Credits and costs
Enhance Your Penn State Degree
Add a minor to get even more value out of your education.
Gain Specialized Knowledge
Earning a minor enables you to complement your major, pursue a personal interest, or explore a different field of study.
With its focus on building an understanding of core information technologies and related areas of study, the Minor in Information Sciences and Technology (IST) is an excellent complement to your chosen major. It was designed to prepare you for the practical application of information sciences and related technologies.
This minor can also help you gain the theoretical frameworks and skill sets necessary to compete and be productive in the information technology–intensive global context that defines the new "Information Age."
Whether they surf the Internet, engage in social media, or shop online, people are connected by technology, and no matter what degree program you're in, an understanding of information technologies can improve your marketability and career prospects and provide you with a greater level of flexibility to plan your career path.
Courses
The 18-credit program includes courses covering organization of data, networking and telecommunications, and an introduction to information, people, and technology. You can choose additional courses from a variety of offerings, including IT project management, new media, and the web, as well as emerging issues and technology.
The IST minor — open to all interested undergraduate World Campus students who meet the prerequisites — could be a beneficial addition to almost any major.
To successfully complete the program, you must take at least 6 credits at the 400 level and receive a grade of C or above in all of the IST courses.
Prescribed Courses (9 credits)
Additional Courses (select 9 credits)
Select 3 credits from
Select 6 credits from
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.
| How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | If you have 59 or fewer credits | If 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.
| How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | If you have 59 or fewer credits | If 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
Admissions Help
Please work with your adviser if you have questions about adding a minor. You can find your adviser's contact information in your student portal or by calling advising at 814-863-3283.
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for admittance into the information sciences and technology minor, you must:
- be a current Penn State undergraduate student in your fifth semester and be in a bachelor's degree major
- maintain a grade of C or better in all courses for the minor
- confirm that the minor code and major code do not match (for example, a student with an ISTBS major cannot apply for a minor in IST)
Adding a Minor
If you have achieved fifth-semester standing (60 credits completed), you can apply for admission to the minor. To begin, please follow these steps:
- Talk with your academic adviser about incorporating the minor into your major and to develop a semester-by-semester plan for meeting requirements.
- You can apply for the minor by adding it in LionPATH. You should do this as early as possible, but you can apply up to the late drop deadline of your graduating semester.
- You will receive a confirmation email once you declare the minor in LionPATH.
Technical Requirements
Review the technical requirements for this program.
Contact Us
To learn more about the Minor in Information Sciences and Technology, offered in partnership with the College of Information Sciences and Technology, please contact:
World Campus Advisers
Phone: 814-863-3283
Email: [email protected]
