IST meeting

Bachelor of Science inInformation Sciences and Technology

Program summary

Prepare for IT roles in a wide range of industries with this Penn State course work. This online bachelor’s degree program allows you to choose a specialization to customize your program based on your career interests.

Application deadline

Apply by June 30 to start August 26

Credits and costs

125 Credits$626/$671 per credit

Nationally Recognized

US News and World Report Bachelor's badge
Our bachelor's degrees are highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report.

Enter the Growing Field of IT

The demand for college-educated IT professionals continues to increase as organizations from retail to manufacturing, business to science, improve and upgrade their IT infrastructures.

During the technology boom of the 1990s, workers with a high school diploma landed these high-paying IT jobs. Today, however, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that most employers are looking for candidates who have at least a bachelor’s degree.

If you want a career with growth potential that can provide opportunities across numerous industries and occupations, you can prepare for it by enrolling in Penn State's online bachelor’s degree program in IST.

Online IT Degree — The Right Choice for You

This degree is particularly suitable if you can bring your current real-world IT experience to your studies; however, you do not need previous experience in the field.

The online bachelor’s degree in information sciences and technology is a good fit if:

  • you are currently employed in IT, have an associate degree, and want to continue your education to advance your career
  • you are currently employed in other professional or preprofessional positions and wish to expand your employment opportunities
  • you are already employed in IT and want to enter a bachelor’s degree program, but you have no previous credits toward an IT degree
  • you want to change your current career and do not have an IT background

Customize Your Degree with Options

Explore the role of information technology within and between businesses.

The Integration and Application option (ITINT) prepares you to use IT to support high-level strategic organization and problem solving. You can learn to analyze the needs of an organization, formulate and implement technology-based solutions, and evaluate outcomes. You can also learn how technology impacts the world at large, and what you can do with this information to shape the future. Course work in this option consists of team-programming experiences.

Create software and applications to drive technology forward.

The Information Systems: Design and Development option (ISDEV) helps you expand the skills needed to develop advanced information technology systems. You'll use state-of-the-art tools to learn how to develop applications and software, troubleshoot existing and new technology, and solve complex coding challenges. Course work in this option is project-oriented and consists of team-programming experiences.

The Penn State Advantage

Penn State’s College of Information Sciences and Technology is a leader among an emerging group in higher education known as i-schools, or information schools. Your faculty members in this online program are the same faculty who teach our respected on-campus programs. They are a diverse group of thought leaders from numerous fields, including computer science, engineering, psychology, chemistry, artificial intelligence, and more.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • an academically rigorous, yet career-focused curriculum
  • courses taught by highly respected faculty members
  • access to a full-range of student support services
  • technology to support your learning goals, not simply for convenience

When you have successfully completed this program, you will receive the same Penn State diploma that all of our graduates receive. You will become part of a worldwide network of alumni and can choose to join the largest dues-paying alumni association in the world with more than 170,000 members.

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 create an online learning environment that offers you the same quality education our residential students experience in a face-to-face setting. Learn more about Penn State World Campus

Courses

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
    • 26 prescribed credits
    • 13 additional credits
    • 21 supporting courses and related areas credits
    • 24 option credits (Integration and Application or Design and Development)
  • 8 credits of electives
  • 45 General Education credits (12 of these credits are included in the requirements for the major)

The prescribed 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.

Prescribed Courses (26 credits)

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all prescribed courses except STAT 200.

  • 3
    credits

    The use, analysis, and design of information systems and technologies to organize, coordinate, and inform human enterprises.

  • 3
    credits

    Introduction to the concept of databases, including the storage, manipulation, evaluation, and display of data, and related issues.

  • 3
    credits

    Introduction to digital network topologies, transmission media, signal modulation, digital packet switching and routing, systems integration, communications management, and security.

  • 3
    credits

    Introduction to formal languages, mathematical logic, and discrete mathematics, with applications to information sciences and technology.

    • Prerequisite

      MATH 110 or MATH 140

  • 3
    credits

    Overview of organizational structures and functions. Includes information processing and analytic perspectives of organizations.

    • Prerequisite

      IST 210 and IST 220

  • 3
    credits

    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

    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)

  • 1
    credit

    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

    • Note

      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.

  • 4
    credits

    Descriptive Statistics, frequency distributions, probability and normal distributions, statistical inference, linear regression, and correlation.

    • Prerequisite

      Placement into MATH 21 or higher.

Additional Courses (13 credits)

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all additional courses.

