Information Technology (B.S.)

Information Technology (B.S.)
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You’ve always wanted to be on the cutting edge. 

With a degree from PSU, you will have the knowledge, critical thinking and communication skills, and experience you need to solve real-world problems in the fields of computer science and information technology. Our department emphasizes a hands-on approach to learning built on top of extensive laboratory experience, individual interactions and support, and significant group projects.

This program focuses on the functioning and working of hardware and software systems in an organizational setting. The emphasis in the program is on the application and utilization of computing technology in a wide variety of Information Technology environments. A solid core of fundamental computing courses is followed by applications in several areas of Information Technology such as networks, security, data science, and systems.

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Courses

Curriculum & Requirements

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Course Title Credits
Major Requirements
CS 2010Computing Fundamentals (TECO)3
CS 2220Computer Hardware3
CS 2370Introduction to Programming4
CS 3240Data Communication and Computer Networks3
CS 3420Introduction to Cybersecurity3
CS 3600Database Management Systems4
CS 3650Big Data Administration and Analysis3
CS 3720Systems Analysis and Design3
CS 3820Human-Computer Interaction3
CS 4230System Administration4
CS 4400Computer Networks and Protocols4
CS 4420Computer Security3
CS 4520CyberEthics (DICO,WRCO)3
CS 4760Senior Project3
CM 3095Technical Communication (TECO,WRCO)4
MAMath elective (not MADI) 1,23-4
MA 2130Precalculus (QRCO)4
Major Electives
Complete two courses from the following:5-8
CS 2381
Data Structures and Intermediate Programming
CS 2470
Systems Programming in C/C++
CS 2900
Introduction to Electronic Circuitry
CS 2901
Introduction to Materials, Design and Fabrication Technology
CS 2905
Introduction to Microcontrollers
CS 3015
Mobile Application Development
CS 3020
Web Programming
CS 3030
CS 4140
Software Engineering
CS 4500
Topics in Computer Science and Technology
CS 4920
Computer Science Internship
Mathematics Foundations3-4
MA 2200
MA 2210
Finite Math with Business Statistics (QRCO)
MA 2450
Mathematical Reasoning
MA 2300Statistics I (QRCO)3
General Education
EN 1400Composition4
IS 1115Tackling a Wicked Problem4
CTDICreative Thought Direction3-4
PPDIPast and Present Direction3-4
SIDIScientific Inquiry Direction3-4
SSDISelf and Society Direction3-4
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SIDI, SSDI) 34-8
GACOGlobal Awareness Connection3-4
WECOWellness Connection3-4
Electives14-20
Total Credits120
1

College Algebra (MA 1800), Precalculus (MA 2130) or above.

2

Cannot double count Precalculus (MA 2130) or calculus.

3

Directions should total 20 credits (unless the major has a waiver for a specific Direction).

Check all course descriptions for prerequisites before planning course schedule. Course sequence is suggested but not required.

To complete the bachelor’s degree in 4 years, you must successfully complete a minimum of 15 credits each semester or have a plan to make up credits over the course of the 4 years.  For example, if you take 14 credits one semester, you need to take 16 credits in another semester.  Credits completed must count toward your program requirements (major, option, minor, certificate, general education or free electives).

