Penn State Shenango is now offering a new Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (IT) degree program.

According to a press release, the degree emphasizes a broad skillset across various areas of the IT field.

Additionally, students in upper-level classes can choose specific advanced options to hone their skills in the discipline of greatest interest to them. These options are as follows:

- Business applications

- Cybersecurity

- Networking

- Specialized technology

Students enrolled in the program will have access to the Information Technology Cybersecurity Center in the college's Forker Laboratory Building. The center features a closed-server environment where students can explore various forms of malware and viruses in a safe and secure way.

It also allows students to work directly with more dangerous software to learn how to understand and stop it. The center opened in Spring of 2024.

Penn State Shenango regional chancellor Carey McDougall is quoted in the release saying these options provide students with the knowledge required to advance in the field.

"Given our hands-on learning environment, connections to industry through field trips, guest speakers, capstone projects and lab facilities at Penn State Shenango, our graduates will have an extremely marketable skillset for employers in the region and beyond," McDougall said.

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows overall employment in computer and IT occupations is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2023 to 2033.

The median average for the group was $104,420 as of May of 2023.

According to the release, the college's Career Services team will work with student to identify and compete with local and national internships in the field to help them pave the pathway for job opportunities upon graduation. 

Those interested in applying for the program can do so by clicking here.