Enrolling its first students in 1999, the College of Information Sciences and Technology currently welcomes more than 2,100 resident students statewide and nearly 1,500 students taking IST courses online through Penn State World Campus. These students are mentored by more than 150 faculty members, who drive collaborative research discovery and provide residential and online instruction for associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.

Mission

The College of Information Sciences and Technology fosters an inclusive and diverse community engaged in innovative interdisciplinary education, research, and service to prepare leading professionals and scholars who leverage technology and critical thinking skills to solve the complex challenges of an information society.

Vision

The College of Information Sciences and Technology will be on the leading edge in advancing inclusive, ethical, and value-based discovery at the intersection of people, information, and technology while creatively addressing challenges to produce innovative solutions for a sustainable environment.

2021-25 Strategic Plan

 The College of Information Sciences and Technology’s 2021-25 Strategic Plan was built over a two-year period through guidance from key college leaders and the Office of Planning, Assessment, and Institutional Research. Feedback from faculty, staff, and students was solicited and integrated throughout the planning process.

The plan outlines our mission, vision, and values, and establishes are strategic priorities in four key areas:

1. Student Experience: Design a student-centered experience that is equitable and inclusive of all learners and that spans from initial contact through alumni programs.
2. Inclusive Environment: Create and sustain an inclusive, equitable, diverse, and supportive environment for all faculty, staff and students.
3. Engaged Faculty: Empower an engaged faculty.
4. Elevated Research: Elevate Penn State to a position of international excellence in informatics research while addressing pressing societal issues.

Through the integration and evaluation of the plan, the college will be positioned to further develop students, professionals, and researchers who can address the most pressing challenges that exist at the intersection of information, technology, and society.

Read the Plan

Additional Resources

• Dean's Advisory Board
• IST at a Glance
• IST History