University of Massachusetts Lowell and Ziplines Education launch career-focused certificate programs to power Massachusetts’ innovation economy

LOWELL, Mass. (December 2, 2025) – For more than a century, the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML) has been preparing students to work in the real world, solve real problems, and help real people. Continuing that legacy of innovation and industry partnership, UML is taking bold steps to equip Massachusetts’ workforce with the skills needed to compete and lead in a rapidly evolving digital economy.

In collaboration with Ziplines Education, a national career accelerator that partners with more than 30 universities, UML is launching five online, university-branded certificate programs in Project Management, Business Analytics, Digital Marketing, AI Prompting, and AI Automation. Each is designed for working professionals, career changers, and lifelong learners who want to strengthen their career mobility and productivity in high-demand fields.

“As a public research university deeply connected to the economic health of our region, we’re committed to helping professionals adapt and thrive as technology transforms the workplace,” said Nancy M. Ludwig, M.B.A., Ed.D., Executive Dean of the Division of Graduate, Online & Professional Studies. “These programs reflect our long-standing mission to connect education with industry, giving learners the flexibility, relevance, and confidence to advance their careers and contribute to Massachusetts’ innovation economy.”

The programs launch as employer demand for digital skills continues to surge. According to Lightcast data for Massachusetts, project management skills are expected to grow 20%; demand for marketing skills by 23%; data analysis by 26%; Tableau by 21%; and automation skills by 30%. Across sectors—from life sciences and advanced manufacturing to healthcare and education—Massachusetts employers are seeking professionals who can lead teams, apply analytics, and integrate AI tools responsibly.

Each certificate follows UML’s long-standing approach to applied, experience-based learning. Delivered through a flexible, cohort-based model, the programs combine on-demand content with live weekly sessions led by industry practitioners. Learners gain practical, hands-on experience using real tools and workflows, supported by career advisors and mentors who help translate learning into impact.

“This partnership is about helping universities move at the speed of work,” said Sara Leoni, CEO of Ziplines Education. “UMass Lowell has a powerful legacy of connecting education to innovation and industry. Together, we’re ensuring professionals across the Commonwealth can gain future-ready skills quickly, confidently, and credibly through programs that are rigorous, relevant, and backed by a trusted public university.”

Enrollment is now open for Winter 2025 cohorts. To learn more or register, visit gps.uml.edu/professional-training or ziplines.com.

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About the University of Massachusetts Lowell
A nationally ranked public university, UMass Lowell has been a leader in research, learning and teaching for more than 130 years. The Carnegie-classified Research 1 university located in the heart of a Massachusetts Gateway City offers high quality in-person and online programs, as well as unique career-connected learning experiences, to more than 17,000 students from 50 states and 114 countries. Learn more at www.uml.edu.

About Ziplines Education
Ziplines Education partners with 30+ public and regional universities to design, launch, and grow employer-aligned certificates that build skills, confidence, and career mobility. Practitioner-led and cohort-based, our model helps institutions adapt at the speed of work—so learners and regions thrive as the economy evolves, driven by technology and accelerated by AI. Learn more at ziplines.com.

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