Foundation Skills for Technology

Undergrad. Cert. 9 months

Foundation Skills For Technology Program

If you're looking to build or strengthen your technology skills prior to pursuing a full degree, our online Foundation Skills in Technology Undergraduate Certificate can help you learn essential math, writing, and computer skills. Through flexible online classes, you'll become confident in your skills and earn college credits that are transferrable to Penn Foster's Engineering Technology Associate Degree.

This undergraduate certificate program is designed to provide students with the essential academic skills and technology background necessary for success in an AS-level engineering or technology degree program.
Students build essential math, writing, and computer skills, as well as a solid foundation in the interpretation of technical drawings and physical sciences.
Our online programs are flexible enough for you to finish them at a pace that works for you, based on how much time you can dedicate to your coursework each week.

Accredited

Online

Self Paced

Cost of program

$1,339

$1,799 Save $460

$59/month, Start for as low as $1

Enroll Now Request Info

1-800-471-3232 (9AM - 9PM EST)

student working on a laptop in living room.

What You Will Learn

How to develop effective quantitative skills by solving math problems using knowledge of the metric system, mathematical formulas, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
How to develop proficient computer and information literacy skills and a fundamental understanding of how the internet works.
How to understand and interpret the basics of technical and construction drawings, blueprints, and computer-aided designs.
How to write effectively for technology and college-level assignments including a review of basic grammar, such as parts of speech, active and passive voices, complete sentences vs. sentence fragments, and parallel construction.

Full Program Goal & Outcomes

Foundation Skills in Technology Outcomes

In our online Foundation Skills in Technology Undergraduate Certificate, you will create a solid academic foundation to promote success in future college-level studies in technology-related fields. The course credits earned with this program are transferable toward an Associate of Science Degree in Technology at Penn Foster. Completing a certificate alone, however, won't necessarily qualify you for employment but is instead an option to refresh skills you already have, build new skills, or prepare for higher education.

Foundation Skills for Technology Curriculum

6 courses
16 credits

Estimated completion time:

Fast track = 9 months
Average time = 12 months

With Penn Foster, you can learn at whatever pace works best for you. Some learners will be more comfortable moving faster, and dedicating more time, and the fast track estimate will apply to them. The average track will apply to most learners who can dedicate a few hours per week to completing their coursework.

In our Foundation Skills in Technology courses, you'll learn fundamental math, writing, and computer skills that can serve as a foundation for pursuing further education in technology and engineering degree programs. Your online classes include:

Orientation to Engineering Technology
Math for STEM
Essential Computer Skills
Introduction to Technical Drawings

Show Full Curriculum

Foundation Skills in Tech Success Stories

Penn Foster’s Foundation Skills in Technology Undergraduate Certificate Program can help prepare you for the first step toward furthering your education in technology or engineering. Learn more about Penn Foster graduates' experiences and how Penn Foster worked for them.

View Student Success Stories

Jermaine H.

Penn Foster Graduate, 2021

“I needed Penn Foster to get my feet in the door of a career of my choice. Penn Foster helped with that in a tremendous way...”

Looking for training for your workers?

Penn Foster currently works with hundreds of leading employers to meet their unique organizational needs.

Learn More

Foundation Skills for Technology Tuition

Take the first steps toward furthering your education and building new skills with our online Foundation Skills in Technology Undergraduate Certificate Program. Simply choose from one of our low-cost customized payment plans below and get started today!

Option 1: Pay in full

Cost of Program

$1,339

$1,799 Save $460

Best price. Best value.
Pay the full cost today
No monthly payments

Enroll Now

Option 2: Monthly Auto Pay Plan

Cost of Program

$1,799

Pay $59 per month
Start for $1 down
Credit card, PayPal, or ACH from bank account

Enroll Now

Option 3: Monthly Mail Pay Plan

cost of program

$1,799

Pay $59 per month
Start for $49 down
Mail your payments

Enroll Now

Our Proven Technology Learning Model

Empowering students to reach their professional goals

Flexible

Start anytime
No exam due dates
Self-paced

Interactive

Digital study guides
Self-check quizzes
Webinars and discussion boards

Connected

24/7 access to online resources
Online student community
Student Portal Help Center

Supportive

Expert faculty
Dedicated student services
Robust learning resources

Related Programs

engineer professional working on laptop.

Engineering Technology

Prepare for entry-level positions working in mechanical, electrical, and industrial engineering with an A.S. Degree in Engineering Technology.

Associate Degree 5 months As low as $59/mo

industrial electrician troubleshooting electrical system.

Industrial Electronics and Electrical Maintenance Technology

Learn about the fundamentals of electronics and electricity, drafting with AutoCAD®, and more to prepare for a career in industrial maintenance.

Associate Degree 3 months As low as $59/mo

In Demand

IT technician using laptop in server room.

IT Support Specialist

Become an IT support specialist with online classes in hardware repair and replacement, Windows© and Apple© operating systems, troubleshooting, and networking.

Career Diploma 4 months As low as $59/mo

Foundational Skills for Technology Undergraduate Course FAQs

What are basic technology skills?

Basic technology skills include a foundational understanding of math, computer applications, and science. Depending on which career path in technology you want to pursue, you may need more advanced information technology or engineering technology skills. The Foundation Skills in Technology Certificate covers the essentials that can prepare students to further their education in a technology-focused degree program.

Who should take the foundation skills for technology course?

The Foundation Skills in Technology Undergraduate Certificate is geared toward students who want to build essential math, science, and writing skills while earning college credits. The program is best for those who wish to pursue a degree later in engineering, information sciences, or another tech-focused subject.

What is the average salary for a worker within IT?

The average salary for someone working in IT can vary widely based on your education, your job title, experience, and the company you work for. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations was $97,430 in May 2020, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $45,760.* It's important to note that this salary range includes occupations with qualifications that range from a high school diploma to graduate degrees.

Is IT an in-demand career?

As we come to rely on technology more and more, those skilled in its various applications will be in demand. Whether you're working in IT, engineering, or another tech-based field, you can expect to have a variety of job opportunities available.

Disclaimers:

The completion of a certificate-level program does not typically qualify a student for employment. Completion of this program may assist students who have previous academic or work-related experience improve their chances for promotion or entry-level employment.

Sources:

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. "Computer and Information Technology Occupations." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Accessed September 23, 2022.

Statements found in the United States Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook are not a guarantee of any post-graduation salary, in part because the data used to create the Occupational Outlook Handbook includes workers from differing educational backgrounds, levels of experience, and geographic areas of the country.