Transcripts
Submit transcripts to:
Sherry Rogers
College of Information Sciences and Technology
The Pennsylvania State University
101P Information Sciences and Technology Building
University Park PA 16802
Phone: 814-863-9461
Fax: 814-865-7882
Email: mps@ist.psu.edu
Thank you for your interest in continuing your information systems security education through Penn State World Campus. New and prospective students must submit an application for admission when applying to either the master's or a certificate program, along with a nonrefundable application fee. If you have any questions throughout the admissions process, please contact an admissions counselor.
Application Deadline
Deadlines for submitting an application are below. Acceptance of your application makes you eligible for preferred registration for your courses, which is why we encourage you to complete your application as soon as possible.
- July 1 for fall semester admission
- November 1 for spring semester admission
Prerequisites
For admission to the Graduate School, U.S. applicants must have received, from a regionally accredited institution, a bachelor's degree (3.0 GPA preferred on a 4.0 scale) with requirements substantially equivalent to those at Penn State. (Penn State is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.) International applicants must have a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a 4-year bachelor's degree to apply for admission.
For admission to the certificate program, a 2.75 undergraduate grade-point average (GPA), either overall or of the last 60 credits, is needed. A 3.0 GPA must be obtained in order to successfully complete the certificate.
Application Materials
A completed application The application must be submitted electronically following the directions provided in the application.
Statement of purpose 1–2 pages in length describing why you are interested in pursuing this certificate as well as what makes you a good candidate for the certificate program.
Current Résumé highlighting any IT experience and/or certifications you have
Name of One Recommender — Upon submission of your application, an email will be sent to the recommender requesting the completion of a reference form contained in the email. Please inform the recommender they must submit the form in order for your application to be complete.
Two official transcripts from each undergraduate and graduate institution that you attended regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. (Penn State even has a convenient transcript request form. Penn State alumni do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State.) Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
No GRE is required.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score, if applicable. TOEFL scores must be submitted by all international applicants unless otherwise specified. Please see the Language Proficiency section of the International Students page of the website for undergraduate and graduate program requirements. Visit the TOEFL website or call 609-771-7100 for more information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.
How to Apply
Individuals seeking admission to this program must complete and submit the Penn State Graduate School online application. Be sure to read the admissions requirements carefully, as each program has unique requirements.
