IST's Associate Degree (two-year) programs prepare students to become professionals such as an applications programmers, network managers, or web designers. Students may also use an IST Associate degree to build toward a bachelor's degree. IST's Associate Degree programs are offered at various campus locations throughout the Commonwealth.

The Associate degree of Science in Information Sciences and Technology (2IST) is structured to prepare graduates for immediate and continuing employment opportunities in the broad disciplines of information science and technology. This includes positions such as application programmers, associate systems designers, network managers, Web designers and administrators, or information systems support specialists. Specifically, the major is designed to ensure a thorough knowledge of information systems and includes extensive practice using contemporary technologies in the creation, organization, storage, analysis, evaluation, communication, and transmission of information.

The major fosters communications, interpersonal, and group interaction skills through appropriate collaborative and active learning projects and experiences. Technical material covers the structure of database systems, web and multi-media systems, and considerations in the design of information systems. Team projects in most courses, a required internship, and a second year capstone experience provide additional, focused venues for involving students in the cutting-edge issues and technologies in the field.

Here is an overview of the knowledge IST can help you develop:

• Understanding information technology as a solution
• Bridging technology and the user
• Expressing and defending ideas
• Being a team player and a team leader
• Dealing with real problems of the digital economy
• Essential and specific technical skills