Graduate Certificate in Computer Science

This certificate program provides essential skills for computing professionals interested in designing and developing a variety of software systems. This includes the theoretical foundations of computer science and practical applications of database design, programming and software engineering.

Graduate Certificates

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Graduate Certificate in Computer Science (12 credits)

The certificate is tailored for professionals with undergraduate degrees in STEM disciplines or some prior work experience in computing. This program consists of 4 courses, taught over 2 semesters of 15 weeks each. The instruction method combines formal lectures with hands-on coding projects to ensure a comprehensive learning experience.

The curriculum is designed to accommodate various levels of preparation. For those new to the field, two introductory-level electives serve as a smooth bridge to computer science. These courses cover fundamental logic, discrete math, algorithms, and programming for web development, providing a solid foundation for further study.

Students must select two out of three possible core courses. These required options ensure a broad understanding of essential computer science concepts.

Students with a stronger background in computing can bypass the introductory-level courses and instead complete their certificate with two additional electives of their choice from a broad set of options. This approach allows students to tailor their certificate to their specific interests or plans for further study.

Participants will develop a diverse skill set and gain exposure to various programming languages and computing environments, allowing them to not only acquire a solid grounding in computer science principals but prepare for the diverse challenges of the tech industry.

Whether pursuing career advancement or laying the groundwork for further academic study, this program serves as a valuable steppingstone to expanding both knowledge and practical skills.

Recommended part-time credit schedule: Two courses (6 credits) per semester over two consecutive semesters, including Summer. Start is possible in Fall, Spring or Summer semesters.

Credits earned in the certificate may be applied to a M.S. in Computer Science or other possible MS degrees in the Ying Wu College of Computing. 

Students without a computing background who wish to prepare for the program may want to consider the below listed courses. Proof of completion of these courses is also accepted as supporting material for applications to the program.

 

For those wishing to pursue an MS degree, these courses are also suggested:

At most two courses from this list

Entry-Level Courses [at most two]
CS506 Foundations of Computer Science
  Skills: logical reasoning, proof techniques, mathematical tools in CS, Algorithm analysis, graphs, programming, implementation
Environments & Tools: Java or Python
IS601 Web Systems Development
  Skills: Python development, REST APIs, JSON, Automated Testing, Version Control
Environments & Tools: Python, FastAPI, PyTest, Git
 
Core Courses [at least two]
CS631 Data Management System Design
  Skills: Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS), Transaction Management, OLTP, OLAP, HTAP
Environments & Tools: MySQL, PostgreSQL, ARIES
Elective Courses [at most two]
CS602 Java Programming
  Skills: JVM, OOP, JDBC, Multithreading, Concurrency, Interactive Programming, 3-tier Client-Server Applications
Environments & Tools: Java, MySQL, JSP, Servlet, Eclipse, IntelliJ, JavaFX
CS610 Data Structures and Algorithms
  Skills: Algorithm Design, Data Structures, Sorting & Searching, Optimization, Graph Algorithms, Problem-Solving Strategies
Environments & Tools: C++, Java, Python
CS632 Advanced Database System Design
  Skills: Relational Databases, Object-oriented Data, XML, JSON, NoSQL, Graph Databases
Environments & Tools: SQL, PL/SQL, Neo4j, MongoDB
CS635 Computer Programming Languages
  Skills: Lexical & Syntactical Analysis, Advanced Data Structures, Imperative & Declarative Languages
Environments & Tools: Flex, Bison, C/C++, Python
DS644 Introduction to Big Data
  Skills: Big Data Analytics, Distributed Computing, MapReduce
Environments & Tools: Java, Hadoop, Spark, AWS
CS645 Security and Privacy in Computer Systems
  Skills: Computer System Security, Cryptography, Access Control, Software Security, Network Security, Privacy
Environments & Tools: Java, C
CS656 Internet and Higher Layer Protocols
  Skills: TCP/IP Model, Routing, Subnetting, Network Security
Environments & Tools: Java, Wireshark, Netcat
CS673 Software Design and Production Methodology
  Skills: Software Verification, Formal Specification, Agile Development, Program Correctness Proofs
Environments & Tools: Xcode, Android Studio
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
  • Demonstrate competency in core computer science principles, including algorithms, data structures, and system design.
  • Develop and apply analytical and problem-solving skills to address computing challenges, demonstrating logical reasoning and systematic approaches.
  • Apply knowledge of various programming languages to solve substantial computational problems.
  • Utilize diverse computing environments and tools in software development and system design.
  • Develop a basic understanding of current trends and emerging technologies in the field of computer science.
  • Exhibit readiness for advanced study in computer science or related fields, if desired.
Tuition & Fees by Campus (based on AY 2024-2025 rates)
  • Online: $13,176
  • Jersey City: $13,132-$14,880
  • Newark, NJ residents: $17,192-$18,540
  • Newark, non-NJ residents: $23,900-$25,248

The lower amounts assume student takes two courses in a summer semester.

For details, see NJIT's Tuition and Fee Schedule.
For information about cost of living see Tuition and Costs at NJIT.