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How to ApplyRequest Info
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Graduate Certificate inEnterprise Architecture

Summary Courses Careers Costs and Aid

Develop a unique skill set that incorporates business, strategy, and the technology that powers it. This online graduate certificate program can provide you with the expertise to make strategic decisions and create IT solutions that solve complex business challenges.

100% Online

Complete your Penn State course work at your own pace and 100% online.

Apply by November 1 to start January 12

9 Credits$1,027 per credit

No GRE/GMAT

GRE and GMAT test scores are NOT required.

Make Strategic Decisions to Help Move Your Company Forward

  • Compose holistic solutions that address enterprise-level business challenges.

  • Provide the enterprise-wide view needed to effectively develop and utilize systems and technology for competitive advantage.

  • Find better, more effective ways to analyze, design, and implement enterprise solutions that support the business of the organization.

  • Through analysis and planning, ensure enterprise systems are agile enough to align with and support changes in business strategies.

This 9-credit program integrates an introduction to the role of enterprise architect in strategic-, business-, and technology-planning methods as well as an ability to understand, analyze, justify, and communicate the solution of enterprise architecture problems to complement your current work experience.

Required Courses (9 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    Theoretical foundations and practice of enterprise architecture.

  • 3
    credits

    Theoretical foundations and practice of enterprise modeling.

    • Prerequisite

      EA 871

  • 3
    credits

    This course is intended to provide an exposure to the foundational concepts associated with each of the three primary layers of the enterprise information technology architecture stack: the enterprise applications architecture, the enterprise data architecture, and the enterprise technology infrastructure architecture.

    • Prerequisite

      EA 871

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.

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One of the many advantages of EA is its application to a host of positions and opportunities. Although a relatively new career field in many organizations, EA is rapidly evolving — and many career paths are emerging.

Career Services to Set You Up for Success

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From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.

  • Opportunities to connect with employers
  • Career counselor/coach support
  • Occupation and salary information
  • Internships
  • Graduate school resources 

Job Titles Related to This Degree

Today’s enterprise architects blend an understanding of an organization’s business, strategy, and operations with the technology that it employs. The skill set is indeed unique, and as the profession continues to grow, professionals with the requisite knowledge and skills will be in demand.

This unique combination of skills and perspectives can position you for a wide variety of leadership roles in the organization. Enterprise architecture professionals are found in all types of organizations and industries today, including:

  • federal government
  • defense
  • aerospace
  • health care
  • insurance
  • financial services
  • pharmaceuticals
  • telecommunications
  • consulting

Ready to Learn More?

Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.

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Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State graduate certificate?

Apply by November 1 to start January 12. How to Apply 

Learn about this program's tuition, fees, scholarship opportunities, grants, payment options, and military benefits.

Graduate Tuition

Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.

2024–25 Academic Year Rates

Tuition Rates for the Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025 Semesters
How many credits do you plan to take per semester?Cost
11 or fewer$1,027 per credit
12 or more$12,325 per semester

2025–26 Academic Year Rates

Tuition Rates for the Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026 Semesters
How many credits do you plan to take per semester?Cost
11 or fewer$1,037 per credit
12 or more$12,448 per semester

Paying for Your Certificate

Students pursuing a certificate are considered "nondegree," a status that is not eligible for federal student aid, including the Federal Direct Stafford Loan program. A private alternative loan may be an option to consider.

Additionally, Penn State offers many ways to pay for your education, including an installment plan and third-party payments. Penn State World Campus also offers an Employer Reimbursement and Tuition Deferment Plan. Learn more about the options for paying for your education.

Students pursuing a degree and meeting all other eligibility requirements may qualify for financial aid.

Military Benefits

Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.

Additional Cost of Attendance Details

To view the detailed list of cost of attendance elements:

Technical Requirements

Review the technical requirements for this program.

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Not only can this program help create opportunities in your career, it can also give you a solid head start toward a full master’s degree.

Degree Program Related to This Certificate

Some or all credits earned for this certificate can be applied to the following Penn State World Campus degree program:

This online master's program in enterprise architecture and business transformation (EABT) integrates both business strategy and enterprise technical execution. EABT improves organizational efficiency, effectiveness, and agility by delivering holistic business-aligned and digitally focused systems.

Learn more

Who Should Apply?

The certificate in EA was designed for working professionals with a bachelor’s degree and some relevant work experience. Students in the certificate program will have a wide variety of backgrounds that may include information technology, business, engineering, and the liberal arts.

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Whether you are looking to finish your program as quickly as possible or balance your studies with your busy life, Penn State World Campus can help you achieve your education goals. Many students take one or two courses per semester.

Our online courses typically follow a 12- to 15-week semester cycle, and there are three semesters per year (spring, summer, and fall). If you plan to take a heavy course load, you should expect your course work to be your primary focus and discuss your schedule with your academic adviser. 

To Finish Your Certificate in Less than a Year

  • Take 1–2 courses each semester

To Finish Your Certificate in One Year

  • Take 1 course each semester

Timelines may vary based on course availability.

 

Convenient Online Format

This program's convenient online format gives you the flexibility you need to study around your busy schedule. You can skip the lengthy commute without sacrificing the quality of your education and prepare yourself for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving your home.

A Trusted Leader in Online Education

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Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades. Our online learning environment offers the same quality education that our students experience on campus.

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Apply by November 1 to start January 12

Application Instructions

Deadlines and Important Dates

Complete your application and submit all required materials by the appropriate deadline. Your deadline will depend on the semester you plan to start your courses.

  • Spring Deadline

    Apply by November 1 to start January 12

Steps to Apply

  1. For admission to the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School, an applicant must hold either (1) a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates.

