At which campus can I study this program?
Begin Campus
Any Penn State Campus
End Campus
Beaver, Brandywine, Greater Allegheny, Hazleton, Lehigh Valley, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, York
Program Description
Not all options are available at every campus. Contact the campus you are interested in attending to determine which options are offered.
This major is structured to provide students with the theoretical frameworks and skill sets necessary to compete and be productive in the information technology-intensive global context that defines the new "Information Age." Specifically, the degree will be focused on a program that will build an understanding of core information technologies and related areas of study; will prepare students for the practical application of various information sciences and related technologies; and engage students in sharpening their abilities to think critically and to work in teams. All this will be done with considerable interdisciplinary integration in order to expose students to the cognitive, social, institutional, and global environments of IST. Team projects in most courses, a required internship, and a senior capstone experience provide additional, focused venues for involving students in the cutting-edge issues and technologies of the field.
Information Context: People, Organizations, and Society Option
Available at the following campuses: Beaver, Berks, Scranton, University Park, World Campus
This option focuses on how information technology affects social change and the delivery of information to the consumer. This includes the human-machine interface; organization and retrieval of information; digital libraries; information and telecommunications services; information and media industry structures; software services and intermediaries; telecommunications and information law and policy; sociological aspects of technology change; multimedia; and art, design, and aesthetics.
Information Systems: Design & Development Option
Available at the following campuses: Abington, Beaver, Berks, Brandywine, Harrisburg, Lehigh Valley, Scranton, University Park, World Campus, York
This option is focused on expanding the skills needed to develop advanced information technology systems using state-of-the-art tools and techniques. The emphasis is on providing the student with both knowledge in the design, implementation, testing and evolution of complex software systems as well as a set of project-oriented, team-programming experiences.
Information Technology: Integration & Application Option
Available at the following campuses: Abington, Beaver, Berks, Brandywine, Greater Allegheny, Harrisburg, Hazleton, Lehigh Valley, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Schuylkill, Scranton, University Park, Wilkes-Barre, World Campus, York
This option is designed to prepare students to use information technology to realize a variety of system-based goals (e.g., reliability, accessibility, efficiency, etc.). It is focused on developing a theoretical foundation and the skill set needed for integrating information technology into different systems for the purpose of enhancing system performance. The emphasis is on providing the student with both the theoretical frameworks needed to use information technology as a system attribute as well as a set of application-oriented experiences and skills.
What is Information Sciences and Technology?
Information Sciences and Technology is a discipline that explores how we can strengthen the power of information and technology, and use it to increase human potential. This includes focusing on creating innovative systems and technological solutions that benefit businesses, organizations, and individuals, and understanding the role of technology in how we live our lives.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT INFORMATION SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
You Might Like This Program If...
- You want to develop new software and web applications, help businesses operate more effectively by creating and implementing technological solutions, or understand how technology is connected to broader social issues.
- You are interested in technology but also want to work with people.
- You enjoy coming up with creative solutions to difficult challenges.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT WHY STUDENTS CHOOSE TO STUDY INFORMATION SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
Entrance to Major
To be eligible for entrance to the Information Sciences and Technology (ISTBS) major, students must:
- 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.
-
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:
- Must be enrolled in the ISTBS undergraduate degree program.
- Must have completed 60 credits of an ISTBS undergraduate degree program.
- Must have an overall GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) in undergraduate coursework and a minimum GPA of 3.5 in all coursework completed for the major.
- Must apply to and be accepted without reservation into the Graduate School and M.S. program in Informatics. Students must complete the Graduate School application.
- Must apply to the IUG program by February 15 of their junior year.
Degree Requirements
For the Bachelor of Science degree in 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 
appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.
Foundations (grade of C or better is required.)
- Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
- Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits
Knowledge Domains
- Arts (GA): 6 credits
- Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
- Humanities (GH): 6 credits
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 6 credits
- Natural Sciences (GN): 9 credits
Integrative Studies (may also complete a Knowledge Domain requirement)
- Inter-Domain or Approved Linked Courses: 6 credits
University Degree Requirements
First Year Engagement
All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.
Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.
First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.
Cultures Requirement
6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements
- United States Cultures: 3 credits
- International Cultures: 3 credits
Writing Across the Curriculum
3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.
Total Minimum Credits
A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.
Quality of Work
Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.
Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition
The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.
Requirements for the Major
To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn a grade of C or better in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 82-44.