    • 3
      credits

      Methods of economic analysis and their use; price determination; theory of the firm; distribution.

    • or:
      3
      credits

      National income measurement; aggregate economic models; money and income; policy problems.

    • 3
      credits

      Writing for students in scientific and technical disciplines.

      • Prerequisite

        ENGL 15, ESL 15, ENGL 30, and 4th Semester standing OR ENGL 137H, ENGL 138T, and 4th Semester standing

    • or:
      3
      credits

      Writing reports and other common forms of business communication.

      • Prerequisite

        (ENGL 15 or ESL 15 or ENGL 30) and 4th-semester standing OR (ENGL 137H and ENGL 138T) and 4th-semester standing

    • 3
      credits

      A first course in concepts and skills for application development.

      • Prerequisite

        C or better in MATH 21 or placement above the level of Math 21 in the mathematics placement test.

    • or:
      3
      credits

      Fundamentals of computational thinking, including reasoning about problems at multiple levels of abstraction, and analyzing code for its behavior, efficiency, and correctness.

      • Prerequisite

        2 entrance units in mathematics

  • 4
    credits

    Introduces and develops the mathematical skills required for analyzing change, and the underlying mathematical behaviors that model real-life economics and financial applications. Develops student knowledge of calculus techniques, and how to use a calculus framework to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

    • Prerequisite

      MATH 22 or MATH 40 or MATH 41 or satisfactory performance on the mathematics placement examination

Supporting Courses and Related Areas (21 credits)

  • Emerging Issues and Technologies (3 credits): Please consult your adviser to learn about additional options for this course requirement.
  • Foreign Language (12 credits): Attainment of third-level proficiency in a single foreign language. Proficiency must be demonstrated by either examination or course work.
  • International Courses in Foreign Cultures (6 credits): Select 6 credits in international courses in foreign culture from University-approved list (semesters: 5–8).

Options (24 credits)

Customize your path by choosing one of the 24-credit degree options:

Design and Development Option

Prescribed Courses for the Design and Development Option (6 credits)

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all prescribed courses for the option.

  • 3
    credits

    Intermediate application development including algorithms, data structures, and object-oriented concepts.

    • Prerequisite

      A grade of C or better in IST 140 or CMPSC 121 or IST 240

  • 3
    credits

    Introduction to object-oriented applications including applications in an Object Oriented Design (OOD) language or OOD languages.

    • Prerequisite

      A grade of C or better in IST 242 or CMPSC 221

Studio Courses for the Design and Development Option (select 3 credits)

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all studio courses for the option.

  • 3
    credits

    Introductory design and development studio course for IST and SRA students.

    • Prerequisite

      A grade of C or better in IST 242 or permission of program

  • 3
    credits

    Second of two design and development studio courses for IST and SRA students.

    • Prerequisite

      A grade of C or better in IST 311 or permission of program

Additional Courses for the Design and Development Option (select 6 credits)

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all additional courses for the option.

  • 3
    credits

    Introduction to distributed-object computing and its use in client/server and real-world computing applications.

    • Prerequisite

      A grade of C or better in IST 311

  • 3
    credits

    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 in IST 311

  • 3
    credits

    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 in IST 331

Supporting Courses and Related Areas for the Design and Development Option (9 credits)

Select 9 credits from College-approved list in consultation with an adviser.

Integration and Application Option

Prescribed Courses for the Integration and Application Option (9 credits)

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all prescribed courses for the option.

  • 3
    credits

    Exploration and application of the basic concepts, methodologies, and tools of project management in the field of information sciences and technology.

    • Prerequisite

      IST 210 and IST 220

  • 3
    credits

    Introductory course on integration of information technology into different venues, including the planning, development, and implementation of the integration.

    • Prerequisite

      (C or better in IST 301 and IST 302) and (C or better in IST 240 or IST 242)

  • 3
    credits

    Advanced course on the integration of information technology into systems applications.

    • Prerequisite

      A grade of C or better in IST 420

Additional Courses for the Integration and Application Option (select 3 credits)

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all additional courses for the option.

  • 3
    credits

    Introduction to the specification and application of languages and language paradigms that interact with computers.

    • Prerequisite

      A grade of C or better in IST 140 or CMPSC 101

    • Recommended concurrent enrollment

      IST 230

  • 3
    credits

    Intermediate application development including algorithms, data structures, and object-oriented concepts.

