Information Technology: Information Assurance and Security Concentration
This major prepares students to assess the security needs of computer and network systems, recommend safeguard solutions, and manage the implementation and maintenance of security devices, systems, and procedures. The curriculum includes instruction in computer architecture, programming, and systems analysis; networking; telecommunications; cryptography; security system design; applicable laws and regulations; risk assessment and policy analysis; contingency planning; user access issues; investigation techniques; and troubleshooting. The Information Assurance Courseware Evaluation (IACE) Program has reviewed this curriculum and has validated that Penn College courses meet all of the elements of the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS) National Training Standard for Information Systems Security (INFOSEC) Professionals, NSTISSI No. 4011. Additionally, this program was developed to meet the requirements of CNSSI 4013 for System Administrators, NSTISSI 4015 for System Certifiers, and CNSSI 4016 for Risk Analysis.
Program Specs
- Application/Major Code: BIS – view in catalog
- School: Business & Computer Technologies
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
About the curriculum
Classes
View the classes you will be attending in the College Catalog.
Accreditation & Industry Connections
- Meets all of the elements of the National Training Standard for Information Systems Security (INFOSEC) Professionals, NSTISSI No. 4011
- Was developed to meet the requirements of CNSSI 4013 for System Administrators , NSTISSI 4015 for System Certifiers, and CNSSI 4016 for Risk Analysts
- Operates on an A,B,C,F grading scale for all major (IAS) courses, as well as CIT 335 and CIT 430
Special Purpose Labs
Our IT majors are supported by four special purpose computing labs (networking, IT security, GNU/Linux, and Mac OS), with advanced video cards and industry standard software packages. Our lab coordinator also maintains a Linux-based Apache Web server, an Oracle database server, and several GNU/Linux servers.
After graduation
List of jobs via the College Catalog.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Median annual wages of network and computer systems administrators were $66,310 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $51,690 and $84,110. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $41,000, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $104,070.
Industries with the highest published employment and wages for this occupation are:
| Industry | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|
| Management of companies and enterprises | 70,680 |
| Computer systems design and related services | 70,490 |
| Wired telecommunications carriers | 66,950 |
| Colleges, universities, and professional schools | 57,380 |
| Elementary and secondary schools | 56,320 |
*Statistics reported in May 2009
Internship Recommendation
Read more about the recommended internship.
Special Admissions Requirement
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.
Performance Standards
Transfer Procedures
View general transfer procedures via the College Catalog.
Tools, Uniforms & Supplies
LAPTOP REQUIREMENT: laptop/notebook computer required for enrollment in IAS major courses. Specifications
Uniforms and tools are available for purchase through The College Store and Penn State Computer Store
Clubs & Activities
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Student Chapter
Gamers' Guild
View the entire student organizations listing or Greek Life listing.
Information Technology Advisory Committee
Advisory committees, which act as recommending bodies to the faculty and administration, consist of in-field professionals who act as partners in the development of curriculum. Their curricular and equipment advice as well as their industry connections and internship opportunities are invaluable to our students and to the growth of our institution.
