When Penn State launched the College of Information Sciences and Technology to meet society's need for leaders in the digital age, there were no educational blueprints to use. No existing program helped develop in students the knowledge and skills that this new, technologically hungry era demands. That's why Penn State struck off in a new direction, building from the ground up. That's why forty-three brand-new courses form the foundation of our baccalaureate and associate undergraduate programs. These include the IST core, the option courses, and the courses designed primarily for the associate degree.

Moreover, to better prepare you to become a professional in the global marketplace, the IST bachelor’s degree program requires you to be proficient in a foreign language and knowledgeable of a foreign culture. You get a chance to try out your skills and explore future careers through internships—all students must complete at least one, but you may undertake as many as three. To broaden your learning, a substantial portion of your Penn State courses will be taken outside of the College of Information Sciences and Technology in areas such as the humanities, English, and economics. These courses will expand your knowledge base and better prepare you for the challenges in your future.

When you put all the pieces of an IST education together, it is a formidable array of skills and knowledge:

• Understanding Information Technology as a Solution
• Bridging Technology and the User
• Expressing and Defending Ideas
• Being a Team Player and a Team Leader
• Experience in Dealing with the Real Problems of the Digital Economy
• Developing a Skill Set for the International Marketplace