    • Prerequisite

      A grade of C or better in IST 140 or CMPSC 121 or IST 240

Supporting Courses and Related Areas for the Integration and Application Option (12 credits)

Select 12 credits from College-approved list in consultation with an adviser.

Electives (8 credits)

Courses chosen in consultation with an adviser.

General Education Requirements

Some General Education requirements may be satisfied by courses required for the major. Students should work with an adviser to select courses.

  • Foundations: 15 credits  
    All courses require a grade of C or better. Inter-Domain courses may not be used for foundations requirements. 
    • Writing/Speaking: 9 credits 
    • Quantification: 6 credits 
      3-6 credits are selected from mathematics, applied mathematics, and statistics; 3 credits may be selected from computer science or symbolic logic. 
  • Knowledge Domains: 15 credits  
    Inter-Domain courses may not be used for knowledge domain requirements.
    • Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits 
    • Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits 
    • Arts (GA): 3 credits 
    • Humanities (GH): 3 credits 
    • Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits  
  • Integrative Studies: 6 credits
    • Inter-Domain course work: 6 credits  
  • Exploration: 9 credits 
    • Natural Sciences (GN) (may be Inter-Domain): 3 credits
    • GA, GH, GN, GS, and Inter-Domain courses: 6 credits  
      May include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the requirements of the student’s degree program or at the 12th credit level, whichever is higher.

These General Education Requirements are for students who started in summer 2023 or later. Students who started earlier can review the prior version of the general education requirements

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.

Costs and Financial Aid

Undergraduate Tuition

Undergraduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register and the number of total credits you have accrued at or transferred to Penn State.

Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.

2023–24 Academic Year Rates

Tuition rates for the fall 2023, spring 2024, and summer 2024 semesters.

How many credits do you plan to take per semester?If you have 59 or fewer creditsIf you have 60 or more credits
11 or fewer$626 per credit$671 per credit
12–19$7,602 per semester$8,206 per semester

Undergraduate students taking more than 19 credits will be charged the flat tuition rate plus the regular per credit hour rate for each credit above 19. 

2024–25 Academic Year Rates

Tuition rates for the fall 2024, spring 2025, and summer 2025 semesters.

How many credits do you plan to take per semester?If you have 59 or fewer creditsIf you have 60 or more credits
11 or fewer$632 per credit$678 per credit
12–19$7,678 per semester$8,288 per semester

Undergraduate students taking more than 19 credits will be charged the flat tuition rate plus the regular per credit hour rate for each credit above 19. 

Financial Aid and Military Benefits

Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.

How to Apply

Deadlines and Important Dates

Your degree application, including receipt of all transcripts, must be received by the following deadlines to be considered complete.

  • Fall DeadlineApply by June 30 to start August 26
  • Spring DeadlineApply by October 31 to start January 13
  • Summer DeadlineApply by March 15, 2025, to start May 19, 2025

New students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA by March 1. Please visit the Office of Student Aid website for more information about applying for financial aid and recommended deadlines.

Admissions Help

Thank you for your interest in applying to this program. Contact an admissions counselor to discuss your educational goals, financial aid options, and application deadlines.

Admission Requirements 

You must be a high school graduate or have completed your GED to be eligible for admission into the degree program.

Entrance-to-Major Requirements

You are also required to satisfy the entrance-to-college requirements to be admitted into the College of Information Sciences and Technology by any of the following methods:

  • completing three units of mathematics (four are recommended), selected from any combination of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. The college requires one-half unit of trigonometry or higher level math within the required three units  
  • completing MATH 022 (College Algebra II and Analytic Geometry) or MATH 026 (Plane Trigonometry) OR a higher-level math course offered by Penn State such as any one of the following:

    1. MATH 040 (Algebra, Trigonometry, and Analytic Geometry)
    2. MATH 041 (Trigonometry and Analytic Geometry)
    3. MATH 110 (Techniques of Calculus I)
    4. MATH 111 (Techniques of Calculus II)
    5. MATH 140 (Calculus with Analytic Geometry I)
    6. MATH 141 (Calculus with Analytic Geometry II)

  • completing a trigonometry or higher-level course at another accredited institution with a grade of C or better
  • receiving sufficient scores on Advanced Placement trigonometry or calculus exams

Important: Penn State's math placement exam results are NOT sufficient for satisfying the entrance into the College of IST requirement. The requirement must be demonstrated by letter grade or transfer credit. For more information about the entrance into the College of IST requirement for this program, contact an adviser.

