Information Technology Degree

The information technology degree program at Pennsylvania State University teaches students the design of technological systems such as computing systems for the solution of business and research data and communications support needs. Students who graduate from the information technology degree program may pursue careers in IT technology, including IT network administrator, engineer, program manager, and more. Courses include principles of computer hardware and software components, algorithms, databases, telecommunications, user tactics, and more. Get more details below including other Pennsylvania colleges that offer information technology degrees.

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Pennsylvania State University

76 University Drive, Hazleton, PA

Pennsylvania State University is located in University Park. It is a state-related, space grant, land grant public research facility. Also known as Penn State, the school has twenty-four campuses in Pennsylvania. University Park is the main and largest campus.

History

On February 22, 1855, Pennsylvania State University was established as the Farmer's High School of Pennsylvania. The name was changed to Agricultural College of Pennsylvania in 1862. In 1863, with the passing of the Morrill Land Grant Act, the school was chosen to be Pennsylvania's only land grand college. Within the next few years, enrolment fell because students were only able to acquire and agricultural education. In 1882, when George Atherton became president, the curriculum was broadened. Engineering studies were then offered. Penn State became one of the ten largest engineering schools in the US.

By the early 20^th century, Penn State had grown considerably. In 1936, satellite campuses were established by President Don Hetzel in order to allow students of the Depression era to attend college. Since these students were needed to work at home during that time, without the satellite colleges, they wouldn't have been able to further their education.

School President Milton S. Eisenhower changed the name of the college to Pennsylvania State College in 1953 and the institution became state-related in 1970.

Campuses

The University Park campus has 13 distinct colleges. They are:

• College of Health and Human Development
• College of Arts and Architecture
• College of Agricultural Studies
• College of Communications
• College of Liberal Arts
• College of Information Science and Technology
• Penn State Dickinson School of Law
• Smeal College of Business
• Schreyer Honors College
• College of Engineering
• College of Education
• Eberly College of Science
• College of Earth and Mineral Sciences

Academics

Since 1945, the Applied Research Lab has partnered with the United States Department of Defense. Research is primarily in support of the US Navy.

The library system of Pennsylvania State University began with 1500 book. Today it houses 500,000 maps, 5.2 million books, 180,000 films and videos and 5 million microforms.

Pennsylvania State University's University Park campus also hosts a Radiation Science and Engineering Center.

Student Life

Pennsylvania State University has one of the largest Greek communities in the US. In 1888, the Penn State Glee Club was founded. It is the oldest student organization on campus. Each year the Glee Club takes a spring break tour, which has taken them to a multitude of destination world-wide.

The Penn State Paranormal Research Society has earned an abundance of media attention in recent years. The A&E Network is working with the university to develop a reality series. Some filming will be done on campus.

Each year in February, students take place in the Penn State Dance Marathon. Millions of dollars are raised annually for pediatric cancer care and research.

Media

Penn State's student newspaper is The Daily Collegian. Since 1996, an online version called The Digital Collegean has appeared online.

Radio station WKPS-FM was founded in 1995.  It broadcasts from the ground floor of the HUB-Robeson Center. It serves the State College and Penn State communities.

Athletics

At one time a type of mountain lion roamed the University Park area. The Penn State mascot is the Nitany Lion. Some Penn State teams include:

• Football
• Soccer
• Basketball
• Volleyball
• Lacrosse
• Fencing
• Women's rugby
• Boxing
• Gymnastics

Community Life

There is much to see and do in the University Park area. Take in the Arboretum at Penn State, which is also known as H.O. Smith Botanical Gardens.

Visit Penn State University creamery, also known as Berkey Creamery. Enjoy an ice cream or sherbet or purchase delicious cheese, all produced by the Department of Food and Science.

Take in a football game at Beaver Stadium or enjoy a basketball game at Bryce Jordan Center. Whatever you chose, there is a wide variety of attractions and events in the University Park area. Be sure to check for dates and times.

Career Options for Graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Description

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Description

Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

Computer Systems Analysts

Description

Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to implement and improve computer systems. Analyze user requirements, procedures, and problems to automate or improve existing systems and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and scheduling limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.

Information Security Analysts

Description

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

Software Developers, Applications

Description

Develop, create, and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions. Design software or customize software for client use with the aim of optimizing operational efficiency. May analyze and design databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team. May supervise computer programmers.

Software Developers, Systems Software

Description

Research, design, develop, and test operating systems-level software, compilers, and network distribution software for medical, industrial, military, communications, aerospace, business, scientific, and general computing applications. Set operational specifications and formulate and analyze software requirements. May design embedded systems software. Apply principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis.

Computer Network Architects

Description

Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).