In today’s information-driven society, people at all levels of an organization need access to data. Data helps us make decisions, supports our strategies, and provides valuable feedback. All of this information must be organized, stored, and protected—which means there’s an increasing demand for information systems professionals.
CGS Difference
This flexible 18 credit certificate is offered in conjunction with Pitt’s School of Computing and Information and can be completed as a standalone professional development opportunity or in preparation for a bachelor’s or master’s degree in an information-related field.
Admission Requirements
Students must meet requirements for admission to the College of General Studies. A certificate application must be completed and returned to the College of General Studies via our online portal.
Prerequisites:
Before applying to this program, students should have completed 1) a college algebra class, and 2) an introductory informations systems course or a programming course, earning a C or better in both.
- Recommended programming courses: INFSCI 0010 Introduction to Information, Systems, and Society, CS 0007 Introduction to Programming with Java, CS 0008 Introduction to Computer Programming with Python, or CS 0004 Introduction to Computer Programming with Visual Basic.
Program Expectations
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Use scientific programming language to introduce information structures such as linked lists, stacks, and queues
- Develop program modules using a current programming language
- Use the theories of data structures and programming language design
Credit Requirements
- The information system design certificate requires 18 credits, including five (5) required courses and one (1) elective.
- Students must achieve a minimum grade of C (2.0) or better for all courses required for the program.
- Credits earned at other accredited educational institutions may be eligible for transfer. However, a minimum of nine (9) credits must be earned at the University of Pittsburgh.
Course Format
Many CGS programs offer a blend of face-to-face and flexible online class formats, all designed to meet our students' needs and schedule constraints.
Online courses are marked with an (●). Courses offered in both face-to-face and online formats are marked with an (#). Courses with no indicator are offered face-to-face only.
Visit the SCI Courses website for detailed course descriptions.
Required Courses: (15 Credits)
| Catalog Number | Title | Credits |
| INFSCI 0017* /CMPINF 0401 | Fundamentals of Object-Oriented Programming / Intermediate Programming (effective Fall 2020) | 3 |
| INFSCI 1022 / 1500 | Database Management Systems / Database MGMT Concepts & Apps (effective Fall 2020) | 3 |
| INFSCI 1024 / 1400 | Analysis of Information Systems (new course number effective Fall 2020) | 3 |
| INFSCI 1044 / 0410 | Human Factors in System Design / Human-Centered Systems (effective Fall 2020) | 3 |
| INFSCI 1070 / 0610 | Introduction to Telecom and Networks / Networks and Information (effective Fall 2020) | 3 |
* Computer Science students may use CS 0401 Intermediate Programming using Java in lieu of INFSCI 0017 Fundamentals of Object-Oriented Programming.
Elective: (3 Credits)
| Catalog Number | Title | Credits |
| INFSCI 1014 | Graphics | 3 |
| INFSCI 1025 | Design of Information Systems | 3 |
| INFSCI 1027 / 1460 | IT Project Management (new course number effective Fall 2020) | 3 |
| INFSCI 1031 | Going Digital: Transformational Change | 3 |
| INFSCI 1052 / 1420 | User-Centered Design (new course number effective Fall 2020) | 3 |
| INFSCI 1059 | Web Programming | 3 |
| INFSCI 1068 / 1550 | Geographic Information Systems / Spatial Information (effective Fall 2020) | 3 |
| INFSCI 1074 / 1620 | Computer Security / Advanced Security and Privacy (effective Fall 2020) | 3 |
| INFSCI 1075 / 1600 | Network Security / Security and Piracy (effective Fall 2020) | 3 |
Tip: Download our handy planning checklist to track your progress towards your CGS program requirements.
| Important: As you plan your certificate coursework, please make sure to review the CGS Course Overlap policy for information on how many courses can be double-counted if a student elects to pursue a CGS certificate in combination with other CGS and non-CGS majors, minors, and certificates. If you have questions, please contact your CGS advisor or CGS Advising at CGSAdv@pitt.edu. |
Requirements subject to change. Check with an academic advisor before registering.