BS Information Sciences and Technology at Pennsylvania State University

Programme overview

This major is structured to provide students with the theoretical frameworks and skill sets necessary to compete and be productive in the information technology-intensive global context that defines the new "Information Age." Specifically, the degree will be focused on a program that will build an understanding of core information technologies and related areas of study; will prepare students for the practical application of various information sciences and related technologies; and engage students in sharpening their abilities to think critically and to work in teams.

Faculty: College of Information Sciences and Technology | Duration: minimum 125 credits | Study mode: full-time | Location: University Park, PA, United States

What you will study

The degree requires a minimum of 125 credits, including General Education and the requirements for the major. Required courses include Technology Adoption and Organizational Change, Foundations of Human-Centered Design, Information, People and Technology, Organization of Data, Networking and Telecommunications, Language, Logic, and Discrete Mathematics.

Career pathways

IST allows you to explore some of the biggest challenges facing society and work to solve them by leveraging information and using technology. It blends skills from a number of fields – computer science, business, psychology, math, sociology, political science – so you can help people and organizations thrive.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

To be eligible for entrance to the Information Sciences and Technology (ISTBS) major, students must: have completed the following entrance-to-major requirements with a grade of C or better in each: IST 110 ; IST 140 (or equivalent CMPSC 101 or CMPSC 121 ) IST 210 ; and IST 220 . have achieved a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 prior to and through the end of the semester during which the entrance-to-major procedure is carried out.

Domestic applicants: USD 24,794 a year (2026-27). University Park campus, upper division (junior and senior) full-time tuition per academic year (fall and spring), 'Science, IST & EMS Programs' rate band (the schedule states Economics upper-division students are charged this rate where applicable). PA re Source

International applicants: USD 49,616 a year (2026-27). University Park campus, upper division (junior and senior) full-time tuition per academic year (fall and spring), 'Science, IST & EMS Programs' rate band (the schedule states Economics upper-division students are charged this rate where applicable). PA re Source

Undergraduate applications are accepted for Fall, Spring and Summer entry; the application opens August 1 for Fall and Summer and June 1 for Spring.

Early Action: apply by November 1 to receive a decision by December 24. Recommended submission deadline for all applications: December 1. Applicants apply through the MyPennState application or the Common App. A nonrefundable application fee is paid by credit card; fee waivers are available to eligible students.

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.psu.edu/apply/

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