Graduate Certificate in Information Architecture

The world of information architecture is growing quickly and shows no signs of slowing down. As the world becomes ever more dependent on data, the job of information architects becomes ever more important. Students who earn a Graduate Certificate in Information Architecture have gone on to manage information and data for a wide range of companies, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies.

The Graduate Certificate is a relatively quick way for students to gain the knowledge that they need to succeed in the world of IA. In this information architecture program, students will be introduced to the core toolbox of information architecture skills, including how to represent resources visually, developing controlled vocabularies, and human-computer interaction. By the time they complete the program, students will be able to succeed in professional IA rules.

In this IA program, students complete 18 credit hours toward the Certificate. Classes taken for another degree cannot count toward the certificate. The six required courses are Information Systems Design, Information Architecture, Human-Computer Interaction, Systems Analysis and Design, Indexing, and Capstone in Information Architecture. Students must earn at least a B in each course to stay in the program.

If students already have taken graduate-level coursework in some of these topics, they may substitute elective courses to reach the 18-credit requirement. Some elective options include Information Seeking and Use, The Information Industry, Web Programming, Topics in Artificial Intelligence, and Metadata. Students must complete all of their credit hours within three years of entering the program.

Each course counts as three credits, so students need to take only six courses to earn the Graduate Certificate in Information Architecture. Most students complete the certificate in about a year, although they have up to three years to complete this IA program. Earning a certificate can be a great, quick, way for students to broaden their career options and build their professional skills so that they can climb the ladder in their current role or future roles.

The Graduate Certificate in Information Architecture can be pursued in conjunction with another program so that students can create a specialized academic pathway. It is most common for students to pursue the certificate in conjunction with a Master in Public Affairs, History, English, Law, or Central Eurasian Studies, but there are many options which can help students on their career pathway.

To apply for this information architecture program, students need to complete the online application. They also need to send official transcripts, three letters of reference (from former professors or employers), a resume, and a personal goals essay. If enrolling in a dual-degree program, students need to submit an application to each department separately. Each class costs approximately $1300, plus associated technology, transportation, and activity fees.

Indiana University is the public university system of the state of Indiana, with more than 110,000 students enrolled across eight different campuses, each of which is an accredited institution. The two main campuses are located in Indianapolis and Bloomington. The system was established in 1820.