Plan of Study Grid
Year OneCredits
EN 1400 Composition 4
IS 1115 Tackling a Wicked Problem 4
CS 2010 Computing Fundamentals (TECO) 3
CS 2370 Introduction to Programming 4
MAMath elective (not MADI) 1 3-4
Mathematics Foundations Course: 3-4
MA 2210
 Finite Math with Business Statistics (QRCO)
MA 2210
 Finite Math with Business Statistics (QRCO)
MA 2450
 Mathematical Reasoning
CTDICreative Thought Direction 3-4
SIDIScientific Inquiry Direction 3-4
SSDISelf and Society Direction 3-4
 Credits30-35
Year Two
CS 2220 Computer Hardware 3
CS 3600 Database Management Systems 4
CS 3820 Human-Computer Interaction 3
CM 3095 Technical Communication (TECO,WRCO) 4
MA 2130 Precalculus (QRCO) 4
MA 2300 Statistics I (QRCO) 3
PPDIPast and Present Direction 3-4
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SIDI, SSDI) 2 4-8
Elective 3-4
 Credits31-37
Year Three
CS 3240 Data Communication and Computer Networks 3
CS 3420 Introduction to Cybersecurity 3
CS 3650 Big Data Administration and Analysis 3
CS 3720 Systems Analysis and Design 3
CS 4400 Computer Networks and Protocols 4
CS 4420 Computer Security 3
Complete one Major Elective from the following: 2-4
CS 2381
 Data Structures and Intermediate Programming
CS 2470
 Systems Programming in C/C++
CS 2900
 Introduction to Electronic Circuitry
CS 2901
 Introduction to Materials, Design and Fabrication Technology
CS 2905
 Introduction to Microcontrollers
CS 3015
 Mobile Application Development
CS 3020
 Web Programming
CS 4140
 Software Engineering
CS 4500
 Topics in Computer Science and Technology
CS 4920
 Computer Science Internship
GACOGlobal Awareness Connection 3-4
WECOWellness Connection 3-4
Elective 0-4
 Credits27-35
Year Four
CS 4520 CyberEthics (DICO,WRCO) 3
CS 4230 System Administration 4
CS 4760 Senior Project 3
Complete one Major Elective from the following: 3-4
CS 2381
 Data Structures and Intermediate Programming
CS 2470
 Systems Programming in C/C++
CS 2900
 Introduction to Electronic Circuitry
CS 2901
 Introduction to Materials, Design and Fabrication Technology
CS 2905
 Introduction to Microcontrollers
CS 3015
 Mobile Application Development
CS 3020
 Web Programming
CS 4140
 Software Engineering
CS 4500
 Topics in Computer Science and Technology
CS 4920
 Computer Science Internship
Electives 9-12
 Credits22-26
 Total Credits120
1

College Algebra (MA 1800), Precalculus (MA 2130) or above.

2

Directions should total 20 credits (unless the major has a waiver for a specific Direction).

  • The ability to automate system processes to solve problems, both independently and as part of a team.
  • The ability to create, organize, and administer secure computer systems.
  • The competency to design, implement, and administer computer networks, from low-level details to high-level protocols.
  • The competency to communicate technical information to a wide range of audiences.
  • An understanding of professional, ethical, and security issues and responsibilities that arise with modern socio-technical systems.

Computers are used in virtually every industry which requires employees who specialize in computer science. Computer science is not simply a study of how to use computers and various software. Although all computer scientists are proficient in using computers with various operating systems and a variety of software, they have a larger goal: they design and construct or configure computer hardware and software to be used by others. With the need for computers in virtually every industry, the need for employees who specialize in computer science and can incorporate new technologies is ever increasing.
 
For more information, visit the Career Services site.
Here is a link to A guide for women in STEM created by DDS (Discover Data Science), including STEM scholarship opportunities for women.
 
Sample Job Titles:
  • Computer Programmer
  • Computer Systems Manager
  • Control Engineer
  • Database Administrator
  • Manager, Management Information Systems
  • Network Administrator
  • Quality Assurance Specialist
  • Robot Software Engineer
  • Robot System Engineer
  • Software Designer
  • Software Developer
  • Software Engineer
  • System Analyst
  • Web Application Developer
  • Technical Writer
  • Web Designer
Useful Skills for Jobs in Computing Disciplines:
  • Ability to analyze cause and effects
  • Ability to think logically and critically
  • Strong communication skills
  • Mathematical background

Explore Program Details

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Students in Computer Science class

As a Computer Science and Technology student you will be part of a tight-knit community. We spend a lot of time working in teams on projects, playing games over lunch with professors, and asking questions during open tutoring hours.  These connections not only keep the department lively, but also build a network that can provide career opportunities.

  • Evening tutoring hours
  • Internship and career opportunities
  • Boardgame groups
  • Meet and talk with alumni in the field
  • Senior Project presentations

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