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Associate in Science inInformation Sciences and Technology

Program summary

Develop practical IT skills through hands-on projects and an internship. This online degree program is designed for working professionals without formal IT training who want to pursue a career in technology management.

Hands-On Experience

Complete a valuable internship alongside your online course work.

Application deadline

Apply by June 30 to start August 26

Credits and costs

60 Credits$626/$671 per credit

Gain Skills to Manage and Protect Information Systems with an IT Degree

  • Understand security risk factors and the impact they can have on information systems at the organizational and global levels. 

  • Design, develop, and implement secure information systems using the latest industry standards and best practices. 

  • Manage various information systems, including database, web, and multimedia systems. 

  • Leverage contemporary technology for the creation, organization, storage, analysis, communication, and transmission of information. 

  • Develop hands-on knowledge through team projects, a required internship, and a capstone experience focusing on issues and technologies in the field.

Customize Your Online Information Technology Degree Courses

This 60-credit associate degree program can help you develop your writing, business, and management skills, all within a contemporary context of the information sciences. You can also choose from five options to tailor your degree to meet your interests and goals.

Application Development Option — helps students prepare for an entry-level position in applications and/or web development. It also can be a stepping-stone for IST–related bachelor’s degrees. Course work will cover web development and advanced java programming as well as usability. 

Custom Option — allows students to work closely with an adviser to develop a flexible academic program that provides a breadth of technical specialization. Students may select courses that support their current career path or add one of our undergraduate certificates to complete this option. 

Cybersecurity Option — can prepare students for an entry-level position in the cybersecurity field. It also can position them for IST–related bachelor’s programs like cybersecurity analytics and operations or security and risk analysis. This option features introductory courses in cybersecurity and security and risk analysis as well as advanced hand-on courses in these fields of study. 

Generalized Business Option — features courses in accounting, marketing, and management to help students build a framework of business concepts and practices that they can incorporate into their IT experience, add to their résumé, and use to improve marketability across industries. 

Networking Option — provides an innovative curriculum that identifies and explains new and ever-evolving technologies in the IT field. This option balances theoretical knowledge with real-world experiences and is designed to bridge the gap between business and information technology professionals. 

The networking option can help prepare students who plan to pursue professional IT certification examinations, including Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) A+, Network+, and Server+ exams, as well as exams to be certified as a Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA). 

Prescribed Courses (select 21 credits)

    • 3
      credits

      The use, analysis, and design of information systems and technologies to organize, coordinate, and inform human enterprises.

      • Note

        The credits earned in this course may be applied toward the Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS) requirement.

    • or:
      3
      credits

      This is an introductory university-level course in computer systems literacy. The history, architecture and operation of computing systems and underlying computing theory are covered.

      • Option requirement

        Students planning to complete the Cybersecurity option must select CYBER 100/100S

    • or:
      3
      credits

      Examines the relationship between physical capabilities, cognitive and social models, and philosophical issues pertinent to human-centered analysis, design and development work.

    • or:
      3
      credits

      This introductory course spans areas of security, risk, and analysis covering contexts in government agencies and business organizations.

  • 3
    credits

    A first course in concepts and skills for application development.

    • Prerequisite

      C or better in MATH 21 or placement above the level of MATH 21 in the mathematics placement test.

    • Recommend preparation

      MATH 22

    • C or better

      A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.

  • 3
    credits

    Introduction to the concept of databases, including the storage, manipulation, evaluation, and display of data, and related issues.

  • 3
    credits

    Introduction to digital network topologies, transmission media, signal modulation, digital packet switching and routing, systems integration, communications management, and security.

    • 3
      credits

      Introduction to how the World Wide Web utilizes emerging technologies. Students acquire a conceptual understanding of constructing websites.

    • or:
      3
      credits

      This course will provide students with the knowledge and skills to create both basic and more dynamic web-based content pages and applications.

      • Prerequisite

         IST 250 or IST 242 or CMPSC 122 or CMPSC 132

      • Note

        IST 256 may count in the major requirements or the option, but cannot double count toward both requirements

  • 3
    credits

    Introduction to systems analysis and design, stressing the process of requirements acquisition, specification, design, and implementation.

    • Prerequisite

      IST 110, IST 210, IST 220, and ENGL 15

    • C or better

      A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.

    • 1
      credit

      Supervised experience in which student teams work on information system design projects gathered from industry or units within the University.

