Graduate Certificate in Information Systems Online

The Graduate Certificate in Information Systems (GCIS) Online allows students to gain specialized knowledge in information systems while completing interactive online courses. Obtaining a graduate-level certificate in IS will provide a significant advantage to those seeking to advance their careers in the field of information systems or strengthen their technical proficiency.

This 18-credit-hour certificate program is designed for maximum flexibility and offers students an opportunity to gain hands-on technology experience. Online courses follow the same timeline and rigorous curriculum as in-person courses. Program electives and faculty are shared with the Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) Online program and provide the same high level of instruction and interaction.

Note: Students must apply to the certificate at least one semester prior to their graduation term. For example, students graduating in Spring 2021 must submit their GCIS application by the Fall 2020 semester.

  • The GCIS Online requires 18 credit hours.
  • Full-time students will complete the certificate in 2 semesters. Part-time students can finish in 3 or more semesters. All requirements must be completed within 3 years.
  • The GCIS Online does not have any required core courses. Students may take any graduate-level online IS/OIS course at the Eccles School to meet the requirements.
  • Current graduate students, as well as students not currently in a degree program (non-matriculated), are eligible for the GCIS program.
  • For current graduate students, certificate credits can cross-count toward your graduate program requirements.
  • For non-matriculated students, up to 9 GCIS credits can transfer into the MSIS program, should you choose to pursue the full master’s degree.
  • Certificate students may start the program in Fall, Spring or Summer semester.

  • Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
  • Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA (non-matriculated students) or a minimum 3.0 GPA in their current graduate program.
  • A GMAT/GRE score is not required for admission to the GCIS Online.
  • There are no prerequisites for admission into the certificate program; however, some individual courses may have prerequisites.

Step 1: Apply for Non-Degree Seeking Admission

Applicants who are not current, matriculated University of Utah students will need to submit a non-matriculated (non-degree seeking) application for admission. (Note: the non-matriculated application is the same as the undergraduate application. Once the application is started, applicants can elect to apply for non-matriculated status).

Eligibility

To be eligible for non-matriculated admission, applicants must:

  • Have graduated from high school at least 3 years ago.
    • For GED-holders, a minimum 550 composite score with no individual score below 500 is required.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
    • International students requiring an F-1 visa are not eligible for non-matriculated admission.
    • Note that permanent residents and other international applicants must meet English-proficiency requirements.
  • Be in good standing with the last college or university attended and have a minimum 2.6 GPA. (Please note that while the university requires a 2.6 GPA, the certificate requires a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.)
  • Find more information about non-matriculated admission.
Submit Your Non-Matriculated Application

Step 2: Apply for the Graduate Certificate

Once you’re admitted as a non-matriculated student, you can submit the Eccles School graduate certificate application.

The GCIS application will ask applicants to:

  • Upload an unofficial copy of transcripts from your undergraduate degree institution
  • Provide a short personal statement telling us about your interest in the graduate certificate (2000 character limit)
  • Upload your current resume
  • Provide verification of University of Utah student status (student ID number)

Non-matriculated students are required to apply for non-matriculation admission prior to applying to the certificate program. For students not currently enrolled in a graduate degree program, admission into the GCIS is contingent upon admission to the University as a non-matriculated student.

Submit Your GCIS application

The GCIS application will ask applicants to:

  • Provide a short personal statement telling us about your interest in the graduate certificate (2000 character limit)
  • Upload your current resume
  • Upload unofficial transcripts
  • Provide verification of University of Utah student status (student ID number)
  • List current graduate program, start date and anticipated graduation date
Submit Your GCIS application

  • Students must apply to the certificate at least one semester prior to their graduation term. For example, students graduating in Spring 2021 must submit their GCIS application by the Fall 2020 semester.
  • GCIS applications are accepted throughout the year and reviewed on a rolling basis.
  • Certificate students may start the program in Fall, Spring, or Summer semester.
  • Note: the University of Utah non-matriculated application may close at any time.

  • Resident / Full-Time: $19,000
  • Resident / Part-Time: $20,300

The above costs do not include operating fees for online classes (approximately $60 per class) or testing fees. These figures reflect the estimated tuition and fees for all required credit hours taken over the course of three semesters (full-time) or five semesters (part-time).

Tuition rates may change without notice. This information comes from the University of Utah’s Income Accounting and Student Loan Services, which has the most current information.

  • Access to individual career coaching is not available for non-matriculated students.
  • Financial aid is not available to non-matriculated students; however, private loans may be available.
  • A maximum of 15 credits may be retroactively applied toward the certificate program should students apply for the certificate after graduation.
  • MSIS capstone classes are not available to certificate students.
  • Scholarships are currently not available for certificate students.
  • International students seeking an F1 visa are not eligible to apply for the certificate as non-matriculated students.
  • Grades, credits and the certificate appear on an official university transcript.
  • A 3.0 cumulative GPA in certificate courses is required for successful completion of the certificate.
  • Students must apply to the certificate at least 21 days prior to their graduation. Failure to do so may result in your certificate being awarded in the next semester.
Apply for the GCIS