Common Requirements for the Major (All Options)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| STAT 200 | Elementary Statistics | 4 |
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| IST 110 | Information, People and Technology | 3 |
| IST 210 | Organization of Data | 3 |
| IST 220 | Networking and Telecommunications | 3 |
| IST 230 | Language, Logic, and Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
| IST 301 | Information and Organizations | 3 |
| IST 331 | Foundations of Human-Centered Design | 3 |
| IST 440 | Information Sciences and Technology Integration and Problem Solving | 3 |
| IST 495 | Internship | 1 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| ENGL 202C | Effective Writing: Technical Writing | 3 |
| or ENGL 202D | Effective Writing: Business Writing | |
| MATH 110 | Techniques of Calculus I | 4 |
| or MATH 140 | Calculus With Analytic Geometry I | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to C++ Programming | ||
| Introduction to Programming Techniques | ||
| Introduction to Application Development | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Principles of Economics | ||
| Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy | ||
| Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy | ||
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
| Attainment of third-level proficiency in a single foreign language 1 | 12 | |
| Select 6 credits of international courses in foreign culture from College-approved list | 6 | |
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| Select 3 credits at the 400 level in emerging issues and technologies from College-approved list | 3 | |
| Requirements for the Option | ||
| Select an option | 24 | |
| 1 | Proficiency must be demonstrated by either examination or course work. See the admission section of the general information in this Bulletin for the placement policy for Penn State foreign language courses. |
Requirements for the Option
Information Context: People, Organizations, and Society Option (24 credits)
Available at the following campuses: Beaver, Berks, Scranton, University Park, World Campus
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 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 240 | Introduction to Computer Languages | 3 |
| or IST 242 | Intermediate & Object-Oriented Application Development | |
| IST 302 | IT Project Management | 3 |
| 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
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| IST 242 | Intermediate & Object-Oriented Application Development 1 | 3 |
| IST 311 | Object-Oriented Design and Software Applications | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| IST 261 | Application Development Design Studio I | 3 |
| or IST 361 | Application Development Design Studio II | |
| Select 6 credits of the following: | 6 | |
| Distributed-Object Computing | ||
| The Engineering of Complex Software Systems | ||
| 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 | |
| 1 | Students in the Information Systems: Design and Development Option are expected to take IST 242 prior to taking the prescribed and additional courses for that option. |
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
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| IST 302 | IT Project Management | 3 |
| IST 420 | Fundamentals of Systems and Enterprise Integration | 3 |
| IST 421 | Advanced Enterprise Integration: Technologies and Applications | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| IST 240 | Introduction to Computer Languages | 3 |
| 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 | |
Integrated B.S. in Information Sciences and Technology / M.S. in Informatics
Available at the following campuses: University Park
The College of Information Sciences and Technology offers an integrated B.S./M.S. (IUG) program designed to allow academically superior students in the Information Sciences and Technology major to obtain both the bachelor’s in Information Sciences and Technology and M.S. degree in Informatics in a shorter period of time than would be necessary if the degrees were pursued separately. The first two to three years of undergraduate coursework follow the same undergraduate curriculum that other students follow in the Information Sciences & Technology major. Interested students may apply for admission to the IUG program no earlier than February 15 of their sophomore year and no later than February 15 of their junior year after completing a minimum of 60 credits. If admitted to the IUG, the final years of study include two graduate courses, IST 504 in the fall and IST 505 in the spring, plus six credits of research methods courses, twelve to fifteen credits of graduate specialty courses, and three to six credits of graduate thesis (IST 600) or scholarly paper (IST 594). Details are provided in the Sample Sequence of Graduate Coursework.
(Note: For Schreyer Honors College students, those who complete the graduate thesis for the Master’s requirement may use the graduate thesis, itself, to fulfill the undergraduate honors thesis requirement, as well. Honors students who opt for the Master’s scholarly paper must also complete an undergraduate honors thesis.)
The integrated B.S. in Information Sciences and Technology/M.S. in Informatics (IUG) degree meets the needs of the most academically talented students in the Information Sciences and Technology undergraduate major. A proportion of these successful students wish to pursue graduate studies sometime after graduation. Offering the IUG benefits these students by offering an accelerated path to a graduate degree. Additionally, the IUG program can provide these students with a more cohesive program of study with opportunities to engage in more comprehensive research leading to both the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree.
For the B.S. in Information Sciences & Technology/M.S. in Informatics IUG program, a minimum of 125 credits are required for the bachelor’s degree and 30 credits for the M.S. degree. Students admitted to the IUG program may double-count a maximum of 12 credits to their graduate and undergraduate degrees. The required 6 credits of IST 504 and IST 505 will apply to both the graduate program and the undergraduate program. Students may choose an additional 6 credits to double-count for both the undergraduate and graduate degrees from the following:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| IST 411 | Distributed-Object Computing | 3 |
| IST 412 | The Engineering of Complex Software Systems | 3 |
| IST 413 | Usability Engineering | 3 |
| IST 420 | Fundamentals of Systems and Enterprise Integration | 3 |
| IST 421 | Advanced Enterprise Integration: Technologies and Applications | 3 |
| IST 431 | The Information Environment | 3 |
| IST 432 | Legal and Regulatory Environment of Information Science and Technology | 3 |
Graduate thesis or scholarly paper credits may not double-count.
The objectives of the Integrated Undergraduate Graduate Program include:
- To offer highly qualified students the opportunity to earn two degrees in less time than it would take to do two sequential degrees. In particular, IUG students may count up to 12 credits towards both their B.S. and M.S. degree requirements.
- To permit coherent planning of studies through the graduate degree, with advising informed by not only the requirements of the baccalaureate program, but also the longer-range goals of the graduate degree.
- To introduce undergraduate students to the rigors of both graduate study and graduate faculty.
- To make the resources of the Graduate School available to IUG students.
- To allow students with IUG status to benefit from their association with graduate students whose level of work and whose intensity of interest and commitment parallel their own.
Admission Requirements
To initiate the application process, students must submit an Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate (IUG) Plan of Study, a transcript, and two letters of recommendation (both from faculty members) to the IST Graduate Programs Office. The IUG Coordinator in Graduate Programs will help undergraduate candidates determine a proposed sequence of courses that will prepare them for their application to the Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate (IUG) degree program. Acceptance into the IST IUG program will be determined by the Graduate Recruitment Committee.
Information Sciences and Technology undergraduate majors may apply for admission no earlier than February 15 of their sophomore year and no later than February 15 of their junior year after completing a minimum of 60 credits, if they meet the following admission requirements:
- Must be enrolled in the ISTBS undergraduate degree program.
- Must have completed 60 credits of an ISTBS undergraduate degree program.
- Must have an overall GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) in undergraduate coursework and a minimum GPA of 3.5 in all coursework completed for the major.
- Must meet with the Graduate Program IUG Coordinator to declare interest and receive information about the IUG Program.
- Must present an approved plan of study. The plan should cover the entire time period of the integrated program, and it should be reviewed periodically with an adviser.
- Must acquire two letters of recommendation from faculty members.
- Must apply to and be accepted without reservation into the Graduate School and M.S. Program in Informatics. Students must complete the Graduate School application.
- Must apply to the IUG program by February 15 of their junior year.
In addition, applicants must apply to and be admitted to the Graduate School of the Pennsylvania State University at the time of their application to the IUG degree program. These admission standards are high, as it is thought the program will only be appropriate for students with high levels of academic skills. The program area does have discretion in admitting Information Sciences and Technology majors into the integrated program, and extenuating circumstances can always be considered in terms of possible admission. Individuals who are unable to be admitted into the integrated program of study can apply for regular admission to the graduate program when they complete their undergraduate program of study.
