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Curriculum | Basic EA Certification (Online)
Goal
The Online Certification Program is an online version of the Basic Enterprise Architect Certification Program. The goal of the online program is the same as the goal of the classroom version: to give students with varying levels of awareness and experience in Enterprise Architecture an appreciation of the art and science of Enterprise Architecture and to increase their ability to contribute to an Enterprise Architecture team.Are There Any Prerequisites?
No. Some students will be practicing enterprise architects already, some will be positioning themselves for future positions as enterprise architects. Others simply have an interest in learning Enterprise Architecture techniques. Most students will have a degree in a related field, such as engineering, business administration, computer science, or operations research, but this is not a requirement. In fact, some of Ms. Sowell’s most successful students, and some of the most successful enterprise architects, come from widely diverse backgrounds.Approach
The approach taken in this program is to be as practical as possible. Some theory and philosophy are required, but the aim at all times is to give the students practical techniques they can actually use in their work – starting with what they learn on the first day.Instruction is provided through fully narrated online presentations, with written notes pages available for downloading. Mentoring is provided frequently throughout the program to help the students with their projects and the faculty are readily available to answer questions and interact individually with students.
The framework used in class is the SowellEAC Framework, which is derived from and consistent with the Department of Defense architecture framework, but streamlined and made practical for general use.
The material and course requirements are the same as in the classroom version of the Basic Enterprise Architect Certification Program, with the exception of the 8-week time period allotted for the course (see below).
Structure and Content of the Curriculum
The curriculum consists of four modules:Module 1: Introduction to the Practice of Enterprise Architecture:
What is Enterprise Architecture? Why We Do Enterprise Architecture, Brief History of Enterprise Architecture, Overview of Several Enterprise Architecture Frameworks, Introduction to the SowellEAC Framework and Approach, Starting Your Project, Continuous Mentoring and InteractionModule Two: Intermediate Topics in Enterprise Architecture:
Introduction to the Core Models of the SowellEAC Framework, Details of the Core Models, Case Studies, Continuing Your Project, Continuous Mentoring and InteractionModule Three: Advanced Topics in Enterprise Architecture:
Advanced Techniques for Structuring, Using, and Analyzing Architectures; Additional Models; Completing Your Project; Continuous Mentoring and InteractionModule Four: Final Examination and Presentation of Project.
Scheduling
The curriculum requires a total of approximately 100 hours. Students work at their own pace, within a weekly structure of eight weeks. Students can enroll as part of a group or as an individual and can begin the program at any time.Class Size
Because the number of students taking the course at any one time is fluid, there is no set minimum or maximum number of students.The Student Project
Each student will participate in building an architecture, either as an individual or as a member of a group. The project architecture will evolve throughout the program, as the student’s knowledge evolves. Mentoring will be provided throughout the process and students will have access to faculty throughout the process.Students may use Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc. for their project architectures, but the use of sophisticated Enterprise Architecture tools is discouraged. The rationale for this policy is the belief that the students should concentrate on the underlying logic of the process and the analysis, rather than on the mechanics of an automated tool.
Completion Requirements
Students must complete the Project with a grade of at least 80% and must pass the final Certification Examination with a grade of at least 80%. In addition, the course must be completed within the allotted 8-week period.Certification and CEUs
Students who successfully complete the curriculum will receive Certification as an Enterprise Architect and 10 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) from National-Louis University.Qualifications of the Faculty
The faculty for the online program is the same as for the classroom program. The Principal Faculty Member and founder of this program is P. Kathie Sowell. Ms. Sowell is a well-known thought leader in the discipline of enterprise architecture, and is especially known for her practical, down-to-earth approach to the discipline. The Society for Information Management named her as one of five Pioneers of Enterprise Architecture.Ms. Sowell was the principal author of the Department of Defense’s Architecture Framework, now known as the DoD Architecture Framework, or DODAF, and has contributed to the creation of other Government frameworks as well. Using her intimate knowledge of these frameworks and her practical approach to enterprise architecture, she has synthesized individualized architecture frameworks for several clients.
For selected topics, Ms. Sowell will engage recognized experts in specialized enterprise architecture subject areas, and will provide their resumes upon request. These other faculty members will teach certain sessions under her supervision.
Basic EA Certification Program (Classroom)
Basic EA Certification (Online)
Black Belt EA Certification Program
