Graduate Certificate in IT Operations
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Advance Your Career in IT management. 100% Online
IT project management requires strong project management skills. The University of Wisconsin Graduate Certificate in IT Operations teaches you how to successfully lead and manage teams working to implement organization-driven IT solutions. Learn how to structure a team, implement tools, develop timelines and budgets, perform business analysis, and support strategic goals.
The UW Graduate Certificate in IT Operations helps you build the skills you need to step into roles such as project manager, technical project manager, and senior IT project manager. Become a skilled leader in planning and implementing IT processes across organizations.
What You’ll Learn
The certificate curriculum was expertly designed to focus on project management in the context of technology functions. Topics of study include:
- Traditional PMBOK techniques such as project identification, selection, and procurement
- Cost/schedule preparation and monitoring
- Agile IT project management
- Business analysis function in the modern IT organization
- Managing IT infrastructure and operational environments
Learn more about the UW Graduate Certificate in IT Operations courses.
Did you know?
The IT Operations Graduate Certificate is one of three UW Information Technology Management certificates that comprise the Master’s degree program. The innovative stackable certificate structure allows you to earn marketable credentials on your way to completing your Master’s degree. Learn more about the UW Graduate Certificate in Enterprise Infrastructure, Graduate Certificate in IT Leadership, and the Master of Science in Information Technology Management Master’s program.
Who should apply?
IT Operations Graduate Certificate students learn skills that help them advance in their industry, gain a competitive edge in the job market, or change careers entirely.
Busy adults will find the flexibility of the online format especially convenient. Learn more about online learning with UW.
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required for admission.
Universities of Wisconsin Collaboration
The IT Operations Graduate Certificate is offered through the Master of Science in IT Management. This certificate program is a partnership of UW-La Crosse, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Parkside, UW-Stevens Point, and UW-Superior. Learn more about our campus partners and choosing a home campus.
Accreditation
Whether online or on campus, University of Wisconsin programs have a reputation for delivering world-class education and student support. Accreditation is your assurance that you will graduate with skills that are relevant to your field and valued by employers. The IT Operations Graduate Certificate is approved by the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
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
- 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.
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 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 and apply to the home campus of your choice following the campus-specific instructions below.
- Apply as a “Graduate Applicant”.
- When asked “Are you applying as a degree-seeking student?” select “Yes”, and that you would like to earn a “Graduate Degree”.
- Select “UW-La Crosse” as the campus.
- Choose “Certificate in IT Operations” for program
- $56 application fee. *For a limited time, an application fee waiver is available to those who haven’t yet applied to the Spring, Summer or Fall 2026 semesters. To redeem, use coupon code APPLY26 on the UW Online Application payment page.
- Financial aid is available if you qualify.
- Apply as a “Graduate Applicant”.
- When asked “Are you applying as a degree-seeking student?” select “Yes”, and that you would like to earn a “Graduate Degree”.
- Select “UW-Oshkosh” as the campus.
- Choose “Certificate in IT Operations” for program
- $56 application fee.*
- *For a limited time, an application fee waiver is available to those who haven’t yet applied to the Spring, Summer or Fall 2026 semesters. To redeem, use coupon code APPLY26 on the UW Online Application payment page.
- Not eligible for financial aid.
- Apply as a “Graduate Non-Degree Applicant”.
- When asked “Are you applying as a degree-seeking student?” select “No”, and that you plan to take “Graduate” classes.
- Select “UW-Stevens Point” as the campus.
- Choose “Certificate in IT Operations” for program
- No application fee. Skip the application fee section (not required for the certificate).
- Not eligible for financial aid.
- Apply as a “Graduate Non-Degree Applicant”.
- When asked “Are you applying as a degree-seeking student?” select “No”, and that you plan to take “Graduate” classes.
- Select “UW-Superior” as the campus.
- No application fee. Skip the application fee section (not required for the certificate).
- Not eligible for financial aid.
- Apply as a “Graduate Non-Degree Applicant”.
- When asked “Are you applying as a degree-seeking student?” select “No”, and that you plan to take “Graduate” classes.
- Select “UW-Parkside” as the campus.
- Choose “Certificate in IT Operations” for program
- No application fee. Skip the application fee section (not required for the certificate).
- Not eligible for financial aid.
*For a limited time, UW is offering an application fee waiver to those who haven’t yet applied. Use coupon code APPLY26 on the UW Online Application payment page to redeem.
Step 3: Send your resume and personal statement; 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
This program welcomes online students from around the world. Online students do not qualify for an F-1 Student Visa to travel to the U.S. but instead can participate in our online courses remotely. If your native language is not English and/or you attended school outside of the U.S., you will likely need to provide proof of English language proficiency and an official translation or evaluation of academic transcripts. Requirements will vary based on a student’s academic history and home campus policies. For guidance about these requirements and how they apply to your specific situation contact your preferred home campus admissions office.
If you would like to apply as an International Student for an on-campus program in the UW System please refer to these resources through Go Wisconsin.
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.
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
Examines project management concepts as applied to IT projects; covers traditional PMBOK techniques such as project identification, selection, procurement, and cost/schedule preparation and monitoring. Introduces agile IT project management concepts including Scrum and Extreme Programming. Requires students to apply these concepts to group projects. | 3 Credits |
This course focuses on the importance, role, and techniques of the business analysis function in the modern IT organization. The course is organized around the six knowledge areas and associated techniques of the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK) specified by the International Institute of Business Analysis. | 3 Credits |
This course explores best practices and techniques for managing IT infrastructure and operational environments in support of the organization’s strategic goals in the development and deployment of applications and services. Coverage includes network infrastructure; servers and devices; computer operations; service management; facilities; help desk services; DevOps; process automation; governance frameworks. | 3 Credits |
Spring 2026
Course Preview Week: January 20 - January 26, 2026
Semester Dates: January 27 - May 08, 2026
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
Examines project management concepts as applied to IT projects; covers traditional PMBOK techniques such as project identification, selection, procurement, and cost/schedule preparation and monitoring. Introduces agile IT project management concepts including Scrum and Extreme Programming. Requires students to apply these concepts to group projects. | 3 Credits |
Summer 2026
Registration Opens: March 09, 2026
Course Preview Week: May 19 - May 25, 2026
Semester Dates: May 26 - August 07, 2026
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
This course focuses on the importance, role, and techniques of the business analysis function in the modern IT organization. The course is organized around the six knowledge areas and associated techniques of the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK) specified by the International Institute of Business Analysis. | 3 Credits |
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
Financial aid options are limited for certificates and are awarded by your home campus. To learn more, contact your home campus financial aid office to see if you qualify for aid as a full or part-time student or speak with an Enrollment Adviser for more information. You can also 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.
Experience UW Information Technology Management
Learn about the IT management industry, program faculty, read student stories, and more. Explore the blog.