Sample Sequence of Graduate Coursework in Addition to Undergraduate Courses
Students admitted to the IUG program may double-count a maximum of 12 credits toward their graduate and undergraduate degrees in Information Sciences and Technology. In their senior year, IUG students will take 6 credits of specified graduate work, courses IST 504 and IST 505, and 6 credits of methods courses. These 6 credits of IST 504 and IST 505 will apply to both the graduate program and the undergraduate IST/B.S. support of option requirement. In their super senior year, students may choose an additional 6 credits to double-count for both the undergraduate and graduate degrees. These courses must be at the 400-level or above. Students may choose any 400-level undergraduate option course (see below) that they are using to fulfill an undergraduate option requirement and apply the credits to both the undergraduate option requirement and the graduate specialty course requirement.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| IST 411 | Distributed-Object Computing | 3 |
| IST 412 | The Engineering of Complex Software Systems | 3 |
| IST 413 | Usability Engineering | 3 |
| IST 420 | Fundamentals of Systems and Enterprise Integration | 3 |
| IST 421 | Advanced Enterprise Integration: Technologies and Applications | 3 |
| IST 431 | The Information Environment | 3 |
| IST 432 | Legal and Regulatory Environment of Information Science and Technology | 3 |
Credits associated with the thesis or culminating scholarly paper, i.e., IST 600 and IST 594, may not be double-counted. However, for Schreyer Honors College students who choose the research thesis option, the Master’s thesis deliverable, itself, may double-count for the undergraduate thesis deliverable requirement.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| IST 5041 | 3 | IST 5051 | 3 |
| Methods course2 | 3 | Methods course2 | 3 |
| 6 | 6 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| IST 600 or 594 (or Grad Speciality Course)3 | 3 | IST 600 or 5941 | 3 |
| Grad Speciality Course4 | 3 | Grad Speciality Course5 | 3 |
| Grad Speciality Course4 | 3 | Grad Speciality Course5 | 3 |
| 9 | 9 | ||
| Total Credits 30 | |||
| 1 | These courses will double-count in the student's undergraduate support of option area. Although IST 505 is an optional course for Master's students in the Informatics program, it is a required course for students in the IUG; because IUG students will benefit from additional coursework on research paper writing. |
| 2 | Choose graduate level methods course after consultation with the student's faculty adviser. |
| 3 | Students who choose to do a research thesis for their culminating experience must take 6 credits of IST 600. Students who choose to do a scholarly paper for their culminating experience may take either 3 or 6 credits of IST 594. Honors students in the IUG degree must choose the research thesis option and take 6 credits of IST 600, in order for their Master's research thesis to count for their undergraduate honors thesis requirement. |
| 4 | Choose from approved list of 400-level required option courses in the student's undergraduate major. These courses will double-count in the student's graduate and undergraduate programs. |
| 5 | Choose any 400 or 500 level course that contributes to the student's chosen area of specialty, such that the total number of credits at the 500 level or above equals at least 18. Total number of graduate specialty credits will vary according to the number of credits taken for the culminating experience (i.e., IST 600 or IST 594), such that the total number of credits toward the MS requirement equals 30. |
The total resulting credits will be a minimum of 155 credits, with 125 credits completed for the undergraduate IST degree. Twelve graduate credits will be completed in the senior year, and the remaining 18 graduate credits will be completed in the super senior year.
If for any reason a student admitted to the B.S./M.S. program is unable to complete the requirement for the Master of Science degree program in Informatics, the student will be permitted to receive the Bachelor’s degree assuming all degree requirements have been satisfactorily completed.
Student performance will be monitored on an ongoing basis by the student’s adviser and Graduate Programs. Students admitted to the integrated program must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of a 3.3 overall and a minimum 3.0 GPA in all courses used toward the M.S. degree in order to maintain good academic standing and meet graduation requirements. (See information on Grade-Point Average in the Graduate Bulletin) For Schreyer Honors College students in the IUG program, students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4 overall and a minimum 3.0 GPA in all courses used toward the M.S. degree in order to maintain good academic standing and meet graduation requirements. Successful completion of a Schreyer Scholar’s Master’s thesis will be accepted as completion of the honors thesis requirement.
Beaver, Brandywine, Hazleton, Lehigh Valley, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Schuylkill, Scranton, and York Campuses
Knowledge/Application:
- Understand and apply the interdisciplinary, theoretical knowledge of the information sciences or security sciences.
- Define and explain the core concepts, principles, processes, and theories within the academic majors of IST and/or SRA.
- Apply the core concepts of the academic majors of IST and/or SRA to real-world problems.
Problem-Solving:
- Understand, apply and adapt various problem solving strategies, using appropriate technology and methods.
- Identify information problems and/or opportunities in terms of the human, informational and technology dimensions.
- Analyze issues surrounding the problem and/or opportunity in terms of the human, informational, and technology dimensions; and determine the requirements appropriate to understanding the situation.
- Design systems, architectures, processes, components, or programs to meet desired needs of the human context at varying levels of analysis (e.g., individual, group, organization, society, and/or world).
- Deploy up-to-date and appropriate techniques, methodologies, and/or tools necessary for understanding opportunities and constraints and/or the optimal design, implementation and continuance of an information based solution.
- Evaluate the success of systems, architecture, processes, components, or programs intended to meet desired needs of the human context at varying levels of analysis (e.g., individual, group, organization, society, and/or world).
Communication (Individual and Team):
- Communicate and work effectively (both individually and in teams) with a range of perspectives and audiences through a variety of media.
- Participate effectively on teams in order to accomplish a common goal.
- Communicate effectively with a range of audiences, formally or informally, through writing and the spoken word.
- Seek out, analyze, and incorporate diverse ideas and broader perspectives represented in the diversity of people.
