First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.

Cultures Requirement    

6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements

  • United States Cultures: 3 credits
  • International Cultures: 3 credits

Writing Across the Curriculum

3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.

Total Minimum Credits

A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.

Quality of Work

Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.

Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition

The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.

Requirements for the Major

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

Common Requirements for the Major (All Options)

Prescribed Courses
STAT 200Elementary Statistics Keystone/General Education Course4
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
IST 110Information, People and Technology Keystone/General Education Course3
IST 210Organization of Data3
IST 220Networking and Telecommunications3
IST 230Language, Logic, and Discrete Mathematics3
IST 301Information and Organizations3
IST 331Foundations of Human-Centered Design3
IST 440WInformation Sciences and Technology Integration and Problem Solving3
IST 495Internship1
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
ENGL 202CEffective Writing: Technical Writing Keystone/General Education Course3
or ENGL 202D Effective Writing: Business Writing Keystone/General Education Course
MATH 110Techniques of Calculus I Keystone/General Education Course4
or MATH 140 Calculus With Analytic Geometry I Keystone/General Education Course
Select one of the following:3
CMPSC 101
Introduction to Programming Keystone/General Education Course
CMPSC 121
Introduction to Programming Techniques Keystone/General Education Course
IST 140
Introduction to Application Development
Select one of the following:3
ECON 14
Principles of Economics Keystone/General Education Course
ECON 102
Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy Keystone/General Education Course
ECON 104
Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy Keystone/General Education Course
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Attainment of third-level proficiency in a single foreign language 112
Select 6 credits of international courses in foreign culture from College-approved list6
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 3 credits at the 400 level in emerging issues and technologies from College-approved list3
Requirements for the Option
Select an option24

Requirements for the Option

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

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

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
IST 431
& IST 432		The Information Environment
and Legal and Regulatory Environment of Information Science and Technology		6
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
IST 240Introduction to Computer Languages3
or IST 242 Intermediate & Object-Oriented Application Development
IST 302IT Project Management3
or IST 413 Usability Engineering
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Select 12 credits from College-approved list (at least 3 credits at the 400-level and no more than 6 credits below the 200-level)12
Information Systems: Design & Development Option (24 credits)

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

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
IST 242Intermediate & Object-Oriented Application Development 13
IST 311Object-Oriented Design and Software Applications3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
IST 261Application Development Design Studio I3
or IST 361 Application Development Design Studio II
Select 6 credits of the following:6
IST 411
Distributed-Object Computing
IST 412
The Engineering of Complex Software Systems
IST 413
Usability Engineering
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Select 9 credits from College-approved list (at least 3 credits must be at the 400-level)9
Information Technology: Integration & Application Option (24 credits)

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

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
IST 302IT Project Management3
IST 420Fundamentals of Systems and Enterprise Integration3
IST 421Advanced Enterprise Integration: Technologies and Applications3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
IST 240Introduction to Computer Languages3
or IST 242 Intermediate & Object-Oriented Application Development
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Select 12 credits from College-approved list (at least 3 credits at the 400-level and no more than 6 credits below the 200-level)12

Beaver, Brandywine, Hazleton, Lehigh Valley, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Schuylkill, Scranton, and York Campuses

Knowledge/Application:

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

Problem-Solving:

  1. Understand, apply and adapt various problem solving strategies, using appropriate technology and methods.
    1. Identify information problems and/or opportunities in terms of the human, informational and technology dimensions.
    2. Analyze issues surrounding the problem and/or opportunity in terms of the human, informational, and technology dimensions; and determine the requirements appropriate to understanding the situation.
    3. Design systems, architectures, processes, components, or programs to meet desired needs of the human context at varying levels of analysis (e.g., individual, group, organization, society, and/or world).
    4. Deploy up-to-date and appropriate techniques, methodologies, and/or tools necessary for understanding opportunities and constraints and/or the optimal design, implementation and continuance of an information based solution.
    5. Evaluate the success of systems, architecture, processes, components, or programs intended to meet desired needs of the human context at varying levels of analysis (e.g., individual, group, organization, society, and/or world).

