Certificate Programs
Additional Information
The Department of Computer Science currently offers four Graduate Certificates in Computing designed to provide individuals holding an undergraduate degree in any discipline the opportunity to gain advanced knowledge and skills in selected areas of applied computing through a focused program of study consisting of 15 semester hours of coursework (5 courses). In addition to specific courses required for a particular certificate, students may also choose elective courses, in consultation with their advisor, that allow flexibility to study additional topics related to their certificate program and that fit their individual career goals.
Program Hilights
- Develop advanced knowledge and skills in a specialized area of applied computing
- Flexible course scheduling for working professionals (all courses meet after 5pm)
- Complete the program in a timely manner (only 5 required courses)
- Earn graduate credit that may be applied toward a Master of Science in Applied CS
Admission Requirements
- Open to students with an undergraduate degree in any discipline, with an overall undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5
- Students without an undergraduate degree in computer science or equivalent experience (as determined by the Department) must complete CS 5201 and CS 5202 as a pre-requisite to courses in the program (these courses will not apply toward the certificate)
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for admission to the certificate programs
Specific Requirements for all Graduate Certificates in Computing
- A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in all courses for the certificate is required.
- Students must meet with their advisor at least twice during each semester of enrollment.
- The selection of elective courses must be made in consultation with the student's faculty advisor and be approved by the Department.
- Students must complete an exit interview with the Department during the final semester of enrollment.
Applicability toward Master of Science in Applied Computer Science
Students deciding to apply for admission to the Master of Science in Applied Computer Science degree program after successfully completing one of the certificate programs must:
- apply and be accepted to the M.S. in Applied CS before completing nine credit hours toward the certificate program, and
- meet all other admission requirements for the M.S. in Applied CS.
All credits earned in the certificate program may be applied toward the M.S. degree within 6 years following completion of the certificate. If CS 5201 and CS 5202 were taken as a pre-requisite to the certificate program, only 3 of those hours will apply toward the M.S. degree. The certificate capstone project, CS 6900, may count as a project (or an elective) toward the M.S. degree.