Information Sciences and Technology

2-Year Program Requirements

Associate Degree in IST

The Associate Degree in IST prepares graduates for immediate and continuing employment in the broad fields of Information Sciences and Technology. The first year courses are the same as those for the Baccalaureate Degree, i.e. overview, web, database, networking, and programming. In the second year, students select an area of concentration.

More detailed information on the Associate Degree program in IST can be obtained by referencing The Roadmap for the Associate Degree in IST.

Core Requirements Foundations, Database, Networking, Web, System Analysis and Design, and General Education Requirements.

To earn the Associate Degree in IST, a minimum of 60 credits is required in the following areas:

General Education: 21 Credits

Basic skills: 6 Credits

English 15, CAS 100B

Distribution Components: 15 Credits

Natural science, social and behavioral science, arts, and humanities

Requirements for Major (all options): 26 Credits

IST 110 Introduction to IST
IST 111 Seminar in IST
IST 210 Organization of Data
IST 220 Networking and Telecommunications
IST 250 Multimedia and the Web
IST 260 Systems Analysis
IST 295A or B Internship/Distibutive Team Project
ENGL 202 C or D Technical/Business Report Writing
CMPSC 101 Introduction to Algorithmic Processes

At Penn State Scranton students can choose from the following options:

Baccalaureate: A continued study of the topics forming the basis for the baccalaureate degree for those desiring to obtain the 4-year degree but not able to continue full-time in that endeavor.

This option allows students to complete an associate degree in IST while at the same time completing requirements so that you can easily continue your studies toward an IST bachelor's degree.

Prescribed Courses: 15 Credits

IST 230 Language, Logic, and Descrete Mathematics
IST 240  Introduction to Computer Languages
STAT 200  Elementary Statistics 
ECON 002  Economics 
MATH 110 Calculus with Analytic Geometry 


Individualized: A program of courses put together by the student and the advisor that suits a need and/or desire of the student for which no other option exists.

Selected Courses: 15 Credits

This option enables students to work closely with an advisor to develop a plan of study that meets the dual objectives of allowing a flexible academic program and providing breadth of technical specialization. An example would be a program where a student would take some of the courses listed in the Networking Option and the remainder in the Software Option.