Communication (Individual and Team):

  1. Communicate and work effectively (both individually and in teams) with a range of perspectives and audiences through a variety of media.
    1. Participate effectively on teams in order to accomplish a common goal.
    2. Communicate effectively with a range of audiences, formally or informally, through writing and the spoken word.
    3. Seek out, analyze, and incorporate diverse ideas and broader perspectives represented in the diversity of people.
    4. Make respectful and inclusive choices in interacting with customers, peers, supervisors, and/or subordinates with a diversity of identity .characteristics (e.g., age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, or veteran status).

Professional Responsibilities:

  1. Understand professional responsibilities in terms of the ethical, legal, security and social aspects of any given problem and its solution.
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of the cognitive, social, legal, ethical, diversity, and security perspectives surrounding a given problem.
    2. Assess the impact of information, computing and technology on individuals, groups, organizations, society, and the world for the purpose of making informed decisions from a sociological, governmental, legal, and/or security perspective.

Lifelong Learning:

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

Wilkes-Barre Campus

  1. Define and explain the core concepts, principles, processes, and theories within the academic majors of IST
  2. Apply the core concepts of the academic majors of IST to real-world problems.
  3. Identify information problems and/or opportunities in terms of the human, informational and technology dimensions.
  4. 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.
  5. 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).
  6. 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).
  7. Participate effectively on teams in order to accomplish a common goal.
  8. Communicate effectively with a range of audiences, formally or informally, through writing and the spoken word.
  9. Analyze, and incorporate diverse ideas and broader perspectives represented in the diversity of people.
  10. Demonstrate an understanding of the cognitive, social, legal, ethical, diversity, and security perspectives surrounding a given problem.
  11. 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.
  12. Employ information-seeking strategies and self-directed learning in pursuit of current knowledge.
  13. Enroll in professional development and tutoring opportunities.

Academic Advising

The objectives of the university’s academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.

Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee’s unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.

READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY

Brandywine

Nannette D'Imperio
Lecturer in Computer Science
25 Yearsley Mill Road
Media, PA 19063
610-892-1343
nxd13@psu.edu

DuBois

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

Greater Allegheny

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

Hazleton

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

Lehigh Valley

Kermit Burley
Coordinator of Information Sciences and Technology
2809 Saucon Valley Road
Center Valley, PA 18034
610-285-5071
kmb6846@psu.edu

Mont Alto

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

New Kensington

Hal Smith
Associate Professor, Information Sciences and Technology
036 Theater & IST Building
3550 Seventh Street Road
New Kensington, PA 15068
724-334-6089
hhs10@psu.edu

Scranton

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

Wilkes-Barre

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

York

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

Abington

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

Berks

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

Harrisburg

Jesse Middaugh, PMP
Program Coordinator
Olmsted Building E335
Middletown, PA 17057
717-948-6153
jlm10@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
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 2020-21 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition (Note: the archive only contain suggested academic plans beginning with the 2018-19 edition of the Undergraduate Bulletin).

Beaver Campus

Design and Development Option: Information Sciences and Technology, B.S. at Beaver 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 220# *3 
IST 111S1CMPSC 121*3 
IST 210# *3CAS 1003 
ENGL 15 or 30H3STAT 2004 
MATH 110 or 1404General Education Course3 
General Education Course (GHW)1.5  
 15.5 16 
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
IST 230*3IST 242*3 
IST 301*3Support of Option3 
ECON 1043General Education Course3 
General Education Course3General Education Course3 
World Language 0014World Language 0024 
 IST 3901 
 16 17 
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
IST 261*3IST 402 (even years)*3 
IST 311*3IST 411*3 
IST 331*3IST 413 (odd years)*3 
ENGL 202C or 202D3ENGL 202C or 202D3 
General Education Course3Foreign Cultures Requirement3 
World Language 0034  
 19 15 
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
IST 261*3IST 440W*3IST 495*1-18
Foreign Cultures Requirement3Support of Option3 
General Education Course3General Education Course3 
Elective3General Education Course (GHW)1.5 
 Elective3 
 12 13.5 1-18
Total Credits 125-142

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

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

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

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

Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.