- Make respectful and inclusive choices in interacting with customers, peers, supervisors, and/or subordinates with a diversity of identity .characteristics (e.g., age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, or veteran status).
Professional Responsibilities:
- Understand professional responsibilities in terms of the ethical, legal, security and social aspects of any given problem and its solution.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the cognitive, social, legal, ethical, diversity, and security perspectives surrounding a given problem.
- Assess the impact of information, computing and technology on individuals, groups, organizations, society, and the world for the purpose of making informed decisions from a sociological, governmental, legal, and/or security perspective.
Lifelong Learning:
- Commit to the continuous acquisition of relevant knowledge for professional development by self-teaching and/or on-going education and learning.
- Employ information-seeking strategies and self-directed learning in pursuit of current knowledge.
- Enroll in professional development and tutoring opportunities.
Wilkes-Barre Campus
- Define and explain the core concepts, principles, processes, and theories within the academic majors of IST
- Apply the core concepts of the academic majors of IST to real-world problems.
- Identify information problems and/or opportunities in terms of the human, informational and technology dimensions.
- Analyze issues surrounding the problem and/or opportunity in terms of the human, informational, and technology dimensions; and determine the requirements appropriate to understanding the situation.
- Design systems, architectures, processes, components, or programs to meet desired needs of the human context at varying levels of analysis (e.g., individual, group, organization, society, and/or world).
- 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).
- Participate effectively on teams in order to accomplish a common goal.
- Communicate effectively with a range of audiences, formally or informally, through writing and the spoken word.
- Analyze, and incorporate diverse ideas and broader perspectives represented in the diversity of people.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the cognitive, social, legal, ethical, diversity, and security perspectives surrounding a given problem.
- Assess the impact of information, computing and technology on individuals, groups, organizations, society, and the world for the purpose of making informed decisions from a sociological, governmental, legal, and/or security perspective.
- Employ information-seeking strategies and self-directed learning in pursuit of current knowledge.
- Enroll in professional development and tutoring opportunities.
Academic Advising
The objectives of the university’s academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.
Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee’s unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.
READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY
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
Michael Manojlovich
Lecturer
041 Theater & IST Bldg.
3550 Seventh Street Road
New Kensington, PA 15068
724-334-6724
mom4@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
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
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).
Beaver Campus
Design and Development 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 220# * | 3 | ||
| IST 111S | 1 | CMPSC 121* | 3 | ||
| IST 210# * | 3 | CAS 100 | 3 | ||
| ENGL 15 or 30 | 3 | STAT 200 | 4 | ||
| MATH 110 or 140 | 4 | General Education Course | 3 | ||
| General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 | ||||
| 15.5 | 16 | ||||
| Second Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| IST 230* | 3 | IST 242* | 3 | ||
| IST 301* | 3 | Support of Option | 3 | ||
| ECON 104 | 3 | General Education Course | 3 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 | ||
| World Language 001 | 4 | World Language 002 | 4 | ||
| IST 390 | 1 | ||||
| 16 | 17 | ||||
| Third Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| IST 261* | 3 | IST 402 (even years)* | 3 | ||
| IST 311* | 3 | IST 411* | 3 | ||
| IST 331* | 3 | IST 413 (odd years)* | 3 | ||
| ENGL 202C or 202D | 3 | ENGL 202C or 202D | 3 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | Foreign Cultures Requirement | 3 | ||
| World Language 003 | 4 | ||||
| 19 | 15 | ||||
| Fourth Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| IST 261* | 3 | IST 440* | 3 | IST 495* | 1-18 |
| Foreign Cultures Requirement | 3 | Support of Option | 3 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 | ||
| Elective | 3 | General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 | ||
| Elective | 3 | ||||
| 12 | 13.5 | 1-18 | |||
| Total Credits 125-142 | |||||
| * | Course requires a grade of C or better for the major |
| ‡ | Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education |
| # | Course is an Entrance to Major requirement |
| † | Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement |
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
Technology and Integration 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 220# * | 3 | ||
| IST 111S | 1 | CMPSC 121* | 3 | ||
| IST 210# * | 3 | CAS 100 | 3 | ||
| ENGL 15 or 30 | 3 | STAT 200 | 4 | ||
| MATH 110 or 140 | 4 | General Education Course | 3 | ||
| General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 | ||||
| 15.5 | 16 | ||||
| Second Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| IST 230* | 3 | IST 242* | 3 | ||
| IST 301* | 3 | Support of Option | 3 | ||
| ECON 104 | 3 | General Education Course | 3 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | World Language 002 | 4 | ||
| World Language 001 | 4 | IST 302* | 3 | ||
| IST 390 | 1 | ||||
| 16 | 17 | ||||
| Third Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| IST 331* | 3 | IST 402 (even years)* | 3 | ||
| IST 420 (even years)* | 3 | IST 421 (odd years)* | 3 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | Foreign Cultures Requirement | 3 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | Support of Option | 3 | ||
| World Language 003 | 4 | ENGL 202C or 202D | 3 | ||
| 16 | 15 | ||||
| Fourth Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| Foreign Cultures Requirement | 3 | IST 440* | 3 | IST 495* | 1-18 |
| Support of Option | 3 | Support of Option | 3 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 | ||
| Elective | 3 | General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 | ||
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 | ||
| 15 | 13.5 | 1-18 | |||
| Total Credits 125-142 | |||||
| * | Course requires a grade of C or better for the major |
| ‡ | Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education |
| # | Course is an Entrance to Major requirement |
| † | Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement |
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
Brandywine Campus
Design and Development 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 | ||
| MATH 110 or 140‡† | 4 | ECON 102, 104, or 14 | 3 | ||
