The Multidisciplinary Applied Technologies (MAT) Certificate Program provides a multidisciplinary approach to Information Technology (IT) that enables students to apply broad technical knowledge across various fields of study and throughout their professional careers. The program complements both technical and non-technical majors by providing a foundational background in Computer Science, Information Systems, Telecommunications, and Digital Design.  MAT enables students to explore how information technologies work, to develop confidence and life-long learning ability with IT, to move flexibly and appropriately among IT output, and to value collaborative diversity, teamwork, and hands-on learning.  In combining information technology work with other fields of study, the MAT student will discover that knowledge in one area leads to greater understanding in another, that solutions in one field can answer questions in another, that a well-rounded individual is better equipped to face challenges and succeed.  Preparing students for the new needs and opportunities in today’s computer dependent society requires a multidisciplinary approach that involves every school and college in the university. 
 
The MAT Certificate Program was launched in January 2003.  It offers students a more technologically-intensive course of study than its sister program, the Technology, Arts and Media (TAM) Certificate Program.  It is open to undergraduate students from every school and department on the CU Boulder campus. Students are encouraged to begin the program during their sophomore year.