Application deadline
Credits and costs
A Certificate in IST Can Help Move Your Career Forward
As information technology continues to change, businesses and organizations will need computer and IT professionals with the right skills and training to help them meet their technology needs.
Our certificate program is designed to prepare you for a leadership role in any IST–related field. You can enhance your existing skills or prepare for further study as you explore the social, ethical, and policy issues surrounding information technology.
Why an Online Undergraduate Certificate in IST at Penn State?
This online certificate program will give you the opportunity to interact with dedicated educators from one of the nation's most respected research universities. These are the same faculty who teach on-campus courses in Penn State's highly regarded IST programs.
If you choose to continue your education, credits earned in this program can often be applied toward either an Associate in Science in IST or a Bachelor of Science in IST from Penn State. Contact an academic adviser for more information.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal if you have some experience in the information systems field but need additional knowledge and skills or want to formalize your present skills. The certificate is also a great way to enhance your professional development for your current employment.
Courses
The online certificate in information sciences and technology is a four-course, 12-credit program of study. To earn this certificate, you must successfully complete four IST courses.
The core courses in this program are online group classes, with a group of students progressing together through each course. Courses are offered in a timeframe that is comparable to a traditional semester schedule, with fixed start and end dates.
Note: Prerequisites as listed may be waived by the course instructor if you can demonstrate the required level of competency.
Prescribed Courses (12 credits)
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.
Paying for Your Certificate
Students pursuing a certificate are considered "nondegree," a status that is not eligible for federal student aid, including the Federal Direct Stafford Loan program. A private alternative loan may be an option to consider.
Additionally, Penn State offers many ways to pay for your education, including an installment plan and third-party payments. Penn State World Campus also offers an Employer Reimbursement and Tuition Deferment Plan. Learn more about the options for paying for your education.
Students pursuing a degree and meeting all other eligibility requirements may qualify for financial aid.
How to Apply
Deadlines and Important Dates
All supporting materials should be sent following the submission of your application.
For current and future course registration deadlines, visit the Registrar's website to view the academic calendar by semester.
Admissions Help
If you have questions about the admissions process, email
[email protected]
or call 814-865-1146.
Admission Requirements
To apply for this program, you must be a high school graduate, or have completed your GED.
Technical Requirements
Review the technical requirements for this program.
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.
Start or Advance Your Career
Start or Advance Your Career
A career in IT offers many opportunities for specialization. Depending on your experience and skill set, you could work in start-up companies or established tech firms. Service industries, government, and health care companies also tend to employ a large number of tech workers.
Contact Us
For questions about admissions and applications, please contact World Campus Central:
World Campus Central
Phone: 814-865-1146
[email protected]
Faculty
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Michael R. Bartolacci
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DegreePh.D., Industrial Engineering, Lehigh University
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DegreeMBA, Lehigh University
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DegreeB.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.
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Megan Costello
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DegreeJ.D., University of New Hampshire
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DegreeB.S., Information Sciences and Technology, Penn State
Megan Costello is an assistant teaching professor of information sciences and technology. Her areas of interest are copyright and trademark registration, business law matters, contract disputes, and privacy law. Prior to her appointment in the College of IST, she was the founder and solo practitioner for a boutique law practice that focused on cyberlaw issues and intellectual property.
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Nannette D'Imperio
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DegreeM.S., Computer Education, Philadelphia University
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DegreeB.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.
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Joseph Oakes
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DegreeM.S., Information Science, Penn State
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DegreeB.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.
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Gregory O'Toole
DegreePh.D., Media and Communication, European Graduate School, Saas-Fee, SwitzerlandDr. 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.
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Jeffrey Rimland
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DegreePh.D., Information Sciences, Penn State
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DegreeB.S., Computer Science, Penn State
Dr. Jeffrey Rimland is an assistant teaching professor of information sciences and technology. His areas of interest are software development, vocal synthesis techniques, information fusion, assistive mobile device technology, and human-centric information.
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