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Certificate Program in Information Technology

Do you love information technology? IT professionals are in high-demand in multiple industries. This flexible, online certificate allows students to customize their studies in several areas of interest.

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Your Future in Information Technology Starts Here

The need for professionals with a strong information technology background will continue to increase as business, government, schools, and other organizations seek new applications for computers and networks in the workplace. This certificate is designed as an introductory program for those who want to explore a range of information technology subject areas before deciding on an area of specialization. Students gain an overview of information systems, and then focus their studies in areas such as computer programming, database development, and multimedia or web technologies. All of the courses in this program can be counted towards UMass Lowell's A.S. or B.S. in Information Technology Degrees which are also available entirely online or as a mix of online and on campus courses.

Curriculum Outline

- Required Courses: 2
- Electives: 4

Ranked #1: Most Underrated College
Ranked #10 on "Million Dollar ROI" List

Required Courses (2 / 6cr)

Electives (Choose 4 / 12cr)**

Programming Electives

Database Electives

  • INFO.1710 Applications Software: Microsoft Access
  • INFO.3420 Web-Enabled Database Development
  • INFO.4740 Relational Database Concepts

Multimedia/Web Electives

Additional Electives

*Students with appropriate experience can replace the required courses with any of the elective courses.

**Note: This is a partial list of computer elective courses. For the complete list of courses that may be applied as electives to this program, see the Graduate, Online & Professional Studies Course Catalog or browse our site for computer courses with the INFO. prefix, or contact the Faculty and Student Support Center at (978) 934-2474.

Undergraduate Certificate Requirements

Students enrolled in UMass Lowell certificate programs must complete all courses, generally consisting of both required courses and electives. Students are required to maintain a grade point average of 2.0 or better to receive the certificate. All Certificate courses must be completed within a five-year period.

Students can complete the certificate program at their own pace, enrolling in one or two courses each semester. Courses are available throughout the year, during the Fall (September-December), Spring (January-May) and Summer (May-August) semesters.

Certificate Completion

Upon successful completion of the certificate program, students must complete and submit a Certificate Petition Form. Once successful completion of the program is verified, certificates will be mailed to students. Receipt of the certificate will be noted formally on the student's transcript with an award date of October, February or June.

The Benefits of Learning Online with UMass Lowell

UMass Lowell has built a solid reputation by offering one of the largest selections of online programs available through a traditional university. Courses are taught by full-time faculty who are experts in their fields, and by adjunct faculty who, as practicing professionals, bring real-world experience to online class discussions.

We are committed to providing you with high-quality, affordable online programs that make earning your degree or certificate more convenient than ever before. Our students have access to online course technical support 24x7, and our academic advisors are here to help every step of the way.

For More Information

- For additional information on any of our programs, call Graduate, Online & Professional Studies at (978) 934-2474 or email Continuing_Education@uml.edu .
- For information on Financial Aid, call the Financial Aid Office at (978) 934-4220.

Gainful Employment Disclosure Information

Completion rates, median loan debts and program costs are outlined in the Undergraduate Certificate Gainful Employment Disclosure Information.

Course Descriptions

An introduction to internet technologies and how they intersect with social, political, and economic issues. Includes: the history of the internet, how it's presently managed, how information is transferred between servers and clients, collaborative web technologies, search engines, encryption, digital rights management, certificate authorities, phishing and other malware, and privacy concerns. Students will build a basic website using HTML and CSS. 3 credits. Non-CS Majors only
Prerequisites:

Not for CS majors

This course presents the most -up-to-date technology in an ever-changing discipline. It provides an in-depth understanding of the components of the computer systems and mobile devices, application software, mobile apps, system software (including operation systems), digital storage, and communications and networks. The course also teaches the fundamentals of the Internet, digital safety, security, and privacy, as well as Information and Data Management and Information Systems and Program Development. 3 credits.

This introductory course is intended to teach students how to create and manipulate database files using Microsoft Access. Students will learn about database management, relational databases, and the issues that must be considered before creating a database. They will learn how to create a database file with tables, queries, forms and reports. Topics include entering and editing data; sorting, filtering and printing records; extracting information with different types of queries; designing and customizing forms and reports; creating charts and pivot tables; and customizing Access. In addition, they will learn how to use macros to automate a database, and how to exchange Access data with other applications. 3 credits.
Prerequisites:

Requires MS Access 2016; Windows based

This is an intensive hands-on course intended to teach the student basic personal computer skills in a lecture/lab format using MS Office. The student will learn the fundamental concepts of word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation development. 3 credits.
Prerequisites:

Requires MS Office 2016; Windows based

Offers an introduction to the processing of information by computer. Computer logic, memory, input/output processing, and programming in the 'C' language. Students may not receive credit for both the INFO.2110/INFO.2120 sequence and INFO.2670. 3 credit(s). Prerequisite: No previous programming experience required. 3 credits. Students may not receive credit for both the 90.211/90.212 sequence and 90.267
This course qualifies for free MSDNA software!
Prerequisites:

No previous programming experience required

Serves as a continuation of INFO.2110. Additional topics will include pointers, dynamic memory allocation, file handling techniques and libraries. Students may not receive credit for both the INFO.2110/INFO.2120 sequence and INFO.2670. 3 credits. Students may not receive credit for both the 90.211/90.212 sequence and 90.267. This course qualifies for free MSDNA software
Prerequisites:

INFO.2110

This course will focus on developing Windows-based programs using the Visual Basic programming environment. Topics covered will include the use of text boxes, labels, scroll bars, menus, buttons, and the Windows applications. Students should be familiar with the Windows environment and with at least one programming language prior to taking this course. 3 credits.
This course qualifies for free MSDNA software!

Provides participants with an overview of multimedia and its professional applications in training, education, marketing, and entertainment. Scanning images, digitizing video and audio, and exploring the design and production of interactive multimedia are the focus of this class. Includes technical/hardware considerations and production procedures pertinent to interactive multimedia. 3 credits.

Introduces students to the techniques of programming in C. The language syntax, semantics, its applications, and the portable library are covered. This course is not an introductory course in programming. However, it will teach some of the basics in the first few weeks. Students should have a working knowledge of at least one high-level programming language. Students may not receive credit for both the INFO.2110/INFO.2120 sequence and INFO.2670. 3 credits. Students may not receive credit for both the INFO.2110/INFO.2120 sequence and INFO.2670
This course qualifies for free MSDNA software!
Prerequisites:

Previous programming experience

This course will cover the C++ language and show the student how to use the language. We will cover class construction, operator overloading, virtual functions, templates, and introduce the student to the IO streams. Inheritance and its use in creating extendible libraries will be presented. Object-oriented concepts will be presented in the context of the C++ language and its support for object-oriented programming. 3 credits.
This course qualifies for free MSDNA software!
Prerequisites:

P: INFO.2670 or INFO.2120; requires C++ compiler software

This course introduces students to Windows programming. Students learn how to create a Windows application using both native and managed code. Native programming which allows us to create fast applications and managed code which is core of the .NET is compared and contrasted throughout the course. Course topics and hands-on exercises will cover: creating variety of windows, internet programming, creating Web services, using and creating databases and database programming and database connectivity, multi-threaded programming, dynamic link libraries (dlls). Course will discuss interoperability with other languages (C# and VB) and with other software. 3 credits.
This course qualifies for free MSDNA software!
Prerequisites:

INFO.2680

Addresses manipulating and maintaining files within the UNIX file system; creating and editing text files using the vi and ed editors; using pipes, redirection, and filters; using advanced text processing utilities; using electronic mail; writing and debugging shell scripts; submitting and executing processes. 3 credits.

Teaches the students the techniques of programming in the high-level programming language of the Bourne, Korn, and BASH Shells. The course covers the building blocks necessary to create portable shell scripts that can be used as new utilities for computers running either UNIX, Linux, or the Cygwin environment on Windows. 3 credits.
Prerequisites:

INFO.3110, and INFO.2670 or INFO.2120

This course expands on the topics introduced in the Relational Database Concepts course. Using the Linux operating system, the PHP scripting language, and the Postgresql relational database, students will develop modern internet applications, such as online catalogs, discussion areas, and auction sites. (Formerly Relational Database Integration) 3 credits.
Prerequisites:

INFO.4740.

Intended as a practical problem-solving course, to give students further exposure to the topics covered in 90.267 and to provide the tools needed for software development. The course emphasizes these aspects of the programming problem-solving process: problem specification and organization; algorithms, coding, debugging; the elements of good programming style; and the means of producing a high-quality finished product. Programming examples are chosen to span a wide range of both numeric and nonnumeric applications. 3 credits.
This course qualifies for free MSDNA software!
Prerequisites:

INFO.2120 or INFO.2670; requires Ansi C/C++ compiler software

This course discusses basic data communication concepts; digital and analog signaling; media and cabling systems; the OSI reference model; Physical and Data Link layer; LAN standards; Ethernet, Token Ring, FDDI, Switched technologies, emerging LAN standards; Bridges and Routers; and Network operating systems. 3 credits.
Prerequisites:

INFO.2670 or previous programming Experience

Introduces database directives, design elements of databases, architectures, and commercial databases. Students will participate in design of a large-scale database application and administration of this database. Prerequisite; 90.267 3 credits.
This course qualifies for free MSDNA software!
Prerequisites:

INFO.2670

Tuition & Fees

At UMass Lowell, we believe that students should have as much information as possible up front so they can make informed decisions before enrolling in a degree program or signing up for a course.