| ENGL 15, 30, or ESL 15‡ | 3 | General Education Course | 3 | ||
| World Language Level 1 | 4-6 | CNED 2801 | 1 | ||
| World Langauge Level 2 | 4-6 | ||||
| 14-16 | 14-16 | ||||
| Second Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| IST 140* | 3 | IST 220*# | 3 | IST 495*2 | 1 |
| IST 230* | 3 | STAT 200 or SCM 200‡† | 4 | ||
| CAS 100, 100A, 100B, or 100C‡ | 3 | Support of Option Course* | 3 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 | ||
| World Language Level 3 or General Education Course | 3-4 | General Education Course | 3 | ||
| 15-16 | 16 | 1 | |||
| Third Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| IST 301* | 3 | IST 331* | 3 | ||
| IST 311* | 3 | IST 361 ( or Support of Option Course)* | 3 | ||
| ENGL 202C or 202D‡ | 3 | IST 411 or 413* | 3 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | Foreign Cultures Course | 3 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||||
| Fourth Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| IST 402 (or other IST 400-level emerging issues course)* | 3 | IST 440* | 3 | ||
| IST 412 or 413* | 3 | Support of Option Course* | 3 | ||
| Foreign Cultures Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | Elective | 3 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | Elective | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||||
| Total Credits 120-125 | |||||
| * | Course requires a grade of C or better for the major |
| ‡ | Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education |
| # | Course is an Entrance to Major requirement |
| † | Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement |
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
| 1 | Course is not required for graduation but strongly encouraged as an elective course prior to registering for IST 495 |
| 2 | One internship for credit is required to complete degree requirements. A maximum of three internships for credit are allowed. Students are encouraged to schedule and complete during summer, though an internship can be scheduled and completed any semester, with Internship Coordinator approval, following the first year. |
Integration and Application 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 | ||
| MATH 110 or 140‡† | 4 | ECON 102, 104, or 14 | 3 | ||
| ENGL 15, 30, or ESL 15‡ | 3 | CAS 100, 100A, 100B, or 100C‡ | 3 | ||
| World Language Level 1 | 4-6 | General Education Course | 3 | ||
| CNED 2801 | 1 | ||||
| World Language Level 2 | 4-6 | ||||
| 14-16 | 17-19 | ||||
| Second Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| IST 140* | 3 | IST 220*# | 3 | IST 495*2 | 1 |
| IST 230* | 3 | IST 242* | 3 | ||
| World Language Level 3 or General Education Course | 3-4 | STAT 200 or SCM 200‡† | 4 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 | ||
| 15-16 | 16 | 1 | |||
| Third Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| IST 301* | 3 | IST 331* | 3 | ||
| IST 302* | 3 | IST 420* | 3 | ||
| ENGL 202C or 202D‡ | 3 | Support of Option Course* | 3 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | Foreign Cultures Course | 3 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||||
| Fourth Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| IST 402 (or other IST 400-level emerging issues course)* | 3 | IST 440* | 3 | ||
| IST 421* | 3 | Support of Option Course* | 3 | ||
| Support of Option Course* | 3 | General Education Course | 3 | ||
| Foreign Cultures Course | 3 | Elective | 3 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | Elective | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||||
| Total Credits 123-128 | |||||
| * | Course requires a grade of C or better for the major |
| ‡ | Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education |
| # | Course is an Entrance to Major requirement |
| † | Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement |
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
| 1 | Course is not required for graduation but strongly encouraged as an elective course prior to registering for IST 495 |
| 2 | One internship for credit is required to complete degree requirements. A maximum of three internships for credit are allowed. Students are encouraged to schedule and complete during summer, though an internship can be scheduled and completed any semester, with Internship Coordinator approval, following the first year. |
DuBois Campus
Integration and Application 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 | MATH 22 | 3 | ||
| IST 111S | 1 | CAS 100 | 3 | ||
| IST 250 | 3 | General Education: GH | 3 | ||
| CMPSC 101 | 3 | International Cultures (IL) | 3 | ||
| ENGL 15 | 3 | IST 210 | 3 | ||
| MATH 21 | 3 | IST 220 | 3 | ||
| 16 | 18 | ||||
| Second Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| IST 225 | 3 | IST 227 | 3 | ||
| IST 226 | 3 | IST 228 | 3 | ||
| IST 260 (May include W writing across the curriculum) | 3 | IST 240 | 3 | ||
| ENGL 202C or 202D | 3 | ECON 102 or 104 | 3 | ||
| MATH 110 | 4 | General Education: (GN) | 3 | ||
| General Education: Arts (GA) | 3 | ||||
| 19 | 15 | ||||
| Third Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| IST 230 | 3 | IST 331 | 3 | ||
| IST 301 | 3 | IST 420 | 3 | ||
| IST 302 | 3 | STAT 200 | 4 | ||
| General Education: arts (GA) | 3 | General Education: GN | 3 | ||
| Foreign Language 1 | 4 | Foreign Language 2 | 4 | ||
| 16 | 17 | ||||
| Fourth Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| IST 421 | 3 | International Cultures (IL) | 3 | IST 495 | 1 |
| IST 451 | 3 | Support of Option (IST 452 or 400 level) | 3 | ||
| IST 440 (W writing across the curriculum may be included) | 3 | General Education: (GN) | 3 | ||
| General Education Course: Health and Wellness | 3 | General Education: (GH) | 3 | ||
| Foreign Language 3 | 4 | General Education: (GS) | 3 | ||
| 16 | 15 | 1 | |||
| Total Credits 133 | |||||
| * | Course requires a grade of C or better for the major |
| ‡ | Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education |
| # | Course is an Entrance to Major requirement |
| † | Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement |
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
Greater Allegheny Campus
Integration and Application 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 | ECON 102 or 104† | 3 |
| IST 110*# | 3 | IST 210*# | 3 |
| MATH 110 or 140‡† | 4 | IST 220*# | 3 |
| World Language level 1 | 4 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 | World Language level 2 | 4 |
| PSU 8 | 1 | ||
| 16.5 | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| IST 230* | 3 | IST 240 or 242* | 3 |
| CMPSC 101, 121, or IST 140* | 3 | STAT 200‡† | 4 |
| World Language level 3 | 4 | CAS 100, 100A, 100B, or 100C‡ | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| IST 301* | 3 | IST 302* | 3 |
| IST 331* | 3 | ENGL 202C or 202D‡† | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | IST 495* | 1 |
| General Education Course | 3 | International Course in Foreign Cultures | 3 |
| General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 | Major Supporting Course 400-level | 3 |
| Elective | 2-3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| 15.5-16.5 | 16 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Emerging Issues and Technology - 400-level* | 3 | IST 421* | 3 |
