Become an Industry Leader in Computer Information Technology

Businesses and organizations are in desperate need of managers who can lead technology initiatives. And because so much business is carried out over computer networks, knowledgeable computer security experts are also in high demand.

To meet these growing needs, Penn State World Campus, in partnership with Penn State’s highly regarded College of Information Sciences and Technology, developed the Master of Professional Studies in Information Sciences (MPS in IS).

Why Information Sciences Online at Penn State

Pursuing this online MPS in IS gives you flexibility combined with a highly relevant course curriculum that incorporates real-world business issues and simulations.

Penn State’s College of IST is a leader among information schools, and the faculty are a diverse group of thought leaders from numerous fields, including computer science, engineering, psychology, chemistry, artificial intelligence, and more.

Information Assurance and Decision Support

The MPS in IS program consists of foundational courses combined with courses specific to information assurance and decision support. The MPS in IS focuses on information analysis, cyber security, information science training, and decision support. Penn State is a provider in information security and assurance and has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.

Who Should Apply?

This program is designed for professionals and organizational leaders who want to take on greater IT responsibilities and for people who want to transition into a career that uses computer information science to support decision making. Since the MPS in IS is multidisciplinary in nature, students from almost any discipline may be accepted into the program. You should have a basic competency in statistics, computer language, and information technology (related work experience is also acceptable).

Earn a Certificate in Information Systems Security

Along the way to earning your master’s degree, you can also acquire a postbaccalaureate certificate in information systems security. The 15 credits required to complete the certificate also apply to the MPS in IS. The certificate provides a solid graduate-level education for mid- to high-level IT professionals in all industry sectors, who want to strengthen their knowledge and skills in information security and information security management.

Courses include:

• IST 515 Information Security and Assurance
• IST 554 Network Management and Security
• Select 3 from the following:
  • IN SC 561 Web Security and Privacy
  • IST 451 Network Security
  • IST 454 Computer and Cyber Forensics
  • IST 456 Security and Risk Management
  • IST 564 Crisis, Disaster, and Risk Management

Career Opportunities for Graduates

As an information science professional with a master’s degree, you can enter the marketplace with a distinct advantage; you may also tend to earn a higher salary than other professionals in the same field. You can prepare for positions such as:

• information assurance
• intel analyst
• information assurance/security engineer
• network intel analyst
• enterprise architect
• cyber network security engineer
• information assurance analyst
• catastrophe risk analyst
• computer system security analyst
• systems integration analyst
• IT analyst
• IT consulting manager

Online Education at Penn State

Penn State has a history of 100+ years of distance education and more than a decade of experience in online learning. We strive to create an online learning environment that brings you as close to the face-to-face experience as possible. Learn more about Penn State World Campus.