Program Overview

Program Overview

The Computer Programming Certificate (CPC) program is designed to provide a solid foundation in the basic principles of computer programming. The program is offered entirely online and is open to students with a bachelor's degree in any field other than computer science or computer engineering. The CPC curriculum is aligned with the Computer Programming Minor, the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science curriculum, and the preparatory undergraduate coursework required for success in Computer Science graduate programs.

Admission Requirements

The CPC is specifically designed to help working professionals gain the fundamental computing skills needed to further their current career or prepare for a career change. The program is ideal for those who want to gain a professional credential that verifies their programming competency and understanding of the theoretical foundations of computer science.

Certificate Requirements

Completing the CPC requires 22-23 hours of coursework in mathematics, programming languages, and other core principles of computer science beyond the calculus requirement. The required courses focus on developing Java programming skills that can be used to successfully program in any environment.

Program Details

• The program is offered in a Distance Education format only.
• The certificate is awarded to students completing the required courses with a certificate GPA of 2.0 or higher.
• The program includes the following courses:
  • MA 121: Elements of Calculus 1 (3-4 hours)
  • CSC 116: Introduction to Computing - Java (3 hours)
  • CSC 216: Software Development Fundamentals (3 hours)
  • CSC 217: Software Development Fundamentals Lab (1 hour)
  • CSC 226: Discrete Mathematics (3 hours)
  • CSC 230: C and Software Tools (3 hours)
  • CSC 246: Concepts and Facilities of Operating Systems for Computer Scientists (3 hours)
  • CSC 316: Data Structures and Algorithms (3 hours)
• Total hours: 22-23

Academic Structure

• Term Effective: 1/1979; 8/2011, 1/2019, 7/2021
• Plan Code: 32CPCTU
• CIP Code: 14.0901
• Description: Undergraduate Certificate in Computer Programming

Additional Information

• Students who intend to pursue graduate study after completion of the CPC need MA 141 Calculus I, not MA 121 Elements of Calculus.
• The Department of Computer Science waives the co-requisite of MA 121 Elements of Calculus or MA 131 Calculus for Life and Management Sciences A or MA 141 Calculus I so students interested in the CPC may begin by taking CSC 116 Introduction to Computing - Java. However, a Calculus I class remains a requirement for the CPC program.