Certificates That Connect You to the Expanding Digital World
The Department of Informatics at Fort Hays State University offers six certificates that will add value to your degree program by building your knowledge and experience in a particular subject, giving you an edge in the workplace and allowing you to explore your passions within the field.
Our curriculum is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
How to Earn Your Certificate
To earn your certificate of completion, you must provide documentation showing the grade received and the semester of completion. No grade lower than a "C" will be accepted toward the certificate. All courses must be taken through FHSU to count for credit toward the certificate. For questions regarding course offerings, please contact 785-628-5373 or informatics@fhsu.edu .
Select Specialty Certificates That Expand IT Careers
Whether you manage data, improve systems, create entertainment content or develop new proprietary software, you will add more versatility to your resume by completing one of our informatics certificates.
Preparation for Professional Certifications
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
Front-End Web Developer Certificate
If you are interested in developing the exciting front-end of a web application (everything the user interacts with,) this certificate is the right one for you. You will learn how to use HTML, CSS, and Java Script (as well as associated frameworks) to code up web applications (including serverless web applications) while focusing on human-computer interaction principles and user experience design.
To provide the flexibility you might need, we offer these classes on-campus and online.
Courses (15 Credit Hours)
- INF 250 Introduction to Web Development
- INF 360 Programming with Python
- INF 650 Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction
- INF 651 Front-End Web Development I
- INF 655 Front-End Web Development II
We will need you to earn a "C," or higher, in each course in order to issue this certificate.
What if you already have some industry experience? Let us know and we can look at waiving the introductory courses (INF 250 and INF 360.)
Full-Stack Web Developer Certificate
If you would like to continue building your skills while diving into the server-side scripting languages and databases (and the main components that enable modern web applications), you can pursue the full-stack web developer certificate. You'll cover all aspects of mobile development, including building native applications. As a full-stack developer, you'll have the knowledge needed to dive into any area of web development, while still focusing on the area of most interest to you.
As with the Front-End Developer certificate, which is required before starting the Full Stack Web Developer certificate, you'll need to earn a "C," or higher in each course. This certificate can be completed at the Undergraduate OR Graduate level depending on whether you take the course as an undergraduate or graduate* student.
Courses (15 Credit Hours)
- INF 652 Database Design and Programming
- INF 653 Back-End Web Development I
- INF 654 Mobile Web Development I
- INF 656 Back-End Web Development II
- INF 657 Mobile Web Development II
*There are additional requirements for graduate students completing the courses.
Certificate in Internetworking
Are you looking to become a computer networking professional? Would you like to expand your credentials?
This certificate, available on campus and online, will prepare you to sit for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification exam. You may take these classes independent of a degree program or apply them toward a bachelor degree in Computer Networking and Telecommunications.
Courses (15 Credit Hours)
- INF 291 Internetworking I (CCNA Prep)
- INF 292 Internetworking II (CCNA Prep)
- INF 393 Internetworking III (CCNA Prep)
- INF 680 Network Architecture and Data Communications I
- INF 681 Network Architecture and Data Communications II (pre-req: INF 680)
Internetworking I, Internetworking II, and Internetworking III courses focus on key concepts covered by the Cisco Certified Network Associate certification exam.
INF 680 Network Architecture and Data Communications IThis course covers the OSI Model, physical media, electrical signal, line coding, link level protocol, network routing and addressing, and LAN and WAN concepts.
INF 681 Network Architecture and Data Communications II
This course covers a variety of network related services in the upper layers of the OSI Model. Topics may include: Internetwork Design, Internetwork Security, Synchronous Optical Network (SONET), Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP), Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), Point to Point Protocol, advanced routing protocols and other networking services.
No grade lower than a "C" will be accepted toward the certificate. All courses must be taken for credit.
Certificate in Management Information Systems
This certificate will give you a greater understanding of information systems. It's designed for those who don't have, and aren't pursuing, an information systems degree.
It will help you:
- Incorporate information technology into your current position
- Oversee the information technology function in your area
- Collaborate with information systems professionals to create opportunities for greater productivity and efficiency
Available on campus and online.
Courses (15 Credit Hours)
- INF 304 Management Information Systems
- INF 312 Web Design for Non-majors
- INF 330 Business Intelligence
- MIS 602 Information Design and Development
- INF 604 Data Analytics I or INF 678 Seminar in Informatics: Data Analytics I (prior to Fall 2023)
No grade lower than a "C" will be accepted toward the certificate. All courses must be taken for credit.
Applied Data Analytics Certificate
Courses (12 Credit Hours)
- INF 360 Programming with Python
- INF 603 Big Data Analytics
- INF 604 Data Analytics
- INF 652 Database Design and Programming
To claim your certificate on completion of the required courses, provide documentation showing the grade received and the semester of completion.
No grade lower than a "C" will be accepted toward the certificate. All courses must be taken through FHSU to count for credit toward the certificate.