Update: Penn State Shenango is not currently enrolling new students. Current students can access academic advising and degree planning through campus services.
What is Information Technology
Information Technology offers both broad organizational problem-solving skills and in-depth knowledge in current in-demand technical skills. The program includes required and optional courses in cybersecurity, databases, computer programming, project management, security and risk analysis, networking, web design and development, application development, and systems analysis. This broad base of skills is ideally suited for careers in various technology-related fields.
What to expect in the Information Technology major
Information Technology is a broad-based technical and theoretical degree that will prepare students to implement and use information technology to realize a variety of goals within and between all types of organizations and businesses (e.g., reliability, accessibility, efficiency, cost reduction, and revenue enhancement). The emphasis is on providing the student with the theoretical frameworks needed to use information technology to solve problems while also providing a set of applied, real-world experiences.
Students will acquire a broad set of skills across many areas of information technology, including networking, databases, project management, and information security. Students will consider how the implementation of information technology in organizations affects social change and the delivery of information to the consumer.
Upper-level course selections allow for specific advanced options including business applications, cybersecurity, networking, and specialized technology.
Options
Business Applications
This option prepares students to pursue careers in information technology solving business organizational problems with an emphasis on the systems processes and business operations integration.
Cybersecurity
This option will provide students with the knowledge and cyber defense skills needed to critically assess and respond to modern information security threats. They will be prepared to protect information infrastructure and data from attacks and unauthorized access.
Networking
Students wanting to pursue a career in the design, development, and support of complex networks and networking infrastructure will be interested in our information technology networking option.
Specialized Technology
Students will experience a broad understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of the information technology industry through this exploratory option of study.
Information Technology career opportunities
Jobs in information technology are available at federal, state, local, and private organizations.
Network Architects
Computer network architects design and implement data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets.
Information Security Analysts
Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems.
Computer Support Specialists
Computer support specialists maintain infrastructure and provide technical assistance to users within an organization or business.
Systems Administrators
Systems administrators install, configure, and maintain organizations’ computer networks and information systems.