Technology and Integration Option: Information Sciences and Technology, B.S. at Beaver 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 220# *3 
IST 111S1CMPSC 121*3 
IST 210# *3CAS 1003 
ENGL 15 or 30H3STAT 2004 
MATH 110 or 1404General Education Course3 
General Education Course (GHW)1.5  
 15.5 16 
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
IST 230*3IST 242*3 
IST 301*3Support of Option3 
ECON 1043General Education Course3 
General Education Course3World Language 0024 
World Language 0014IST 302*3 
 IST 3901 
 16 17 
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
IST 331*3IST 402 (even years)*3 
IST 420 (even years)*3IST 421 (odd years)*3 
General Education Course3Foreign Cultures Requirement3 
General Education Course3Support of Option3 
World Language 0034ENGL 202C or 202D3 
 16 15 
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
Foreign Cultures Requirement3IST 440W*3IST 495*1-18
Support of Option3Support of Option3 
General Education Course3General Education Course3 
Elective3General Education Course (GHW)1.5 
Elective3Elective3 
 15 13.5 1-18
Total Credits 125-142

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

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

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

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

Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.

Brandywine Campus

Design and Development Option: Information Sciences and Technology, B.S. at Brandywine 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 
MATH 110 or 140‡†4ECON 102, 104, or 143 
ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15‡3General Education Course3 
World Language Level 14-6CNED 28011 
 World Langauge Level 24-6 
 14-16 14-16 
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
IST 140*3IST 220*#3IST 495*21
IST 230*3STAT 200 or SCM 200‡†4 
CAS 100, 100A, 100B, or 100C‡3Support of Option Course*3 
General Education Course3General Education Course3 
World Language Level 3 or General Education Course 3-4General Education Course3 
 15-16 16 1
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
IST 301*3IST 331*3 
IST 311*3IST 361 ( or Support of Option Course)*3 
ENGL 202C or 202D‡ 3IST 411 or 413*3 
General Education Course3Foreign Cultures Course3 
General Education Course3General Education Course3 
 15 15 
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
IST 402 (or other IST 400-level emerging issues course)*3IST 440W*3 
IST 412 or 413*3Support of Option Course*3 
Foreign Cultures Course3General Education Course3 
General Education Course3Elective3 
General Education Course3Elective3 
 15 15 
Total Credits 120-125

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

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

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

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

Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.

Integration and Application Option: Information Sciences and Technology, B.S. at Brandywine 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 
MATH 110 or 140‡†4ECON 102, 104, or 143 
ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15‡ 3CAS 100, 100A, 100B, or 100C‡ 3 
World Language Level 14-6General Education Course3 
 CNED 28011 
 World Language Level 24-6 
 14-16 17-19 
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
IST 140*3IST 220*#3IST 495*21
IST 230*3IST 242*3 
World Language Level 3 or General Education Course3-4STAT 200 or SCM 200‡†4 
General Education Course3General Education Course3 
General Education Course3General Education Course3 
 15-16 16 1
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
IST 301*3IST 331*3 
IST 302*3IST 420*3 
ENGL 202C or 202D‡ 3Support of Option Course*3 
General Education Course3Foreign Cultures Course3 
General Education Course3General Education Course3 
 15 15 
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
IST 402 (or other IST 400-level emerging issues course)*3IST 440W*3 
IST 421*3Support of Option Course*3 
Support of Option Course*3General Education Course3 
Foreign Cultures Course3Elective3 
General Education Course3Elective 3 
 15 15 
Total Credits 123-128

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

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

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

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

Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.

DuBois Campus

Integration and Application Option: Information Sciences and Technology, B.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 
IST 1103MATH 223 
IST 111S1CAS 1003 
IST 2503General Education: GH3 
CMPSC 1013International Cultures (IL)3 
ENGL 153IST 2103 
MATH 213IST 2203 
 16 18 
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
IST 2253IST 2273 
IST 2263IST 2283 
IST 260W3IST 2403 
ENGL 202C or 202D3ECON 102 or 1043 
MATH 1104General Education: (GN)3 
General Education: Arts (GA)3  
 19 15 
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
IST 2303IST 3313 
IST 3013IST 4203 
IST 3023STAT 2004 
General Education: arts (GA)3General Education: GN3 
Foreign Language 14Foreign Language 24 
 16 17 
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
IST 4213International Cultures (IL)3IST 4951
IST 4513Support of Option (IST 452 or 400 level)3 
IST 440W (Writing across the curriculum may be included)3General Education: (GN)3 
General Education Course: Health and Wellness3General Education: (GH)3 
Foreign Language 34General Education: (GS)3 
 16 15 1
Total Credits 133

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

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

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

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

Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.

