In this option, students learn how to design software and integrate information technologies to meet users’ specific needs. Students work with unfamiliar software programs and computer languages, develop applications, troubleshoot problems, and think logically to solve complex problems.

Note: This option is only available to students who entered the University prior to Fall 2021. Students admitted Fall 2021 and were considering this option should meet with an IST academic adviser to discuss the Human-Centered Design and Development major or to explore the Penn State campuses that continue to offer this option.

In this option, students examine how information technology can enable and support how work is accomplished within and between businesses. Students analyze the needs of an organization, formulate and implement technology-based solutions, and evaluate the outcomes.

Note: This option is only available to students who entered the University prior to Fall 2022. Students admitted Fall 2022 who were considering this option should meet with an IST academic adviser to discuss the Enterprise Technology Integration major or to explore the Penn State campuses that continue to offer this option.

In this option, students explore how technology impacts organizations and society. Students will study how businesses and other organizations use technology in their processes, such as how Starbucks uses Twitter and other social media to promote its brand and marketing messages. Students are encouraged to think creatively and pursue opportunities that will allow them to see firsthand how people and technology interact.

This option is currently the only option available at University Park.

• Enrolled in the College of IST pre-major (INFST_PMAJ) or Division of Undergraduate Studies (DUS)
• Minimum 2.70 cumulative GPA
• Earned between 40-70 cumulative credits at Penn State (excludes transfer/test/other credits)
• Completed or currently taking entrance to major courses
• A grade of C or better in each of the following courses:
  • IST 110
  • IST 140 or CMPSC 101 or CMPSC 121
  • IST 210
  • IST 220

• Achieved a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Students who have completed or are in progress with all ETM courses and have a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher may be considered for an exception. Please use the link below to request a review of your academic records 
  • https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/ec9e1990222f47479773fac2a6056d8f
• Enrolled in the College of IST pre-major (INFST_PMAJ) or Division of Undergraduate Studies (DUS)
• Minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA
• Earned between 40-70 cumulative credits at Penn State (excludes transfer/test/other credits)
• Completed or currently taking entrance to major courses
• A grade of C or better in each of the following courses:
  • IST 110
  • IST 140 or CMPSC 101 or CMPSC 121
  • IST 210
  • IST 220

• IST: Design and Development option
• IST: Integration and Application option
• IST: People, Organizations, and Society option

• Select nine credits if you are pursuing the Design and Development option
• Select 12 credits if you are pursuing the Integration and Application option or the People, Organizations, and Society option
• No more than six credits can be at the 200 level or below
• Three credits or more must be at the 400 level
• Courses taken as part of a minor may be used to meet the support of option requirement
• Not all courses are offered every semester
• IST and SRA courses that are not prescribed courses may be used to meet the support of option requirement
• Any CYBER, DS, ETI or HCDD courses may be used to meet the support of option requirement