Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Information Systems
The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Information Systems is designed for individuals who desire an extensive knowledge of information systems and hold bachelor's degrees in other fields. Graduates are expected to achieve competency in understanding information systems terminology, concepts, and principles; computer program design, writing, and testing; systems analysis/design through proper application and knowledge of current hardware and software; database management systems; planning and carrying out system development; and the management of information systems.
Successful completion of the program provides numerous employment opportunities within business and government organizations as programmers, systems analysts, software analysts and network analysts. Additionally, depending upon the particular mix of electives chosen, graduates are well qualified to sit for the Certificate in Data Processing and Registered Professional Programmer Examinations given under the auspices of the Data Processing Management Association..
Curriculum
Candidates for the certificate are required to complete a total of 30 hours beyond the bachelor's degree. This equates to seven required courses and then choose a three course track. Because of prerequisites, you should not expect to take 12 credit hours each semester. Thus, the certificate will take at least three (3) semesters to complete.
A minimum of 24 credit hours of study in information systems to be taken at VCU. Students admitted to the Certificate Program in Information Systems must meet a 2.50 cumulative grade-point average (CGPA). Additional requirements are listed in the Graduate and Professional Programs Bulletin.
Prerequisites
Either EBUS/INFO 202 Introduction to E-business Technologies, INFO 250 Introduction to Programming, or the equivalent knowledge, is a prerequisite for INFO 350. EBUS/INFO 202 cannot be used as an elective within the major of Information Systems, but may be used in the Business Foundation Program under the category “Business and/or non-business Electives.”
Required Courses
Required Courses |
|||
| INFO 300 | Computer Hardware and Software | 3 hours | |
INFO 350 |
Intermediate Programming | 3 hours | |
INFO 360 |
Business Information Systems | 3 hours | |
INFO 361 |
Systems Analysis & Design | 3 hours | |
INFO 364 |
Database Systems | 3 hours | |
INFO 370 |
Data Communications | 3 hours | |
INFO 465 |
Projects In Information Systems | 3 hours | |
|
Total Required Credits: |
|
21 hours |
Approved Tracks in Information Systems
Students must also complete one three course Track in an approved area. The approved tracks are Application Development, Network Management, and Business Analysis.
Business Analysis Track
The Business Analysis Track focuses on developing comprehensive approaches to information systems development as part of organizational planning. Consequently, a solid background in the functional areas of business is required. Students enrolled in the BS program satisfy this requirement. Otherwise, Students must demonstrate appropriate work experience.
Business Analysis Track |
Credits |
||
INFO 461 |
Information Systems Planning |
3 hours |
|
INFO 463 |
Business Process Engineering | 3 hours | |
INFO 468 |
Information Engineering |
3 hours |
|
|
Total Credits: |
|
9 hours |
Application Development Track
The application development track is intended for those students interested in the development of object-oriented, graphic user interface (GUI) based, distributed applications. These include internet based E-Business applications with GUI front ends and database back ends.
Application Development Track Courses |
Credits |
||
INFO 450 |
Advanced Programming |
3 hours |
|
INFO 451 |
Java Support for E-Business | 3 hours | |
ApprovedElective |
|
3 hours |
|
|
Total Credits: |
|
9 hours |
Elective Courses for Application Development Track:
ACCT 205 Introductory Accounting Survey
INFO 461 Information Systems Planning
INFO 472 LAN Administration
INFO 474 Internetworking and TCP/IP
INFO 491 Topics in Information Systems
INFO 492 Independent Study
INFO 493 Internship
Network Management Track
The network management track is intended for those students interested in the implementation and management of local and wide area networks. It emphasizes the network aspects of the implementation environment.
Network Management Track Courses |
Credits |
||
INFO 472 |
LAN Administration |
3 hours |
|
INFO 474 |
Internetworking and TCP/IP | 3 hours | |
ApprovedElective |
3 hours | ||
|
Total Credits: |
|
9 hours |
Elective Courses for Network Management Track:
ACCT 205 Introductory Accounting Survey
INFO 450 Advanced Programming
INFO 451 Java Support for E-Business
INFO 461 Information Systems Planning
INFO 491 Topics in Information Systems
INFO 492 Independent Study
INFO 493 Internship