University of Pittsburgh

Certificates Information System Design: Undergraduate This innovative 18-credit program responds to the increasing industry demand for information system professionals. This multi-faceted certificate can be a completed as a stand-alone continuing education program or serve as preparation for a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree. Many of the course options are available in the evenings, on Saturdays, at satellite locations, or through external studies. Who should participate:

Professionals in another field who wish to enter the information management field
Individuals currently working in the technology field who want or need more formal training in order to progress in their careers
People wanting to prepare for a master's degree in information sciences (MSIS)

Upon completion of this certificate, participants will be able to: Use scientific programming language to introduce information structures such as linked lists, stacks, and queues

Develop program modules using C++
Utilize the theories of data structures and programming language design

These competencies may be applied to positions, such as:

system designer, database developer, database manager, interactive system designer, expert system designer, information retrieval specialist, network designer, database marketer, or administrator who advises and implements technology purchases and upgrades

This certificate is applicable to such fields as:
banking, health care, library science, judicial systems, communication, education, agriculture, private industry, and government.

Admission requirements Students must meet requirements for admission to the College of General Studies. For admissions guidelines and application, click here . A certificate application form must be completed and returned to a Learning Solutions academic consultant.

Students must complete a college algebra course or its equivalent and Introduction to Information Science (INFSCI 0010), earning a "C" grade or better in both courses before progressing to the certificate curriculum.

Fees and Tuition

If employed, check with your company's human resources office to see if you qualify for company tuition benefits. Current tuition rates are available at http://www.ir.pitt.edu/tuition/ . Financial Aid information is available at www.pitt.edu/~oafa/fahome.html . Information about billing and payment options is available at www.bc.pitt.edu/students .

Obtaining the Certificate
To receive the certificate, you must fill out an application with your advisor prior to completing your last term in the program. Check with your advisor for the application filing form and deadline, and be sure all requirements for the certificate have been met. To avoid a late fee, you should complete this proc-ess when registering for the term.

Curriculum (18 credits)

Many courses are offered in the evenings, on Saturdays, and at off-campus locations. Click here to check the University schedule of classes for courses offered each term. (Not all courses are offered every term.)

For course schedule and descriptions
For most undergraduate classes offered by the School of Arts and Sciences, College of General Studies, and College of Business Administration, visit:

http://www.courses.as.pitt.edu/

Students must complete a total of 18 credits as follows.

Required Courses All courses are three credits

Data Structures and Programming Techniques
INFSCI 0015

Programming Design and Software Tools
INFSCI 0020

Telecommunications
INFSCI 1004

Database Management Systems
INFSCI 1022
or
Information System Analysis and Design
INFSCI 1024

Human Information System Processing
INFSCI 1042
or
Human Factors in System Design
INFSCI 1044

Information Storage and Retrieval
INFSCI 1030
or
Human/Computer Interaction
INFSCI 1052

Electives School of Information Sciences

The School of Information Sciences was ranked third in the country by U.S. News & World Report in March 1999 and again in April 2000. The school educates information professionals for a wide range of specializations in the information field. Programs involve an interdisciplinary course of study that includes such diverse areas as communications, computer science, linguistics, mathematics, philosophy, and psychology.

Learning Solutions

Learning Solutions provides adult and continuing education programs that are designed to address changing employer and student needs. The high-quality, flexible programs include degree completion, certificates and enrichment courses. Learning Solutions provides a single point of access to innovative programs and services of the College of General Studies and other schools of the University of Pittsburgh that both enrich lives and promote the economic health of the region.