Start and Finish at: Penn State Beaver, Berks, DuBois, Fayette, Hazleton, Lehigh Valley, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Schuylkill, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre, Worthington Scranton, York, or World Campus

The Associate in Science degree in Information Sciences and Technology is structured to prepare graduates for immediate and continuing employment opportunities in the broad disciplines of information science and technology. This includes positions such as application programmers, associate systems designers, network managers, Web designers and administrators, or information systems support specialists. Specifically, the major is designed to ensure a thorough knowledge of information systems and includes extensive practice using contemporary technologies in the creation, organization, storage, analysis, evaluation, communication, and transmission of information. The major fosters communications and interpersonal and group interaction skills through appropriate collaborative and active learning projects and experiences. Technical material covers the structure of database systems, Web and multi-media systems, and considerations in the design of information systems.

IST students can choose one of the following options for the associate degree. Note that not all options will be available at all locations.

Baccalaureate Option: This option provides maximum articulation with the baccalaureate degree. Students who complete this option will meet all lower division requirements for the baccalaureate degree. This is not the case with the remaining options, although the degree of articulation is quite high for all associate degree options.

Generalized Business Option: This option enables students to specialize in the general business areas of accounting, marketing, and management.

Individualized Option: This option enables students to work closely with an adviser to develop a plan of study that meets the dual objectives of allowing a flexible academic program and providing breadth of technical specialization. An example would be a program where a student would take some of the courses listed in the Web Administration option and the remainder in the Software option.

Software Option: This option prepares graduates for entry-level programming support positions in industry. Students take courses in Web programming, database programming, and other contemporary programming environments.

Web Administration Option: This prepares graduates for positions as Web administrators and Web programmers.

Networking Option: This option prepares graduates for positions as entry-level computer network administrators. Students take courses in personal computer hardware, networking essentials, and network administration.

Data/Information Option: This option prepares graduates for entry-level database support positions. Students take courses in relational database systems and database management.

Industrial/Manufacturing Option: This option prepares graduates for entry-level manufacturing information systems positions. Students take courses in electrical and mechanical systems, and business and industrial processes.

Telecommunications Option: This option prepares graduates for entry-level positions in the telecommunications industry. Students take courses in voice and data communications, protocols, networks, and wireless systems.

For more information about this program, contact the campus of interest to you.

Please note: The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. Please consult the most recent Degree Programs Bulletin for more detailed information.