Revolutionary Low-Cost Green IT Certificate Launches from UW

June 17, 2011 - PRLog -- SEATTLE, WA – In a city famous for its grey skies, dark coffee blends and even darker music scenes – there’s something brighter brewing.

That is why students are buzzing about the Certificate in Green IT program recently being offered through the University of Washington’s Professional and Continuing Education department. (can be seen at http://www.greendegreedirectory.com/degree/certificate-in-green-it/)

As a new and innovative IT program, the certificate offers students an opportunity to learn how information technology will play a critical role in sustainability and the development of future triple bottom line business models.

“My development focus is the technology sector, and our organization has been developing new programs in sustainability for several years now, so Green IT was a logical next step combining technology & sustainability,’’ says Erik Bansleben, Program Development Director for UW Professional & Continuing Education, who took part in the development of the program. “Additionally, this program is a joint Certificate effort between the University of Washington and the University of British Columbia. Member companies & organizations on the advisory board include Boeing, E2 Squared, Climate Savers Computing Initiative, WTIA, Clean Technology Partners, Bozich Consulting, Evoke Networks, Sustainable Networks, Washington Clean Technology Alliance, and Microsoft.”

The Certificate in Green IT is unique in many ways. First, it’s offered completely online, is non-accredited therefore offering a low tuition cost (currently $2700 for the entire program) and teaches an integrated spectrum of green IT related issues. Erik says, “Students can expect to learn a wide range of topics including life cycle assessment, creating Green IT baselines, and how to foster stakeholder engagement for transformative change.” View program at http://www.greendegreedirectory.com/1-learning-style/onli....

Admission requirements of the program are fairly laid-back but Erik cautions that “students should have worked for an IT department for at least one year or managed IT projects within an office environment” before applying.

When asked about job growth and salary in the Green IT sector Erik advises, “Job growth should be good over the next decade once the economy starts to recover. Salary expectations will vary widely depending on the job role, but having a background in Green IT should allow all IT technologists to be well positioned for the next phase of their career.”

Why is this program so important and needed right now? Erik says, “The growth of IT-related energy consumption as a percentage of overall consumption, for example, is so pronounced and widespread that solving the problem is mandatory. IT departments need to address Green IT issues more in the coming years and also for new companies to develop that focus on specific areas of Green IT consulting or provide a broad range of services to companies who cannot afford to specialize and keep up with the trends internally.”

Domestic and international students are encouraged to apply and although scholarships are not currently available Erik says “we are certainly open to partnering with companies wishing to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability & Green IT by making scholarships available to students to grow this sector within information technology.”

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