Graduate Certificate in IT Operations

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA
• Completed coursework with a “C” or better—or demonstrated sufficient knowledge—in programming (object oriented, modern language), database, and computer networking. Program academic directors have the option to waive a prerequisite based, in part, on student work experience and background. Technical certifications such as Oracle, Microsoft, IBM, AWS, Cisco, or professional experience may be used in lieu of formal coursework to demonstrate proficiency at the discretion of the academic adviser at the student’s home campus. If you need to complete prerequisite coursework, this pre-approved list of options may assist you. Please contact an enrollment adviser for details.

Application Materials

• Your resume
• Two letters of recommendation (can be professional or academic)
• Up to 1,000 word statement of personal intent describing your decision to pursue the degree and what you believe you will bring to the information technology management field
• No aptitude test (GRE, GMAT) requirements

*Campuses may waive some of these requirements as part of the comprehensive application process.

Application Deadlines

Your online application and all required materials must be submitted to your preferred home campus generally 2-4 weeks prior to the date classes start (this varies by campus) to be considered for admission.

Starting your application early will help ensure you have plenty of time to gather required materials (such as transcripts), transfer credits, apply for financial aid, and complete the University of Wisconsin System Online Admission Application. 

Due to COVID-19, many institutions have transitioned to remote operations. When ordering transcripts, it is recommended to order e-transcripts only, as physical (mailed) copies may not be available in a timely manner.

Find program start dates and registration dates on our important dates page. To see course offerings by semester, see the Course Schedule.

How to Apply 

Step 1: Decide which home campus you’d like to apply to. Campus partners for the Information Technology Management master’s program include UW-La Crosse, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Parkside, UW-Stevens Point, and UW-Superior. 

Step 2: Visit the University of Wisconsin System Online Admission Application. Login or create an account, apply to the home campus of your choice, and select “Information Technology Management-Collaborative” as the program. Note; this program may be listed as “Info Technology Management.”

*For a limited time, UW is offering an application fee waiver to those who haven’t yet applied to the Spring, Summer, or Fall 2025 semesters. Use coupon code APPLY25 on the UW Online Application payment page to redeem.

Step 3: Send your resume, personal statement, and letters of recommendation; and arrange to have your official college transcripts (from each institution you attended) sent to the graduate student admissions office of the home campus to which you applied.

International Guidelines

Questions?

While you are free to apply on your own, many prospective students find it helpful to speak with an enrollment adviser first. Our staff is here to answer your questions, talk with you about your career goals, and help you decide if this program is a good choice for you.

The UW Information Technology Management Program Features Flexible, Stackable Certificates

Three individual graduate certificates comprise the UW IT Management Master’s program: IT Leadership, Enterprise Infrastructure, and IT Operations. You have the ultimate flexibility to choose which certificates you complete and when, tailoring the program to fit your work and life goals. After you’ve completed the three certificates, add a Capstone course and project to earn a Master’s of Science in IT Management.

The UW Master of Science in Information Technology Management program offers 100% online courses. All course content, from multimedia lectures and e-learning tools to homework assignments, are delivered through the program’s online learning management system. You can study and do homework whenever and wherever it’s convenient for you.

 IT Operations Graduate Certificate courses are available during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Three courses are required for completion of the certificate. There are no electives. Students must earn a minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA in certificate coursework. All courses are 100 percent online and asynchronous. We’ve developed a superior virtual lab for students to remotely access dozens of tools such as SQL Server and Tableau. In addition, you’ll have access to instructors for questions and you’ll have your own personal Success Coach.

Students completing the IT Operations Graduate Certificate will be able to: 

• Demonstrate effective organizational leadership skills.
• Prepare, monitor and analyze technology budgets. 
• Effectively communicate with diverse stakeholders.
• Assemble and manage collaborative teams.
• Create and manage technology policies and procedures that account for regulatory requirements.
• Implement IT governance goals of leadership.
• Analyze data to address organizational challenges and create competitive advantages.
• Analyze technical, regulatory, and ethical requirements and propose technical solutions.

Tuition is a flat fee of $850 per credit whether you live in Wisconsin or out of state.

There are no additional course or program fees, however, textbooks are purchased separately and are not included in tuition. You will not pay segregated fees (fees in addition to tuition that cover the cost of student-organized activities, facility maintenance, and operations) and you will not be charged a technology fee. If software or special technology is required in one of your courses, it will be provided to you and is included in your tuition. 

Financial Aid

Students enrolling in certificate programs may be eligible for financial aid. Contact your home campus financial aid office to see if you qualify for aid. 

Visit our financial aid page to learn more about FAFSA and other sources of financial aid. 

Veteran Benefits

Benefits are available to qualifying veterans and those currently serving. Contact your home campus veteran services office for details.