      • Prerequisite

        IST 110

      • C or better

        A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.

      • Note

        IST students may be able to receive full academic credit by submitting a portfolio of technical work samples created from their full-time work experiences that are no more than two years old.

    • or:
      1
      credit

      Supervised work experience in which the student is employed in an information sciences and technology position in industry, government, or academia.

      • Prerequisite

        IST 110

      • C or better

        A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.

      • Note

        IST students may be able to receive full academic credit by submitting a portfolio of technical work samples created from their full-time work experiences that are no more than two years old.

Prescribed General Education Courses (select 12 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    Introduction to speech communication: formal speaking, group discussion, analysis and evaluation of messages.

    • 3
      credits

      Quadratic equations; equations in quadratic form; word problems; graphing; algebraic fractions; negative and rational exponents; radicals.

      • GQ

        This course can be used to satisfy the Quantification (GQ) requirement.

    • or:
      3
      credits

      Relations, functions, graphs; polynomial, rational functions, graphs; word problems; nonlinear inequalities; inverse functions; exponential, logarithmic functions; conic sections; simultaneous equations.

      • GQ

        This course can be used to satisfy the Quantification (GQ) requirement.

    • or:
      3
      credits

      Trigonometric functions; solutions of triangles; trigonometric equations; identities.

      • Prerequisite

        MATH 021 or satisfactory performance on the mathematics placement examination.

      • GQ

        This course can be used to satisfy the Quantification (GQ) requirement.

    • or:
      4
      credits

      Introduces and develops the mathematical skills required for analyzing change, and the underlying mathematical behaviors that model real-life economics and financial applications. Develops student knowledge of calculus techniques, and how to use a calculus framework to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

      • Prerequisite

        MATH 022 or satisfactory performance on the mathematics placement examination

    • or:
      4
      credits

      Introduces and develops the mathematical skills required for analyzing change and creating mathematical models that replicate real-life phenomena. Develops student knowledge of calculus techniques and how to use the calculus environment to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

      • Prerequisite

        MATH 22 and MATH 26 or MATH 26 and satisfactory performance on the mathematics placement examination or MATH 40 or MATH 41 or satisfactory performance on the mathematics placement examination.

    • or:
      4
      credits

      Descriptive Statistics, frequency distributions, probability and normal distributions, statistical inference, linear regression, and correlation.

      • Prerequisite

        Placement into MATH 21 or higher.

  • 3
    credits

    An intensive, rhetorically based experience in reading and writing that will prepare you both to understand the communications that surround you and to succeed in your own communication efforts.

    • Prerequisite

      ENGL 4 or satisfactory performance on the English placement examination

    • GWS

      The credits earned in this course may be applied toward the Writing/Speaking (GWS) requirement.

    • 3
      credits

      Writing for students in scientific and technical disciplines.

      • Prerequisite

        ENGL 15, ESL 15, ENGL 30, and 4th Semester standing OR ENGL 137H, ENGL 138T, and 4th Semester standing

      • GWS

        This course can be used to satisfy the Writing/Speaking (GWS) requirement.

    • or:
      3
      credits

      Writing reports and other common forms of business communication.

      • Prerequisite

        (ENGL 15 or ENGL 30) and fourth-semester standing

      • GWS

        The credits earned in this course may be applied toward the Writing/Speaking (GWS) requirement.

Option Requirements

Courses vary based on the option selected. Review the following lists for each option's unique requirements.

Application Development Option (select 12 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    Intermediate application development including algorithms, data structures, and object-oriented concepts.

    • Prerequisite

      A grade of C or better in IST 140 or CMPSC 121 or IST 240

  • 3
    credits

    This course will provide students with the knowledge and skills to create both basic and more dynamic web-based content pages and applications.

    • Prerequisite

       IST 250 or IST 242 or CMPSC 122 or CMPSC 132

    • Note

      IST 256 may count in the major requirements or the option, but cannot double count toward both requirements

  • 3
    credits

    Introductory design and development studio course for IST and SRA students.

    • Prerequisite

      A grade of C or better in IST 242 or permission of program

  • 3
    credits

    Introduction to object-oriented applications including applications in an Object Oriented Design (OOD) language or OOD languages.

    • Prerequisite

      A grade of C or better in IST 242 or CMPSC 221

  • 3
    credits

    Interdisciplinary survey of topics and methods related to the human-centered design use and usability of information systems.

