Discover B.S. in Information Sciences and Technology
Changing the World through Technology
The Information Sciences and Technology (IST) bachelor's degree program equips you with the understanding of core information technologies and how they can be used in practical applications. Within the major, you'll select from one of the three options below to explore the field in more depth:
Design and Development option - create applications, software, and systems using state-of-the-art tools and techniques.
Integration and Application option - integrate technology solutions to help businesses operate more efficiently and effectively.
Note that as of fall 2022, this option is no longer available to incoming students at University Park. Students should consider the Enterprise Technology Integration major or explore the Penn State campuses that continue to offer this option.
People, Organizations, and Society option - explore how information technology affects social change and the delivery of information.
“I chose IST because I love computers and programming, but I can’t sit at a computer all day and just program. I want to get out and talk to people and be in an area where I’m working on a team.”
Finding Your Fit
Information Sciences and Technology might be the right program for you if:
You want to develop new software and web applications, help businesses operate more effectively by creating and implementing technological solutions, or understand how technology is connected to broader social issues.
You are interested in technology but also want to work with people.
You enjoy coming up with creative solutions to difficult challenges
You are passionate about how technology is connected to and can impact broader social issues
You love technology but are also interested in business, sociology, law, or policy
Developing Your Skills
In the Information Sciences and Technology program, you will understand how people use technology and revolutionize the role it plays in changing the way that individuals live, work, and engage with the world.
IST 242 – Intermediate & Object-Oriented Application Development
IST 302 – IT Project Management
IST 402 – Emerging Issues and Technologies
IST 420 – Fundamentals of Systems and Enterprise Integration
IST 432 – Legal and Regulatory Environment of IST
Advancing Your Education
As a student in the Information Sciences and Technology major, you can pursue a bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the same time through the Integrated Undergraduate/Graduate degree program. In the program, academically talented students can earn a B.S. in Information Sciences and Technology and an M.S. in Informatics in five years—a shorter period of time than if the degrees were pursued separately.
Discovering Your Path
At the College of IST, every undergraduate student is required to complete at least one internship before graduating. With more than 300 organizations actively recruiting students and a dedicated Career Solutions team, you’ll have the resources and opportunities to get your career off to a strong start.
Examples of the work done in past IST internships held by our students include:
deploying an information technology system at a health care institution to improve the patient and physician experience
providing consultation to various business clients on their IT structure and efficiency
researching and testing application usability for customers
creating mobile-friendly websites
discovering ways to integrate virtual reality into a school’s curriculum
Recent Graduate Positions
Examples of positions our graduates have recently accepted include:
Application Developer
Business Technology Analyst
Database Administrator
Information Architect
IT Project Manager
Network Engineer
Programmer Analyst
Systems Engineer
Usability Engineer
UX/UI Researcher
“I feel like I connect with the people in IST, which is an important factor. The subject matter and structure of the classes are something I also really like. I am getting valuable professional experience out of my academic courses.”
