Information Architecture Graduate Certificate

Students who receive this IA program's graduate certificate can further their professional information careers working in website design, user experience, and the other important aspects of information architecture. Students are generally already working professionals, and this program provides leverage towards promotion or movement into different kinds of positions.

This information architecture program is designed to give working professionals (especially those already working in the field of information) a more in-depth understanding and ability to manage, building, and design websites from an information point of view. While it only requires 12 credits, there are a plethora of courses to choose from and more credits are a possibility for those that are interested.

Students taking this Information Architecture program must take two foundational courses (3 credit hours each), as well as at least two elective courses (also 3 credits each). The required courses are Usability Analysis and Introduction to Information Architecture.

The possible elective courses include Theory of Information Retrieval, Digital Media: Concepts and Production, Design and Production of Networked Multimedia, Web Site Development and Administration, Advanced Web Applications.They can also choose from Digital Libraries, Introduction to Data Networks for Information Professionals, Information Systems Management, Network Administration, Computers as Persuasive Technology, and Database Management systems.

Through the selection of these many course options, students can focus on the areas that interest them the most or will help them meet their IA education and career goals.

Although this program does not end up in a diploma or degree, students can apply the credits from the certificate program towards a related degree or Master at Florida State University. All courses are to be completed online at a designated time. Courses typically occur in the evenings (between 6 and 9 PM EST or 8 and 10 PM EST. Students should be prepared with headphones or speakers (and reliable internet).

Students can actually apply for the certificate program after they have begun classes as long as it is before the second course has been finished. Each course requires a B grade or higher (rather than an average of all 4 or more courses), so it is important to do well in every course for completion of the certificate program. Once the final term has been started, students request to complete their graduate certificate (since it does not function like a more structured Master's or Bachelor's program).

The graduate certificate is an IA program that is accredited regionally by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The program costs $1075 per credit hour for students who are not official residents of Florida (despite the fact that it is an online IA program). Students must submit their application by July 1st for the fall semester, or November 1st for the spring semester.

The Office of Distance Learning at Florida State University offers a wide variety of degrees and certificate programs, as well as testing and exams. Their online programs include undergraduate, graduate, and online elective courses, providing access to quality education for anyone with an internet connection. FSU itself has award-winning students and has 16 colleges and nearly 300 programs.