    • Prerequisite

      A grade of C or better in IST 240 or IST 242

Custom Option (12 credits)

The student, in consultation with their adviser, selects 12 credits in courses which follow a coherent theme in information sciences and technology. Examples of specific themes include: Web development, Psychology, and Usability.

Cybersecurity Option (select 12 credits)

Courses can not double count with the major requirements.

  • 3
    credits

    This studio course teaches four basic hands-on cyber-defense skills: configuring a firewall, implementing a host-based intrusion detection software tool, using the Metasploit tool to do penetration testing, and implementing a network intrusion detection tool.

    • Prerequisite

      (CYBER 100 or CYBER 100S) and IST 140

  • 3
    credits

    Intermediate application development including algorithms, data structures, and object-oriented concepts.

    • Prerequisite

      A grade of C or better in IST 140 or CMPSC 121 or IST 240

  • 3
    credits

    This introductory course spans areas of security, risk, and analysis covering contexts in government agencies and business organizations.

  • 3
    credits

    Provides overview of nature, scope, and seriousness of threats to security as a result of terrorism and crime.

  • 3
    credits

    Provides an understanding of the overview of information security including security architecture, access control, and internet secure applications.

    • Prerequisite

      SRA 111 and (CMPSC 101 or IST 140 or CMPSC 121)

Generalized Business Option (select 12–14 credits)

  • 4
    credits

    Introduction to the role of accounting numbers in the process of managing a business and in investor decision-making.

    • Prerequisite

      MATH 21 or 1.5 units of high school algebra

  • 3
    credits

    Nature of finance function; risk and return concepts; working capital; dividend policies; mergers; security markets; acquisition and management of corporate capital; analysis of operations; forecasting capital requirements; raising capital; and planning profits. Available to baccalaureate students only.

    • Prerequisite

      (ENGL 15 or ENGL 30) and ACCTG 211 and (ECON 102 or ECON 104) and (SCM 200 or STAT 200)

  • 3
    credits

    Supply chain management concepts, principles, and methodologies.

    • Prerequisite

      ACCTG 211 and ECON 102 and (SCM 200 or STAT 200)

    • 3
      credits

      Methods of economic analysis and their use; price determination; theory of the firm; distribution.

    • or:
      3
      credits

      National income measurement; aggregate economic models; money and income; policy problems.

  • 3
    credits

    Covers terminology and important concepts related to marketing in the business environment. Domestic and international environments that impact marketing are included, with particular emphasis on the marketing environment, segmentation, positioning, and targeting. Not available to students who have taken BA 303.

    • Prerequisite

      (ENGL 15 or ENGL 30) and (ECON 102 or ECON 104) and (MATH 021 or higher or satisfactory score on the mathematics placement examination.)

  • 3
    credits

    Study of fundamental principles and processes available to the understanding of management.

    • Prerequisite

      (ENGL 15 or ENGL 30) and (ECON 102 or ECON 104) and (MATH 021 or higher or satisfactory score on the mathematics placement examination)

  • 4
    credits

    Explores the ethical, political, social, legal and regulatory, technological, and demographic diversity environment of business.

    • Note

      A student may not receive credit toward graduation for both BLAW 243 and BA 243.

Networking Option (12 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    Preparation for PC hardware support: Students learn data recovery and how to build, configure, upgrade, troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair PCs.

    • Prerequisite

      IST 220

  • 3
    credits

    Concepts for peer-to-peer and server-based network: International Organization for Standardization-Open Systems Interconnection (ISO-OSI) reference model, industry standards, troubleshooting, performance monitoring, and optimization.

    • Prerequisite

      IST 220

  • 3
    credits

    Administering peer-to-peer and client/server networks: Planning, installation, server configuration, resource management, remote access, performance monitoring, and optimization.

    • Prerequisite

      IST 226

  • 3
    credits

    TCP/IP planning, installation, configuration: IP addressing, subnetting, routing, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Windows Internet Naming Service (WINS), address/name resolution, Domain Name System (DNS); database, web, mail server management.

    • Prerequisite

      IST 226

Electives (select 5–9 credits)

Courses chosen in consultation with an adviser.

General Education Requirements

Some General Education requirements may be satisfied by courses required for the major. Students should work with an adviser to select courses.