Once you are admitted to the College of Information Sciences and Technology, you will work closely with your academic adviser to gain entrance to the bachelor's degree in information sciences and technology.

Criteria for entrance to the IST major:

You will have earned at least 27.5 credits with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 and a C or better in the following courses: IST 110, IST 140 (or equivalent CMPSC 101 or CMPSC 121), IST 210, and IST 220.

What You Need

Applications are submitted electronically and include a nonrefundable application fee. You will need the following items to complete your application:

High school transcripts or GED transcript - First-year applicants are required to submit Self-Reported Academic Records (SRAR). Official high school transcripts will only be required at the time a student accepts an offer of admission to Penn State.

Official college or university transcripts, if you attended another institution, and/or official military transcripts (if applicable). (All college or university transcripts are required regardless of the length of time that has passed, the grades earned, or the accreditation of the institutions attended. Acceptance of transfer credit toward your degree is subject to final approval by the academic department. For detailed information, see the Transfer Students page.)

Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Please send your transcripts by mail or electronically through Parchment, eScrip-Safe, or the National Student Clearinghouse directly to Penn State from the college/university where coursework was attempted.

Submit official documents by mail to:

Undergraduate Admissions Office
The Pennsylvania State University
201 Shields Building
University Park PA 16802

English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Language Proficiency section on the Undergraduate Admissions International Requirements page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.

Start Your Application

Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions. 

If this is your first time applying to Penn State, you'll need to complete the following steps:

  1. Review the application instructions before beginning.
  2. Complete the online application and submit all official documents.
  3. Pay the application fee.

Checking Your Status

You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form and choosing "MyPennState — Check Application Status." Your decision letter (confirming your acceptance or denial) will be mailed four to six weeks after receipt of all application materials. An admissions counselor will contact you if additional information is required.

Technical Requirements 

Review the technical requirements for this degree program.

Ready to Learn More?

Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.

* required1/3

I agree to be contacted via phone, email, and text by Penn State World Campus and affiliates. I understand my information may also be shared with select providers to offer ads that may be of interest to me.Privacy Policy. reCAPTCHA protected. Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

Learn more about this program

Download Program Brochure All my programs

Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State bachelor's degree?

Apply by June 30 to start August 26. How to Apply 

Start or Advance Your Career

Two business professionals reviewing work on a tablet in an office setting

You can use the knowledge gained from this program and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on your goals.


Job Titles Related to This Degree

The following roles are often held by people with this type of degree:

  • Application Programmer Analyst
  • Database Administrator (DBA)
  • Database Architect
  • Information Technology Manager (IT Manager)
  • Systems Administrator
  • Web Developer

Employment Outlook for Occupational Fields Related to This Degree

Estimates of employment growth and total employment are provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and are subject to change. While these occupations are often pursued by graduates with this degree, individual outcomes may vary depending on a variety of factors. Penn State World Campus cannot guarantee employment in a given occupation.

Computer and Information Systems Managers

15.4%
employment growth (10 years)
533,220
total employment

Web Developers

17%
employment growth (10 years)
88,620
total employment

Network and Computer Systems Administrators

2.5%
employment growth (10 years)
325,930
total employment

Database Architects

10%
employment growth (10 years)
62,470
total employment

Database Administrators

7%
employment growth (10 years)
80,520
total employment

Computer Programmers

-11.2%
employment growth (10 years)
132,740
total employment

Career Opportunities for Graduates

IT professionals often work as associate systems designers, network managers, application programmers, web designers, and web administrators. Robert Half Technologies, leading provider of IT professionals on a project and full-time basis, cites the following four industries in which IT growth is expected:

Health care: In an aging population, the need for constant technology upgrades and government funding should result in continuing rapid growth for IT in health care and related industries.

Government: U.S. stimulus funding is likely to fuel IT hiring, both in government agencies and in firms that rely on government contracts.

Financial services: Technology investments and hiring may increase as firms strive to meet reform and compliance requirements.

Education: Technology investments and hiring should remain strong, thanks to stimulus funding, rising student enrollments at all levels, and the growth of e-learning.


Career Services to Set You Up for Success

Student having a virtual meeting on a laptop with a career counselor

From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.

  • Opportunities to connect with employers
  • Career counselor/coach support
  • Occupation and salary information
  • Internships
  • Graduate school resources 

Earn a Valuable Credential along the Way

A figure walking on a path that includes a certificate part of the way through their progress

Show mastery of specific subjects before your degree is complete. Thanks to shared courses across programs, students can often earn an additional credential along with their degree in less time than if they earned them separately.

