Undergraduate Admission FAQs

Visit Penn State’s Undergraduate Admissions resources for information on how to apply.

You can apply through the University's MyPennState Application or The Common Application. Additional resources, including information on the Self-Reported Academic Record, are available on Penn State's Admissions website.

Currently, the College of IST does not accept transfer students at the University Park campus for undergraduate degree programs. Policies are reassessed annually. Visit the Undergraduate Admissions Transfer page for updates.

No. Applicants are welcome if they meet the academic criteria outlined by Penn State’s Undergraduate Admissions office. Check the Penn State’s Admissions website for details.

Some IST degree programs can be completed entirely at Penn State campuses other than University Park. Others offer entrance-to-major coursework at specific locations. Visit the Undergraduate Bulletin for campus-specific offerings and contact the admissions team at your campus of choice for more information.

Yes, IST students can apply to the Schreyer Honors College, which offers honors classes, research opportunities, and thesis writing. Visit the IST honors program webpage for more details.

Yes, all IST undergraduate students at University Park must have a laptop meeting specific technical requirements. Learn more at on our Laptop Requirement page.

General education and early entrance-to-major classes can have over 100 students, but advanced major-specific courses typically have 40-50 students or fewer.

Majors in the College of IST are focused on information and technology and where they intersect with society. Computer Science is housed in the College of Engineering and primarily focuses on creating computer software and analyzing computational models. For example, while Computer Science may be focused on programming a new machine learning model, College of IST programs explore how those models can be used to solve real-world problems, the impacts of their use, and how to keep them safe.

Some College of IST majors include application focus areas, which let you take a series of courses in a specific field so you can apply what you're learning to a your specific interests. You’ll discuss available areas with your academic adviser and make a selection or create your own, typically by the end of your second year.

No prior coding experience is required, though familiarity with coding logic can help. If you already know how to code, it may make learning new programming languages easier. Coding-heavy majors like Human-Centered Design and Development or Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations might be a good fit for students interested in programming.

Yes! Many IST faculty involve undergraduates in their research projects, offering both advertised and informal opportunities. Connect with faculty to learn how to get involved.

Yes, students can study abroad through nearly 300 Penn State programs in 50 countries. Opportunities include service projects and technology-focused initiatives. Explore the Penn State Global website for more details.

IST students often participate in clubs and organizations within the college and across Penn State’s 1,000+ options for extracurricular activities. Academic coursework is treated like a full-time job, and time management is key to balancing studies with personal interests and involvement. The College of IST provides resources to support students both inside and outside the classroom.

Every student’s experience is unique, but IST offers a supportive, small-campus feel with big-campus resources to help guide students through academics and extracurricular opportunities. Connect with us on Instagram for a peak into life as an IST student.

More than 600 organizations actively recruit IST students, from startups to Fortune 500 companies like Verizon, GE, Deloitte, and Johnson & Johnson. The college hosts regular events and career fairs twice a year to connect students with employers. Learn more on the Career Solutions webpage.

Graduates work in industries such as government, healthcare, and entertainment. Some pursue graduate school, start nonprofits, or launch their own businesses. Explore alumni career outcomes to see potential opportunities.

All undergraduate students, except those pursuing a bachelor's degree in Artificial Intelligence Methods and Applications, must complete at least one internship before graduating. Most students complete two or more internships, and many secure job offers through these experiences.

IST students access opportunities through Nittany Lion Careers, IST career fairs, and Penn State’s alumni network. Networking and recruiting events throughout the year also help students connect with employers. Check out some resources our students have used to find their internships.

Students can pursue internships at any time but typically complete them between their sophomore and junior years. Learn more about how IST students are pursuing internships.