Blockchain Enterprise Systems Graduate Certificate
The Graduate Certificate in Blockchain Enterprise Systems (BES) is a part-time certificate credential program designed to provide exposure to fundamental principles of blockchain, how blockchain systems relate to contemporary IS, techniques for management, development, and application of blockchain projects.
Program Overview
Blockchain technologies are trusted distributed ledger technologies that traditionally served as the foundational architecture underlying cryptocurrencies (e.g. Bitcoin, Ether, LiteCoin, etc.) and now as distributed applications and databases.
While blockchain technologies are seeing accelerated adoption and interest in business, the underlying technology and use-cases that provide value to organizations have come to the forefront of industry questions.
This program will begin with a managerial view focusing on helping organizations determine the scenarios under which blockchain technologies (Hyperledger & Ethereum) can (and should) fit into the organizational IT architecture to provide increased benefits.
The program also provides insights into blockchain application development and the implementation of use cases through real-world blockchain projects.
The Blockchain Enterprise Systems concentration includes courses in data analytics fundamentals, blockchain fundamentals, and development of blockchain technologies.
Credit hours earned in this program can also be applied to the Master of Information Systems degree program.
Blockchain Enterprise Systems Graduate Certificate
Program Length: 11 months
Program Start Date: Summer
Application Deadline:
May 1
Curriculum Overview
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Admissions Information
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Required Test: N/A
Program Cost
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Blockchain Enterprise Systems Certificate Curriculum
Summer 3 credit hours
ISYS 51703 Blockchain Fundamentals
This course provides the fundamental concepts underpinning blockchain technologies. The focus is on blockchain applications for business. Students will learn about the overall blockchain landscape, including investments, the size of markets, major players and the global reach, as well as the potential business value of blockchain applications and the challenges that must be overcome to achieve that value. Students will learn enough about the underlying technologies to speak intelligently to technology experts and will be well-prepared to develop blockchain applications in future courses.Fall 6 credit hours
ISYS 51303 Blockchain and E Business Development
This course explores various blockchain and e-business development technologies and then utilizes these technologies for developing a realistic application. Students will also learn strategies and use a varied web stack to build web pages that interact with blockchain platforms. Pre- or corequisite: ISYS 51703.ISYS 51003 Data Analytics Fundamentals (recommended elective)
Fundamental knowledge and skills in several major areas of business data analytics. Emphasis on the management and use of data in modern organizations, intermediate and advanced spreadsheet topics; relational databases and SQL; and programming (such as Python). Prerequisite: MIS Director approval. (Typically offered: Fall)Spring 3 credit hours
ISYS 54503: Blockchain and Enterprise Data
The focus of this course is to expose students to working with distributed and service oriented architectures for different applications as well as the IT infrastructure needed. The course provides the opportunity for students to gain valuable insight into blockchain as a distributed system and cloud architecture platforms with the goal of developing enterprise applications. Prerequisite: ISYS 51303. (Typically offered: Spring)Total 12 credit hours
Student Outcomes
After completion of this certificate program, students will understand and have hands-on experience with:
- Fundamentals concepts of blockchain technologies, uses-cases, and business value of blockchains
- The benefits of a traditional and distributed data systems
- Developing blockchain use-cases
- Building and managing traditional and distributed data systems
- Creating blockchain networks through existing platforms
- Developing blockchain applications on various platforms (Hyperledger and Ethereum)
- Integrating blockchain technologies into existing IT infrastructures
- Developing mainframe skills in IBM zOS and zLinux environments
- Partitioned datasets
- zOS mainframe utilities
- Working effectively in the Linux environment
Related Degree Programs
The Professional MIS program, as opposed to the full-time MIS, can be completed in less than 2 years. Students take 6 hours each semester and meet approximately one Saturday every month.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will a Graduate Certificate in Enterprise Systems help me?
You will gain focused knowledge and hands-on experience in a high-demand area of information systems. Whether you are interested in managing and leveraging your organization’s data resources using analytics, integrating and optimizing your organization’s processes using ERP, or transitioning into a career in the information systems field, you will be exposed to enterprise computing platforms and real-world data sets that will give you a competitive edge.What platforms and data sets will I be working with?
Nearly every course involves hands-on experience with one or more enterprise computing platforms and/or real-world data sets. Enterprise platforms include IBM (z13/DB2/zLinux), Microsoft (SQL Server/BI Studio/Visual Studio), SAP (FI/MM/SD/PP/SM/BI/ABAP), SAS (Enterprise Guide/Enterprise Miner), and Teradata (SQL Assistant/Warehouse Miner). Data sets have been provided from companies such as Sam’s Club, Dillard’s, Tyson Foods, and Acxiom.Are these programs endorsed by a company or academic organization?
These are credentialed certificate programs approved by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education. Additionally, the curriculum for each program has been reviewed and endorsed by one of our enterprise computing partners. Students who complete a certificate program may be eligible to receive a certificate endorsed by Microsoft (Enterprise Information Systems), SAS (Business Analytics – additional project requirement applies), or SAP (Enterprise Resource Planning).Will I receive academic credit for completing the courses in the program?
Yes. The courses are offered as graduate-level classes by the Sam M. Walton College of Business, an AACSB accredited business school. Up to 12 hours of graduate credit received during one of these programs may be applied towards a 30-hour MIS degree program, which may be pursued part-time or full-time. Credit earned in the IT Toolkit course may not be applied toward MIS degree requirements.Do I need to take the GMAT or GRE to be considered for a Graduate Certificate in Enterprise Systems program?
No. Undergraduate GPA and work experience will be considered. If you choose to pursue the MIS program after completing your certificate, the GMAT or GRE may be required at that time.What is the program schedule?
The program is offered in a weekend/online delivery format with face-to-face meetings approximately one Saturday per month. Certificate programs take between 9 and 12 months to complete, depending on your program, start date, and desired pace. In order to complete a program in the shortest amount of time, the following start dates are suggested:- Business Analytics Certificate: Begin in August, finish in May (9-12 months)
- Enterprise Resource Planning Certificate: Begin in May, finish in May (12 months)
- Blockchain Enterprise Systems Certificate: Begin in May, finish in May (11 months)
Do I have the option to take any electives in the Enterprise Systems Certificate Programs?
Yes. Each program involves 3 required courses and 1 elective. If an alternate elective is desired, you may consult the program advisor.Do I need a computer for this program?
Yes, access to a computer and a high-speed internet connection is required for all courses in the program. A laptop will be required for in-class exercises in some courses. A web cam, headset, and microphone will be required for synchronous online class meetings.When are the deadlines for each Certificate Program?
- Enterprise Resource Planning Certificate: May 1st
- Blockchain Enterprise Systems Certificate: May 1st
- Business Analytics Certificate: July 1st