Skip to main content
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY CERTIFICATE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available On Campus.
(Does not require an undergraduate degree.)

Villanova’s College of Professional Studies offers a certificate in Information Systems and Technology designed to help you acquire information technology and technology management skills through a broad selection of coursework in one of two tracks. A certificate in Information Systems will provide you with the background you need to excel in today's information age and global economy.

Since this certificate does not require a bachelor's degree, many students who aren't sure if they want to commit to a full degree program opt to work toward a certificate first to build their expertise and earn the certificate credential. They can then decide to continue on to an associate's or bachelor's degree and apply the credits they have already earned through the certificate.

To earn a Certificate in Information Systems and Technology from Villanova University, students will choose one of two tracks. Track A is 20 credits and aligns with prerequisites for Software Engineering graduate programs. Track B is 18 credits and is more generally focused, for students interested in options related to leadership and management in business. Each track consists of six courses; four of the courses are required and two are approved electives.

 

CURRICULUM

REQUIREMENTS (4 courses):

CSC 1300: Discrete Structures (3 credits)
CSC 1051: Algorithms & Data Structures I (4 credits)
CSC 1052: Algorithms & Data Structures II (4 credits)
CSC 2400: Computer Systems I (3 credits)

APPROVED ELECTIVES (2 courses):

Databases (choose 1)
MIS 2030: Database Management (3 credits) 
or
CSC 4480: Principles of Database Systems (3 credits)

Systems Analysis (choose 1)
MIS 2040: Systems Analysis & Design (3 credits)
or
CSC 4700: Software Engineering (3 credits)

CSC 1300 Discrete Structures (3 cr): Mathematical concepts that support computer science: sets, functions, relations, combinatorics, recurrences, boolean logic, mathematical proofs, matrices, graphs and trees (Note: this is a prerequisite course for CSC 4480 - Principles of Database Systems and CSC 2400 - Computer Systems I).

CSC 1051 Algorithms & Data Structures I (4 cr): Object-oriented design: objects, classes, methods, encapsulation; programming fundamentals: data, variables, selection, loops, arrays, input/output; basic graphics and exceptions (Note: this is a prerequisite course for CSC 1052 Algorithms & Data Structures II)

CSC 1052 Algorithms & Data Structures II (4 cr): Object-oriented design: inheritance, interfaces, polymorphism; problem analysis; recursion; abstract data types; dynamically linked structures; data structures: stacks, queues, lists, collections, trees (Note: this is a prerequisite course for CSC 4700 - Software Engineering).

CSC 2400 Computer Systems I (3 cr): Architecture of computer systems: representation of data; processor, memory and I/O organization. Assembly language programming. C programming language constructs and their relationships to the underlying architecture. Basics of operating systems: interrupts, concurrency, process scheduling, security, networking.

MIS 2030 Database Management (3 cr): Theoretic and practical issues related to the management of a data base in a business environment including: the role of databases and database applications in contemporary organizations; data modeling using entity-relationship models; fundamentals of the relational data model and its implementation with SQL; characteristics of distributed databases and Client/Server data base technologies.

CSC 4480 Principles of Database Systems (3 cr): Concepts and technology of database management systems; data modeling with an emphasis on the relational model; database querying and normalization; physical data organization.

MIS 2040 Systems Analysis & Design (3 cr): Concepts, tools and techniques in the analysis and design of computer-based information systems; major issues and decision making in each phase of the development life cycle, application of creativity and innovation to the practice of systems analysis and design, skills necessary for modeling the data and processing requirements of an information system using an automated development tool, a systems development team project approach.

CSC 4700 Software Engineering (3 cr): Management and production of software systems; the software life cycle; software design techniques and methodologies; participation in a team software development project.

REQUIREMENTS (4 courses):

ISYT 1000: Introduction to Information Systems (3 credits)
ISYT 1100: Data and Information Management (3 credits)
CSC 1010: Programming for All (3 credits)
CSC 1035: Databases for Many Majors (3 credits)

APPROVED ELECTIVES (choose 2 courses):

CSC 1020: Computing and the Web (3 credits)
ODM 1100: Foundation of Strategic Management (3 credits)
ODM 2000: Essentials of Finance and Accounting (3 credits)
ODM 2040: Strategic Operations and Process Improvement (3 credits)
LDR 2030: Leading with a Digital Mindset (3 credits)
CPS 3000: Introduction to Project Management (3 credits)

ISYT 1000:  Introduction to Information Systems & Technology (3 credits, required): 

ISYT 1100: Data and Information Management (3 credits, required): 

CSC 1010 Programming for All (3 credits, required):  Programming fundamentals using the Python programming language: data, variables, selection, loops, arrays, input/output, basic graphics and functions. Object-oriented design: encapsulation, objects, classes and methods.

CSC 1035 Databases for Many Majors (3 credits, required): No background in computing necessary. Design and implementation of your own database as a group project. Cooperative learning techniques to demystify key concepts: the relational model, normalization, the Entity-Relationship model and SQL.

CSC 1020 Computing and the Web (3 credits): Information representation and manipulation; file systems and directories; compatibility and data exchange; security and privacy; elements of computer architectures and operating systems; computer networks, the Internet, and the World Wide Web; web site design principles and creation; PC-based examples and illustrations.   

ODM 1100 Foundations of Strategic Management (3 credits): Overview of key principles and practices of strategic management. Examines topics such as establishing mission, vision, and direction, evaluating environmental influences, assessing industry and market trends, building organizational culture, leading effective teams, managing and leading change. Emphasizes the development and implementation of strategy across industries.

ODM 2000 Essentials of Finance and Accounting (3 credits): Introduction to basic standards and concepts underlying finance and accounting. Topics include balance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements, budgets, forcasts, and reporting.

ODM 2040 Strategic Operations and Process Improvement (3 credits): Introduces key components of operations management and strategy. Overview and analysis of tools, techniques, and methodologies of process improvement.

LDR 2030 Leading with a Digital Mindset (3 credits): Analysis of the implications of technology on leadership. The strategic role of technology in organizations. Information systems, e-commerce and their value to leaders.

CPS 3000 Introduction to Project Management (3 Credits)

 

Note: You are required to have completed the prerequisites for any course for which you register, as indicated in Villanova's Undergraduate Catalog.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Visit the Admissions webpage to view all admissions requirements. Once you have reviewed the process and requirements, you may apply to your program of interest.

RESOURCES

ACADEMIC CALENDAR

TUITION & FEES

FLEXIBLE PATHWAYS

COMBINED BACHELOR/MASTER PROGRAMS

TRANSFER STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE AGREEMENTS

VETERANS & MILITARY-CONNECTED STUDENTS

COVID-19 UPDATES

APPLICATION DEADLINES
Spring II Deadline — March 8
Summer I and III Deadline — May 24
Summer II Deadline — June 24

College of Professional Studies

800 E. Lancaster Avenue
Vasey Hall, Room 103
Villanova, PA 19085

Maps & Directions to Campus

Important Notices for Prospective and Current Students Enrolling in Online Courses or Programs

The following includes important information regarding the University’s authorization status, students’ responsibilities related to relocation and programs leading to professional licensures, and the complaint process for online students.

Read the Notices for Online Courses or Programs

BIS vs. BA

The primary difference between a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) degree and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree is the core curriculum that must be completed for each.

Students completing the BIS degree follow a 45-credit core curriculum. This provides more flexibility and choices in selecting classes.

Students completing the BA degree follow the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences 50-credit core curriculum, which includes foreign language courses and science courses with a lab.

STUDENT PERSPECTIVES