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Engineering Online

Computer Programming Certificate

College of Engineering student works on a class project at the Havelock campus.

Program Overview

Computer science is an ever-evolving field and, in the nearly 55 years since NC State University established its Computer Science department, the role of computer programmers in our society has already 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.  Engineering Online provides that foundation through our Computer Programming Certificate program.

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 just 23-24 hours of coursework in mathematics, programming languages, and other core principles of computer science beyond the calculus requirement that could be 3 or 4 credit hours depending on the calculus course taken. Specifically, there are eight required courses:

  • MA 121 Introduction to Calculus (or any college calculus course)
    Please note the students who intend to pursue graduate study after completion of the Computer Programming Certificate need MA 141 not MA 121
  • CSC 116 Introduction to Computing
  • CSC 216 Software Development Fundamentals (prerequisite: CSC 116 and corequisite: CSC 217)
  • CSC 217 Software Development Fundamentals Lab (corequisite CSC 216)
  • CSC 226 Applied Discrete Mathematics (prerequisite: MA 101 or high school algebra)
  • CSC 230 C and Software Tools (prerequisite: CSC 216)
  • CSC 246 Concepts and Facilities of Operating Systems (prerequisite: CSC 230)
  • CSC 316 Data Structures (prerequisites: CSC 216 and CSC 226 and Calculus)

These courses also provide those without a background in computer science with required pre-requisites to pursue a master’s degree in the field.

Please note that the Department of Computer Science will waive the pre/co-requisites of E 115 and MA 121, 131 or 141 so students interested in the CPC may begin taking CSC 116. However, a Calculus I class remains a requirement for the Computer Programming Certificate and for CSC 316.

The CPC curriculum is closely aligned with the Computer Programming minor, the Bachelor of Science curriculum, and the preparatory undergraduate coursework that is required for application to our graduate programs. The CPC does not, however, fulfill all of the preparatory coursework for the graduate programs.

Whether your goal is to hone your programming skills, change your profession, or to prepare for the next level in your educational career, Engineering Online’s Computer Programming Certificate can help you meet that goal.

APPLY NOW

Contact Information

Computer Programming Certificate Coordinator
Dr. Barbara Jasmine Adams
Department of Computer Science
1204 Engineering Building II (EB II)
Box 8206, Raleigh NC 27695-8206
Phone: (919) 513-7888
Email: barbara_adams@ncsu.edu