  • Arts (GA): 3 credits
  • Humanities (GH): 3 credits
  • Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
  • Writing and Speaking (GWS): 3 credits
  • Quantification (GQ): 3 credits
  • Any General Education course, including Integrative Studies (Inter-domain or Linked courses): 3 credits
  • United States Cultures (US), or International Cultures (IL) or combined designation (US; IL): 3 credits
    May be satisfied by designated courses that also meet other degree or General Education requirements.
  • Writing Across the Curriculum (W, M, X, Y): 3 credits
    May be satisfied by designated courses that also meet other degree or General Education requirements.

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.

Start or Advance Your Career

Two business professionals reviewing work on a tablet in an office setting

Nearly all types of organizations — from retail establishments and manufacturing plants to service industries and health care facilities — need employees who understand information technology (IT). And as IT operations continue to expand, so do the number of entry-level jobs and the demand for additional IT workers. 

This associate degree is structured to prepare graduates for immediate and continuing career opportunities in the broad discipline of information sciences and technology.  


Job Titles Related to This Degree

The following roles are often held by people with this type of degree:

  • Business Records Manager
  • Computer Network Specialist
  • Information Technology Specialist (IT Specialist)
  • Web Administrator
  • Web Technologies Administrator

Employment Outlook for Occupational Fields Related to This Degree

Estimates of employment growth and total employment are provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and are subject to change. While these occupations are often pursued by graduates with this degree, individual outcomes may vary depending on a variety of factors. Penn State World Campus cannot guarantee employment in a given occupation.

Computer Network Support Specialists

7%
employment growth (10 years)
168,920
total employment

Network and Computer Systems Administrators

2.5%
employment growth (10 years)
325,930
total employment

Career Services to Set You Up for Success

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From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.

  • Opportunities to connect with employers
  • Career counselor/coach support
  • Occupation and salary information
  • Internships
  • Graduate school resources 

Ready to Learn More?

Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.

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Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State associate degree?

Apply by June 30 to start August 26. How to Apply 

Costs and Financial Aid

Learn about this program's tuition, fees, scholarship opportunities, grants, payment options, and military benefits.

Costs and Financial Aid

Undergraduate Tuition

Undergraduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register and the number of total credits you have accrued at or transferred to Penn State.

Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.

2023–24 Academic Year Rates

Tuition rates for the fall 2023, spring 2024, and summer 2024 semesters.

How many credits do you plan to take per semester?If you have 59 or fewer creditsIf you have 60 or more credits
11 or fewer$626 per credit$671 per credit
12–19$7,602 per semester$8,206 per semester

Undergraduate students taking more than 19 credits will be charged the flat tuition rate plus the regular per credit hour rate for each credit above 19. 

2024–25 Academic Year Rates

Tuition rates for the fall 2024, spring 2025, and summer 2025 semesters.

How many credits do you plan to take per semester?If you have 59 or fewer creditsIf you have 60 or more credits
11 or fewer$632 per credit$678 per credit
12–19$7,678 per semester$8,288 per semester

Undergraduate students taking more than 19 credits will be charged the flat tuition rate plus the regular per credit hour rate for each credit above 19. 

Financial Aid and Military Benefits

Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.

To view the detailed list of cost of attendance elements, select “World Campus” as the location on the tuition site.

Who Should Apply?

This IT associate degree program is designed for working professionals with little or no formal background in information technology and for people who want to pursue a career in technology management. 

Head Start toward a Bachelor's Degree

A figure walking on a path that includes a certificate part of the way through their progress

Not only can this program help create opportunities in your career, it can also give you a solid head start toward a full bachelor’s degree.

Bachelor's Degree Program Related to This Associate Degree

If you choose to continue your studies, some of the credits you earn toward your associate degree may be applied toward the requirements for the following bachelor's degree at Penn State:

This online bachelor’s IT degree program explores how we can strengthen the power of information and technology and use it to increase human potential. The course work focuses on creating innovative systems and technology solutions in a wide range of industries.

Learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences and Technology

Set Your Own Pace

Adult student doing course work online while a child plays nearby

Whether you are looking to finish your program as quickly as possible or balance your studies with your busy life, Penn State World Campus can help you achieve your education goals. Many students take one or two courses per semester.

Our online courses typically follow a 12- to 15-week semester cycle, and there are three semesters per year (spring, summer, and fall). If you plan to take a heavy course load, you should expect your course work to be your primary focus and discuss your schedule with your academic adviser. 

