Certificate in Information Technology

As technology’s role in society increases, people who possess a strong understanding of technology are becoming assets in almost every field. The certificate in information technology (IT) is designed primarily for those who have earned a non-technical bachelor’s degree. The IT certificate allows graduates to augment the knowledge gained through their major-related courses with additional computer and information technology knowledge and skills to improve their attractiveness to employers in the high-technology community. The following, then, are among the goals of a certificate designed to develop basic technological literacy that is desirable in the high technology community:

• The ability to use modern operating systems and an understanding of the concepts underlying modern networks and communication systems.
• The ability to use basic computing applications such as: word processors; spreadsheets; database management systems; and presentation software.
• The ability to use information retrieval tools to gain access to information resources found on both internet and intranet repositories.
• The ability to understand basic programming and data base concepts.

Additional evidence of information technological literacy may include knowledge of strategies that assist in the acquisition of technical tools, skill and comfort in the use of technical hardware and software packages and programs, understanding of the ethical issues related to technology, and an understanding of technology’s impact on society. Information technological literacy also implies increased attention to lifelong learning skills, both for learning new technologies and for managing the vastly expanded and growing information resources made accessible through technology. The IT Certificate is not open to computer science and engineering majors. Students will normally seek admission to the certificate (CERT) with a major in information technology (INFT) as undergraduate transfer students.