To earn the Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences and Technology degree program you must complete a minimum 125 credits.
- 84 credits required for the major
- 29 prescribed credits
- 10 additional credits
- 21 supporting courses and related areas credits
- 24 option credits (Integration and Application or Design and Development)
- 45 General Education credits (12 of these credits are included in the requirements for the major)
- 8 credits of electives
The prescribed core courses focus on developing theoretical foundations and the skills needed for incorporating information technology into different systems to enhance or improve system performance. The emphasis is on providing the theoretical frameworks needed to use information technology, as well as application-oriented experiences and skills.
A student enrolled in this major must receive a grade of C or better in all courses required for the major.
Course List - Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences and Technology
| Title | Abbreviation | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to C++ Programming or Introduction to Application Development |
CMPSC 101 or IST 140 |
Properties of algorithms, languages, and notations for describing algorithms; applications of a procedure-oriented language to problem solving. or A first course in concepts and skills for application development. Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better is required in: Math 021 or placement above the level of Math 021 in the mathematics placement test |
3 credits |
| Information, People, and Technology | IST 110 | The use, analysis, and design of information systems and technologies to organize, coordinate, and inform human enterprises. | 3 credits |
| Organization of Data | IST 210 | Introduction to the concept of databases, including the storage, manipulation, evaluation, and display of data, and related issues. | 3 credits |
| Networking and Telecommunications | IST 220 | Introduction to digital network topologies: transmission media, signal modulation, digital packet switching and routing, systems integration, communications management, and security. | 3 credits |
| Language, Logic, and Discrete Mathematics | IST 230 | Introduction to formal languages, mathematical logic, and discrete mathematics, with applications to information sciences and technology. Prerequisite: MATH 110 or MATH 140 |
3 credits |
| Information and Organizations | IST 301 | Overview of organizational structures and functions. Includes information processing and analytic perspectives of organizations. Prerequisite: IST 210, IST 220 |
3 credits |
| Foundations of Human-Centered Design | IST 331 | Interdisciplinary survey of topics and methods related to the human-centered design use and usability of information systems. Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better in: IST 240 or IST 242 |
3 credits |
| Information Sciences and Technology Integration and Problem Solving | IST 440W | Problem-based approach to technology integration by focusing on real-life problems faced by an organization. Prerequisite: ENGL 202C or ENGL 202D and seventh-semester standing (this course is intended for seniors) |
3 credits |
| Internship | IST 495 | 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 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. |
1 credit |
| Elementary Statistics | STAT 200 | Descriptive statistics, frequency distributions, probability, binomial and normal distributions, statistical inference, linear regression, and correlation. Prerequisite: 2 units of algebra |
4 credits |
| Title | Abbreviation | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy OR Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy |
ECON 102 OR ECON 104 |
3 credits |
| Effective Writing: Technical Writing OR Effective Writing: Business Writing |
ENGL 202C OR ENGL 202D |
3 credits |
| Techniques of Calculus I | MATH 110 | 4 credits |
| Title | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Emerging Issues and Technologies | Please consult your adviser to learn about additional options for this course requirement. | 3 credits |
| Foreign Language | Attainment of third-level proficiency in a single foreign language. Proficiency must be demonstrated by either examination or course work. See the "Placement Policy for Penn State Foreign Language Courses" (semesters: 1–4). |
12 credits |
| International Courses in Foreign Cultures | Select 6 credits in international courses in foreign culture from University-approved list (semesters: 5–8). | 6 credits |
| Description | Credits |
|---|---|
| Arts – GA | 6 credits |
| Humanities – GH | 6 credits |
| Health and Wellness – GHW | 3 credits |
| Natural Sciences – GN | 9 credits |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences – GS | 6 credits |
| Writing and Speaking – GWS* | 9 credits |
| Quantification – GQ* | 6 credits |
| Integrative Studies | (6 credits)*** |
*A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
**12 credits are included in the requirements for the major.
***This requirement only applies to students starting in summer 2018 or later. Learn more about the Integrative Studies options and consult your academic adviser when choosing courses to fulfill these requirements.
| Description | Credits |
|---|---|
| Courses chosen in consultation with an adviser. | 8 credits |
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.
Requirements for the Integration and Application Option (24 Credits)
| Title | Abbreviation | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IT Project Management | IST 302 | 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 |
| Fundamentals of Systems and Enterprise Integration | IST 420 | Introductory course on integration of information technology into different venues, including the planning, development, and implementation of the integration. Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better is required in IST 240 or IST 242. A grade of "C" or better is required in IST 301 and IST 302 |
3 credits |
| Advanced Enterprise Integration: Technologies and Applications | IST 421 | Advanced course on the integration of information technology into systems applications. Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better is required in IST 420 |
3 credits |
| Title | Abbreviation | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Computer Languages | IST 240 | Introduction to the specification and application of languages and language paradigms that interact with computers. Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better in CMPSC 101 or IST 140. Recommenced Concurrent: IST 230 |
3 credits |
| Intermediate and Object-Oriented Application Development | IST 242 |
Intermediate application development including algorithms, data structures, and object-oriented concepts. Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better is required in: IST 140 or CMPSC 121 or IST 240 |
3 credits |
| Description | Credits |
|---|---|
| Select 12 credits from College-approved list in consultation with an advisor. | 12 credits |
Requirements for the Design and Development Option (24 Credits)
| Title | Abbreviation | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intermediate and Object-Oriented Application Development | IST 242 | Intermediate application development including algorithms, data structures, and object-oriented concepts. | 3 credits |
| Object-Oriented Design and Software Applications | IST 311 | Introduction to object-oriented applications including applications in an Object Oriented Design (OOD) language or OOD languages. Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better is required in IST 242 or CMPSC 221 |
3 credits |
| Title | Abbreviation | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Development Design Studio I | IST 261 | Introductory design and development studio course for IST and SRA students. Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better is required in IST 242 or permission of the program |
3 credits |
| Application Development Design Studio II | IST 361 | Second of two design and development studio courses for IST and SRA students. Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better is required in: IST 311 or permission of program |
3 credits |
| Title | Abbreviation | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distributed-Object Computing | IST 411 | Introduction to distributed-object computing and its use in client/server and real-world computing applications. Prerequisite: IST 311 |
3 credits |
| The Engineering of Complex Software Systems | IST 412 | Introduction to the engineering of complex software systems including software system specification, design and implementation, integration and test, and evolution. Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better is required in IST 311 |
3 credits |
| Usability Engineering | IST 413 | This course addresses activities in the system development process that ensure usability. It considers the emerging concept of usability, requirements gathering and analysis, activity design, information design, interaction design, documentation design, user testing and usability evaluation. Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better is required in: IST 331 |
3 credits |
| Description | Credits |
|---|---|
| Select 9 credits from College-approved list in consultation with an advisor. | 9 credits |
Course Availability
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