Enterprise Resource Planning Graduate Certificate

Program Outlook

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems are used by almost all Fortune 500 companies, and most of those companies use SAP. As a member of the SAP University Alliance, the Walton College provides students with hands-on experience using ERP software.

Executives from local, national, and multinational companies consider ERP experience to be a significant differentiating factor when reviewing resumes and selecting candidates for job interviews.

The ERP concentration includes courses in ERP Fundamentals, ERP Configuration and Implementation, and ERP Development. Students completing this concentration may be eligible to receive a certificate endorsed by SAP America and the SAP University Alliances Program.

Credit hours earned in this program can also be applied to the Master of Information Systems degree program.

ERP Certificate Curriculum

Summer 3 credit hours

ISYS 52103: ERP Fundamentals

An introduction to enterprise resource planning systems. Students should gain an understanding of the scope of these integrated systems that reach across organizational boundaries and can change how a company does business. Implementation issues are covered, including the importance of change management.

Fall 6 credit hours

ISYS 52203: ERP Configuration & Implementation

The process of configuring and implementing an enterprise resource planning system. Business process analysis and integration. Students will develop a company and set up several modules in SAP for use. Develop understanding of how the business processes work and integrate.

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 & advanced spreadsheet topics; relational databases & SQL; and programming (such as Python).

Spring 3 credit hours

ISYS 52303: ERP Development

ERP administration and system development practices. Advanced system support issues related to Enterprise Resource Planning systems that are used in global organizations. Basic ABAP programming. In addition, students will learn how to provide basic systems administration support of the operating system, database, and application systems software levels of ERP systems.

Student Outcomes

While in this program, students will gain knowledge of, and hands-on experience with:

Fundamental concepts of ERP systems

Processes: Fulfillment, Production, Procurement
Integration across processes: Accounting, Inventory

Management of integrated processes and decision making in a competitive real-time simulation using SAP to run a manufacturing firm
ERP Configuration and Implementation

Fundamental and transferable concepts of organizational data, master data, transaction data, and business rules across functional modules and business processes
Individual and group projects implementing an ERP system to support financial accounting, inventory management, and procurement and fulfillment processes using SAP FI, MM, and SD modules
SAP Solution Manager project management methodology and tools

ERP Development Topics

Business Intelligence using SAP BusinessObjects
Integrated information delivery using portals/dashboards
ABAP programming fundamentals

The Professional MIS program 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 may be applied towards a 30-hour MIS degree program. 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)

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
Business Analytics Certificate: July 1st

Are there any prerequisites for the Certificate Programs?

Students entering our certificate programs are expected to have: an undergraduate degree from a 4-year institution; experience using Microsoft Windows and Office (Word, Excel, Access) software; and an aptitude and passion for learning and working with technology