Computer Programming (Certificate) (For Post-Baccalaureate Students, Distance Education)
Program Overview
Computer science is an ever-evolving field and the role of computer programmers in our society has been redefined many times over. Future computing professionals hoping to keep pace with the world’s rapidly-changing technologies must first develop a solid foundation in the basic principles of computer programming. The Department of Computer Science and Engineering Online provides that foundation through our Computer Programming Certificate (CPC) program. Students are awarded the certificate after completing the required courses with a grade point average of 2.0 or above.
The CPC curriculum is aligned with the Computer Programming Minor, the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science curriculum, and the preparatory undergraduate coursework that is required for application to Computer Science graduate programs. All courses in the CPC have the same learning outcomes as the courses offered to degree-seeking students.
To see what you will learn while pursuing this program, visit the Learning Outcomes website!
Admission Requirements
Offered entirely online, and open to students with a bachelor’s degree in any field other than computer science or computer engineering, the Computer Programming Certificate (CPC) is ideal for working professionals. The CPC is specifically designed to help you gain the fundamental computing skills you need to further your current career or prepare for a career change. The CPC is a professional credential that verifies your programming competency and understanding of the theoretical foundations of computer science. The required courses focus on developing Java programming skills that you can use to successfully program in any environment.
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 (Calculus I may be worth 3 or 4 credit hours depending on the course taken - students may take MA 121, MA 131, MA 141, or transfer equivalent). The Department of Computer Science coordinates with Registration & Records in issuing certificates.
Program Contact and Advisor
Director of Advising, Department of Computer Science
Dr. Barbara Jasmine Adams
1204 Engineering Building II (EB II)
919.513.7888
barbara_adams@ncsu.edu
Program Coordinators
Certificate Director
Dr. Sarah Heckman
Director of Undergraduate Programs, Department of Computer Science
2297 Engineering Building II (EBII)
919.515.2042
sarah_heckman@ncsu.edu
Director of Engineering Online
Dr. Linda Krute
College of Engineering – Dean’s Office
919.515.5440
linda_krute@ncsu.edu
Academic Structure
Term Effective: 1/1979; 8/2011, 1/2019, 7,2021
Plan Code: 14CPCTU, 32CPCTU
CIP Code: 14.0901
Description: Undergraduate Certificate in Computer Programming
Offered: Distance Education format only
Plan Requirements
The certificate is awarded to students completing the required courses with a certificate GPA of 2.0 or higher.
| Code | Title | Hours | Counts towards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | |||
| MA 121 | Elements of Calculus 1 | 3-4 | |
(or any college calculus course) | |||
| CSC 116 | Introduction to Computing - Java 2 | 3 | |
| CSC 216 | Software Development Fundamentals 2 | 3 | |
| CSC 217 | Software Development Fundamentals Lab 2 | 1 | |
| CSC 226 | Discrete Mathematics for Computer Scientists 2 | 3 | |
| CSC 230 | C and Software Tools | 3 | |
| CSC 246 | Concepts and Facilities of Operating Systems for Computer Scientists | 3 | |
| CSC 316 | Data Structures and Algorithms | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 22-23 | ||
| 1 | Please note that students who intend to pursue graduate study after completion of the CPC need MA 141 Calculus I, not MA 121 Elements of Calculus. |
| 2 | with a grade of C or better |
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. E 115 Introduction to Computing Environments is waived as a prerequisite for CSC 116 Introduction to Computing - Java since this is a DE program and E 115 Introduction to Computing Environments material is not needed for student success.