Additional Credentials Related to This Degree

In the IT profession, continued learning is key to advancing your career. With this in mind, you might want to enroll in the associate degree in IST or the certificate in IST programs as you work toward your bachelor’s degree. Many of the credits in these programs can be applied to the requirements for your bachelor’s degree, so that means you can benefit from Penn State's highly respected name on your résumé even sooner.

Develop practical IT skills through hands-on projects and internships. This online degree program does not require prior formal IT training and can be customized to meet your educational or professional goals.

Learn more about the Associate in Science in Information Sciences and Technology

Build the foundation for a leadership role in any IT-related field. This 12-credit certificate program focuses on practical skills that can be immediately implemented in the information technology workplace.

Learn more about the Undergraduate Certificate in Information Sciences and Technology

Contact Us

To learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences and Technology, offered in partnership with the Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology, please contact:

World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: 814-863-5386
Email: [email protected]

Faculty

  • Michael R. Bartolacci

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Industrial Engineering, Lehigh University
    • Degree
      MBA, Lehigh University
    • Degree
      B.A., Engineering, Lafayette College

    Dr. Michael R. Bartolacci is an associate professor of information sciences and technology at Penn State Berks. He conducts research in telecommunications modeling, electronic commerce modeling, customer relationship management, manufacturing modeling, and international aspects of telecommunications.

  • Nannette D'Imperio

    • Degree
      M.S., Computer Education, Philadelphia University
    • Degree
      B.S., Elementary Education, concentration in Mathematics, West Chester University

    Nannette D'Imperio is a lecturer of information sciences and technology at Penn State Brandywine. Her areas of interest are programming languages, web-based learning, and applications.

  • James (Jim) Farrugia

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Spatial Information Science and Engineering, University of Maine
    • Degree
      M.S., Library Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    • Degree
      B.A., Mathematics, East Stroudsburg University

    Dr. James (Jim) Farrugia is an assistant teaching professor of information sciences and technology. His areas of interest include programming, software development, data synthesis, and design and development.

  • Fred Fonseca

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Spatial Information Science and Engineering, University of Maine
    • Degree
      M.S., Public Administration and Computer Science, Government School of the Joao Pinheiro Foundation, Minas Gerais, Brazil
    • Degree
      B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Catholic University of Minas Gerais, Brazil

    Dr. Fred Fonseca joined Penn State in 2001 as an assistant professor. His work in the areas of research, geographic information science, information science, and information systems has led to many journal papers, research grants from NSF and other agencies, and successful master's and doctoral students.

  • Chris Gamrat

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Learning, Design, and Technology, Penn State
    • Degree
      M.Ed., Instructional Systems, Penn State
    • Degree
      B.S., Management Information Systems, Penn State

    Dr. Chris Gamrat served as an instructional designer for the College of IST since 2013 and became a faculty member in 2022. Prior to joining IST, Dr. Gamrat served as a technology specialist for the NASA Aerospace Education Services Project at the Penn State College of Education, starting in 2008. His research interests include inclusive teaching, innovations in teaching and learning, and microcredentials.

  • Katherine Hamilton

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Penn State
    • Degree
      M.S., Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Penn State
    • Degree
      B.A., Psychology, Florida International University

    Dr. Katherine Hamilton, an assistant teaching professor of information sciences and technology, teaches statistics and research methods. She conducts research on team effectiveness, particularly in the areas of virtual teams, team cognition, and team conflict.

  • David M. Hozza

    • Degree
      MPS, Information Sciences (Cybersecurity), Penn State
    • Degree
      B.S., Computer Science and Management, East Stroudsburg University

    David M. Hozza is a lecturer in information sciences and technology. Prior to his appointment, he had a 30-year career in the IT industry, with responsibilities in storage architecture, systems administration, data analysis, and leadership management. His areas of interest include cloud computing, cybersecurity, data protection and storage, and enterprise integration.

  • Johnson Kinyua

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Computer Science, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
    • Degree
      M.S., Digital Communications, University of Kent at Canterbury, United Kingdom
    • Degree
      B.S., Electronics Engineering, University College London, United Kingdom

    Dr. Johnson Kinyua has been an associate teaching professor with the College of IST since 2018. His career spans more than 35 years of teaching, research, and industry experience. He served as a director of a school for six years and as a dean for five years at different universities. His teaching interests are in cybersecurity, enterprise information systems, networks, computer architecture, operating systems, software engineering, database management systems, object-oriented programming, distributed database systems, and enterprise integration.

