UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Vinayak Jayaprakash wants to inspire his peers in the Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST). A fifth-year integrated undergraduate-graduate (IUG) student, he’s on track to receive his master’s degree in informatics in spring 2025 and encourages current and prospective students to consider following a similar path.
“Thanks to the IUG program and two internships, I have gained valuable experiences that have greatly contributed to my academic and professional growth,” Jayaprakash said. “I am eager to share my journey and insights on achieving success within the College of IST.”
IUG degree programs offer undergraduate students the benefits of graduate education and provide access to the resources of the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School at Penn State. IUG students are introduced to graduate faculty and the rigors of graduate study.
IST offers nine IUG programs that allow academically talented undergraduate students to pursue a bachelor’s and master’s degree at the same time, making it possible to complete the two degrees in five years.
“Students who are normally ahead in their studies and on track to graduate early have the ability to start a master’s degree program in their fourth year,” said David Fusco, associate teaching professor and director of master’s programs for the college. “The advanced topics covered in their master’s degree program can be taken earlier in their academic career, giving them an advantage in their pursuit of an internship.”
Internships are important in the College of IST — every undergraduate student is required to complete at least one, and more than 60% complete multiple internships. Further, 84% of IST students, Jayaprakash among them, receive a job offer from an internship provider.
“My internship experiences at Deloitte and EY played a significant role in my decision to enroll in the IUG program,” Jayaprakash said. “Working in those fast-paced environments, I realized the importance of advanced technical skills and strategic thinking in consulting. The IUG program offered a unique opportunity to deepen my knowledge in informatics while accelerating my education, enabling me to bring more value to my future roles.”
Jayaprakash knew when he came to Penn State that he would major in information sciences and technology.
“The bachelor’s degree program stood out for its comprehensive curriculum that perfectly balances technical and industry-focused education,” he said. “The opportunity to build a solid foundation in information sciences and technology while also gaining insights into organizational dynamics, through courses like organizational structure, convinced me that the College of IST was the ideal choice for my academic and career goals.”
Jayaprakash was at the beginning of his third year when he learned about the IUG program. He worked with IST’s Office of Graduate Programs to develop a course plan that effectively combined his undergraduate and graduate courses to ensure that his credits would count for both.
“The standard number of credits for a master’s degree is 30,” Fusco said. “But because an IUG student can ‘double count’ two undergraduate courses and two graduate courses, they can complete their graduate studies with 24 credits.”
For Jayaprakash, this tailored approach allowed him to align his academic goals with a clear path to advanced study, making the IUG program a key part of his Penn State experience. He encourages other undergraduate students to look into pursuing a graduate degree.
“My advice for prospective and current IST students is to take full advantage of the resources and opportunities available within the program,” he said. “Don’t hesitate to seek out internships or research opportunities early on, as these experiences can greatly enhance your understanding of the field and help intertwine your understanding of classroom knowledge with real-world problems. Finally, be open to exploring different areas within IST — this will not only broaden your skill set but also help you discover what you’re truly passionate about.”
Jayaprakash — who is actively involved in the Graduate Student Association in Information Sciences and Technology (GIST) — also recommends seeking out student engagement opportunities.
“GIST has provided me with valuable opportunities to connect with peers and contribute to the broader IST community,” he said. “Through my involvement, I’ve been able to build strong relationships with other graduate students, collaborate on projects, and participate in events that enhance both my academic and professional growth.”