Online Certificate in Information Technology (IT)
The Information Technology Certificate at the University of Cincinnati Online is the perfect stepping stone to help you enter the IT workforce. This 100% online program, provides students with the skills needed to enter the IT field. Our certificate program offers students a flexible learning schedule that helps them balance work, family and their education. If you are looking to advance in your IT career, or break into the industry, UC Online’s certificate program is the perfect fit for you.
Information Technology Certificate Program Overview
Information Technology (IT) includes the computer technology a company or organization uses, and how it is used. According to workforce.com, “Information technology is the study, design, development, implementation, support or management of computer-based information systems—particularly software applications and computer hardware.” The University of Cincinnati Online’s IT Certificate students learn the fundamentals of IT, programming, database design and systems administration.
Information Technology Certificate Program Highlights
High Quality Education
- Associate Degree Transfer Program: graduates can transition into UC’s (100% online) Associate of Applied Business Information Technology program and continue their education
Flexibility
- 100% online: no campus visits are required
- Part-time and full-time scheduling: have the flexibility to balance work and family obligations while completing your degree
- Three Start Dates per Year: with courses offered year-round, students are offered the convenience of beginning their degree in Fall, Spring, or Summer.
Support from Application through Graduation
At UC, you’ll have a full support team behind you:
Enrollment Services Advisor: Your partner through the application process, getting enrolled, and starting your program
Student Success Coordinator: Helping you prepare for classes and stay on track
Access to Resources: Access to university resources that will support you through your program including online learning expectations and resources, health and wellness resources, and academic support
The online Information Technology Certificate is 24 credit hours and provides part-time and full-time options to all students. The program accepts students 3 time a year in Spring, Summer or Fall. By graduation, you will be able to understand the nature of object-oriented programming that uses industry-standard programming language as well as the fundamentals of database design and systems administration.
| Course | Title/Description | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| IT1050 | Fundamentals of Information Technology This course is an introduction to the field of Information Technology including technology concepts, terminology, hardware components and software applications. Students will be introduced to and asked to apply basic skills in the core areas of information technology such as programming, database management, networking, systems administration, and web development and the basic research, problem solving and decision making skills required to be successful in this field. The course emphasizes the role of technical communication, project management, languages, tools, models and application architectures within the IT development process. |
3 |
| IT2030C | Information Security and Assurance An introduction to the various technical and administrative aspects of information security and assurance. This course provides the foundation for understanding the key issues associated with protecting information assets, determining the levels of protection and response to security incidents, and designing a consistent, reasonable information security system, with appropriate intrusion detection and reporting features. |
3 |
| IT1090C | Computer Programming I The course introduces learners to computer programming and problem solving. In this course, students will learn about the basic elements of a computer program. Learners will learn and practice using expressions, repetition and decision-making mechanisms and structures. The concept of modularity will be introduced with the implementation of methods (functions). The Java programming language will be used for this course. Topics coverage focuses on console programming and general language syntax and carries through the use of file handling for data processing. It is designed to give general learners enough coding skills to support their day to day work. It is designed to give learners who are interested in pursuing software further a basis for Object Oriented Programming and advanced topics. |
3 |
| MATH | Math Elective Choose one – consult advisor for appropriate MATH. |
3 |
| IT3045C | Contemporary Programming This course deals with advanced programming techniques and design issues relating to enterprise-wide development. Topics include advanced object-oriented programming and techniques, database processing and database interfaces, and application testing and deployment using current enterprise application development tools and development and design methodologies. The course will cover both on presentation-tier development and back-end development. Hands-on active learning required. |
3 |
| IT2060C | Database Management I This is an introductory course to the technology used for database development. Topics include the key database concepts, writing queries to retrieve, insert, update, and delete data from databases, and additional database features. Enterprise database management system will be used. Hands-on active learning required. |
3 |
| IT1081C | System Administration This course will provide the knowledge and hands-on skills necessary to manage networked computer systems and their resources. Students will learn the process of planning, designing, and implementing a functional and secure server/client environment utilizing heterogeneous operating systems. Topics covered include command line interfaces, graphical user interfaces, server management, user management, network services, and system security. This course requires active hands on learning. |
3 |
| IT2040C | Fundamentals of Web Development This is a foundation course in Web Technology that covers the underpinnings of the technology and a variety of modern standards. The course covers modern web standards, well-formed and valid documents, semantic HTML, user-centered design of static web sites, styling and layout of Web documents with CSS, common tools for Web Site development. Emphasis is on coding syntactically correct Web documents which are also visually appealing, and accessible to users using assistive technologies. You will learn HTML5, CSS3, responsive and user-centric design, XML, and SVG. Hands-on active learning required. |
3 |
The Information Technology Certificate program welcomes applicants from various educational backgrounds.
Prerequisites
First-Year:
High school diploma, official final high school transcript, GED or home-school equivalent.
Transfer:
Transferability is based on school accreditation, course/content comparability, year taken, and final grade.
Submit all official transcripts for every school attended. Learn more about requesting your transcripts.
Complete the online application and submit the application fee.
Standard Application Fees:
- $50.00 for domestic applicants to most degree programs
- $100.00 for international applicants to most degree programs
- Application fees for UC Online programs are waived through Summer 2026 for all applicants
- Fee waivers are automatically applied for applicants who:
- are currently serving in the US armed forces
- are veterans of the US armed forces
Applications are accepted continuously throughout the year. Our staff will review your application based on the following:
After submitting your application form, all applicants are required to have official transcripts sent directly to University of Cincinnati in order to be eligible for admissions review.
- First-Year and Transfer Applicants with Fewer Than 24 Completed Semester Hours at a Prior College:
- Order official transcripts from your high school and all prior colleges (if applicable) for delivery directly to University of Cincinnati.
- Transfer Applicants with 24+ Completed Semester Hours at a Prior College:
- Order official transcripts from all prior colleges for delivery directly to University of Cincinnati.
- You are exempt from the High School transcript requirement, this item will be removed from your application checklist once your college documents are received.
Please review the section below for guidance on how to submit your transcripts.
Online transcript request systems are the preferred method to deliver official transcripts electronically. To see if your transcript(s) can be ordered electronically, visit the links below and search for your previous school(s).
- Parchment
- Please select “University of Cincinnati – Main Campus” as the recipient of your transcript.
- National Student Clearinghouse
- Please have your transcript sent directly to admissions@uc.edu.
If you do not see your past school(s) listed on either site, please contact the school(s) directly to determine their ordering process.
If a physical copy must be sent, DO NOT request it be delivered to you. It must be sent directly from your prior school to the following address:
University of Cincinnati
Office of Admissions
PO Box 210091
Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0091
| Term | Application Deadline | Classes Start |
|---|---|---|
Summer 2026 Fall 2026 Spring 2027 |
March 15, 2026 July 15, 2026 November 15, 2026 |
May 11, 2026 August 24, 2026 January 11, 2027 |
The University of Cincinnati's online course fees differ depending on the program. On average, students will accrue fewer fees than students attending on-campus classes.
The one fee applied across all UC Online programs is the distance learning fee. Students living outside the state of Ohio must also pay an additional “non-resident” fee to enroll in courses at UC Online. This fee is lower than the out-of-state fee for traditional on-campus programs.
To view tuition information and program costs, visit the Online Program Fees page.
Ready to get started?
We offer over 130 degrees from undergraduate to doctoral programs. Each program is supported by a team of Enrollment Services Advisors (ESAs) who are here to help answer any questions you have.