IST at a Glance

The College

Opening its doors in 1999, the Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) is home to a thriving community of students, scholars, staff, alumni, and friends. Through innovative research and a student-centered approach to interdisciplinary education, we are delivering on the college's founding mission to prepare leaders for the Information Age.

1999

College of IST
enrolls first students

38

Degree and certificate programs

21

Campuses offer
IST degrees or courses

16,700

IST alumni

#1

Penn State - Best Alumni Network
(Princeton Review - 2022)

#7

Best Online Master's
in Information Technology
(USNWR - 2024)

Our Students

There is no such thing as a typical IST student. They hail from all over the world and bring their diverse experiences to campus, creating a dynamic and supportive community that celebrates individual successes and group achievements. The one thing in common? A drive to make our world a better place.

1,934

Undergraduate students

268

Graduate students

1,276

Online graduate and
undergraduate students
(Penn State World Campus)

17%

First-generation students

17%

Students from
underrepresented backgrounds
(race/ethnicity)

12%

International students

Undergraduate Career Outcomes

Our students and graduates blend technological expertise with teamwork and communication skills to tackle real-world problems, preparing them for critical roles with many of the world's leading companies, organizations, government agencies, and graduate schools. Their technical knowledge, business savvy, and global awareness position them as collaborative and versatile leaders who can thrive in every environment.

100%

Complete an internship before graduating

>60%

Complete multiple
internships before graduating

>84%

Receive a job offer from
an internship provider

$77,733

Average full-time
starting salary

$7,321

Average signing bonus

54%

Reported a signing bonus

Research and Faculty

Research in IST focuses on systems-level thinking, higher conceptualization of global problems, and interdisciplinary connectivity. We explore innovative solutions for dealing with the complex and emerging problems that are changing the way we think, live, and engage with the world. Our faculty, students, and scholars represent the best Penn State has to offer.

$70.3 million

External research
funding credited to
IST faculty since 2013

$270 million

Total research funding
awarded since 1999

$700,000+

Seed grants and matching
funds awarded by IST

81

Full-time faculty

19

Affiliate faculty

4

Core research areas

All stats are for the University Park campus in 2022-2023.