CCI's Graduate Certificate in Computer Science program is designed for recent graduates and professionals seeking to learn the theoretical and technical foundations necessary to tackle the latest challenges in computer science and related areas. The program may also serve as an entry point to Master of Science degrees in Computer Science, Software Engineering, and/or Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
Computer Science Certificate Program Requirements
- Five-course program provides an in-depth overview of the fundamentals of the computer science field, including courses in programming foundations, advanced programming techniques and computer science foundations
- Curriculum is designed to provide an accelerated introduction to computer science for those looking to transition into a programming position or an MS in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning or related field, or for those lacking formal computer science training
- The program is also ideal for current graduate students from different disciplines who wish to develop computing skills to apply in their field
- Graduates of the program may immediately transfer into the following programs (click here to view eligibility requirements): Master of Science in Computer Science; Master of Science in Software Engineering ; Master of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
Computer Science Certificate Coursework
The computer science certificate program provides training in programming, algorithms, systems and software design along with a graduate computer science elective appropriate for the student's area of interest or desired career path.
The computer science certificate curriculum includes four required core courses: CS 501 Introduction to Programming; CS 502 Data Structures and Algorithms; CS 503 System Basics; CS 504 Introduction to Software Design
Computer science certificate students also select one elective course. The following sample of electives are organized by area of interest:
Electives appropriate for graduate study in Software Engineering or pursuing a career as a software developer:
- SE 572 Web Services and Mobile Architectures
- SE 575 Software Design
- SE 576 Software Reliability and Testing
- CS 530 Developing User Interfaces
Electives appropriate for graduate study in Computer Science:
- CS 521 Data Structures & Algorithms I
- CS 544 Computer Networks
- CS 550 Programming Languages
Electives appropriate for graduate study in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning:
- CS 510 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
- CS 613 Machine Learning
Students who complete the certificate and wish to continue their studies in a MS degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Software Engineering, or Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, can transfer the four required certificate courses and approved elective towards those master’s degrees. Students must earn a grade of a B or better in each certificate course to be eligible for MS enrollment. Once the certificate is successfully completed, the student will submit an application for their MS program. The essay, resume, two letters of recommendation, resume and GREs are waived for these students who have successfully completed the certificate and are looking to move to the above MS degrees.
For more information on curriculum, please visit the Drexel University Catalog.
Students entering the program should possess basic programming knowledge and solid analytic skills (e.g., obtained through undergraduate math courses).