Information System Design Certificate
Build the technical skills to organize, protect, and design the information systems that modern organizations depend on. Develop a working foundation in programming, databases, networks, and systems analysis that applies across private industry, government, and nonprofit organizations.
The certificate is offered by the College of General Studies in collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Computing and Information
Certificate at a Glance
Gain a technical foundation in programming, databases, networks, and systems analysis that you can apply in any organization that builds, buys, or manages information systems.
Complete six courses, including five required core courses and one approved elective.
Courses build on one another and follow prerequisite requirements, so early planning matters.
Finish in as little as two to three terms, or at a pace that fits your schedule.
Pursue the certificate on its own or alongside a Pitt degree to add a documented technical credential.
Who Should Participate
For Students
- Students already enrolled in the College of General Studies who want a technical complement to a non-technical major.
- Students who have completed algebra and basic programming and want a structured next step in computing and information.
- Students considering further study or a career in information technology, data, or systems analysis.
For Professionals & Career Changers
- Employees who support or administer information systems and want formal credentials to match their on-the-job experience.
- Professionals in business, government, or nonprofit roles who need to work confidently with databases, networks, and technical teams.
- Managers who commission or evaluate information systems and want to understand how they are designed and secured.
Program Expectations
Through this certificate, you will develop the knowledge and skills to:
Design & Analyze Systems
Analyze organizational information needs and design systems that meet them, using human-centered and user-centered methods.
Work with Data & Networks
Build and query databases and understand how networks move, store, and expose information.
Program with Purpose
Write and read code well enough to build solutions and collaborate effectively with development teams.
Apply Skills Broadly
Transfer what you learn to private industry, government, and nonprofit settings wherever information systems are built, bought, or managed.
Program Requirements
- The Information System Design Certificate requires 18 credits (six courses), including 15 credits of required core courses and three credits of electives.
- Students should have completed coursework in algebra and have basic programming experience before beginning the certificate.
- Courses are sequenced and must be taken in order of prerequisite, so students should plan their course sequence with an advisor early in the program.
- Students must achieve a minimum grade of C (2.0) or better for all courses required for the program.
How to Declare
To pursue the Information System Design Certificate, students must meet the admission requirements for the College of General Studies and complete an online application with CGS.
Learn More and ApplyCurriculum
Complete 18 credits through five required core courses and one approved elective. Courses are sequenced and follow prerequisite requirements, and offerings vary by term.
Required Courses: 15 credits
Complete all five courses.
Electives: 3 credits
Choose one course from the list of approved electives below.
Students must meet all relevant course prerequisites. Course offerings and schedules are set by the School of Computing and Information.
Resources & Flexible Options
Course Schedules
Certificate courses are offered on campus and may be completed part-time or full-time. Review current School of Computing and Information offerings as you plan each term.
View SCI Course SchedulesPlanning Resources
Use the Information System Design Certificate Checklist (PDF) to plan your courses and monitor your progress toward completing the certificate.
Download Checklist (PDF)Pitt Opportunities
Put your technical skills into practice and connect with research, student organizations, and career resources across the School of Computing and Information.
SCI Labs, Centers, and Institutes »
Explore research labs working on databases, networks, geoinformatics, human-centered systems, and machine learning within the School of Computing and Information.
Security Assured Information Systems (LERSAIS) »
Connect with Pitt’s security and information assurance lab, designated a National Center of Academic Excellence by the NSA and the Department of Homeland Security.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities »
Join faculty-mentored projects through the Network of Undergraduate Researchers (NOUR)
Questions
CGS Advising
College of General Studies
University of Pittsburgh
Contact CGS Advising
Note: Requirements are subject to change. Check with an academic advisor before registering.