To Finish Your Degree in One to Two Years

  • Take 4–5 courses each semester

To Finish Your Degree in Three or More Years

  • Take 2–3 course each semester

 

Convenient Online Format

This program's convenient online format gives you the flexibility you need to study around your busy schedule. You can skip the lengthy commute without sacrificing the quality of your education and prepare yourself for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving your home.

A Trusted Leader in Online Education

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Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades. Our online learning environment offers the same quality education that our students experience on campus.

How to Apply to Penn State

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Apply by June 30 to start August 26

Application Instructions

Deadlines and Important Dates

Complete your application and submit all required materials by the appropriate deadline. Your deadline will depend on the semester you plan to start your courses.

  • Fall Deadline

    Apply by June 30 to start August 26
  • Spring Deadline

    Apply by October 31 to start January 13
  • Summer Deadline

    Apply by March 15, 2025, to start May 19, 2025

Steps to Apply

  1. To apply for this program, you must be a high school graduate, or have completed your GED.

  2. You will need the following items to complete your application:

    High school transcripts or GED transcript — First-year applicants are required to submit Self-Reported Academic Records (SRAR) when applying. Official high school transcripts for first-year applicants will only be required at the time a student accepts an offer of admission to Penn State.

    Transfer international students will need to submit their high school transcript before their application can be reviewed.

    Official college or university transcripts and/or official military transcripts (if applicable) — All college or university transcripts are required regardless of the length of time that has passed, the grades earned, or the accreditation of the institutions attended. Acceptance of transfer credit toward your degree is subject to final approval by the academic department. For detailed information, see the Transfer Students page.

    Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation.

    English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Language Proficiency section on the Undergraduate Admissions International Requirements page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.

  3. To begin the online application, you will need a Penn State account.

    Create a New Penn State Account

    If you have any problems during this process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

    Please note: Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application or create a new Penn State account. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions.

  4. Accessing MyPennState

    The MyPennState Portal provides access to our online admissions services. Before accessing MyPennState, you must have a Penn State account that will be used to access all Penn State systems. After creating an account, you will receive a unique Penn State User ID. You will need to enter your User ID followed by @psu.edu when signing in to MyPennState and other Penn State sites. For example, you should be entering something like '[email protected]' in the Sign In field.

    The application consists of six sections:

    1. Application Setup
    2. Program of Study
    3. Citizenship and Residency
    4. Academics and Experience
    5. Miscellaneous
    6. Review and Submit
    Application Setup
    • Be sure to select "Online" for the "How would you like to complete your degree" question if you plan to attend Penn State World Campus.

    • The rest of this section will ask some basic questions about your education experience and military affiliation.

    Program of Study
    • You will choose the degree type and then the starting semester.

    • Your starting campus will be selected as Penn State World Campus by default as long as you picked "Online" in your Application Setup. Click Continue.

    • On the Choose a Program page, select your intended major from the list.

    • Review your selection on the summary screen and click Continue to move on to the Citizenship and Residency section.

    Citizenship and Residency
    • Complete the series of questions about your citizenship status, demographic information, Pennsylvania residency status, and family history.

    Academics and Experience
    • You will need to enter academic experience information about your high school and any attempted courses at a college or university after high school.

    • The Education Gap Statement offers a place to explain any time that has elapsed between your high school graduation and your anticipated enrollment at Penn State. Please provide a summary of why that gap occurred. Some examples that would explain a gap in your education include work, family, attending another college or university, etc.

    Miscellaneous
    • In the Miscellaneous section, you will provide any program-specific requirements (e.g., a personal statement), information about activities, and financial aid information.

    Review and Submit

    Review your information, digitally sign your application, and provide payment for the application fee ($65 domestic or $75 international).

    High School Transcripts and Academic Record
    • After your application is completed, you will also need to self-report your high school course work before the application deadline. You will be directed to fill out the Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR). It is helpful to have a high school transcript available when completing this section. In the third section, you'll select your program of study and campus.

    • Official high school transcripts or GED transcript, along with records from high school, are required, regardless of the length of time that has passed.

    • Include any college/university transcripts (required), military transcripts, and Proof of English Language proficiency (if applicable). SAT/ACT scores are not required if you are identified as an adult learner or transfer student.