Greater Allegheny Campus

Integration and Application Option: Information Sciences and Technology, B.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 15, 30H, or ESL 15‡3ECON 102 or 104†3
IST 110*#3IST 210*#3
MATH 110 or 140‡†4IST 220*#3
World Language level 14General Education Course3
General Education Course (GHW)1.5World Language level 24
PSU 81 
 16.5 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
IST 230*3IST 240 or 242*3
CMPSC 101, 121, or IST 140*3STAT 200‡†4
World Language level 34CAS 100, 100A, 100B, or 100C‡3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
 16 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
IST 301*3IST 302*3
IST 331*3ENGL 202C or 202D‡†3
General Education Course3IST 495*1
General Education Course3International Course in Foreign Cultures3
General Education Course (GHW)1.5Major Supporting Course 400-level3
Elective2-3General Education Course3
 15.5-16.5 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Emerging Issues and Technology - 400-level*3IST 421*3
IST 420*3IST 440W*3
International Course in Foreign Cultures3Major Supporting Course 400-level3
Major Supporting Course3Major Supporting Course3
Elective3Elective3
 15 15
Total Credits 126-127

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

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

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

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

Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.

Hazleton Campus

Integration and Application Option: Information Sciences and Technology, B.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#* 3ENGL 15 or 30H‡3 
MATH 110 or 1404ECON 102 or 1043 
CMPSC 101 or IST 140* 3IST 210#* 3 
World Language Level 14World Language Level 24 
General Education Course (GHW)1.5General Education Course3 
PSU 81  
 16.5 16 
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
IST 220#* 3IST 240 or 242* 3IST 495* 1
IST 230* 3STAT 2004 
World Language Level 34CAS 100‡3 
General Education Course3ENGL 202C or 202D3 
General Education Course3General Education Course3 
 16 16 1
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
IST 301* 3IST 331* 3 
IST 302* 3IST 420* 3 
General Education Course3Supporting Courses 200-400 Level 13 
General Education Course3Support Option13 
General Education Course (GHW)1.5Foreign Culture Course† 3 
Elective 1  
 14.5 15 
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
IST 421* 3IST 440W*3 
IST 402* 3Supporting Course 400 Level 13 
Support Option13General Education Course3 
Foreign Culture Course3Elective3 
General Education Course3Elective3 
 15 15 
Total Credits 125

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

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

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

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

Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.

Lehigh Valley Campus

Design and Development Option: Information Sciences and Technology, B.S. at Lehigh Valley 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
ENGL 15 or 30H‡3CAS 100A‡3
HDFS 287Y3ECON 102†3
MATH 110 or 140‡4General Education Selection3
World Language level 114World Language level 214
 17 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
IST 140 or CMPSC 121*3IST 242*3
IST 220*#3STAT 200‡†4
IST 230*3ENGL 202C or 202D‡3
General Education Selection3General Education Selection3
World Language level 314General Education Selection3
 16 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
IST 301*3IST 361*3
IST 311*3IST 402*3
IST 331*3IST 411, 412, or 413*3
Elective Course3IST 411, 412, or 413*3
Elective Course: IST 250 recommended34xx Supporting Course3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Foreign Culture Selection3IST 495*1
Supporting Course: SRA 111 recommended3IST 440W*3
General Education Selection3Foreign Culture Selection3
General Education Selection3Supporting Course: SRA 211 recommended3
General Education Selection (GHW)1.5General Education Selection3
 General Education (GHW)1.5
 13.5 14.5
Total Credits 123

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

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

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

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

Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.

Integration and Application Option: Information Sciences and Technology, B.S. at Lehigh Valley 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
MATH 110‡†4ECON 102 or 104†3
ENGL 15‡3General Education Course 3
HDFS 287Y3General Education Course3
World Language 00114World Language 00214
 17 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
IST 220*#3IST 240*3
IST 140*3STAT 200‡†4
IST 250*3CAS 100A‡3
IST 230*3General Education3
World Language 00314General Education3
 16 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
IST 301*3IST 420*3
IST 302*3ENGL 202C or 202D‡3
IST 331*3Support of Option3
General Education Course3Foreign Culture (IL)3
Elective3Elective3
 General Education (GHW)1.5
 15 16.5
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
IST 421*3IST 440W*3
IST 4xx Emerging Issues and Technology*3IST 495*1
Support of Option3Support of Option - 4xx Level3
Foreign Culture (IL)3General Education Course3
General Education3General Education Course3
General Education (GHW)1.5 
 16.5 13
Total Credits 126

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

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

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

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

Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.

