Online Certificate in Computer Science

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Computer Science

Drexel’s online Certificate in Computer Science program provides basic theory, programming, and other technical skills. It’s perfect for bachelor’s-prepared students who want to refresh a resume and tackle new challenges. You’ll build the skills needed in modern computing and related areas, many of which are fast-growing sectors with demand for tech-savvy workers.

What is an Online Certificate in Computer Science?

The online graduate certificate in computer science is a four-course (12-credit) program that awards a diploma. It's suitable for people who have a bachelor’s degree in an area outside of computer science.

While targeting the fundamentals, you can customize your study plan through an elective. Because it covers fewer courses than a full master’s program, many online students complete the certificate in one year.

Drexel’s online computer science certificate program also offers an entry point to Master of Science degrees in Computer Science, Software Engineering, and Cybersecurity. To be able to do this, you’ll need to complete the certificate with a B grade or better. Then take an extra 14 classes to earn your master’s degree.

Certificate in Computer Science Program Features

18 quarter credits
Online classes designed to fit into a busy lifestyle
Transfer credits to one of Drexel’s Master of Science degrees in Computer Science, Software Engineering, and Cybersecurity

What Can You Do with a Certificate in Computer Science?

Earning a certificate in computer science leaves you with a credential you can share on your resume and professional profile. It can be useful for professionals who want to update their computer skills or those who want to understand the tools and language of computing and informatics to pursue an entry-level role.

Employment in computer and technology occupations is on the rise with 557,100 new jobs on the horizon by 2026. Having skills in these areas is valuable and may help you become more marketable in the following sectors:

Computing and Security Technology
Technology
Data Science
Health Informatics
Library and Information Science Systems

Learn more about the four fastest growing jobs in these fields and how to prepare yourself to succeed through one of Drexel’s online degree programs.

What is the difference between Computer Science and Software Engineering?

Computer science and software engineering may seem like identical programs but there are key differences. Knowing this may help you determine which path aligns with your interests and career goals.

In simple terms, computer science degrees study how computers work through the lens of math and theory. As such, they may appeal to those who like math and logic. They may also be ideal for those who want to pursue a career in a niche field in computer science, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and information security.

Software engineering is the study of how to build, maintain, and develop software systems. This can touch on topics such as quality assurance, project management, and software testing, and focuses on all the elements that go into making software systems that run on computer technology.

Certificate in Computer Science Salary Expectations

Per Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the median annual salary for computer and information technology occupations was $86,320 in May 2018. Salaries depend on experience and education as well as location, workplace and type of job.

Job Title

Average Annual Salary

Job Outlook to 2026

Business Intelligence Analyst

$93,350

5 - 9% (As fast as average)

Network Architect

$109,020

6 % (As fast as average)

Computer Systems Analyst

$88,740

9% (As fast as average)

Database Administrator

$90,070

11% (Faster than average)

Information Security Analyst

$98,350

28% (Much faster than average)

Software Developer

$105,950

24% (Much faster than average)

IT Manager

$142,530

12% (Faster than average)

Data Scientist

$118,370

19% (Much faster than average)

Data from BLS.gov

Related Programs

State restrictions may apply to some programs.

Curriculum

This program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year (as opposed to the traditional two semester system) which means you can take more courses in a shorter time period. One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.

Required Core Courses
CS 520	Computer Science Foundations	3.0
CS 570	Programming Foundations	3.0
CS 571	Advanced Programming Techniques	3.0
Elective Course		3.0
Complete one of the following:
CS 500	Fundamentals of Databases
CS 510	Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
CS 521	Data Structures and Algorithms I
CS 525	Theory of Computation
CS 530	Developing User Interfaces
CS 536	Computer Graphics
CS 540	High Performance Computing
CS 543	Operating Systems
CS 544	Computer Networks
CS 550	Programming Languages
CS 575	Software Design
CS 583	Introduction to Computer Vision
Total Credits		12.0

View Course Descriptions

Admissions Requirements

A four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
- GPA of 3.2 or higher
- If other graduate work has been completed, the average GPA must be at least 3.2, including a B or better in each course

Required Documents

With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting our Completing Your Application Guide.

A completed application
Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended
One letter of recommendation, two suggested (academic, professional, or both)
Essay (500 words) on why you wish to pursue the program
Resume
Additional requirements for International Students

Certificate students interested in continuing at the Master’s level must apply and be admitted to those programs separately. Completion of the certificate is not an automatic acceptance to a Master's program.

Tuition

The tuition rate for the academic year 2020-2021 is $1342 per credit.

This program is not eligible for Financial Aid.
Special tuition rates available for Drexel University Alumni, Military members, and members of our Partner Organizations.
- These rates apply only to new online students and students being readmitted.
- These rates apply only to fully online courses. Hybrid or on-campus courses may have different rates.
- Tuition rates are subject to increase with the start of each academic year in the fall term.
- All students must contact applyDUonline@drexel.edu within the first two weeks of the term to request tuition savings for which they qualify.
- Special rates cannot be combined. If you qualify for more than one special rate, you'll be given the one with the largest savings.
- When receiving special tuition plans with Drexel University Online, you may not combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University.

Academic Calendar

2019-2020 Academic Year

Term

Classes Begin

Classes End

Exams Begin

Exams End

Fall 2019

September 23, 2019

December 7, 2019

December 9, 2019

December 14, 2019

Winter 2020

January 6, 2020

March 16, 2020

March 17, 2020

March 21, 2020

Spring 2020

April 6, 2020

June 8, 2020

June 9, 2020

June 13, 2020

Summer 2020

June 22, 2020

August 30, 2020

September 2, 2020

September 5, 2020

2020-2021 Academic Year

Term

Classes Begin

Classes End

Exams Begin

Exams End

Fall 2020

September 21, 2020

December 5, 2020

December 7, 2020

December 12, 2020

Winter 2021

January 4, 2021

March 13, 2021

March 15, 2021

March 20, 2021

Spring 2021

March 29, 2021

June 5, 2021

June 7, 2021

June 12, 2021

Summer 2021

June 21, 2021

August 28, 2021

August 30, 2021

September 4, 2021

Apply today for the Online Certificate in Computer Science

Apply now to begin your application for obtaining a Drexel degree online!

Previously enrolled at Drexel? Learn more about readmission.

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