The Certificate in Information Systems prepares students for technical and managerial careers incorporating leading edge technologies. The certificate program introduces students to core information technologies associated with both the social and technical analysis, design, development, implementation and management of systems. In this way, the certificate equips students with a solid foundation that enables them to pursue both technical and managerial careers incorporating leading edge technologies.

The IS curriculum features many hands-on and group problem solving experiences. Most IS classes are held in the Computer Center Building, which houses six advanced technology classrooms with computer systems at the instructor's station and at each student station, as well as advanced video/telecommunication projection systems. These classrooms provide student exposure to a variety of computing platforms, including IBM, Macintosh and SUN (UNIX). In addition, there is a dedicated laboratory available only for advanced IS students that provides access to state-of-the-art hardware and software. A flexible configuration encourages creative use of tools as well as encouraging out-of-class exploration of the Information Highway.

To be admitted to a graduate certificate program, students must have: (1) completed an accredited undergraduate degree program (in any subject) with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, (2) submitted a balanced Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) score of 500 or higher, and (3) provided two letters of recommendation. Occasionally, students may be admitted on "restricted status" if they meet either the undergraduate GPA or the GMAT requirement but fall short on the other. In order to successfully complete a certificate program students must have earned a 3.0 cumulative GPA in certificate classes and, unless otherwise specified, the certificate programs must be completed within six years.

Required Courses: Students must complete six courses as specified below (or appropriate substitutes if course waivers are approved):

IS 5800: Information Systems

IS 6805: Applications of Programming for Business Solutions

IS 6825: Information Systems: Theory and Practice

IS 6840: Information Systems Analysis

IS 6845: Database Management Systems

IS 6850: Information Systems Design

Students will have the opportunity to take additional electives should they desire to do so.

All course prerequisites and all course waivers are applicable. Substitute courses must be approved by the Area Coordinator of the Management Science and Information Systems Area, and the Director of Graduate Studies in Business. In all cases, 18 hours are needed to complete the Graduate Certificate in Information Systems Development. Students should complete the certificate within 3 years from the time they first enroll in the program.