This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2023-2024 VCU Bulletin. This edition includes all programs
and courses approved by the publication deadline; however we may receive notification of additional program
approvals after the launch. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available
in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.
The Certificate in Information Systems is designed for students who hold bachelor’s degrees in fields other than information systems and who wish to continue their education in information systems but are not pursuing a graduate degree at this time. Candidates for the certificate are required to complete a total of 30 hours beyond the bachelor’s degree, including the courses listed below or their equivalents, with a minimum of 24 credit hours of study in information systems to be taken while in the undergraduate certificate program at VCU.
The certificate is designed to provide more than a basic knowledge of information systems. Specifically, persons completing the program are expected to achieve competency in understanding information systems terminology, concepts and principles; computer program design, writing and testing; systems analysis/design through proper application and knowledge of current hardware and software; and planning and carrying out system development and the management of information systems. Students acquiring these skills are well-received in the business community and in governmental organizations.
For additional information, please visit the School of Business website.
Learning outcomes
Upon completing this program, students will know and know how to do the following:
- Apply computer hardware and software knowledge in support of organizational systems
- Apply the appropriate programming language skills to solve the computing requirements appropriate to its solution
- Analyze, design, implement and evaluate a computer-based system, process component or program to meet the desired needs of an organization
- Understand the fundamentals of data management and analyze and build databases to meet organizational needs
- Identify the basic components, functions and types of telecommunications networks (hardware, software, media and services) used in organizations, as well as identify major developments in these technologies and the appropriate applications of them
- Identify the characteristics that affect the choice of IT applications, IT platforms, data access policies and systems-development methods that impact the performance of IS systems in organizations
- Understand basic principles of good project management
Special requirements
Students cannot be accepted into the program until they have completed all the requirements for their bachelor’s degree and have achieved a minimum 2.5 GPA in their undergraduate work.
After acceptance in the program, certificate candidates are required to complete a minimum of 24 credit hours of their program at VCU.
Academic regulations for School of Business post-baccalaureate undergraduate certificates
The School of Business has specific academic regulations that apply to students in the undergraduate certificate program.
INFO 202 is a prerequisite for INFO 350, INFO 364 and INFO 370. MATH 211 is a prerequisite for INFO 350, INFO 364 and INFO 370. INFO 202 and MATH 211 cannot be used as electives within the information systems post-baccalaureate program. Exceptions to prerequisite courses require recommendation of the adviser and permission of the department chair.
Degree requirements for Information Systems, Certificate in (Post-baccalaureate undergraduate certificate)
Required courses (24-credit minimum)1
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BUSN 323 | Legal Environment of Business | 3 |
| INFO 300 | Information Technology Infrastructure | 3 |
| INFO 350 | Programming | 3 |
| INFO 361 | Systems Analysis and Design | 3 |
| INFO 364 | Database Systems | 3 |
| INFO 370 | Fundamentals of Data Communications | 3 |
| INFO 461 | Information Systems Planning and Project Management | 3 |
| INFO 465 | Projects in Information Systems | 3 |
Electives
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Approved upper-level electives | 6 | |
The minimum total of credit hours required for this certificate is 30.
Students who receive waivers for any required courses must complete additional approved upper-level information system electives to total 30 credits.
Sample outline
(Most students are enrolled part time. Students planning full-time enrollment should consult with the program adviser.)
| Year one | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall semester | Hours | |
| INFO 300 | Information Technology Infrastructure | 3 |
| INFO 361 | Systems Analysis and Design | 3 |
| Term Hours: | 6 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| INFO 350 | Programming | 3 |
| INFO 364 | Database Systems | 3 |
| Term Hours: | 6 | |
| Year two | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| BUSN 323 | Legal Environment of Business | 3 |
| INFO 370 | Fundamentals of Data Communications | 3 |
| Term Hours: | 6 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| INFO 461 | Information Systems Planning and Project Management | 3 |
| Approved upper-level elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 6 | |
| Year three | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| INFO 465 | Projects in Information Systems | 3 |
| Approved upper-level elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 6 | |
| Total Hours: | 30 | |
The minimum total of credit hours required for this certificate is 30.