Metropolitan School of Professional Studies

(This is a revised/updated program. Students may click here for the "old" MIS Certificate requirements, ).

Overview

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 8 out of the top 10 jobs projected to grow the fastest between 2000 and 2010 will be computer-related occupations. The prospects for information technology (IT) workers in the D.C. area are particularly strong. Washington, D.C. has more high-tech workers and companies than any other region (Washington Board of Trade), and sales from IT firms headquartered here represent 11% of the total IT industry (The Potomac Knowledgeway). Program participants are ensured of a particularly relevant education, as the certificate course work is patterned on curriculum guidelines developed by three premier IT associations - the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), the Association for Information Systems (AIS), and the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) - and endorsed by five others.

Who would most benefit?

CUA's Certificate in Information Technology provides an ideal education to those interested in developing a career in information technology, or to those who just want to become familiar with the technology available to, and used by, organizations. Those who already hold a bachelor's degree in a non-technical area will find that the program provides them with a background similar to that received by graduates of bachelor's programs in information technology, which is the academic background most desired by IT employers. Students who ultimately want to pursue a bachelor's degree at MSPS will typically be able to apply credits earned through the certificate program toward degree requirements.

Requirements

To earn the Certificate, students must complete ten courses (30 credits) with a grade of "C" or better. Students are expected to enter the program with adequate knowledge of basic computer concepts and microcomputer applications (MS Office Suite), or they will be required to complete prerequisite courses (i.e., "Introduction to Computers" and "Microcomputer Applications I/II"). Students who have already completed similar courses at other institutions may apply for transfer credit, but they must take a minimum of eight courses at CUA to be eligible for the certificate.

Schedule

Courses are offered in the evenings, in a blend of traditional, accelerated formats, and online formats. Each course typically meets one evening per week, with most students taking two or three courses per term. The program may usually be completed in one and a half to two years.

Location

Courses meet in computer labs and classrooms located on the main CUA campus, which is immediately adjacent to the Brookland-CUA Metro stop on the red line.

Interested in Learning More About MSPS Programs and Certificates?

Admission

Anyone over the age of twenty-one years who graduated from an accredited high school, completed the General Educational Development Test (GED) successfully, or who has successfully completed some work in an accredited institution of higher learning may apply for admission to MSPS. Application to the undergraduate program includes the following:

1. Application with non-refundable fees.
2. Official transcripts from high school or the GED.
3. Official transcripts from previous colleges attended.
4. Brief description of educational and career goals.
5. A pre-admission interview with a counselor.

Program Note

The Certificate in IT program is only offered on a "cohort" basis - i.e., there must be adequate enrollment to start the program in a given term and students are expected to proceed through all of the course work as a group.

Related Links
Academic Policies
Admissions
Certificate Overview
Financial Aid
MSPS: History, Mission, and Goals
Student Services
Tuition and Fees

Additional Information
Susan Scully * (202) 319-6667 * ScullyS@cua.edu