As technology advances to new levels, online security is more important than ever before. With a degree in Information Assurance & Cyber Security, you’ll learn how to safeguard sensitive data and prevent critical attacks. From IT essentials like programming, databases, and networking to threat prevention, assessment, and testing, this industry-driven curriculum pulls it all together to create the diverse skillset that future employers want most.
Your coursework will cover classes specific to your area of specialization along with foundational concepts and lessons that invite fresh perspectives.
8
Semesters
45
Courses
129.5
Credits
Fall 2026
6 courses 17 credits
33% program-specific courses
Spring 2026
5 courses 17 credits
60% program-specific courses
Fall 2027
5 courses 15.5 credits
60% program-specific courses
Spring 2027
5 courses 16 credits
60% program-specific courses
Fall 2028
6 courses 16 credits
67% program-specific courses
Spring 2028
6 courses 16 credits
50% program-specific courses
Fall 2029
6 courses 16 credits
83% program-specific courses
Spring 2029
6 courses 16 credits
67% program-specific courses
Please Note: The outlined curriculum assumes a fall semester start for students completing a full credit load schedule without additional developmental math requirements. Students beginning in the spring and summer, taking less than a full load, and/or requiring developmental coursework follow an altered curriculum sequence. Speak to your academic advisor or school office with questions.
90%
Placement Rate
4
Specialized Computer Labs
17
Average Class Size
Computer science (CS) is more theoretical, with increased math requirements. Many CS programs have a core focus on programming with a heavy emphasis on algorithm design and computer science theory.
While IT still includes theoretical topics, it is more applied and people-focused, making the tools of computing accessible to fit the needs of people and organizations, as well as creating computing tools and systems to meet user needs. IT is a bit broader at its core as it covers a variety of foundational skills in programming, networking, databases, modern platforms, systems analysis, and cybersecurity, while also allowing for specialization in a given IT area.
What does it take to succeed in a STEM career? Curiosity. Critical thinking. A can-do spirit. And an educational experience that meets your passion head-on. Here, you’ll meet a community of innovators. Future pioneers who are learning by doing. Breathing new life into old concepts. Testing theories. And breaking barriers. Because the more you explore, the more you grow. And the bigger difference you can make.
Get a glimpse inside the labs where future IT professionals learn how to install, configure, and maintain computing systems. Meet Dr. Sandra Gorka, Associate Professor of Computer Science. And check out everything from gaming and simulation spaces to the hands-on labs decided to cyber security, networking, database management, and Linux systems.
Apply theory to the real thing in our specialized IT labs. Here, you’ll have access to both physical and virtual labs designed for networking, IT security, operating systems, and gaming. Apply the principles of ethical hacking, intrusion detection, and digital forensics in both physical and virtual environments. Labs also allow students to create 3D models, investigate hypervisors, build networks from bare metal to full production, and simulate a host of applications and network configurations.
Think Penn College might be a good fit for you? Make plans to visit and discover what hands-on learning is all about.
As a Information Technology student at Penn College, you may be elgible for 127 scholarships.
Penn College inducts seven into IT honor society
April 24, 2026
Upsilon Pi Epsilon, the only international honor society for computing and information disciplines, welcomed six students and one faculty member to the…
IT alumni, students connect during virtual event
April 10, 2026
Four Penn College information technology alumni served as panelists for a recent virtual networking event hosted by Alumni Relations and Rick R. Crossen,…
Penn College IT student receives scholarship from honor society
January 14, 2026
An honor society for the computing and information disciplines has recognized a Pennsylvania College of Technology student with a scholarship. Upsilon Pi…
VIDEO: Taking the lead
December 08, 2025
Meet Marissa Rupert. On her way to earning bachelor’s degrees in automation engineering technology and software development & information management, Rupert…
Alpha Chi members collect supplies for Kenya medical clinic
September 05, 2025
Three members of Penn College’s Pennsylvania Xi Chapter of the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society organized a drive to collect first aid items for a…
Penn College prof to fulfill ‘dream’ with Challenger Game
June 11, 2025
Stephen R. Cheskiewicz won’t be on the field during championship weekend this August at the Little League Baseball World Series, but he might be more excited…
'Inspired by IT'
April 29, 2025
When a number of students asked to have their instructor on the Tomorrow Makers podcast, the hosts just had to say, “Yes!” Meet information technology faculty…
Nine Penn College students inducted into IT honor society
April 16, 2025
Upsilon Pi Epsilon, the only international honor society for computing and information disciplines, welcomed nine new members to the Pennsylvania College of…
Alumnus offering free demo of his video game
January 27, 2025
Gamers can embark on a high seas adventure for free, thanks to a demo of Hullbreaker, a video game created by Pennsylvania College of Technology game &…
Penn College student to publish video game on Steam
December 09, 2024
Dalton R. Neece says he’s never ventured far from home. But that’s about to change. In January, the Hughesville native will embark on a high seas “voyage.” And…
Alumni , Donor
Information Technology
Thanks to generous donors like Ryan, the next generation of tomorrow makers can take advantage of scholarships and focus more time on preparing for their futures.
