Pathway to Computing Graduate Certificate

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College of Engineering
Department: Computer Science and Engineering
Major Contacts, Deadlines, and Delivery Information

Office of Graduate Certificates Website
Graduate Certificate Policies

This is a self-supporting program. Information on tuition and fees can be found here.

Please note: With the exception of the Department of Children and Family (DCF) waivers, all other waivers (including State of Florida and USF employee) are not accepted for Self-Funded/Self-Supporting or Market Rate Tuition program courses. For additional information, visit: USF Tuition Waiver.

The Graduate Certificate in Pathway To Computing is for individuals without a prior computing background who desire to pivot into a career in tech. This Certificate teaches students the essential knowledge of computer science, preparing them for advanced studies such as Masters of Science in Computer Science.

Graduate Certificate Admissions and Process

Students must apply and be admitted into the Graduate Certificate to be eligible to receive a Graduate Certificate. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Graduate Certificate Director prior to applying.
Applicants must meet the following admission requirements:

Additional Admission Requirements

A complete application must include the following:

Up-to-date resume or CV
Statement of Purpose that clearly explains why the applicant intends to pursue the Graduate Certificate
In addition, applicants are strongly recommended to submit two letters of recommendation from someone of authority who can speak to the applicant’s academic and/or professional abilities.

Curriculum Requirements (15 Credit Hours)

This Certificate requires completion of eight (8) courses for a total of 15 semester hours. The student must obtain a grade of “C” or better in each class for it to be applied toward the Certificate. Students pursuing a graduate certificate will be required to meet the same academic requirements as those defined for degree-seeking students to remain in “good academic standing.”

Complete the following:
CNT 5008 Networks Essentials Credit Hours: 1
COP 5230 Object-Oriented Programming Essentials Credit Hours: 2
COP 5227 C Programming Essentials Credit Hours: 2
COP 5008 Computing Essentials Credit Hours: 2
COP 5532 Data Structures Essentials Credit Hours: 2
COP 5612 Computer Systems Essentials Credit Hours: 2
COT 5105 Discrete Structures Essentials Credit Hours: 2
COT 5407 Algorithms Essentials Credit Hours: 2

Graduate Certificate Time Limit

Three (3) Years

Graduate Certificate Completion

For procedures to confirm completion of the Graduate Certificate, please refer to the website.