UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State World Campus is now offering an online version of the networking option of the associate’s degree in information science and technology that has been offered at several of the University’s campuses.
Applications are being accepted for admission in Penn State’s spring 2017 semester, which starts in January. The program will be offered online through World Campus, and the networking courses will be taught by faculty from the Penn State DuBois campus and the College of Information Science and Technology.
The 60-credit degree includes 12 credits of courses in networking: computer hardware, networking policies and procedures and network administration. In addition, the curriculum will help prepare students to take certification exams for Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) A+ and Network+, Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) and Cisco Certified Network Associated (CCNA).
The move to offer this program online comes as the IT field has continued to see robust job growth. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics computer-related jobs are projected to increase by 12 percent through 2024.
“If you are printing to a network printer, backing up your files to the cloud, or updating your Facebook status, you are connected to a network,” said Jason Long, senior instructor at Penn State DuBois and lead faculty member of the online networking option. “The networking option of the IST associate’s degree will give students the knowledge base to support that connection.”
Graduates may find work as computer system analysts, information security analysts, computer network support specialists, network and computer systems administrators and more.
They can also apply the credits from the associate’s degree to a bachelor’s degree in information science and technology offered online through the World Campus.
The networking option of the associate’s degree in IST is identical to the one that has been offered at Penn State DuBois and other campuses.
“This program was previously only accessible to students who lived near one of the campuses that offered it,” said Karen Pollack, associate vice provost for online undergraduate and blended programs. “We are pleased to offer this online so that a college degree and career advancement can be realities for adults everywhere.”
Students enrolled in the degree program will have access to advising, tutoring and career counseling offered by Penn State World Campus. Academic services also include a free, optional online course called Transitions that eases students into online learning while increasing computer, study and research skills.
For more information about information science and technology degrees offered online, visit the Penn State World Campus website.