Software Development & Information Management
About this program
Technology connects us. It opens lines of communication. And introduces new levels of efficiency. At Penn College, you’ll study all the details that go into solving today’s common and complex IT issues. Working in labs outfitted with the industry’s latest hardware and software, students are building the technical skills that will innovate the future.
Next steps...
You're on your way to becoming a tomorrow maker.
93%
Overall Placement
45%
Hired BEFORE Graduation
17
Average Class Size
Careers
- Software developer
- Programmer
- Database administrator
Courses
At Penn College, we believe your educational experience should go beyond specialized skills. Real-world ready means taking a broader approach that builds communication skills, inspires collaboration, and encourages exploration of arts, history, and science.
Specialization requires in-depth knowledge and high-level proficiency. Students learn and apply major-specific concepts, skills, and methods.
- Introduction to Programming (CIT160)
- Principles of Management (MGT115)
- Networking I (EET145)
- Programming II (CIT260)
- Introduction to Database (CIT180)
- Fundamentals of Information Security (CIT230)
- Secure Database Development (CIT281)
- Data Structures & Algorithms (CIT360)
- Introduction to UNIX/Linux (CIT240)
- Discrete Structures in Computer Applications (CIT243)
- Web Systems & Technologies (CIT351)
- System Analysis I (CIT246)
- Software Engineering Concepts (CIT285)
- Operating Systems Concepts I (CIT344)
- SQL Server & .NET Framework (CIT386)
- Directed BSI Elective (BSI)
- Programming for Mobile Devices (CIT382)
- System Analysis II (CIT342)
- Secure Software Development & Testing (CIT368)
- Legal Issues in Information Security Management (LAS350)
- Data Science Principles (CIT482)
- Senior Project (CIT498)
- Advanced Topics in Programming (CIT460)
- Advanced Database Management (CIT480)
- Management of Organizational Behavior (MGT410)
Perspectives are points of view, offering a variety of ways of understanding, interacting, and influencing the world. Students identify, explain, and utilize the approaches used by academics and professionals to study, analyze, or understand problems, and offer solutions.
What's the difference between Information Technology and Computer Science?
Computer science is more theoretical, with increased math requirements. Many tend to focus on programming or cutting-edge computing, like artificial intelligence and augmented reality.
IT is focused on supporting the user. It is more 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 the user's needs.
Virtual Tour
Information Technology
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.
Facilities
IT Labs
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.
Maker Profiles
Student
Hallie Harriman
Information Technology
Penn College was a truly transformative experience for this aspiring video game developer.
Alumni , Donor
Ryan Monteleone
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.
Alumni
Ekaterina Molostvova
Information Technology
Her goal was to use IT to help others. Today, she's following through on that dream.
Faculty
Sandra Gorka
Information Technology
She empowers students to think critically and innovate solutions for a promising tomorrow.
Leadership
Stacey Hampton
Applied Technology Studies
Electrical
Electronics & Computer Engineering Technology
Engineering & Industrial 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.
Featured Video
Women In STEM
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.
Tour Schedule
Seeing is believing.
Think Penn College might be a good fit for you? Make plans to visit and discover what hands-on learning is all about.
Mar 1
Undergraduate Open House
Saturday, March 19 AM - 3 PM
Apr 6
Undergraduate Open House
Sunday, April 69 AM - 3 PM
Internship
Your knowledge in practice
Internships are key for career preparation. Apply your knowledge to the workplace and learn about the industry first-hand.
Related Programs
Follow your passion
Student Life
Lead and put your skills to the test
Association of Professional Programmers (APP)
Gamers’ Guild
Gamers' Guild is devoted to the continued enjoyment of classic games ranging from pen and paper RPGs like Dungeons and Dragons to classic console games, such as Nintendo and other major game producers.
Student Organizations at Penn College
Your college experience is about more than the classroom. Join one of 65+ clubs and organizations, or create your own.
Penn College News
Monday, December 9, 2024
Penn College student to publish video game on Steam
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Penn College IT prof presents at international conference
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Penn College hosts students/teachers for Cyber Challenge Day
Study Abroad
Gain global experience
See the world via Williamsport. Take your education abroad and get hands-on experience learning about your industry on a global scale.
More Information
Students must complete all required major courses in the Software Development & Information Management major (those courses with the alpha designator CIT, EET, LAS, and MTH) with a grade of "C" or higher. Additionally, any course approved for use as a Directed BSI Elective must also be completed with a grade of "C" or higher.
Students seeking entrance through transfer into this major should strive to take courses at their respective institutions that provide competency in the following areas: pre-calculus, programming (two semesters minimum - same language preferred); database; Web technologies; networking; Unix and/or Linux. Students transferring from institutions that have articulation agreements with Penn College should seek advisement from their respective institutions. See also, the transfer standards established by the College.
A laptop/notebook computer is required for enrollment in all Information Technology major courses CIT 160 and higher. Laptop specifications
Uniforms and tools are available for purchase through The College Store and Penn State Computer Store .
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.
- Mr. James R Ankers, CISSP, CISA, IT Specialist (INFOSEC), United States Navy
- Mr. Daniel J Clarke, '07, Senior Solutions Architect, Arraya Solutions
- Dr. Todd W Griffith, Chief Technology Officer, Discovery Machine Corporation
- Mr. Brandon J Howe, '01, Sr. IT Analyst, Anadarko Petroleum Corp.
- Dr. Karl M Kapp, Assistant Director, Institute for Interactive Technologies, Bloomsburg University
- Dr. Krish Pillai, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Lycoming College
- Mr. Mark J Watson, '85, Administrative Director, Corporate Information Technology, Susquehanna Health
