Acquire the knowledge and skills needed to meet evolving IT challenges in integration, security, and business continuity. This STEM-designated program is designed for information technology professionals who want to move into a leadership or management position within the IT field.
- Work with local companies and faculty on research projects through the Insights Lab, Do iT Lab, and Smart Systems Research Group.
- Pursue your degree at your own pace, completing in as little as two years if attending part-time.
- Complete full-time within 12-18 months.
- Become a part of the more than 750,000 Penn State alumni across the world.
- Courses taught by world-class faculty and industry experts.
- GRE not required.
- Program is STEM-designated.
Program Advantages
- Prepare for a career in data visualization, security, cloud computing and storage, and more.
- Learn essential technical and leadership skills.
- Partner with alumni and local employers on relevant projects while fostering industry connections, networking, and job opportunities.
- Navigate problems that span a variety of industries.
- Immerse yourself in small classes and develop meaningful relationships with faculty and classmates who are business professionals and managers in the private and public sectors.
- Engage with faculty actively involved in key research areas like blockchain, applied machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT), smart services, smart systems, cybersecurity, data mining, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
- Take advantage of Career Management Services, which offers a variety of programs, resources, and networking opportunities for students and graduates.
- Benefit from a STEM designated program, allowing 36 months total of Optional Practical Training (OPT).
- Ability to simultaneously pursue another degree as part of the concurrent degree program.
Flexibility & Delivery
The Master of Science in Information Science features two delivery options: hybrid delivery or fully online.
Hybrid
Hybrid delivery combines flexibility with the advantages of in-person instruction on our state-of-the-art campus. Courses are delivered in convenient, seven-week sessions via an in-person/online hybrid format. Many of these courses meet once a week in person and once a week online. Some courses may be delivered fully online.
Hybrid courses meet requirements for international students studying on an F-1 or J-1 visa.
Fully Online
To learn about our fully online delivery option, visit the Master of Science in Information Science via World Campus.
Stackable Credentials
Demonstrate your new skills prior to earning your master’s degree through our stackable Graduate Certificates. You can earn the following certificates within the curriculum of the MS in Information Science.
Business Process Integration
A 9-credit certificate covering skillsets including business process management, integration patterns, IT systems management, and continuation integration and deployment.
Cyber Threat Analytics and Prevention
A 12-credit graduate certificate on cyber security, IT systems architecture, information assets, and data management and privacy.
IT Analytics Certificate
A 9-credit certificate covering IT analytics, socio-technical IT systems, and predictive analytics.
Curriculum
The 33-credit degree offers a balance of information systems and management theories, delving into:
- Information system architecture
- Big data and IT emerging technologies
- IT integration and business operations and continuity support
- Cybersecurity, protection, and prevention
- Enterprise IT solution design
- Enterprise digital transformation
The program culminates with a research experience that brings together theoretical and practical experience in an exploratory format.
Recent projects include automatically generating text and audio captions for video indexing and improved accessibility, predicting the taste of small molecules through advanced deep learning algorithms, classifying negative online behavior, enhancing business automation, and more.
Penn State Great Valley Rankings
In U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 "Best Online Programs," Penn State Great Valley is ranked:
- #3 in Master’s in Engineering programs
- #5 in Master's in Engineering Management (specialty ranking)
- #7 in Master’s in Computer Information Technology programs
In U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 "Best Online Programs for Veterans," Penn State Great Valley is ranked:
- #2 in Master’s in Engineering programs
- #4 in Master’s in Computer Information Technology programs
