Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

The significance of IT certifications for James Madison University's Computer Information Systems major

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Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

Date of Graduation

Spring 2019

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

Department

Department of Computer Information Systems and Business Analytics

Advisor(s)

Thomas W. Dillon

David H. Jones

James Jewett

Jared Diener

Abstract

Information Technology certifications allow individuals to ensure the competence of IT Skills through measurement competence pertaining to particular skills and knowledge. Certifications are increasingly popular for many reasons. First, IT certifications allow individuals to stay up to date with technology and changes in technology. Earning certificates shows employers that you are caught up on the most recent practices that may be required for your job. Second, certifications show the initiative for professional growth. Employers greatly appreciate the desire and ambition to learn and grow. Furthermore, IT certifications distinguish yourself when the opportunity for a new job or raise arises. According to a study by Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce, have a certification or credential adds on average 25% in earnings.

In the current workforce, there is a substantial population earning certifications and obtaining their master’s degrees. According to the Institute for College Access and Success, within the last 5 years, there has been a 46% increase in people earning certifications.

As the Advisory Board and faculty of James Madison University’s College of Business look towards improving the Computer Information Systems Major, Dr. Thomas Dillon asked me to reach out to his LinkedIn Contacts to hear the options of IT Certifications from JMU staff, JMU alumni, and colleges. A Google Form Survey was sent to participants asking the questions listed in the survey responses portion of this document. This data was then compiled and analyzed to determine a recommendation for the JMU Computer Information Systems Major advisory board.

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