| IST 420* | 3 | IST 440* | 3 |
| International Course in Foreign Cultures | 3 | Major Supporting Course 400-level | 3 |
| Major Supporting Course | 3 | Major Supporting Course | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 126-127 | |||
| * | Course requires a grade of C or better for the major |
| ‡ | Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education |
| # | Course is an Entrance to Major requirement |
| † | Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement |
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
Hazleton Campus
Integration and Application 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 | ENGL 15 or 30‡ | 3 | ||
| MATH 110 or 140 | 4 | ECON 102 or 104 | 3 | ||
| CMPSC 101 or IST 140* | 3 | IST 210#* | 3 | ||
| World Language Level 1 | 4 | World Language Level 2 | 4 | ||
| General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 | General Education Course | 3 | ||
| PSU 8 | 1 | ||||
| 16.5 | 16 | ||||
| Second Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| IST 220#* | 3 | IST 240 or 242* | 3 | IST 495* | 1 |
| IST 230* | 3 | STAT 200 | 4 | ||
| World Language Level 3 | 4 | CAS 100‡ | 3 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | ENGL 202C or 202D | 3 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 | ||
| 16 | 16 | 1 | |||
| Third Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| IST 301* | 3 | IST 331* | 3 | ||
| IST 302* | 3 | IST 420* | 3 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | Supporting Courses 200-400 Level 1 | 3 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | Support Option1 | 3 | ||
| General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 | Foreign Culture Course† | 3 | ||
| Elective | 1 | ||||
| 14.5 | 15 | ||||
| Fourth Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| IST 421* | 3 | IST 440* | 3 | ||
| IST 402* | 3 | Supporting Course 400 Level 1 | 3 | ||
| Support Option1 | 3 | General Education Course | 3 | ||
| Foreign Culture Course | 3 | Elective | 3 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | Elective | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||||
| Total Credits 125 | |||||
| * | Course requires a grade of C or better for the major |
| ‡ | Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education |
| # | Course is an Entrance to Major requirement |
| † | Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement |
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
| 1 | Consultation with adviser is recommended for proper course selection |
Lehigh Valley Campus
Design and Development 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 |
| ENGL 15 or 30‡ | 3 | CAS 100A‡ | 3 |
| HDFS 287Y | 3 | ECON 102† | 3 |
| MATH 110 or 140‡ | 4 | General Education Selection | 3 |
| World Language level 11 | 4 | World Language level 21 | 4 |
| 17 | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| IST 140 or CMPSC 121* | 3 | IST 242* | 3 |
| IST 220*# | 3 | STAT 200‡† | 4 |
| IST 230* | 3 | ENGL 202C or 202D‡ | 3 |
| General Education Selection | 3 | General Education Selection | 3 |
| World Language level 31 | 4 | General Education Selection | 3 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| IST 301* | 3 | IST 361* | 3 |
| IST 311* | 3 | IST 402* | 3 |
| IST 331* | 3 | IST 411, 412, or 413* | 3 |
| Elective Course | 3 | IST 411, 412, or 413* | 3 |
| Elective Course: IST 250 recommended | 3 | 4xx Supporting Course | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Foreign Culture Selection | 3 | IST 495* | 1 |
| Supporting Course: SRA 111 recommended | 3 | IST 440* | 3 |
| General Education Selection | 3 | Foreign Culture Selection | 3 |
| General Education Selection | 3 | Supporting Course: SRA 211 recommended | 3 |
| General Education Selection (GHW) | 1.5 | General Education Selection | 3 |
| General Education (GHW) | 1.5 | ||
| 13.5 | 14.5 | ||
| Total Credits 123 | |||
| * | Course requires a grade of C or better for the major |
| ‡ | Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education |
| # | Course is an Entrance to Major requirement |
| † | Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement |
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
| 1 | Students must demonstrate or complete the third level of proficiency in one foreign language. |
Integration and Application 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 |
| MATH 110‡† | 4 | ECON 102 or 104† | 3 |
| ENGL 15‡ | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| HDFS 287Y | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| World Language 0011 | 4 | World Language 0021 | 4 |
| 17 | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| IST 220*# | 3 | IST 240* | 3 |
| IST 140* | 3 | STAT 200‡† | 4 |
| IST 250* | 3 | CAS 100A‡ | 3 |
| IST 230* | 3 | General Education | 3 |
| World Language 0031 | 4 | General Education | 3 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| IST 301* | 3 | IST 420* | 3 |
| IST 302* | 3 | ENGL 202C or 202D‡ | 3 |
| IST 331* | 3 | Support of Option | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | Foreign Culture (IL) | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| General Education (GHW) | 1.5 | ||
| 15 | 16.5 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| IST 421* | 3 | IST 440* | 3 |
| IST 4xx Emerging Issues and Technology* | 3 | IST 495* | 1 |
| Support of Option | 3 | Support of Option - 4xx Level | 3 |
| Foreign Culture (IL) | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education (GHW) | 1.5 | ||
| 16.5 | 13 | ||
| Total Credits 126 | |||
| * | Course requires a grade of C or better for the major |
| ‡ | Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education |
| # | Course is an Entrance to Major requirement |
| † | Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement |
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
| 1 | Students must demonstrate or complete the third level of proficiency in one foreign language. |
Mont Alto Campus
Integration and Application 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 |
| MATH 110 or 140 (GQ)‡† | 4 | IST 220*† | 3 |
| World Language Level 1 | 4 | ENGL 15 (GWS)‡ | 3 |
| IST 111*† | 1 | World Language Level 2 | 4 |
| IST 140* | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| 15 | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| IST 230* | 3 | IST 242* | 3 |
| ECON 102 or 104 (GS)*† | 3 | STAT 200 (GQ)*‡† | 4 |
| CAS 100 (GWS)‡ | 3 | ENGL 202C or 202D‡ | 3 |
| World Language Level 3 | 4 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| IST 301* | 3 | IST 331* | 3 |
| IST 302* | 3 | IST 420* | 3 |
| Support of Option1 | 3 | IST 4952 | 1 |
| General Education Course | 3 | Support of Option1 | 3 |
| General Education Course (GHW) | 3 | Foreign Culture | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| 18 | 16 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| IST 452* | 3 | IST 440* | 3 |
| IST 421* | 3 | Support of Option1 | 3 |
| Support of Option1 | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| Foreign Culture | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 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.