    GPA — For admission to the certificate program, a 2.75 GPA, either overall or from the last 60 credits, is needed. A 3.0 GPA must be obtained in order to successfully complete the certificate. 

    A minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience is recommended.

  2. You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:

    Official transcripts from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. If you are a Penn State alum, you do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State but must list Penn State as part of your academic history.

    Test Scores — GRE test scores are not required and will not be accepted as part of your application.

    English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Fox Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.

    Reference (1) — You will need to initiate the process through the online application by entering the name, email address, and mailing address of a professional reference. Upon submission of your application, an email will be sent to the recommender requesting they complete a brief online recommendation regarding your commitment for success in an online program. Please inform the recommender that they must submit the form in order for your application to be complete.

    Program-Specific Questions/Materials

    Résumé — Upload your résumé to the online application.

    Program-specific questions — Please submit your responses with your application.

    Statement of Interest — Please include a written personal statement in your application to share information that you deem important to your candidacy. Be sure to include why you are a qualified applicant and how this degree will assist you in meeting your future career goals. You may wish to describe aspects of your background and interests — intellectual, personal, and/or professional — and how you will uniquely contribute to the IST community and/or the related professions. As a suggested length, limit your statement to one or two pages, double-spaced. At the top of each page, please indicate "STATEMENT OF INTEREST," along with your name, numbering each page.

  3. To begin the online application, you will need a Penn State account.

    Create a New Penn State Account

    If you have any problems during this process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

    Please note: Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application or create a new Penn State account. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions.

  4. You can begin your online application at any time. Your progress within the online application system will be saved as you go, allowing you to return at any point as you gather additional information and required materials.

    • Choose Enrollment Type: "Certificate Admission"
    • Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus

    Checking Your Status 
    You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form. 

  5. 5. Complete the application.

    Penn State Fox Graduate School Application

Admissions Help

If you have questions about the admissions process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

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Have questions or want more information? We're happy to talk.

To learn more about the Graduate Certificate in Enterprise Architecture, please contact:

Lynne Bechdel
Academic Program Coordinator
College of Information Sciences and Technology
The Pennsylvania State University
E108 Westgate Building
University Park, PA 16802
[email protected]

For general questions about Penn State World Campus, please contact:

World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: 814-863-5386
[email protected]

This program is offered in partnership with the Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology. You’ll have the opportunity to learn from the same dedicated educators who teach on-campus courses in Penn State's highly regarded IST programs.

Faculty

  • Neil Efrom

    • M.S., Business Technology, Marymount University
    • B.S., Industrial Management, Carnegie Mellon University

    Mr. Neil Efrom is the acting co-department head for MITRE's Enterprise Transition Planning and Execution department. He has more than 25 years of experience in business process re-engineering and enterprise architecture projects for commercial companies and government organizations.

  • David Fusco

    • Ed.D., Educational Leadership and Management, Drexel University
    • M.Ed., Saint Francis University
    • B.S., Computer Science, Penn State

    Dr. David Fusco is an associate teaching professor and director of experiential learning in the College of Information Sciences and Technology at University Park. Dr. Fusco teaches courses in cybersecurity, enterprise technology integration, and leadership. In 2018, Dr. Fusco received the George J. McMurtry Faculty Excellence in Teaching and Learning Award.

  • David Hollar

    • M.S., Computer Science, Rochester Institute of Technology
    • B.S., Computer Science, Lenoir-Rhyne University

    David Hollar is a principal enterprise architect for the MITRE Corporation’s Enterprise Strategy & Transformation Innovation Center, providing advice and guidance to senior executives within the federal government. He has more than 25 years of experience working with federal government and private industry on system development, enterprise architecture, and transition planning and execution. His areas of interest and expertise also include enterprise transformation, technology strategy, and risk analysis.

  • Carla D. Kendrick

    • Ph.D., Organization and Management, Capella University
    • M.A., Computer Resource Management, Webster University
    • B.A., Communications, University of Alabama

    Dr. Carla D. Kendrick is an adjunct instructor with the Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology. She is also a principal enterprise architect with The MITRE Corporation. Her career spans more than 37 years of providing advice and guidance for senior executives in establishing and using enterprise architecture (EA), systems engineering principles, management strategies, strategic planning, organization management, and program management.

  • Jerry Krawczyk

    • M.S., Environmental Sciences, Johns Hopkins University
    • B.A., Mathematical Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara
    • B.A., Mathematical Economics, University of California, Santa Barbara

    Jerry Krawczyk is an enterprise technology leader at Penn State with more than 20 years of experience dedicated to higher education with a focus on enabling institutional transformation. Jerry is a recognized leader for holistically assessing institutional needs, organizational/financial constraints, and information technology solutions to deliver services supporting the university’s strategic priorities. Further, he is an engaged leader with a passion for team-building, staff development, and organizational transformation.

  • Rosalie Ocker

    • Ph.D., Computer and Information Science, Rutgers University Graduate School of Management
    • MBA, Lehigh University
    • B.A., Economics, Albright College

    Dr. Rosalie Ocker is an associate teaching professor in the College of Information Sciences and Technology at Penn State University Park. Prior to working in academia, Dr. Ocker was a consultant at Arthur Anderson (now Accenture), where she worked in the financial services sector, developing financial trading systems for firms on Wall Street. She also worked at Morgan Stanley as an internal consultant. Dr. Ocker teaches EA 871: Enterprise Architecture Foundations I and EA 594: Capstone Project.

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Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State graduate certificate?

Apply by November 1 to start January 12. How to Apply 

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