Melissa Lopez has a passion to protect the Earth. She wanted to turn this passion into a career, but as a working parent, she had to temporarily put her goal on hold. When she learned about the Bachelor of Science in Energy and Sustainability Policy offered online through Penn State, she decided it was time to pursue her goal again.
“My goal was always just to protect the Earth,” Lopez said. “The energy and sustainability policy program is just a combination of everything, and that’s what I loved about it.”
Now Lopez works as a land and stewardship coordinator at a land conservation organization. She credits her success to hard work, the support of her family and Penn State World Campus for giving her the opportunity to dive deeper into the energy and sustainability field.
Students like Lopez said the degrees in science and technology have helped them attain their goals.
25 years of offering degrees online
This year, Penn State World Campus is celebrating 25 years since it began offering online education. The portfolio has grown to a comprehensive selection of more than 175 degree and certificate programs.
For students wanting to pursue careers in science and technology, Penn State World Campus offers more than 20 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a variety of disciplines, such as information sciences and technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, geospatial science, turfgrass management, sustainability and more.
Penn State World Campus partners with other Penn State colleges and campuses to bring educational opportunities to students across the world. For programs in science and technology, Penn State World Campus partners with the Eberly College of Science, College of Information Sciences and Technology, College of Arts and Architecture, College of Agricultural Sciences, College of Earth and Mineral Sciences and Penn State Great Valley School of Graduate and Professional Studies.
Technology degree helps set up student for success
A Bachelor of Science in Security and Risk Analysis from a Penn State Commonwealth Campus set Joshua D’Ottavio up for success academically and in industry. D’Ottavio continued his education through Penn State World Campus, with a Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security – Information Security and Forensics Option, and is on his way to a third degree through the Doctor of Engineering in Engineering online program.
After retiring from the U.S. Army Infantry, D’Ottavio earned a bachelor’s at Penn State Altoona and wanted to further continue his education. He sought a quality program but didn’t want to commit his time to driving to and from a physical campus because of his work schedule.
“The convenience of being all online for World Campus is what really drew me in. I work remotely, so having the ability to go to school remotely also adds tremendous value,” D’Ottavio said. “There were so many programs, so many classes I was able to choose from to really cater to and home in on what I’m looking to do in the professional world.”
D’Ottavio is a lead engineer for Booz Allen Hamilton, where he works to integrate different systems together for the Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation program for the government. In his position, D’Ottavio works with data analytics, and he said he applies the skills learned in previous courses to help him complete tasks daily.
Course work building on strengths
Daisy Young is using her Master of Applied Statistics online course work in her U.S. Navy civilian career.
Young said she always gravitated toward math and science and math became a connection for her when she moved from Indonesia to the U.S at age 13. She currently works as a mission analyst supporting the Naval Integrated Fire Control Effort.
“The math side of things drew me into being a mission analyst, but what keeps me motivated is the collaboration with physicists, scientists, and engineers. It is all very interesting how we collaborate to conduct research and development,” Young said.
The Master of Applied Statistics is offered online in partnership with the Eberly College of Science. The program course work is designed to build students’ analysis skills through hands-on experience with the latest software programs.
Knowledge applied in the real world
Matthew Duncan is fulfilling his dream of being a Penn State student and furthering his career through a certificate in turfgrass management. Duncan has worked in the turfgrass industry for nearly 30 years including positions as a head groundskeeper for a baseball facility and in NFL field maintenance.
“Making sure fields are safe for athletes has always been a top priority of mine,” he said. “I have the experience. I always wanted to learn the science of what I do.”
When his supervisor asked him about professional development opportunities, Duncan knew he wanted to take college courses through Penn State.
“I always wanted to come here and without World Campus, it just never would have been possible,” Duncan said. “It’s already helping me in my job.”
“It’s been an amazing experience,” Duncan said.
Visit the Penn State World Campus website to learn about the more than 175 degree and certificate programs offered online.