Penn College NOW – Information Technology

Penn College NOW is a program which allows students to take leading edge college classes while in high school that prepare them for an exciting career in Electronics. High school students can get a head start on college by taking these classes at their high school.

Penn Collge NOW students have a definite advantage:

When they enroll in Penn College NOW classes, students will earn college credits and the credits and grades are placed on a Penn College transcript. The grades the student earns in the Penn College NOW courses become part of the permanent college record and grade point average of the student. In addition, this college transcript may allow the Penn College NOW courses to transfer to other colleges. (The transferability of a course to a college other than Penn College is determined by the college where the student enrolls, not by Penn College.)

Just like any other college student, a student enrolled in Penn Collge NOW will be held to the same criteria as on-campus Penn College students. Each course is exactly the same course that is taught at Penn College, so the tests will be harder, the class work more rigorous and the projects will be more extensive than other high school courses. These students must adhere to the Penn College policies including those that reference course prerequisites, placement testing requirements, academic dishonesty and dropping or withdrawal from their course(s).

Penn College NOW students are introduced to the role of being a college student.  Knowing that a course can “count” on a college transcript can motivate students to achieve.  Students see a clear connection between what they are studying and their career goals and are ready to make the transition to a college campus after high school.

Penn College NOW Courses offered for Information Technology:

CSC110 - Introduction to Information Technology
Study includes all curricular areas with a broad background of computing fundamentals and an awareness of how and where information technology is currently being implemented. Computing terminology, hardware and software concepts, computer security, modern digital computers, new computer applications, how information technology is changing our society, and ethical use of computer information systems will be covered. In addition to computing theory, students will acquire basic skills in operating systems, networking, word processing, spreadsheets, and bibliographic research. Introduction to a variety of applications and environments; these will change with the emergence of new technologies. Prior keyboarding skills would be helpful. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): Placement by Examination.

CIT150 - Introduction to Web Page Development
This course offers an introductory coverage of the Internet and online Web technologies. Students will learn how to plan, create, and maintain static web pages. (Formerly CSC150) 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Corequisite(s): CSC110.

CIT160 - Introduction to Programming
An introduction to problem solving techniques,elementary programming, and an application of these techniques to develop structured programs. A current high-level language is used to illustrate the implementation phase of program development. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): MTH006 or Placement by Examination.

CIT171 - Introduction to Networking
An introduction to networking structure, terminology, current and emerging technologies, and the World Wide Web as an integrating framework. Topics to be covered include TCP/IP, Security Concepts, Wireless Networks, and Network Virtualization. Emphasis is placed on applications of networking to the Web and Programming. (Formerly CIT 170) 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): MTH006 or Placement by Examination.

CIT180 - Introduction to Database
Introduction to creating and using simple databases. Topics include basic terminology, database tools, data security, design concepts, query functions, and importing/exporting data. A selected database application is used to illustrate the database concepts. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): CIT160.

Program Sequence

After graduating and successfully completing the high school portion of the Penn College NOW program, an eligible student may enter Pennsylvania College of Technology, a special mission affiliate of Penn State, with up to 15 credits toward any of four Information Technology associate degrees:  Cisco® Technology Emphasis (CI),  Network Technology  (NW), Technical Support Technology  (TU), Web and Applications Technology Emphasis (WT).

Following the awarding of the associate’s degree, the student can begin one of the Information Technology bachelor’s degrees:  Information Technology Security Specialist Concentration (BSS), Network Specialist Concentration (BNW) or Web and Applications Development Concentration (BWD) as a college junior.  These articulated programs give students several attractive educational options. 

Penn College NOW Secondary Partners:

Jersey Shore Area School District
Keystone Central School District
Lycoming Career and Technology Center
Milton Area School District
Montgomery Area School District
Schuylkill Technology Center
Sullivan County School District
SUN Area Career and Technology Center
Williamsport Area School District