IST announces new information technology ethics and compliance major

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) has announced a new undergraduate degree to guide the creation and use of technology toward fair, just and ethical outcomes. The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Ethics and Compliance (IEC) program is about maximizing technology’s positive effects on society. New and current students can now enroll for the fall 2025 semester. 

“As technology becomes embedded into everyday aspects of life, the need for ethical, thoughtful and socially responsible leadership in information technology has never been greater,” said Andrea Tapia, dean of the College of IST. “From artificial intelligence and data analytics to digital surveillance and cybersecurity, today’s most urgent challenges are as much about people and power as they are about code.” 

Meeting those challenges will require professionals who can navigate complex sociotechnical systems and advocate for justice, equity and the public good, ensuring that design systems support fairness and accountability. 

“This degree program digs deep into examining the roles of information technology in our lives,” said Shomir Wilson, associate professor in the College of IST. “Artificial intelligence, mobile computing, biometrics and many other emerging technologies can help us work and play, but the benefits could come with tradeoffs and those aren’t necessarily evenly distributed.” 

The IEC major will prepare students for careers in advocacy, compliance and other sectors where critical thinking about technology is key. The program will equip them with knowledge and skills in law and policy, business and psychology to understand how technology impacts people, organizations and society. By understanding how history, politics, culture and context shape our interactions, students can create information technology solutions that improve the way people live, work and communicate.  

“I’m excited to be the first instructor in the program teaching ‘Introduction to Social Implications of Information Technology’ this fall,” said Chris Gamrat, assistant teaching professor in the College of IST. “I believe it is important for students to be critical of the intended and unintended consequences of the technology we use today and the news technologies we create for tomorrow.” 

Students will select a focus area, such as business, cybersecurity or health care, or work with their academic adviser to create their own. These focus areas enable students to develop and apply more specialized knowledge in a specific domain.  

Students can talk with their adviser or visit the IEC webpage for more information.