| 1 | In consultation with adviser |
| 2 | Summers: Supervised work experience where the student is employed in an information science and technology position in industry, government, or academia. All IST students are required to take at least one internship and make take as many as three. |
| * | Course requires a grade of C or better for the major |
| ‡ | Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education |
| # | Course is an Entrance to Major requirement |
| † | Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement |
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
New Kensington Campus
Integration and Application 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 (GS)* | 3 | IST 210* | 3 | ||
| IST 140* | 3 | IST 220* | 3 | ||
| MATH 110 (GQ)* | 4 | ENGL 15 (GWS)* | 3 | ||
| World Language 001 | 4 | World Language 002 | 4 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | ECON 102 | 3 | ||
| 17 | 16 | ||||
| Second Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| IST 230* | 3 | IST 242* | 3 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | CAS 100 (GWS)* | 3 | ||
| World Language 003 | 4 | STAT 200 (GQ)* | 4 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 | ||
| 16 | 16 | ||||
| Third Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| IST 301* | 3 | IST 331* | 3 | IST 495* | 1-18 |
| IST 302* | 3 | IST 420* | 3 | ||
| Support of Option Course | 3 | Support of Option Course | 3 | ||
| Elective | 3 | ENGL 202C or 202D (GWS)* | 3 | ||
| General Health and Wellness (GHW) | 3 | Foreign Cultures Requirement (See adviser for list) | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | 1-18 | |||
| Fourth Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| IST 421* | 3 | Foreign Culture* | 3 | ||
| IST 402H* | 3 | Support of Option Course | 3 | ||
| IST 440 | 3 | General Education Course | 3 | ||
| Support of Option Course | 3 | Elective | 3 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | Elective | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||||
| Total Credits 126-143 | |||||
| * | Course requires a grade of C or better for the major |
| ‡ | Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education |
| # | Course is an Entrance to Major requirement |
| † | Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement |
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
Integration and Application Option with Security and Risk Analysis Minor
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 (GS)* | 3 | IST 210* | 3 | ||
| IST 140* | 3 | IST 220* | 3 | ||
| MATH 110 (GQ)* | 4 | ENGL 15 (GWS)* | 3 | ||
| World Language 001 | 4 | World Language 002 | 4 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | ECON 102 | 3 | ||
| 17 | 16 | ||||
| Second Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| IST 230* | 3 | IST 242* | 3 | IST 495* | 1-18 |
| SRA 111 (GS) | 3 | CAS 100 (GWS)* | 3 | ||
| World Language 003 | 4 | STAT 200 (GQ)* | 4 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | SRA 211 | 3 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 | ||
| 16 | 16 | 1-18 | |||
| Third Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| IST 301* | 3 | IST 331* | 3 | ||
| IST 302 (option requirement)* | 3 | IST 420 (option requirement)* | 3 | ||
| SRA 221 | 3 | IST 452* | 3 | ||
| Elective | 3 | ENGL 202C or 202D (GWS)* | 3 | ||
| General Health and Wellness (GHW) | 3 | Foreign Cultures Requirement (See adviser for list) | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||||
| Fourth Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| IST 421 (option requirement)* | 3 | Foreign Culture | 3 | ||
| IST 451* | 3 | General Education Course | 3 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 | ||
| General Education Course | 3 | Elective | 3 | ||
| IST 440 | 3 | Elective | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||||
| Total Credits 126-143 | |||||
| * | Course requires a grade of C or better for the major |
| ‡ | Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education |
| # | Course is an Entrance to Major requirement |
| † | Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement |
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
Scranton Campus
Design and Development 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 |
| PSU 8 | 1 | IST 210*# | 3 |
| ENGL 15 | 3 | IST 220*# | 3 |
| IST 110*# | 3 | ECON 102, 104, or 14† | 3 |
| IST 140 or CMPSC 121* | 3 | Foreign Cultures (IL) | 3 |
| MATH 110 or 140† | 4 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | ||
| 17 | 15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| IST 230* | 3 | IST 242* | 3 |
| CAS 100A | 3 | STAT 200† | 4 |
| World Language level 1 | 4 | World Language level 2 | 4 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 |
| 16 | 15.5 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| IST 301* | 3 | IST 261 or 361 | 3 |
| IST 311* | 3 | IST 411* | 3 |
| Support of Option Course | 3 | ENGL 202C or 202D† | 3 |
| World Language level 3 | 4 | Foreign Cultures (IL) | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| IST 331* | 3 | IST 440* | 3 |
| IST 412* | 3 | IST 495* | 1 |
| IST 402* | 3 | Support of Option Course | 3 |
| Support of Option Course - 4xx level | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 | Elective | 1 |
| Elective | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| 16.5 | 14 | ||
| Total Credits 125 | |||
| * | Course requires a grade of C or better for the major |
| ‡ | Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education |
| # | Course is an Entrance to Major requirement |
| † | Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement |
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
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
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 |
| PSU 8 | 1 | IST 210*# | 3 |
| ENGL 15 | 3 | IST 220*# | 3 |
| IST 110*# | 3 | ECON 102, 104, or 14† | 3 |
| CMPSC 101 or IST 140* | 3 | Foreign Cultures (IL) | 3 |
| MATH 110 or 140† | 4 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | ||
| 17 | 15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| IST 230* | 3 | IST 240 or 242* | 3 |
| CAS 100A | 3 | STAT 200† | 4 |
| World Language level 1 | 4 | World Language level 2 | 4 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 |
| 16 | 15.5 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| IST 301* | 3 | IST 420* | 3 |
| IST 302* | 3 | Supporting of Option Course | 3 |
| Support of Option Course | 3 | ENGL 202C or 202D† | 3 |
| World Language level 3 | 4 | Foreign Cultures (IL) | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| IST 331* | 3 | IST 440* | 3 |
