Information Technology Certificate

The undergraduate Information Technology (IT) Certificate online is designed for individuals who are new to IT, career changers, and other professionals moving into entry-level and mid-level positions as systems and business analysts, web design and application developers, technical sales and marketing professionals, quality assurance experts and consultants. 

This program is ideal for individuals who want to advance in the Information Technology industry but who do not have an undergraduate degree. 

Through coursework, you will understand the strategic value of IT to businesses and will gain exposure to the web application development process. You'll learn fundamental industry components such as IT architecture, systems analysis and design, web design, database systems, and more. 

Key Takeaways

• Undergraduate-level certificate
• 18 undergraduate credits / 6 courses
• Average completion time: 18 months
• Start dates: August, January, May
• Gain essential information technology training in a flexible online program

Key Industry Information

Network and Computer Systems Administrators work in a wide range of types of organizations. They install, configure, and maintain organizations’ computer networks and systems.

(Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor: Network and Computer Systems Administrators.)

SCPS’ Program Offers Advantages:

• Flexible programming: with core courses offered regularly, you can stay on your desired learning journey.
• One tuition rate: you’ll pay the same tution whether you reside in Virginia or out-of-state.
• Expert Faculty who understand adult learners: learn from Faculty who are experts in their industries and are experts at teaching. They understand the demands adult learners need to juggle and structure courses so you can balance your personal and professional life while learning.
• Synchronous learning opportunities: you’ll join online classes and can ask questions, dig deeper, and learn from instructors and classmates.

Tuition and Fees

• Estimated cost: $499 per credit hour or $8,982 for the entire program. Students pay per course, per semester.
• Pay the same tuition rate whether you are in-state or out-of-state.
• This program is eligible for Active Duty Military Rate of $250 per credit hour
• This program is not eligible for financial aid but may be covered by your employer’s education benefits program.
• You may take advantage of an optional, interest-free semester-based payment plan offered by the University to help spread the cost of eligible charges over monthly payment.
• Additional fees may apply, including course materials. Tuition rates are adjusted annually.

See Tuition Details

Scholarships

New and returning students in certificate or degree programs in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies are eligible to apply for the Enslaved Ancestors College Access Scholarship Program. 

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

DEADLINE INFORMATION

• To begin in the spring (January): application must be submitted by November 1
• To begin in the summer (May): application must be submitted by April 1
• To begin in the fall (August): application must be submitted by July 1

APPLICATION INFORMATION

This is an undergraduate-level certificate course. Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

To apply:

1. Complete an online application, including:
   1. Submit your unofficial transcripts. Offers of admission are not binding until official transcripts are received and verified.
   2. Application for Virginia In-State Education Privileges to establish residency.

START YOUR APPLICATION

Required Courses (5)

• Current and prospective students may contact scpsinquiry@virginia.edu with questions related to their journey and course schedule. 

IT 3220 - STRATEGIC BUSINESS VALUE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Focuses on how to assess the value of IT investments and align technical strategies with business strategies. Introduces Porter's Five Forces Model, the value chain, technology payoff metrics, and risk analysis. Explores ways to leverage disruptive technologies for competitive advantage.

IT 3230 - BASICS OF WEB DESIGN

Master the basics of website construction, design, and maintenance using XHMTL and CSS. The course provides an overview of aesthetic, business, and technical website design concepts. Attention is also given to the underlying concepts of website design such as navigation for websites, usability, accessibility issues, and the process of putting a completed website online. 

IT 3240 - ENTERPRISE SYSTEMS ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

Applies common frameworks and methodologies to the examination of enterprise system architecture needs. Includes coverage of the systems development life cycle and the methodologies in use characterized by their varying degrees of iteration, structure, and user involvement. Emphasizes analytical and design concepts and related tools such as use cases and Unified Modeling Language.

IT 3400 - DATABASE MANAGEMENT & BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE/ANALYTICS

Learn and apply the fundamentals of relational database modeling and database management systems technology in the development of business information systems. Encompasses entity/relationship diagrams, relational theory, normalization, integrity constraints, the Structured Query Language (SQL), and physical and logical design. Students will also be exposed to core concepts and tools associated with data warehousing. 

IT 4400 - WEB APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT - BUILDING DYNAMIC WEBSITES

This course serves as a capstone course to be taken after all other required courses in the program. Using a project-based approach, students will develop web applications using the PHP scripting language and MySQL databases. Topics include PHP scripting, data-driven interactivity, writing secure PHP programs, and code frameworks. 

Elective Courses (Select 1)

IT 3000 - CLOUD COMPUTING FOUNDATIONS

Provides an overall understanding of cloud computing concepts, independent of specific technical roles. Covers cloud concepts, Amazon Web Services (AWS) core services, security, architecture, pricing, and support. Helps students prepare for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam. 

IT 3350 - AGILE PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Introduces the principles of Agile Project Management and covers the frameworks and practices used by agile teams. Explores innovative ways of gathering requirements, estimation, release planning, performance metrics, and scaling with the Agile Manifesto in mind. Emphasizes software development while applying the principles to any type of project.

IT 3600 - DATA ANALYTICS & DECISION-MAKING

Introduces analytics process from question formulation to data gathering, processing, and decision making; highlights and explores differences among methods using large data sets + case studies from various industries to illustrate and understand concepts. Utilizes statistical software; applies analytical methods through exercises, case study examination, and final project. Prereq: Foundational knowledge of statistics or instructor permission

SEC 3010 - SECURING THE CYBER WORLD

Provides a global perspective on cybersecurity and the impact of cyber threats. Addresses a variety of topics that are all part of the cyber ecosystem, to include current threat trends, defense in-depth techniques, attack case studies, risk management, disaster recovery, security policy, and awareness training. Examines current best practices, compliance requirements, and evolving security architectures.

The information contained on this web site is for informational purposes only. The Undergraduate Record and Graduate Record represent the official repository for academic program requirements.

Meet the Instructors