Certificate Programs & Professional Development
The Department of Computer Science offers graduate certificates, which are intended
for those who would like to complete coursework in certain specific areas without
having to undertake the preparatory work for a master's degree. A special sequence
of prerequisite courses can be taken toward entry into the certificate programs.
The department offers two 12-credit graduate certificates (consisting of four courses
each):
- Computer Security (Information Assurance)
- Information Systems
The department also offers one 9-credit post-baccalaureate certificate. This certificate is 100% Online and can be completed in 6 to 9 months.
All the computer science (CSC) courses listed for the two certificates can be counted towards the master's degree program except the three courses for the Post-Baccalaureate Programming Fundamental Certificate: CSC 512, CSC 513, CSC 516.
Prerequisites for Graduate Certificates
A student who wishes to enroll in one of the 12-credit certificate programs needs to satisfy one of the following requirements:
- hold a bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field, or
- hold a bachelor's degree in any other subject area and have successfully completed the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Programming Fundamentals.
Application
- Certificate applicants are required to submit the application, goals statement, and transcripts.
- A TOEFL score of 550 on the computer based exam or 80 on the internet based exam is required for non-native speakers only.
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Programming Fundamental (100% Online)
Complete the following three courses:
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| CSC 512 | Computer Programming I |
| CSC 513 | Computer Programming II |
| CSC 516 | Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithms |
Certificate in Computer Security (Information Assurance)
Select 4 of the following courses:
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| CSC 525 | Operating Systems |
| CSC 535 | Networks and Data Communications |
| CSC 555 | Software Engineering |
| CSC 583 | Topics in Computer Security |
| CSC 568 | Cloud Computing Fundamentals |
| CSC 603 | Advanced Seminar in Computer Security |
| CRJ 555 | Criminal Justice Topics (Computer Crime) |
Certificate in Information Systems
Select 3 or 4 of the following courses:
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| STA 511 | Intro Stat Computing & Data Management |
| CSC 545 | Database System Concepts |
| CSC 555 | Software Engineering |
| CSC 582 | Topics in Information Security |
| CSC 568 | Cloud Computing Fundamentals |
If only 3 selected, then select one from:
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| CSC 520 | Intro Stat Computing & Data Management |
| CSC 525 | Database System Concepts |
| CSC 530 | Software Engineering |
| CSC 535 | Topics in Information Security |
| CSC 540 | System Administration and Security |
| CSC 560 | Analysis of Algorithms |
| CSC 565 | Compiler Design |
| CSC 575 | Artificial Intelligence |
| CSC 576 | Data Science |
| CSC 581 | Topics in Computer Science |
| CSC 583 | Topics in Computer Security |
| CSC 584 | Topics in Web Technology |
| CSC 585 | User Interfaces |
| CSC 587 | Modern Web Technologies Using Server-Side Technologies |
| CSC 600 | Advanced Seminar |
| CSC 603 | Advanced Seminar in Computer Security |
| CSC 604 | Advanced Seminar in Web Technology |