Course List - Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences and Technology
A student enrolled in this major must receive a grade of C or better in all courses required for the major.
Requirements for the Major (85 credits)
(This includes 12 credits in General Education courses: 6 credits in GQ courses, 3 credits in GS courses, and 3 credits in GWS courses.)
| Prescribed Courses (33 credits) | ||
|
CMPSC 101 |
Introduction to C++ Programming |
3 credits |
| IST 110 | Information, People, and Technology The use, analysis, and design of information systems and technologies to organize, coordinate, and inform human enterprises. |
3 credits |
| IST 210 | Organization of Data Introduction to the concept of databases, including the storage, manipulation, evaluation, and display of data, and related issues. Prerequisite: IST 110 |
4 credits |
| IST 220 | Networking and Telecommunications Introduction to digital network topologies: transmission media, signal modulation, digital packet switching and routing, systems integration, communications management, and security. Prerequisite: IST 110 |
3 credits |
| IST 230 | Language, Logic, and Discrete Mathematics Introduction to formal languages, mathematical logic, and discrete mathematics, with applications to information sciences and technology. Prerequisite: MATH 110 or MATH 140 |
3 credits |
| IST 240 | Introduction to Computer Languages Introduction to the specification and application of languages and language paradigms that interact with computers. Prerequisite: CMPSC 101 Concurrent: IST 230 |
3 credits |
| IST 301 | Information and Organizations Overview of organizational structures and functions. Includes information processing and analytic perspectives of organizations. Prerequisite: IST 210, IST 220 |
3 credits |
| IST 331 | Organization and Design of Information Systems: User and System Principles Interdisciplinary survey of topics related to the use and usability of information systems. Prerequisite: IST 230 |
3 credits |
| IST 440W | Information Sciences and Technology Integration and Problem Solving Problem-based approach to technology integration by focusing on real-life problems faced by an organization. Prerequisite: ENGL 202C or ENGL 202D seventh-semester standing (this course is intended for seniors) and the five common course requirements plus at least three of the required courses in an option. |
3 credits |
| IST 495‡ | Internship Supervised off-campus, nongroup instruction including field experiences, practica, or internships. Written and oral critique of activity required. Prerequisite: prior approval of proposed assignment by instructor |
1 credit |
| STAT 200 | Elementary Statistics Descriptive statistics, frequency distributions, probability, binomial and normal distributions, statistical inference, linear regression, and correlation. Prerequisite: 2 units of algebra |
4 credits |
‡Internships provide valuable experience for students; however, we recognize that situations vary and some students, due to work or other commitments, are unable to adjust their schedules. You are encouraged to contact your adviser to make arrangements for suitable activities in lieu of an internship.
| Additional Courses (10 credits) | ||
| ECON 102 Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy (formerly ECON 002) 3 credits |
OR | ECON 104 Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy (formerly ECON 004) 3 credits |
| ENGL 202C Effective Writing: Technical Writing 3 credits |
OR | ENGL 202D Effective Writing: Business Writing 3 credits |
| MATH 110 Techniques of Calculus I 4 credits |
||
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas (21 credits) | ||
| IST 402 | Emerging Issues and Technologies Introduction to emerging issues, technology forecasting and analysis; overview of emerging issues and leading technologies in IST and how they impact information systems, users, the IT labor force and society Prerequisite: IST 210, IST 220 |
3 credits |
Attainment of third-level proficiency in a single foreign language (12 credits). Proficiency must be demonstrated by either examination or course work. See the "Placement Policy for Penn State Foreign Language Courses" (semesters: 1–4).
Select 6 credits in international courses in foreign culture from University-approved list (semesters: 5–8).
| Foreign Language | 12 credits | |
| International Courses in Foreign Cultures | 6 credits | |
| Requirements for the Integration & Application (21 Credits) | ||
| IST 302 | IT Project Management Exploration and application of the basic concepts, methodologies, and tools of project management in the field of information sciences and technology. Prerequisite: IST 210, IST 220 |
3 credits |
| IST 420 | Fundamentals of Systems and Enterprise Integration Introductory course on integration of information technology into different venues, including the planning, development, and implementation of the integration. Prerequisite: IST 240, IST 301, IST 302 |
3 credits |
| IST 421 | Advanced Enterprise Integration: Technologies and Applications Advanced course on the integration of information technology into systems applications. Prerequisite: IST 420 |
3 credits |
| Supporting courses and related areas | 12 credits | |
| General Education: 45 credits (12 credits are included in the requirements for the major) |
||
| ARTS – GA | 6 credits | |
|
Humanities – GH
|
6 credits | |
| Health and Physical Activity – GHA | 3 credits | |
| Natural Sciences – GN | 9 credits | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences – GS | 6 credits | |
| Writing and Speaking – GWS | 9 credits | |
| Quantification – GQ | 6 credits | |
*Electives: 7 credits
You can choose your electives from the World Campus Course Catalog.
*IST 111S Seminar in Information Sciences and Technology—Introduction to academic requirements, career planning, and information literacy. IST 111S is for new, first-year students majoring in Information Sciences and Technology. (IST 111S is a required course for World Campus students and fulfills one of the 7 elective credits required for the degree.)
Please note: Among the above degree requirements, students should incorporate at least 3 credits in US cultures, 3 credits in international (IL) cultures, and 3 credits in writing across the curriculum courses. The above course list includes only courses offered by World Campus. An official degree audit or the recommended academic plan for this program may include additional course options and detailed requirements. All students are expected to complete at least 36 Penn State credits to earn this degree. Please consult an academic adviser for details.