Information Science and Technology Professional Development Programs
The College of Information Science and Technology offers opportunities for librarians and information specialists in related fields to update their education or develop new specialties.
Advanced Certificate in Information Studies and Technology (ACIST)This non-degree program provides specialized training beyond the master's degree so that practitioners can update and extend their skills and knowledge by adding position-relevant coursework in order to meet their current employment requirements. It is not intended to provide coursework that can be applied to the iSchool master's or doctoral degrees. The program leads to an Advanced Certificate in Information Studies and Technology awarded through the College of Information Science and Technology.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must have completed a master’s degree in areas such as library science, computer or information science, information systems, instructional technology, software engineering, or other appropriate degrees from a suitable accredited program that has prepared them for advanced study in the area chosen for specialization. Applicants must meet all the general requirements for admission to graduate studies and the College of Information Science and Technology. Admissions requirements include: completed graduate application form, photocopies of transcripts from all colleges and/or universities attended, essay, resume and Graduate Record Examination (or equivalent), if required.
Program Requirements
The Advanced Certificate in Information Studies and Technology consists of a minimum of eight courses that must be completed within three calendar years. Students must take four INFO courses as well as complete the final independent study within the College. The three remaining courses may be taken from offerings within the College or from other programs in the University, based on consultation with the student's advisor and agreement of the faculty mentor. [More courses, including a practicum in place of the independent study, may be required for students holding a master’s in library science who are seeking certification as School Library/Media specialists in Pennsylvania.
Students design a program of study in consultation with a faculty mentor, and must complete the required courses within three calendar years. Such individualized plans often require coursework found in other Drexel departments or other universities, but at least 4 courses must be chosen from Information Science and Technology courses. Students also complete an independent study project, which integrates studies, field experiences, individual reading, and work experience. Successful completion of the certification program requires a cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
Post-Master’s Study for iSchool Alumni
Applicants who hold a master's degree from the College of Information Science and Technology may request readmission by contacting the College.
Special Associate Study
Students who are currently enrolled in a Library Science or Information Systems graduate program at another university may take a graduate class from the College by applying for Special Associate status. Applications for Special Associate students are accepted every quarter. Admissions requirements include: completed graduate application form and a letter from your graduate advisor or department head indicating which classes you have permission to take and that you are in good academic standing.
For additional information, view the College of Information Science and Technology's Professional Development page. Specialist Certificate Programs
Continuing education opportunities to update or enhance initial skills and knowledge are an important part of many professions. The iSchool's five-course Specialist Certificate Programs allow students to expand their skills and specializations beyond the master's degrees. Like the Advanced Certificate in Information Studies and Technology (ACIST), these certificate programs require a master's degree, must be completed within three years, and will be recorded on a student's transcript. Applicants must have a master's degree from an ALA-accredited program or a graduate degree closely to the chosen specialization (e.g. history for the Archives Specialist certificate program) as well as pre-requisites for individual courses. Students with unrelated master's degrees or those who lack the pre-requisites are eligible to apply to the Advanced Certificate in Information Studies and Technology program.
These certificate programs are available in the following subject areas:
Competitive Intelligence and Knowledge Management
Additional information can be found on the School's Special Programs and Professional Development page.