Faculty
Information Technology
She empowers students to think critically and innovate solutions for a promising tomorrow.
Alumni
Information Technology
Her goal was to use IT to help others. Today, she's following through on that dream.
Leadership
Electrical
Electronics & Computer Engineering Technology
Engineering Design Technology
Information Technology
From leading program tours to lending a hand with course questions, Stacey has a passion for pointing students in the right direction.
Internships are key for career preparation. Apply your knowledge to the workplace and learn about the industry first-hand.
ISA is a security club that encompasses all IT majors. It stresses the importance of security through networking, programming, security, and even average computer users.
Your college experience is about more than the classroom. Join one of 65+ clubs and organizations, or create your own.
See the world via Williamsport. Take your education abroad and get hands-on experience learning about your industry on a global scale.
Jacob Miller and Sandra Gorka, both computer science professors, were featured in the Washington Post for their efforts in extending cybersecurity education to high school students.
Students must acquire their own tools and laptop computer as noted below.
A laptop/notebook computer is required for the enrollment in all Information Technology majors, including the Information Assurance and Cyber Security major.
Review required Laptop Specifications.
Students must complete all required major courses in the Information Assurance and Cyber Security major (those with the alpha-designators CIT, EET, BCS, LAS, and MTH) with a grade of "C" or higher. Additionally, any course approved for use as the IAS elective must also be completed with a grade of "C" or higher.
Students seeking entrance through transfer should strive to take courses at their respective institutions that provide competency in the following areas; programming, two semesters minimum (same language); database; networking, two semesters minimum; UNIX and/or Linux; and calculus for engineering or math majors. Students planning to transfer from another college and wanting specific course advice should consult with the IT faculty at Penn College.
Alternative Credit refers to academic credits earned through means other than traditional college course completion, including: credit by exam, articulation, proof of competency gained in high school, work/life experience, and advanced placement.
Visit the Alternative Credit Options page for requirements and procedures and for information on credit through Advanced Placement.
Special Considerations: Many jobs in information security will require background checks and/or security clearances. Ethical behavior is necessary if a student expects to succeed in this field. Additionally, due to the rigorous math requirements of this program, prospective students should consider applying early and remediating needed classes (such as Algebra or Pre-Calculus) prior to entering your first semester at Penn College.
A laptop/notebook computer is required for enrollment in major courses. Laptop specifications
Uniforms and tools are available for purchase through The College Store and Penn State Computer Store .
Information Technology Advisory Committee Members
Mr. James R Ankers, CISSP, CISA
IT Specialist (INFOSEC)
United States Navy
Mr. Daniel J Clarke
Senior Solutions Architect
Arraya Solutions
Dr. Todd W Griffith
Chief Technology Officer
Discovery Machine Corporation
Mr. Brandon J Howe
Sr. IT Analyst
Anadarko Petroleum Corp.
Dr. Karl M Kapp
Assistant Director, Institute for Interactive Technologies
Bloomsburg University
Mr. Brad E Lenig
Senior Enterprise Network Engineer
Pennsylvania College of technology
Dr. Krish Pillai, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Lycoming College
Mr. Mark J Watson
Administrative Director, Corporate Information Technology
Susquehanna Health
Assistant Professor, Computer Information Technology
Associate Professor, Computer Information Technology
Instructor, Computer Information Technology
Assistant Professor, Computer Information Technology, Co-Department Head
Instructor, Information Technology
Assistant Professor, Computer Information Technology
Lecturer, Information Technology
Assistant Professor, Computer Information Technology, Co-Department Head
Instructor, Technology and Information Literacy
Lecturer, Computer Information Technology
Assistant Professor, Technology and Information Literacy/Course Coordinator
Associate Professor, Computer Information Technology
Game & Simulation Programming
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Software Development & Information Management
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Network Administration & Engineering Technology
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Information Technology : Network & User Support
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Engineering Design Technology
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Building Automation Engineering Technology
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Electronics & Computer Engineering Technology
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Automation Engineering Technology : Robotics & Automation
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Automation Engineering Technology : Mechatronics
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Mechatronics Technology
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Nanofabrication Technology
Competency Credential
Engineering CAD Technology
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Electrical Construction
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Electronics & Computer Engineering Technology : Electronics & Computer Engineering Emphasis
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Electronics & Computer Engineering Technology : Robotics & Automation Emphasis
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Electrical Technology
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
