Graduate Degree Programs
E103 Westgate Building | 814-863-0591 | istgradprograms@psu.edu | ist.psu.edu/grad
Penn State’s College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) offers residential Ph.D. and M.S. programs that prepare students for advanced careers at the intersection of information, technology, and society. Students participate in research that spans cybersecurity, data science, human-computer interaction, and social and organizational informatics.
Why consider a graduate degree? » You want to pursue a topic more deeply than your undergraduate degree allowed » You enjoy working on difficult problems and finding solutions that have real-world impact » You want to prepare for a career in research
Admissions Criteria Applicants should have earned or be on track to receive a bachelor’s degree by spring 2024. We welcome applicants from diverse academic backgrounds, including computer science, behavioral sciences, cognitive and brain sciences, engineering, design, information sciences, law, life sciences, health sciences, management, philosophy, science and technology studies, policy, mathematics, statistics, linguistics, and other physical and social sciences. The College of IST reviews graduate applications using several criteria, including academic performance, prior participation in research, writing samples, personal achievements, letters of recommendation, and accomplishments outside of academia. Applicants who have overcome hardships or obstacles as part of their education or who have had unique life experiences are invited to share their stories.
Research at IST Hailing from a variety of academic backgrounds, our faculty are research leaders in the fields of artificial intelligence, big data analytics, cognitive science, data privacy and security, human-computer interaction, IT policy, machine learning, and socio-technical systems. Collaboration both within and beyond our college is a hallmark of IST research. The faculty lead or participate in several interdisciplinary Ph.D. training programs—such as the Biomedical Big Data to Knowledge Training Program and the Bioinformatics and Genomics program funded by the National Institutes of Health, and the Big Data Social Sciences program funded by the National Science Foundation—which offer additional training opportunities for Ph.D. students in Informatics. Beyond the strengths of the IST community, you will benefit from the broader research infrastructure and support of Penn State, a university with research expenditures totaling $1.01 billion in 2020. IST faculty currently manage 77 externally funded awards worth more than $10.5 million.
Application Deadline The deadline for fall 2024 admission is December 15, 2023. Visit ist.psu.edu/grad-exp to apply for admission, review common questions, and access the application.
Graduate Degree Programs Ph.D. in Informatics Engage in cutting-edge research that can be a springboard for a successful career in academia or the private sector. Our graduates hold faculty positions and conduct post-doctoral research at leading higher education institutions, including Harvard University, Columbia University, Michigan State University, Syracuse University, and the University of Illinois. Others work in the private sector for high-profile companies such as Google, Meta, Microsoft, Adobe, IBM, and PayPal. Stipends for Ph.D. Students Ph.D. students in the College of IST are guaranteed funding for their first and second semesters in the form of research assistantships, teaching assistantships, or fellowships. Most doctoral students receive assistantships for the entirety of their graduate studies. Graduate assistantships include a stipend sufficient to cover living expenses, full tuition coverage, and health benefits.
M.S. in Informatics Prepare for advanced career opportunities or doctoral studies with a master’s degree in informatics. Recent graduates hold executive positions in the tech industry or are pursuing doctoral degrees at institutions such as Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Washington, and the University of Colorado.
M.S. in Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations Engage a deeper understanding of cybersecurity analytics and operations by blending education relating to technology, incident response, strategic planning, and crisis management. A master of science degree can lead to career opportunities in industry or serve as preparation for a Ph.D. program.