The University of St. Thomas

Certificate in Information Systems

Certificate in Information Systems (CIS)

[6 courses] 

The growing audience of software users requires education in appropriate utilization of computer software and software development. This certificate program is designed for professionals who have expertise in a functional area, such as accounting, finance, education, management, retail, law, manufacturing, medicine, agriculture or government who have minimal or no software development experience. The needs of this audience can best be met with the CIS.

Entrance requirements:

  1. a. A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline from an accredited educational institution with an overall grade-point-average (GPA) of at least 2.7 (Applicants with a GPA less than 2.7 will be considered for provisional admission with their professional experience factored into the decision.)
    b. Two years work experience

    NOTE: Though not a requirement for admission, CIS students must be able to program in a high-level language to complete the certificate.  Newly admitted students who do not know how to program will be required to take an additional introductory programming course in Java by the end of their first semester.  This course will be in addition to all other certificate requirements.
  2. Official transcripts bearing an institutional seal from all universities/colleges attended sent directly to the Graduate Programs in Software (GPS) office by the issuing institution.
  3. Completed application form.
  4. Detailed resume which includes all work experience, job description, and programming languages used.
  5. A listing of computer related courses not appearing on transcripts.
  6. For applicants whose native language is not English, a TOEFL (550 or above on the written version, 213 or above on the computer-based version) or MELAB (85 or above) score is required. TOEFL or MELAB scores more than two years old are not accepted. Exam bulletins are available from International Admissions 651-962-6450.
  7. An essay (1-2 pages) stating why the applicant wishes to work toward a certificate.
  8. A grade point average (GPA) of 2.7 or above.

Required Courses:
The following six courses are required for this certificate:

    • SEIS 601 = [CSIS 512] Foundations of Software Development (waived with appropriate programming experience)
    • SEIS 610 = [CSIS 510] Software Engineering
    • SEIS 635 = [CSIS 543] Object-Oriented Analysis and Design
    • Choose four electives from the GPS course list (three electives if SEIS 601 = [CSIS 512] is waived). You may select any GPS courses you wish except the following: SEIS 600 = [CSIS 505], SEIS 620 = [CSIS 524], SEIS 621 = [CSIS 526], SEIS 776 =[CSIS 670], SEIS 777 =[CSIS 671].
    • Please note: SEIS 778 = [CSIS 673] Internship/Seminar may be taken, but the course will not count toward the 18 credits required for completion of the certificate.

Certificate completion criteria:

Upon satisfactory completion of the required six courses with an average GPA of 2.7 or better, the CIS certificate will be awarded. Satisfactory completion of the certificate provides an opportunity for the student to continue in the Master of Science or Master of Software Systems program; however, MS and MSS students cannot transfer into the certificate program.