Online Graduate Certificate in Information Technology
The faculty at the University of Cincinnati is committed to supporting individuals who aspire to boost their careers in the Information Technology (IT) industry. It doesn’t matter if you hold a Bachelor’s degree in IT or come from a different academic background; UC welcomes students with a passion for IT. That is why the faculty has created the Bridge-IT Certificate program.
IT Graduate Certificate Overview
The Bridge IT Certificate is designed to give our students the core knowledge necessary to complete the graduate-level coursework needed to obtain your master’s degree in information technology. This 4-course sequence of framework classes will allow you to enter our Master’s in Information Technology program without a Bachelor’s in IT.
In addition to being eligible for the master’s program, you will also receive a graduate-level IT certificate. This certificate can help boost your resume and get you started on your IT career path.
IT Graduate Certificate Highlights
High Quality Education
All of the courses you take fit into the core philosophy that all students in our IT programs should graduate with hands-on technical skills, problem-solving skills, and communication skills.
Upon completion of these courses, you will have the background needed to begin the more advanced classes within the program. If you are unsure if these classes are needed or if you would like to learn more, you can reach out to an enrollment advisor for a more in depth conversation
In “Information Security and Assurance” you will learn an introduction to 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.
In “System Administration” you will learn the knowledge and hands-on skills necessary to manage a Local Area Network and its resources. Topics covered include directory services, server management, file and print services, and user/client administration in a heterogeneous operating system environment. Students will set up and manage a fully functioning computer network of systems. Hands-on active learning required.
In “Computer Programming with Java” you will learn about object-oriented computer programming and problem solving. Students will learn about the basic elements of a computer program such as data types, basic control structures, graphical user interface, event-driven programming, and program debugging. Hands-on active learning required.
In “Database Management with SQL Server” you will learn about the technology of database design and implementation. Topics include, but are not limited to relational database design and implementation, query formulation with Structured Query Language, application development, etc. Enterprise database management system will be used.
Flexibility
- 100% online
- Only 12 credit hours
- Start in the fall, spring, or summer semester
Support from Application through Graduation
At UC, you’ll have a full support team behind you:
Enrollment Services Advisor: Your go-to resource during the application process
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
Work with our enrollment team to ensure you have all the items needed for your application. The University of Cincinnati faculty will review your application to determine if you meet the qualifications for the certificate and if you are a good candidate for the master’s program.
Prerequisites
- A bachelor degree from a college or university regarded as standard by a regional or general accrediting agency.
- At least a B average (3.0/4.0 system) in undergraduate course work. If your background is not from IT or if your GPA is below a 3.0, how has your past experience prepared you be successful in an MS IT? For example, what types of courses (university or online), industry experience, certificates have you completed to build skills in this area. Or what is it about your personal disposition or work ethic that would help you be successful in this program?
Note that GRE is waived for qualified applicants.
Complete the online application and submit the application fee.
Standard Application Fees:
- $65.00 for domestic applicants to most degree programs
- $70.00 for international applicants to most degree programs
- $20.00 for domestic applicants to Graduate Certificates
- $25.00 for international applicants to Graduate Certificates
- Application fees for UC Online programs are waived through Fall 2026 for all applicants who apply by July 1, 2026
- Fee waivers are automatically applied for applicants who: are currently serving in the US armed forces, or are veterans of the US armed forces.
Applications are accepted continuously throughout the year. Please review and submit the following materials:
All applicants are required to upload unofficial transcripts during the application process, showing all undergraduate and graduate course work completed, including degrees granted and dates of conferral.
Official transcripts are not required until the student has received and accepted an offer of admission from the university. Once the offer has been confirmed, the student must submit official transcripts.
Students who have received degrees from the University of Cincinnati do not need to submit official paper copies of their UC transcripts.
For questions regarding international students, contact an Enrollment Services Advisor.
Transcripts can be submitted electronically or by mail. 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. Then, mail your sealed, unopened, official transcripts to:
Please mail sealed, unopened, official transcripts to:
University of Cincinnati
Office of Admissions
PO Box 210091
Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0091
Current resume or curriculum vitae.
One letter of reference from an individual who knows you professionally or academically.
Applicants will need to provide a letter detailing their interest in the program and how it may match future professional goals.
For International students, an English proficiency test:
- TOEFL minimum Internet-based 80
- Paper-based 520
- Computer-based 190
- IELTS minimum 6.5
| Term | Application Deadline | Classes Start |
|---|---|---|
Summer 2026 Fall 2026 |
May 1, 2026 August 1, 2026 |
May 11, 2026 August 24, 2026 |
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.
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