This certificate is designed to provide non-OM&IS students with a set of courses focused on information systems and technology. Organizations depend on information technology to achieve competitive advantage. A certificate in information systems will allow students to understand how the application of information technology can improve business processes. Students must maintain good academic standing within the university, achieve a minimum grade of a C in each course applied toward the certificate, and complete all certificate course work within a period of four calendar years. Only courses taken at NIU may be applied toward the certificate. Courses used to satisfy the requirements for the certificate may only be applied toward an undergraduate degree with approval of the major department. Some courses may have prerequisites that are not part of the certificate curriculum.