| IST 402* | 3 | IST 495* | 1 |
| IST 421* | 3 | Support of Option Course | 3 |
| Support of Option Course - 4xx level | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 | Elective | 1 |
| Elective | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| 16.5 | 14 | ||
| Total Credits 125 | |||
| * | Course requires a grade of C or better for the major |
| ‡ | Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education |
| # | Course is an Entrance to Major requirement |
| † | Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement |
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
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
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 256 | 3 | General Educcation course | 3 |
| ENGL 15‡ | 3 | General Education course | 3 |
| General Education course (GQ)‡ | 3 | CAS 100A‡ | 3 |
| IST 140*‡ | 3 | ECON 102, 104, MATH 110, or MATH 140† 1 | 3-4 |
| PSU 8 | 1 | ||
| 16 | 15-16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| IST 220*# | 3 | IST 230* | 3 |
| IST 240* | 3 | General Education course | 3 |
| ECON 102, 104, MATH 110, or MATH 140† 1 | 3-4 | General Education course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 | General Education course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 | World Language level 1 | 4 |
| 15-16 | 16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| IST 301* | 3 | IST 331* | 3 |
| IST 302* | 3 | IST 420* | 3 |
| World Language level 2 | 4 | STAT 200‡ | 4 |
| ENGL 202C or 202D‡ | 3 | World Language level 3 | 4 |
| Support of option | 3 | Support of option | 3 |
| 16 | 17 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| IST 421‡ | 3 | IST 402‡ | 3 |
| IST 440‡ | 3 | Support of option | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 | Foreign Culture | 3 |
| Foreign Culture | 3 | General Educatiion course or Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3-5 | ||
| 12 | 15-17 | ||
| Total Credits 122-126 | |||
| * | Course requires a grade of C or better for the major |
| ‡ | Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education |
| # | Course is an Entrance to Major requirement |
| † | Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement |
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
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.
| 1 | MATH 110 and 140 require a C or better. |
York Campus
Integration and Application 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 or 30‡ | 3 | IST 210* | 3 |
| IST 110* | 3 | IST 220* | 3 |
| IST 111S | 1 | STAT 200 or SCM 200 | 4 |
| CMPSC 101 or 121* | 3 | ECON 102 or 104 | 3 |
| General Education course (GHW) | 1.5 | Support course (IST 250 recommended) | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 | ||
| 14.5 | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CAS 100‡ | 3 | ENGL 202C or 202D‡ | 3 |
| MATH 110 | 4 | IST 230* | 3 |
| IST 140*# | 3 | IST 242* | 3 |
| Support course (IST 260W recommended) | 3 | IST 495* | 1 |
| General Education course | 3 | General Education course | 3 |
| General Education course (GHW) | 1.5 | ||
| 16 | 14.5 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| IST 301* | 3 | IST 331* | 3 |
| IST 302* | 3 | IST 420* | 3 |
| Support course (IST 311 recommended) | 3 | World Language course | 4 |
| World Language course | 4 | Foreign Culture course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 | General Education course | 3 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| IST 421* | 3 | IST 440* | 3 |
| IST 4XX Emerging issues and Technologies (From college approved list)* | 3 | General Education course | 3 |
| World language | 4 | Elective | 4 |
| Foreign Culture course | 3 | General Education courses | 6 |
| Support Course (400-level, IST 413 recommended) | 3 | ||
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Total Credits 125 | |||
| * | Course requires a grade of C or better for the major |
| ‡ | Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education |
| # | Course is an Entrance to Major requirement |
| † | Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement |
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
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
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 |
| IST 110* | 3 | IST 220* | 3 |
| IST 111S | 1 | STAT 200 or SCM 200 | 4 |
| CMPSC 101 or 121* | 3 | ECON 102 or 104 | 3 |
| General Education course (GHW) | 1.5 | Support course (IST 250 recommended) | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 | ||
| 14.5 | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CAS 100‡ | 3 | ENGL 202C or 202D‡ | 3 |
| MATH 110 | 4 | IST 230* | 3 |
| IST 140*# | 3 | IST 242* | 3 |
| Support course (IST 260W recommended) | 3 | IST 495* | 1 |
| General Education course | 3 | General Education course | 3 |
| General Education course (GHW) | 1.5 | ||
| 16 | 14.5 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| IST 301* | 3 | IST 331* | 3 |
| IST 311* | 3 | IST 361* | 3 |
| World Language course | 4 | IST 411* | 3 |
| Foreign Culture course | 3 | World Language course | 4 |
| General Education course | 3 | General Education course | 3 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| IST 4XX Emerging Issues and Technologies (from college approved list)* | 3 | IST 440* | 3 |
| IST 413* | 3 | Foreign Culture course | 3 |
| World Language course (if needed) | 4 | Elective | 4 |
| Support course (400-level) | 3 | General Education course | 6 |
| General Education course | 3 | ||
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Total Credits 125 | |||
| * | Course requires a grade of C or better for the major |
| ‡ | Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education |
| # | Course is an Entrance to Major requirement |
| † | Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement |
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
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, psychology, math, business, 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 government, defense, consulting, business, entertainment, and medicine.
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
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
http://montalto.psu.edu/directory/baccalaureate-information-technology-program
New Kensington
ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
3550 Seventh Street Road
New Kensington, PA 15068
724-334-6031
aea13@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
P.O. Box 264
Lehman, PA 18627
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
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