    All official documents should be sent to: 

    Undergraduate Admissions Office
    The Pennsylvania State University
    201 Shields Building
    University Park, PA 16802

    You can also have your transcripts sent electronically through Parchment, eScript-Safe, or the National Clearinghouse directly to Penn State from the college/university where course work was attempted.

    Acceptance

    After receiving your application, application fee, and all required materials, your application will be evaluated for admission. You can check your application status online. This will provide the most up‐to‐date information about the status of your application and is updated once daily, before 8:00 a.m. (ET). Once a decision has been made regarding your application, it will be available to you through the MyPennState portal.

    For information on when you can expect an admissions decision, visit the Dates and Deadlines page of the Undergraduate Admissions website. Make sure you click the "+" sign to see these dates for World Campus Applicants (First-Year and Transfer).

  5. 5. Complete the application.

Admissions Help

If you have questions about the admissions process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

Contact Us

Customer service representative wearing a headset

Have questions or want more information? We're happy to talk.

To learn more about the Associate in Science in Information Sciences and Technology, please contact:

World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: 814-863-5386
Email: [email protected]

Learn from the Best

The Associate in Science in Information Sciences and Technology is offered in partnership with the Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology, which is a leader among an emerging group in higher education known as i-schools, or information schools.

Our faculty members are a diverse group of thought leaders from numerous fields, including computer science, engineering, psychology, chemistry, and artificial intelligence. 

Faculty

  • James (Jim) Farrugia

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Spatial Information Science and Engineering, University of Maine
    • Degree
      M.S., Library Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    • Degree
      B.A., Mathematics, East Stroudsburg University

    Dr. James (Jim) Farrugia is an assistant teaching professor of information sciences and technology. His areas of interest include programming, software development, data synthesis, and design and development.

  • Chris Gamrat

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Learning, Design, and Technology, Penn State
    • Degree
      M.Ed., Instructional Systems, Penn State
    • Degree
      B.S., Management Information Systems, Penn State

    Dr. Chris Gamrat served as an instructional designer for the College of IST since 2013 and became a faculty member in 2022. Prior to joining IST, Dr. Gamrat served as a technology specialist for the NASA Aerospace Education Services Project at the Penn State College of Education, starting in 2008. His research interests include inclusive teaching, innovations in teaching and learning, and microcredentials.

  • Richard Lomotey

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Computer Science, University of Saskatchewan
    • Degree
      MSc., Computer Science, University of Saskatchewan
    • Degree
      B.Sc., Computer Science, University of Cape Coast

    Dr. Richard Lomotey is a tenured associate professor of information sciences and technology at Penn State. He teaches a variety of courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and his research focuses on emerging technologies (such as mobile computing, IoT, and machine learning) in diverse domains, including health, agriculture, gamification, and enterprises.

  • Gregory O'Toole

    Degree
    Ph.D., Media and Communication, European Graduate School, Saas-Fee, Switzerland

    Dr. Gregory O'Toole is a lecturer in information sciences and technology at Penn State Abington. His areas of interest are open source web design and development, web research, and education.

  • Kaamran Raahemifar

    • Degree
      Ph.D., University of Windsor
    • Degree
      MASc, University of Waterloo

    Dr. Kaamran Raahemifar is a professor in the artificial intelligence and data science programs in the Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology. He has several decades of combined experience in teaching, research, and administrative/executive services. He has research and teaching interests in applied optimization, data modeling and prediction, small and large system simulation and design, signal anomaly detection and testing, blockchain, data science, artificial intelligence, user experience, and smart-connected devices.

  • Jeffrey Rimland

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Information Sciences, Penn State
    • Degree
      B.S., Computer Science, Penn State

    Dr. Jeffrey Rimland is an assistant teaching professor of information sciences and technology. His areas of interest are software development, vocal synthesis techniques, information fusion, assistive mobile device technology, and human-centric information.

  • Syed Rizvi

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Computer Science and Engineering, University of Bridgeport
    • Degree
      M.S., Computer Engineering, Old Dominion University
    • Degree
      B.S., Computer Engineering, Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology

    Dr. Syed Rizvi is an associate professor in information sciences and technology at the Penn State Altoona campus. His research interests lie at the intersection of computer networking, network security, and machine learning. Dr. Rizvi teaches cybersecurity, risk analysis, and IST courses such as fundamentals of information security, networking and telecommunications, secure software engineering, security risk assessment, network security, incident response handling, and capstone projects. He is a member of the IEEE Communications Society and ACM.

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