Tuition for UMass Lowell Online & Continuing Education students is the same for both in-state and out-of-state students. Tuition is priced per credit. To calculate the tuition for a course, simply multiply the per-credit tuition by the total number of credits per course. Exception: If the total number of course contact hours is greater than the total number of credits, the per-credit tuition is instead multiplied by the total number of contact hours.

Fall 2019 Tuition

 Per Credit / Contact Hour
Undergraduate Face-to-Face Courses and Audit $340.00
Undergraduate Online Courses and Audit (except Manning School of Business* Undergraduate Online Courses and Audit) $380.00
Manning School of Business* Undergraduate Online Courses and Audit $385.00
Graduate Online and Audit (except Manning School of Business* Online, MBA in Haverhill, Master's in Information Technology, Master's in Engineering Management, and Education Courses) $575.00
Manning School of Business* Graduate Online Courses $655.00
MBA Graduate Courses in Haverhill $655.00
Master's in Information Technology and Master's in Engineering Management** Online Courses $590.00
Graduate Education Online Courses $470.00
Cost per credit includes access fee (parking after 3 p.m. and access to Blackboard).

*Applies to courses with the following prefixes: ACCT, BUSI, ENTR, FINA, MGMT, MKTG, MIST, POMS offered through the Manning School of Business
**Applies to courses with the following prefixes: CHEN, CIVE, EECE, MECH, PLAS offered through the Francis College of Engineering

Additional Fees
Registration Fee per Term (nonrefundable) $30.00
Late Fee for Nonpayment $50.00
Fee for Undergraduate Degree Application $60.00
Fee for Graduate Degree Application $50.00

Looking for Financial Assistance?

UMass Lowell offers a variety of financial aid and scholarship options.
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Registration

Current students can register using SiS Self-Service. New students who have not already applied and been accepted to a program must use the Non-Degree Registration Form.

You can take courses without being officially enrolled in a certificate or degree program, but you must meet course prerequisites. Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Class size is limited. We recommend that you register early to reserve your place in class.

For more information, please visit our Registration Page.

Transfer Policy

With the program coordinator's approval, one course may be transferred from another accredited institution to satisfy undergraduate certificate program requirements. The course should be equivalent to UMass Lowell instruction, applicable to the intended program, and the student must have received a grade equivalent to a C- (1.70 on a 4.00 scale) or better.

Academic Advising

Program Coordinators and Faculty and Student Support Specialists are available by appointment to help students determine appropriate course loads, discuss admission requirements, and review the transferability of courses. For online advising, email us at Continuing_Education@uml.edu. To schedule an appointment with a Program Coordinator or Faculty and Student Support Specialist, please call Graduate, Online & Professional Studies at (978) 934-2474. General academic advising is also available at the Faculty and Student Support Center on a drop-in basis, located in Southwick Hall, Room 203 on UMass Lowell North. Call (978) 934-2474 or stop by the office Monday through Thursday between 8:30am-8:00pm and on Friday between 8:30am-5:00pm.

New Students

If you have not already applied and been accepted to a program.
Register with Non-Degree Reg. Form

Current Students

If you have applied, been accepted to and are currently enrolled in a program.
Register with SIS Self-Service

Questions?

Email our Advising Center for assistance, or call 800-480-3190 to speak with an advisor.

Please Note: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented within this website, the Division of Graduate, Online & Professional Studies reserves the right to implement new rules and regulations and to make changes of any nature in its program, calendar, locations, tuition and fees. Whenever possible, appropriate notice of such changes will be given before they become effective. In registering for courses, each student assumes full responsibility for knowledge of and compliance with the definitions, regulations, and procedures for the University as set forth in our Academic Policies & Procedures and on the main UMass Lowell website.

Applying into an Undergraduate Certificate Program

Apply to an undergraduate certificate program using the Online Application Form or by printing and completing the Undergraduate Certificate Application Form in .pdf file format. Applicants will be required to have either their official high school transcript, HiSET®, GED® or their most recent college transcript if applicable, sent to Graduate, Online & Professional Studies at the address below. Applications, transcripts, and other correspondence should be sent to:

University of Massachusetts Lowell
Division of Graduate, Online & Professional Studies
GPS Admissions - Southwick Hall, Rm 203
1 University Avenue
Lowell, MA, 01854

Undergraduate certificate applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and there is no fee to apply. Upon acceptance, notification will be sent to students.

Apply Online

Questions Regarding Your Undergraduate Application?

Email OCE_Admissions@uml.edu or call (978) 934-2474.

For General Assistance:

Call the Advising Center at (978) 934-2474 or (800) 480-3190. Our academic advisors are here to help!

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Fees

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and there is no fee to apply. Upon acceptance, notification will be sent to students.

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