Penn State College of IST
Innovate. Inspire. Impact.
You have big ideas and seek creative solutions. You value innovation, collaboration, and justice. You want to change the world. In IST, you can.
We Are.
Since we opened our doors in 1999 as one of the first information schools in the world, we have strived to solve the greatest challenges and harness the most exciting opportunities that exist at the intersection of information, technology, and society. Here, information and technology meet people, and innovation meets purpose. Our collaborative, interdisciplinary community empowers students to pursue meaningful careers and scholars to drive impactful discovery. Backed by a global university, vast resources, and the world’s largest alumni network, the College of IST is where diverse perspectives come together to create real change.
#1
Best alumni network (Princeton Review, 2024)
#3
Best public schools for internships (Princeton Review, 2024)
#6
Best Online Master's in IT (USNWR, 2025)
3,000+
Enrolled students
17,000+
IST alumni around the world
41
Degree and certificate programs
2,300
Positions posted to Nittany Lion Careers for IST students
$65M
External research funding granted since 2015
Creating Leaders for the Information Age
We are about solving problems—not those found only in textbooks, but real-world problems that impact everyday lives. Our interdisciplinary programs position students and scholars to take on the complex challenges that exist at the intersection of information, technology, and people.
Discover Our Degree ProgramsFrom Classroom to Career
Our graduates bring expertise and innovation to a variety of positions—from their first jobs to the executive suite—in business, health care, defense, technology, and countless other industries. Our programs respond to changing industry needs and prepare you with the technical expertise, business savvy, and communications skills employers want.
$76,500
Average full-time starting salary
84%
Receive a job offer from an internship provider
60%
Complete multiple internships before graduating
*Undergraduate Students
Research in IST is transformative.
From cybersecurity to misinformation, human-centered computing to the AI revolution, our collaborative scholars are advancing understanding and driving innovative solutions that are shaping the way we live, work, and connect.
Human-Centered Computing and Social Informatics
Creating and evaluating interactive systems and studying the affective aspects of user experience.
Informatics and Intelligent Systems
Advancing the capacity to model intelligent behavior and harnessing, applying, and integrating the insights of big data to our world.
Privacy and Cybersecurity Informatics
Detecting and removing threats of information misuse, enhancing predictability and trust, and understanding online privacy.
Be involved. Make a difference.
We are more than a University. We are a network of 700,000 alumni that share a common connection to support the past, present, and future of Dear Old State. Your experiences and expertise can transform the college and the lives of our students.
Connect with ISTNews
More News
May 19, 2025
IST faculty discuss future of AI on WPSU's 'Conversations Live'
May 19, 2025
Let's give a 'We Are!' to these Penn Staters — May 19
May 19, 2025
Penn State connections lead doctoral student to interdisciplinary College of IST
May 15, 2025
In photos: Setting the stage for Penn State's commencement ceremonies
Events
More Events
May
21
Advising Drop-in Hours
Date & Time: May 21, 2025, 9:00 am–11:00 am
Location: Virtual via Zoom
-
New York City IST Alumni Networking Event
Date & Time: May 22, 2025, 6:00 pm–8:00 pm
Location: 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar, 1150 Broadway, Manhattan, NY 10001 (Meet in Hard Bar)
-
Advising Drop-in Hours
Date & Time: May 28, 2025, 9:00 am–11:00 am
Location: Virtual via Zoom