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Certificate Program in Information Technology

Customize your studies in information technology with UMass Lowell's flexible, online IT certificate.

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Online IT Certificate Student
Alarm Clock Next Start Date: July 7

Online IT Certificate

UMass Lowell's online IT certificate will introduce you to a range of information technology subject areas. You may focus your studies on computer programming, database development, and multimedia or web technologies. The need for professionals with a strong information technology background will continue to increase as businesses, government, schools and other organizations seek new applications for computers and networks in the workplace. All of the courses in this program count toward UMass Lowell's Associate's Degree in Information Technology or the Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology.

Just 6 Courses

Just 6 Courses

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One of the Most Affordable Tuitions in the Nation

Career Outlook

470,383
Jobs (2020)
+1.4%
% Change (2020-2021)
$95.9K/yr
Median Earnings
61,343
Annual Openings

Occupations

  • Computer User Support Specialists
  • Network and Computer Systems Administrators
  • Software Developers
  • Computer Systems Analysts
  • Computer and Information Systems Managers
  • Computer Network Support Specialists
  • Computer Network Architects
  • Data Entry Keyers
  • Computer Programmers
Learn more about specific IT career paths that align with your skills and interests at Navigating a Career in Information Technology.
Source: Lightcast, 2022

One Success Leads to Another

Apply credits from lower credentials to higher ones. Our programs are designed to build upon themselves:

Curriculum Outline

- Required Courses: 2
- Electives: 4

Course Descriptions

INFO.1600 Introduction to Information Systems (3cr)

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.

INFO.1710 Applications Software: Microsoft Access (3cr)

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.

Requirements:

Requires MS Access 2016; Windows based

INFO.2020 Microsoft Office (3cr)

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.

Requirements:

Requires MS Office 2016; Windows based

INFO.2110 Introduction to Programming W/C I (3cr)

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.

Notes:

Students may not receive credit for both the 90.211/90.212 sequence and 90.267
This course qualifies for free MSDNA software!

Requirements:

No previous programming experience required

INFO.2120 Introduction to Programming with C - Part II (3cr)

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.

Notes:

Students may not receive credit for both the 90.211/90.212 sequence and 90.267. This course qualifies for free MSDNA software

Requirements:

INFO.2110

INFO.2200 Visual Basic (3cr)

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.

Notes:


This course qualifies for free MSDNA software!

INFO.2300 Introduction to Multimedia (3cr)

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.

INFO.2670 C Programming (3cr)

Introduces students to the techniques of programming in C. The language syntax, semantics, its applications, and the portable library are covered. This course is an introductory course in programming. It does not assume previous programming experience.

Notes:

Students may not receive credit for both the INFO.2110/INFO.2120 sequence and INFO.2670
This course qualifies for free MSDNA software!

INFO.2680 C++ Programming (3cr)

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.

Notes:


This course qualifies for free MSDNA software!

Requirements:

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

INFO.3110 Introduction to the Linux/Unix Operating System (3cr)

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.

INFO.3120 Shell Scripting (3cr)

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.

Requirements:

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

INFO.3420 Web-Enabled Database Development (3cr)

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)

Requirements:

INFO.4740.

INFO.3640 Problem Solving with C (3cr)

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.

Notes:


This course qualifies for free MSDNA software!

Requirements:

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

INFO.4610 LAN/WAN Technologies (3cr)

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.

Requirements:

INFO.2670 or previous programming Experience

Undergraduate Certificate Requirements

Students enrolled in UMass Lowell certificate programs must complete all courses and maintain a grade point average of 2.000 or better to earn the certificate. All certificate courses must be completed within a five-year period.

Certificate Completion

Students who successfully complete the certificate program should submit a Certificate Petition Form to have their certificate mailed to them.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition at UMass Lowell is typically half the cost of private colleges, and our online tuition is among the lowest in the nation. Tuition for online programs offered through the Division of Graduate, Online & Professional Studies is the same whether you live in-state, out-of-state or outside of the U.S.

Summer 2025 Tuition

Cost Per Credit Cost Per 3-Credit Course*

Undergraduate

Online and On Campus $385 $1,155
*Tuition is priced on the listed credit hour unless the contact hour is different. Tuition is then based upon the listed contact hour.

Additional Costs

Cost
Term Registration Fee $30
Returned Check Fee $30

Please note: Tuition and fees are subject to change.

Tuition Calculator

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Looking for Financial Assistance?

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

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Applying into a Undergraduate Certificate Program

You can apply anytime. There are no deadlines. Applications are accepted throughout the year.

All applicants must submit:
  • An application
  • Official transcripts
    • Please submit official transcripts from previously attended colleges or universities. We're able to help you retrieve transcripts if needed. If you do not have previous college experience, please contact your high school's guidance office to request your transcripts be sent to us
    • If you hold a GED/HiSET, to request they send us your official transcripts please visit:
    • Applicants with foreign transcripts: Transcripts demonstrating completion of a degree require a credential evaluation from:
  • Official test scores
    • SAT or ACT scores are optional, but may be requested if you have been out of high school for less than three years. If you have not taken the SAT or ACT, please email OCE_Admissions@uml.edu to discuss alternative options

Additional Information

Students must be admitted to a degree or certificate program in order to be eligible for most financial aid.

Official transcripts can be sent to us directly from your previous institution either electronically or mailed to:

GPS Undergraduate Admissions
University of Massachusetts Lowell
839 Merrimack St., Floor 2
Lowell, MA 01854-5104

We cannot accept previously opened transcripts, photocopies, PDF email attachments or faxed transcripts.

F1 student visas are not issued for this program.

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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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