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Online Certificate Of Computer Science Theory & Practice
Classes Begin: January 5, 20261 year
Fully Online
12
Drexel University is Regionally Accredited
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Computer Science Theory & Practice
Drexel University's online Graduate Certificate in Computer Science Theory & Practice provides core theoretical and practical concepts needed for computing, preparing students to work with computations and algorithmic methods across a what range of potential fields and applications. Students learn how to utilize modern computational methods to analyze and build computational systems as well as how to select, use, adapt, and explain those systems and algorithmic solutions to real-world problems. This 12-credit, 4-course program is offered entirely online making it convenient for working professionals looked to gain new skills in the growing field of computer science.
Graduate Certificate in Computer Science Theory & Practice Program Features
- 12 credits, 4 courses
- Offered 100% online
- From Drexel's College of Computing & Informatics
Related Programs
Drexel University’s online Graduate Certificate in Computer Science Theory & Practice may be stacked with other certificates to customize your education and/or earn credits toward a master's degree in computer science.
Drexel University offers a variety of Graduate Minors that can be added to any master's degree program.
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 Courses: | ||
| Choose 4 courses below, each from a different category, including 1 course from the Theory category | 12.0 | |
| Theory | ||
|
CS 521
|
Data Structures and Algorithms I | |
|
CS 525
|
Theory of Computation | |
| Computer Systems | ||
|
CS 543
|
Operating Systems | |
|
CS 544
|
Computer Networks | |
| Intelligent Systems | ||
|
CS 510
|
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence | |
|
CS 613
|
Machine Learning | |
| Programming Systems | ||
|
CS 550
|
Programming Languages | |
|
SE 575
|
Software Design | |
| Applications | ||
|
CS 500
|
Fundamentals of Databases | |
|
CS 523
|
Cryptography | |
|
CS 530
|
Developing User Interfaces | |
|
CS 536
|
Computer Graphics | |
|
CS 537
|
Interactive Computer Graphics | |
|
CS 540
|
High Performance Computing | |
|
CS 558
|
Game Engine Programming | |
|
CS 567
|
Applied Symbolic Computation | |
|
CS 583
|
Introduction to Computer Vision | |
|
CS 590
|
Privacy | |
|
SE 578
|
Security Engineering | |
| Total Credits | 12.0 | |
Admissions Criteria
- A four-year bachelor's or master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related STEM degree, plus work experience equal to Drexel's Graduate Certificate in Computer Science Foundations
- GPA of 3.0 or higher, in a completed degree program, bachelor’s degree or above
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 attended (including trade schools)
- One letter of recommendation required, two suggested (academic, professional, or both)
- Essay/Statement of Purpose
- In approximately 500 words, describe what professional goals you hope to achieve, how an advanced degree facilitates that success and anything else you want the Admissions Review Board to know about you
- Resume
- Additional requirements for International Students
Computer Requirements
You must have access to a computer that meets or exceeds the minimum configuration outlined in the College of Computing and Informatics's Computer and Technology Requirements Guide.
Tuition
The tuition rate for the academic year 2025-2026 is $1481 per credit.
For the academic year 2025-2026, students enrolled in an online graduate academic program will be charged a graduate online program fee of $125 per year.
- 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.
- 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
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
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