Mont Alto Campus

Integration and Application Option: Information Sciences and Technology, B.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
IST 110*#3IST 210*#3
MATH 110 or 140 (GQ)‡†4IST 220*†3
World Language Level 14ENGL 15 (GWS)‡ 3
IST 111*†1World Language Level 24
IST 140*3General Education Course3
 15 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
IST 230* 3IST 242*3
ECON 102 or 104 (GS)*†3STAT 200 (GQ)*‡†4
CAS 100 (GWS)‡ 3ENGL 202C or 202D‡ 3
World Language Level 34General Education Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
 16 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
IST 301* 3IST 331* 3
IST 302* 3IST 420* 3
Support of Option13IST 49521
General Education Course3Support of Option13
General Education Course (GHW)3Foreign Culture3
Elective3General Education Course3
 18 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
IST 452* 3IST 440W*3
IST 421* 3Support of Option13
Support of Option13General Education Course3
Foreign Culture3Elective3
General Education Course3Elective3
 15 15
Total Credits 127

Advising Notes:

  • SRA 111 is not required, but highly recommended 
  • For the B.S. degree in Information Sciences and Technology, a minimum of 125 credits is required. 

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

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

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

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

Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.

New Kensington Campus

Integration and Application Option: Information Sciences and Technology, B.S. at New Kensington 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 (GS)*3IST 210*3 
IST 140*3IST 220*3 
MATH 110 (GQ)*4ENGL 15 (GWS)*3 
World Language 0014World Language 0024 
General Education Course3ECON 1023 
 17 16 
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
IST 230*3IST 242*3 
General Education Course3CAS 100 (GWS)*3 
World Language 0034STAT 200 (GQ)*4 
General Education Course3General Education Course3 
General Education Course3General Education Course3 
 16 16 
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
IST 301*3IST 331*3IST 495*1-18
IST 302*3IST 420*3 
Support of Option Course3Support of Option Course3 
Elective3ENGL 202C or 202D (GWS)*3 
General Health and Wellness (GHW)3Foreign Cultures Requirement (See adviser for list)3 
 15 15 1-18
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
IST 421*3Foreign Culture*3 
IST 402H*3Support of Option Course3 
IST 440W3General Education Course3 
Support of Option Course3Elective3 
General Education Course3Elective3 
 15 15 
Total Credits 126-143

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

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

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

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

Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.

Integration and Application Option with Security and Risk Analysis Minor: Information Sciences and Technology, B.S. at New Kensington 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 (GS)*3IST 210*3 
IST 140*3IST 220*3 
MATH 110 (GQ)*4ENGL 15 (GWS)*3 
World Language 0014World Language 0024 
General Education Course3ECON 1023 
 17 16 
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
IST 230*3IST 242*3IST 495*1-18
SRA 111 (GS)3CAS 100 (GWS)*3 
World Language 0034STAT 200 (GQ)*4 
General Education Course3SRA 2113 
General Education Course3General Education Course3 
 16 16 1-18
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
IST 301*3IST 331*3 
IST 302 (option requirement)*3IST 420 (option requirement)*3 
SRA 2213IST 452*3 
Elective3ENGL 202C or 202D (GWS)*3 
General Health and Wellness (GHW)3Foreign Cultures Requirement (See adviser for list)3 
 15 15 
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
IST 421 (option requirement)*3Foreign Culture3 
IST 451*3General Education Course3 
General Education Course3General Education Course3 
General Education Course3Elective3 
IST 440W3Elective3 
 15 15 
Total Credits 126-143

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

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

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

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

Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.

