UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State has launched an online version of its undergraduate program that will prepare students to design and develop software applications for use in Web and mobile computing.
Applications are being accepted for the new design and development academic option of the online bachelor of science degree in information sciences and technology. The program is offered fully online through Penn State World Campus and taught by the faculty from the University’s College of Information Sciences and Technology.
Courses will begin in January, the start of Penn State’s spring 2016 semester.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs in IT design and development-related fields are forecast to grow more than 20 percent by the year 2022. The demand is being driven by the increasing needs for software applications that work on mobile and web technology, applications in the health care industry and computer security.
“Students in the program will learn to create usable, reliable software applications that address some of the world’s most pressing problems,” said Steven Haynes, a senior lecturer of information sciences and technology who teaches in the new online program. “Skilled application developers continue to be in very high demand as organizations look for new ways to leverage their investments in Internet and mobile technologies.”
The design and development option consists of 24 credits of the 125-credit bachelor’s degree. In this option, students will use state-of-the-art tools to learn how to understand users’ needs, design and develop software applications, and evaluate the usability and usefulness of different technologies.
Penn State World Campus provides student support services to help adult learners transition to online learning. Among the services are admissions counseling, academic advising, tutoring and career counseling.
“By offering this program online, Penn State World Campus is continuing to expand access to a Penn State degree to people who want a high-quality education but do not live near one of our campuses,” said Karen Pollack, assistant vice provost for undergraduate online and blended programs. “Our online programs were designed with adult learners’ busy schedules in mind, so they can balance their family and job commitments while getting their degree.”
Upon graduation, students will be qualified to work as an application software developer, web developer, cyber-security specialist, in software quality assurance and more.
For more information, visit the Penn State World Campus website.