2 IST Options
The Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology offers you nine options in our associate degree program, including one that provides you the opportunity to continue on and complete an IST bachelor's degree, another that allows you to craft a course of study that suits your individual goals, and an array of seven others geared to the needs of the emerging employment market. Visit the campuses section of our Web site or contact a Penn State campus near you to see which options are available.
IST courses required for all Associate Degree options:
Baccalaureate Option
This option was created to allow you to complete an associate degree in information sciences and technology while at the same time completing requirements so that you can easily continue your studies toward an IST bachelor's degree. Completing this option allows you to fulfill all the lower division requirements for your bachelor’s degree. Our other associate degree options allow you to complete many of these requirements, but not as many as this one does.
IST courses required for the Baccalaureate Option:
Generalized Business Option
This option enables you to specialize in the business areas of accounting, marketing, and management.
Software Option
Graduates with this associate degree option will be prepared for entry-level opportunities in programming support. You take courses in Web programming, database programming, or other contemporary programming environments.
IST courses required for the Software Option:
Networking Option
If your goal is to enter the field of network administration, this option will help you. The coursework covers such topics as personal computer hardware and networking essentials, in addition to network administration.
IST courses required for the Networking Option:
Manufacturing Option
This option helps prepare you to explore entry-level opportunities in manufacturing information systems. The course of study includes work in electrical and mechanical systems, and business and industrial processes.
IST courses required for the Industrial/Manufacturing Option:
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.
IST courses required for the Telecommunications Option:
Individualized Option
While our associate degree options have been designed with great care, you may not find one that exactly suits your individual goals. This option allows you to work closely with an adviser to develop a plan of study that meets the dual objective 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.