Scranton Campus

Design and Development Option: Information Sciences and Technology, B.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
PSU 81IST 210*#3
ENGL 153IST 220*#3
IST 110*#3ECON 102, 104, or 14†3
IST 140 or CMPSC 121*3Foreign Cultures (IL)3
MATH 110 or 140† 4General Education Course3
General Education Course3 
 17 15
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
IST 230*3IST 242*3
CAS 100A3STAT 200†4
World Language level 14World Language level 24
General Education Course3General Education Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course (GHW)1.5
 16 15.5
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
IST 301*3IST 261 or 3613
IST 311*3IST 411*3
Support of Option Course3ENGL 202C or 202D†3
World Language level 34Foreign Cultures (IL)3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
 16 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
IST 331*3IST 440W*3
IST 412*3IST 495*1
IST 402*3Support of Option Course3
Support of Option Course - 4xx level3Elective3
General Education Course (GHW)1.5Elective1
Elective3General Education Course3
 16.5 14
Total Credits 125

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

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

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

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

Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.

Program Notes

All students are required to complete a 300-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. Students may complete the internship after their first semester and may complete as many as three 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.

Integration and Application Option: Information Sciences and Technology, B.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
PSU 81IST 210*#3
ENGL 153IST 220*#3
IST 110*#3ECON 102, 104, or 14†3
CMPSC 101 or IST 140*3Foreign Cultures (IL)3
MATH 110 or 140† 4General Education Course3
General Education Course3 
 17 15
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
IST 230*3IST 240 or 242*3
CAS 100A3STAT 200†4
World Language level 14World Language level 24
General Education Course3General Education Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course (GHW)1.5
 16 15.5
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
IST 301*3IST 420*3
IST 302*3Supporting of Option Course3
Support of Option Course3ENGL 202C or 202D†3
World Language level 34Foreign Cultures (IL)3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
 16 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
IST 331*3IST 440W*3
IST 402*3IST 495*1
IST 421*3Support of Option Course3
Support of Option Course - 4xx level3Elective3
General Education Course (GHW)1.5Elective1
Elective3General Education Course3
 16.5 14
Total Credits 125

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

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

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

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

Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.

Program Notes

All students are required to complete a 300-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. Students may complete the internship after their first semester and may complete as many as three 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

Integration and Application Option: Information Sciences and Technology, B.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*# 3IST 210*#3
ENGL 15‡ 3General Education Course3
General Education course (GQ)‡ 3General Education Course3
IST 140*‡3CAS 100A‡ 3
PSU 81ECON 102, 104, MATH 110, or MATH 140† 13-4
General Education Course3 
 16 15-16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
IST 220*# 3IST 230* 3
IST 242*3IST 2563
ECON 102, 104, MATH 110, or MATH 140† 13-4General Education Course3
General Education course3General Education Course3
General Education course3World Language level 14
 15-16 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
IST 301* 3IST 331* 3
IST 302* 3IST 420* 3
World Language level 24STAT 200‡ 4
ENGL 202C or 202D‡ 3World Language level 34
Support of option3Support of option3
 16 17
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
IST 421‡ 3IST 402‡ 3
IST 440W‡3Support of option3
General Education Course3Foreign Culture3
Foreign Culture3General Education Course or Elective3
 Elective3-5
 12 15-17
Total Credits 122-126

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

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

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

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

Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.

Program Notes:

Students must also complete an internship, IST 495. This one-credit course represents 300 hours of a supervised work experience where the student is employed in an information science and technology position in industry, government or academia.  All ISSUC students are required to take one internship and may take as many as three.  It is recommended that students engage in as many internship opportunities as possible.

York Campus

Integration and Application Option: Information Sciences and Technology, B.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 30H‡ 3IST 210*3
IST 110*3IST 220*3
IST 111S1STAT 200 or SCM 2004
CMPSC 101 or 121*3ECON 102 or 1043
General Education course (GHW)1.5Support course (IST 250 recommended)3
General Education course3 
 14.5 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CAS 100‡ 3ENGL 202C or 202D‡ 3
MATH 1104IST 230*3
IST 140*#3IST 242*3
Support course (IST 260W recommended)3IST 495*1
General Education course3General Education course3
 General Education course (GHW)1.5
 16 14.5
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
IST 301*3IST 331*3
IST 302*3IST 420*3
Support course (IST 311 recommended)3World Language course4
World Language course4Foreign Culture course3
General Education course3General Education course3
 16 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
IST 421*3IST 440W*3
IST 4XX Emerging issues and Technologies (From college approved list)*3General Education course3
World language 4Elective4
Foreign Culture course3General Education courses 6
Support Course (400-level, IST 413 recommended)3 
 16 16
Total Credits 125

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

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

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

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

Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.

