About the school

The College of Information Sciences and Technology at Pennsylvania State University was established in 1999 and is considered one of the top-ranked information schools. The faculty is committed to providing industry-driven education and research for their students. Students have many options with a wide range of 38 degree and certificate programmes. The college's alum network is highly regarded and is ranked #1 by the Princeton Review. They continue contributing significantly to the college community, mentoring and recruiting current students. Additionally, they remain connected with the college and fellow alums through various programmes and initiatives. The college has a dedicated inclusion and diversity engagement office that provides engagement resources and support to students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds.

Where is the school located?

University Park is the largest campus at Pennsylvania State University, with 14,000 students living on campus. The University Park campus houses iconic buildings like Old Main and the HUB Robeson Centre.

Life at the College of Information Sciences and Technology

Living on campus, participating in campus activities, and meeting new people are the best ways for graduate students to make the most of their time at Penn State. White Course Apartments are a convenient and welcoming option for students enrolled with families and looking for on-campus housing.

The apartments include parking spaces, traditional residence halls, double rooms, and additional lodging. There are various upscale dining options available to students on campus. Additionally, numerous events are organised on campus. Students can visit the university website for more information about nearby events. The institution also assists students looking for off-campus housing. Students can contact the off-campus student support team for help.

Additional benefits of studying at the College of Information Sciences and Technology

In addition to its strong alum network, the College of Information Sciences and Technology provides additional benefits that its enrolled students can enjoy. Penn State University offers various online courses designed to meet the needs of non-traditional learners. These courses are taught by experienced faculty who are experts in their fields. These courses are convenient and flexible so that students can learn at their own pace and on their own time.

The Pennsylvania State University’s College of Information Sciences and Technology provides a variety of PhD assistantships in research and teaching. Graduate assistantships include a stipend to help students cover their living, health, and tuition expenses.

Penn State IST offers a variety of sponsorships that give companies unique access to its students and future hiring talents. These corporate sponsorships support the college’s mission of providing a world-class education and developing future technology leaders.

Admissions criteria

Students must complete their online application for admission to Pennsylvania State University’s College of Information Sciences and Technology. All applicants must submit the below-listed documents.

Pay a non-refundable application fee ranging between $30 and $70 A baccalaureate or higher-level degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution is required Submit official transcripts and documents from all post-secondary institutions attended

English Proficiency Test score requirements are:

For TOEFL, Internet-based Test (iBT): A total score of 80 is required, with a minimum score of 19 in the speaking section Applicants with iBT speaking scores between 15 and 18 may be considered for provisional admission, pending approval from the Graduate School Paper-based test: The combined total score for the three evaluated sections must be 60 or higher The minimum acceptable score for the IELTS Academic Test is 6.5

(Note: The Graduate School verifies the eligibility of all graduate degree applicants, with individual programmes making recommendations for admission offers. The ultimate authority for granting admission to graduate degree programmes rests with the Graduate School.)

Job placements

The Office of Career Solutions and Corporate Engagement equips IST students with the resources, programmes, and services necessary to attain their ultimate career aspirations. They assist students with internships and full-time job searches

Through these college career programmes, students can access a wide array of professional development services, including support for resume crafting, interview preparation, and the cultivation of their professional networks

Students of Information Sciences and Technology are in high demand, with many companies and industries recruiting over 700 IST students a year

The average starting salary of an IST undergraduate ranges from $70,000 to $80,000

Career Development Resources:

The college offers various resources to help students find their dream jobs. The students can access resources, such as individual career coaching or on-campus recruiting

Various online resources, like the career sports video library, are also available for the students to let them learn at their own pace

The faculty helps students with several career events, experiential programmes, and job fairs