  • Sadan Kulturel-Konak

    Degree
    Ph.D., Industrial and Systems Engineering, Auburn University

    Dr. Sadan Kulturel-Konak is a professor of management information systems at Penn State Berks. Her primary research focus is modeling, analysis, and optimization of complex systems using metaheuristic approaches, including Tabu search and genetic algorithms, combined with techniques from probability and operations research. Primary applications of her research include facility layout, redundancy allocation, orienteering, and scheduling.

  • Lynette Kvasny Yarger

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Computer Information Systems, Robinson College of Business, Georgia State University
    • Degree
      M.S., Computer and Information Systems, Robinson College of Business, Georgia State University
    • Degree
      B.S., Computer and Information Systems, Mercy College

    Dr. Lynette Kvasny Yarger is an associate professor in the College of Information Sciences and Technology. Her areas of study include community computing initiatives in economically oppressed communities, the underrepresentation of women and minorities in the IT workforce, ethics and gender identity performance in online spaces, and the use of social media for political activism and social justice.

  • Richard Lomotey

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Computer Science, University of Saskatchewan
    • Degree
      MSc., Computer Science, University of Saskatchewan
    • Degree
      B.Sc., Computer Science, University of Cape Coast

    Dr. Richard Lomotey is a tenured associate professor of information sciences and technology at Penn State. He teaches a variety of courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and his research focuses on emerging technologies (such as mobile computing, IoT, and machine learning) in diverse domains, including health, agriculture, gamification, and enterprises.

  • Alison R. Murphy

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Information Sciences and Technology, Penn State
    • Degree
      B.S., Information Sciences and Technology, Penn State

    Dr. Alison R. Murphy is an assistant teaching professor of information sciences and technology. She enjoys teaching students to think critically about the socio-technical impacts of technology on individuals, organizations, and society. She is also dedicated to researching how to improve the usability of health information technology for both individuals and organizations through the use of qualitative methods and UX design principles.

  • Joseph Oakes

    • Degree
      M.S., Information Science, Penn State
    • Degree
      B.S., Information Systems, Philadelphia University

    Joseph Oakes is a senior lecturer in information sciences and technology at Penn State Abington. His areas of interest are android, software development for mobile devices, gaming, cryptography, and cluster networks.

  • Gregory O'Toole

    Degree
    Ph.D., Media and Communication, European Graduate School, Saas-Fee, Switzerland

    Dr. Gregory O'Toole is a lecturer in information sciences and technology at Penn State Abington. His areas of interest are open source web design and development, web research, and education.

  • Kaamran Raahemifar

    • Degree
      Ph.D., University of Windsor
    • Degree
      MASc, University of Waterloo

    Dr. Kaamran Raahemifar is a professor in the artificial intelligence and data science programs in the Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology. He has several decades of combined experience in teaching, research, and administrative/executive services. He has research and teaching interests in applied optimization, data modeling and prediction, small and large system simulation and design, signal anomaly detection and testing, blockchain, data science, artificial intelligence, user experience, and smart-connected devices.

  • Syed Rizvi

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Computer Science and Engineering, University of Bridgeport
    • Degree
      M.S., Computer Engineering, Old Dominion University
    • Degree
      B.S., Computer Engineering, Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology

    Dr. Syed Rizvi is an associate professor in information sciences and technology at the Penn State Altoona campus. His research interests lie at the intersection of computer networking, network security, and machine learning. Dr. Rizvi teaches cybersecurity, risk analysis, and IST courses such as fundamentals of information security, networking and telecommunications, secure software engineering, security risk assessment, network security, incident response handling, and capstone projects. He is a member of the IEEE Communications Society and ACM.

  • Maryam Roshanaei

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Computer Networks, Kingston University London
    • Degree
      B.Sc., Joint Honor Degree in Mathematics and Computing, Kingston University London

    Dr. Maryam Roshanaei is an assistant professor of cybersecurity and IST at Penn State Abington. She teaches undergraduate- and graduate-level courses in security and risk analysis, information security and cybersecurity, mobile technologies, and digital forensics and crime. She is an active researcher with expertise in AI, cyber trust, cyber hygiene, critical infrastructure protection, future networks (FN), cybersecurity, digital forensics and crime, Internet privacy, and surveillance. She is an active member of BSI, ISO, and ITU-T standards committees.

News


Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State bachelor's degree?

Apply by June 30 to start August 26. How to Apply