Program Notes

  • Scheduling patterns for courses not taught each semester: Some major/option courses are offered only fall or spring semester, as listed on guide.
  • Depending on the placement test, students may be required to start with MATH 4, 21, or 22.  Since MATH 110 is a prerequisite for IST 230, students who are required to start with MATH 4, 21, or 22 must plan their math sequence carefully in order to graduate in four years.
  • Sample Foreign Cultures: ANTH 45, CMLIT 3, FR 139, GER 100, SPAN 130, 131, all IL designated courses count.
  • Sample Support Courses: (12 credits required) ECON 102, 104, MGMT 301, SOC 1.  Students may take up to two 100-level courses and are required to take one 400-level course.
  • Integration & Application Option: Required courses (9 credits): IST 302, 420, 421.
  • Note:  There are limited opportunities for students to use one course to satisfy more than one requirement.  Contact your academic adviser for details.
  • IST 495 (internship) may be spread over several semesters (consult with IST internship adviser)

Design and Development Option: Information Sciences and Technology, B.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 30H‡ 3IST 210*3
IST 110*3IST 220*3
IST 111S1STAT 200 or SCM 2004
CMPSC 101 or 121*3ECON 102 or 1043
General Education course (GHW)1.5Support course (IST 250 recommended)3
General Education course3 
 14.5 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CAS 100‡ 3ENGL 202C or 202D‡ 3
MATH 1104IST 230*3
IST 140*#3IST 242*3
Support course (IST 260W recommended)3IST 495*1
General Education course3General Education course3
 General Education course (GHW)1.5
 16 14.5
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
IST 301*3IST 331*3
IST 311*3IST 361*3
World Language course4IST 411*3
Foreign Culture course3World Language course4
General Education course3General Education course3
 16 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
IST 4XX Emerging Issues and Technologies (from college approved list)*3IST 440W*3
IST 413*3Foreign Culture course3
World Language course (if needed)4Elective4
Support course (400-level)3General Education course6
General Education course3 
 16 16
Total Credits 125

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

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

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

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

Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.

Program Notes:

  • Scheduling patterns for courses not taught each semester: Some major/option courses are offered only fall or spring semester, as listed on guide.
  • Depending on the placement test, students may be required to start with MATH 4, 21, or 22.  Since MATH 110 is a prerequisite for IST 230, students who are required to start with MATH 4, 21, or 22 must plan their math sequence carefully in order to graduate in four years.
  • Sample Foreign Cultures: ANTH 45, CMLIT 3, FR 139, GER 100, SPAN 130, 131, all IL designated courses count.
  • Sample Support Courses: (9 credits required) ECON 102, 104, MGMT 301, any SRA course, SOC 1 1.  Students may take up to two 100-level courses and are required to take one 400-level course..
  • Design & Development Option: Required courses (12 credits): IST 311 and 6 credits from IST 411, 412 and/or 413 and 3 credits from IST 261 or IST 361.
  • Note:  There are limited opportunities for students to use one course to satisfy more than one requirement.  Contact your academic adviser for details.
  • IST 495 (internship) may be spread over several semesters (consult with IST internship adviser)

Career Paths

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

Careers

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

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

Contact

Brandywine

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

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

DuBois

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

http://dubois.psu.edu/ist

Greater Allegheny

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

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

Hazleton

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

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

Lehigh Valley

2809 Saucon Valley Road
Center Valley, PA 18034
610-285-5071
kmb6846@psu.edu

https://lehighvalley.psu.edu/academics/degrees/information-sciences-and-technology

Mont Alto

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

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

New Kensington

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

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

Scranton

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

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

Wilkes-Barre

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

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

York

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

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

Abington

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

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

Berks

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

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

Harrisburg

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

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

University Park

COLLEGE OF INFORMATION SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
E397 Westgate Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-8947

https://ist.psu.edu/about/contact

World Campus

COLLEGE OF INFORMATION SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
E397 Westgate Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-8947

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