Computer Programming (Certificate) (For Post-Baccalaureate Students, Distance Education)
Program Overview
The Computer Programming Certificate (CPC) is specifically designed for working professionals who wish to prepare for a career change or further their current career by gaining fundamental computing skills. Offered entirely online, this program provides a flexible path for individuals with a bachelor's degree in a non-computing field to transition into the tech industry.
The CPC is a professional credential that provides instruction in the theoretical foundations of computer science and develops software engineering skills.聽 The curriculum is directly aligned with the Computer Programming Minor and the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science curriculum.聽 All CPC courses have the same learning outcomes as the courses offered to our degree-seeking students. The coursework provides the necessary preparatory background for success in Computer Science graduate programs.聽
Curriculum & Skills
The certificate requires 22鈥�23 credit hours of coursework covering mathematics, programming languages, and core computer science principles.
- Programming: Students develop robust Java programming and software engineering skills.
- Foundational Computing Theory: Students explore the theoretical foundations of computing through discrete mathematics, data structures, and algorithms.
- Systems: Students learn about computer architecture, operating systems, and security.
- Quality & Process: Students prioritize software quality, testing, and structured development processes to ensure robust, scalable solutions.
- Engineering Foundation: Students apply core engineering principles to design, implement, and maintain complex software systems.
Admission Requirements
Offered entirely online, and open to students with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in any field other than computer science or computer engineering, the Computer Programming Certificate (CPC) is ideal for working professionals.聽
Certificate Requirements
Completing the CPC requires 22 鈥� 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聽惭础听121,听惭础听131,听 惭础听141, or transfer equivalent). The Department of Computer Science coordinates with Registration & Records in issuing certificates.
Program Contact and Advisor
Coordinator of Advising, Department of Computer Science
Ms. ToniAnn Marini
1204C Engineering Building II
919-515-7920
tamarini@ncsu.edu
Program Coordinators
Certificate Director
Dr. Sarah Heckman
Director of Undergraduate Programs, Department of Computer Science
2299 Engineering Building II (EBII)
919.515.2042
sarah_heckman@ncsu.edu
Director of Engineering Online
Dr. Linda Krute
College of Engineering 鈥� Dean鈥檚 Office
919.515.5440
linda_krute@ncsu.edu
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
Offered: 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| 惭础听121 | Elements of Calculus 1 | 3-4 |
(or any college calculus course) | ||
| 颁厂颁听116 | Introduction to Computing - Java 2 | 3 |
| 颁厂颁听216 | Software Development Fundamentals 2 | 3 |
| 颁厂颁听217 | Software Development Fundamentals Lab 2 | 1 |
| 颁厂颁听226 | Discrete Mathematics 2 | 3 |
| 颁厂颁听230 | C and Software Tools | 3 |
| 颁厂颁听246 | Concepts and Facilities of Operating Systems for Computer Scientists | 3 |
| 颁厂颁听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 惭础听141 Calculus I, not 惭础听121 Elements of Calculus.
- 2
with a grade of C or better
The Department of Computer Science waives the co-requisite of 惭础听121 Elements of Calculus or 惭础听131 Calculus for Life and Management Sciences A or 惭础听141 Calculus I so students interested in the CPC may begin by taking 颁厂颁听116 Introduction to Computing - Java. However, a Calculus I class remains a requirement for the CPC program. 贰听115 Introduction to Computing Environments is waived as a prerequisite for 颁厂颁听116 Introduction to Computing - Java since this is a DE program and 贰听115 Introduction to Computing Environments material is not needed for student success.