Who is eligible to apply for the Informatics Certificate?

The Certificate is open to any interested person with a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.

What are the requirements for enrollment in the Informatics Certificate?

The requirements for admission into the Informatics Certificate are:

• Admission to the University as a Graduate Non-Degree Seeking Student. (Requires completion of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.75. Generally, applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may submit additional documentation for consideration), OR
• Concurrent enrollment in a Master's graduate program at RU; and an approved application to the Informatics Certificate Program

Which focus area is right for me?

While professionals in some fields (Health Informatics, for example), will see an obvious choice, for others the choice is not nearly as obvious. The Geoinformatics focus area has been designed to provide the broadest range of applications-- GIS is an Informatics Technology that allows you to easily visualize data and spatial information. You can use GIS for:

• Spatial analysis of economic development activities or educational services (past, present, proposed)
• Delineation of areas in need of health care services
• Mapping of critical riparian ecosystems along rivers
• Assisting counties and municipalities in the development of their GIS needs and applications

Contact us to talk about how this certificate can be applied to meet your specific needs. Our team of faculty will work with you to create a unique focus to meet your unique needs.

How do I apply?

• If you are applying as a Non-degree Seeking, Certificate Student, review the non-degree application process, and apply online.
• If you are currently enrolled in a Master's graduate program at RU; Submit the Certificate Application Form to the College of Graduate and Extended Education.

Is it necessary to enroll in the Certificate Program in order to take one or more of the courses?

Not necessarily. Some of the certificate courses are shared with the Graduate programs in various degree programs. All students will be required to meet the same admissions requirements and course pre-requisites.

Is this a "personal computer skills" program?

No. The informatics certificate does not simply teach you how to use a computer. While you will learn how to be a more efficient and productive use of computer technology, you will also learn the underlying concepts and theories of informatics, and the applications to your discipline.

Is this a computer science program?

No. While the program does include content on programming and computer science concepts and theories, it does not teach you to be a programmer. Instead, you will be trained to apply informatics tools in your discipline, not build the tools themselves. For example, in health care informatics, you would be able to lead a nursing work team in selecting and implementing a computerized nursing documentation system in a hospital; but you would not have the expertise to actually build the system.

What is the cost of the Certificate?

Students enrolling in the certificate pay Radford University Graduate Credit Tuition and Fees. In addition, there will be additional cost for text books, and software licensing fees (SPSS Grad Pack).

When can I start?

The Informatics Certificate accepts students for cohorts beginning each fall semester. You are encouraged to begin the application process early!