Concurrent and Sequential Majors

Students in the College of IST may earn degrees in more than one major. These majors can be in the same college or in different colleges (with some exceptions) and diplomas will be awarded for each major.   

Concurrent Majors

Concurrent majors are when the requirements for at least two majors are completed simultaneously, before graduation. Students must meet all degree and entrance requirements for each of the majors.   

  • If one of the desired concurrent majors is administratively controlled, the student must be enrolled in the college of that major as a premajor student. After meeting the entrance to major requirements and entering the controlled major, the additional non-controlled major(s) can be added.   

  • If more than one of the majors is in the College of IST and one is administratively controlled, the student must first enter that major after meeting the entrance to major requirements. At that time the additional non-controlled major(s) can be added.  

  • Students cannot pursue concurrent majors with two administratively controlled degree programs, regardless of college. In the College of IST, students may not pursue concurrent majors with any combination of the following degrees: 

    • Cybersecurity
    • Security and Risk Analysis
    • Human Centered Design and Development
    • Information Sciences and Technology

  • The following combinations are not available as part of a concurrent majors program, regardless of campus location: 

    • Cybersecurity and Security and Risk Analysis (ICS option)
    • Information Sciences and Technology and Enterprise Technology and Integration

Due to the complexity of completing concurrent majors, students must consult with their assigned IST adviser. Students outside of the College of IST can contact Advising@ist.psu.edu for an appointment.

For more information on completing more than one degree, visit Faculty Senate Policy 60-10. 

Sequential Majors

Sequential majors are when a student graduates and then re-enrolls for at least one additional baccalaureate major.  

No majors in the College of Information Sciences and Technology are eligible for sequential baccalaureate degree programs. 

Students with an earned Associate degree of Science in Information Sciences and Technology (2IST) are eligible to enroll in an Information Sciences and Technology baccalaureate degree program.