Requirements
and Restrictions
Learning Work?
or Live Event
Online Certificate in Computer Science
Drexel University is Regionally Accredited
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 five-course (15-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
- 15 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
- Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity and Information Privacy Compliance
- Graduate Certificate in Human Computer Interaction and User Experience
- MS in Computer Science
- MS in Cybersecurity
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.
| Core Courses | ||
| CS 501 | Introduction to Programming | 3.0 |
| CS 502 | Data Structures and Algorithms | 3.0 |
| CS 503 | Systems Basics | 3.0 |
| CS 504 | Introduction to Software Design | 3.0 |
| Elective Course | 3.0 | |
| Choose one of the following: | ||
|
CS 510
|
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence | |
|
CS 521
|
Data Structures & Algorithms I | |
|
CS 530
|
Developing User Interfaces | |
|
CS 544
|
Computer Networks | |
|
CS 550
|
Programming Languages | |
|
CS 613
|
Machine Learning | |
|
SE 572
|
Web Services and Mobile Architectures | |
|
SE 575
|
Software Design | |
|
SE 576
|
Software Reliability and Testing | |
| Total Credits | 15.0 | |
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 2026-2027 is $1400 per credit.
- This program is not eligible for Financial Aid.
- Special tuition rates are 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 , you may not be able to combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University.
Academic Calendar
2025-2026 Academic Year
Term
Classes Begin
Classes End
Exams Begin
Exams End
Fall 2025
September 22, 2025
December 6, 2025
December 8, 2025
December 13, 2025
Winter 2026
January 5, 2026
March 14, 2026
March 16, 2026
March 21, 2026
Spring 2026
March 30, 2026
June 6, 2026
June 8, 2026
June 13, 2026
Summer 2026
June 22, 2026
August 29, 2026
August 31, 2026
September 5, 2026
© All Rights Reserved