Certificate in Information Technology

The Certificate in Information Technology program is designed to give participants the knowledge, skills, and abilities to begin a career in an IT-related field. The certificate addresses the role of IT in organizations and the various technologies comprising the broader area of information technology, and their interworking. A total of seven courses at the graduate level build strong foundation skills in core subject areas and develop analytical, critical, and creative thinking. Elective courses guide students into functional IT subjects, or allow a broader focus, affording students the ability to develop skills necessary to take on the many challenges present in this constantly evolving field.  Students who join the program should expect to acquire the core knowledge and skills needed to understand and assist in the development and management of IT systems.

Requirements

To receive the Certificate in Information Technology from Southern States University, students must successfully complete the four (4) required core courses and three (3) electives for a total of 26 credit hours, which is equivalent to 260 contact hours. Students must complete the requirements within a five (5) quarter period.

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

• Demonstrate a good understanding of the role of IT in organizations and the various technologies comprising the broader area of information technology, and their interworking.
• Demonstrate understanding of the information systems life–cycle.
• Exhibit information systems project management skills.
• Assist in the design a complete IT system with database, networking, and other technologies and tools comprising IT.
• Have the skills necessary to obtain at least an entry-level job in an IT-related position within one year of graduation from the program.

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Tuition & Fees >>

Certificate in Information Technology – Courses

Required Courses (4 courses)                                                  14 Quarter Credits

Electives (Choose 3 courses)                                                12 Quarter Credits

Certificate in IT Program Requirements

ADMISSION RULES AND STANDARDS

Certificate in Information Technology

English Language Proficiency Policy for all Degree-Seeking Students

Regardless of country of birth or citizenship, immigrant or nonimmigrant status, all applicants to Southern States University degree programs must demonstrate English language proficiency.  Demonstration of English language proficiency can be satisfied if the applicant submits a diploma or transcript showing that the applicant has graduated from a government-recognized secondary school (or above) in a system in which English is the official language of instruction.  Otherwise, the applicant will need to meet the minimum English Language Proficiency standard though one of the following:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) result of 61 or above on the iBT (Internet Based Test), 500 or above on the PBT (Paper Based Test),
•  IELTS (International English Language Testing System) result of 5.0 or above.  Test scores more than two years old will not be accepted.
• (For applicants inside the U.S.) Achieve a score of at least 80% on SSU’s English Placement Test (EPT).  This test consists of listening, speaking, reading, and writing sections.
• Have previously studied in an English-medium, USDE-recognized accredited university level program and maintained a minimum 3.0 GPA for Information Technology Certificate program applicants for at least one academic term.

Test scores more than two years old will not be accepted.

Students applying for admission to the graduate Certificate in Information Technology program are required to satisfy the following admission requirements:

• Complete and submit an Application for Admission.
• Submit the non-refundable application fee of $100.
• Provide verification of completion of a Bachelor’s Degree with at least one math course beyond college algebra with a grade of B or better.
• An official transcript of record from a USDE-recognized accredited institution, and submit official transcripts from all other universities or colleges previously attended; if a degree is awarded, transcripts from outside the U.S. must be evaluated by an NACES approved organization (http://www.naces.org/members.htm)
• Submit a written, single-spaced essay of at least 1000 words detailing educational and work history, goals as they relate to education and work history, and the relationship between these goals and future career aspirations.
• Submit two official Letters of Recommendation (professional or academic references only).
• Provide a current resume.