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Computer Science Online Graduate Certificate

Advance your education at UMassD

The UMass Dartmouth Computer Science Graduate Certificate provides students who have a bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering with advanced knowledge of selected areas of modern computing—including but not limited to:

  • intelligent information systems
  • parallel and distributed computing systems
  • computer networks
  • software engineering

Students will also gain an understanding of new advances in the discipline of computing such as:

  • neural and evolutionary computing
  • image processing
  • data science 

Successful completion of this certificate program waives the GRE requirement for applicants to the Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) program.

Students accepted into the UMass Dartmouth MSCS program will receive credit for each certificate class with a grade of B or higher.

For students with BS degrees in fields other than Computer Science or Computer Engineering, we offer 4 online foundation courses in computer science fundamentals. 

  • CIS 115 Computer Programming with C
  • CIS 183 Object-Oriented Programming with Java
  • CIS 322 Data Structures and Fundamental Algorithms
  • CIS 323 Fundamentals of Computer Systems

Many students complete these foundation courses within one year.

Application requirements

Review the admission process for the Computer Science certificate program. Additional materials required

  • College transcripts
  • Statement of purpose (1- to 2-page essay)
  • Resume

Curriculum

To earn their certificate, UMass Dartmouth Computer Science certificate program students must complete 15 credits.

Choose 2 core courses from:

  • CIS 522 - Algorithms and Complexity
  • CIS 560 - Theoretical Computer Science
  • CIS 570 - Advanced Computer Systems
  • CIS 580 - Paradigmatic Software Development

Choose any three (3) CIS 500/600 level courses.

UMass Dartmouth: Best Colleges for Computer Science - US News

UMassD advantages

Customize your education and receive the help and guidance to finish as planned:

  • Value and affordability of a UMass education
  • One-on-one personal advising from enrollment through graduation
  • Free online and in-person tutoring and writing center

University requirements for graduate admissions

  • Submit an application via the online portal. Be sure to provide your full legal name and to capitalize the first letter of all proper nouns.
  • Pay non-refundable $60 application fee (American Express, Discover, MasterCard or Visa) via the online portal. For Nursing applicants, the non-refundable application fee is $75.
  • Statement of Purpose, minimum 300 words. Unless otherwise indicated in the program requirement details, indicate your graduate study objectives, research interests and experience, and business or industry experience if applicable. If you are applying for a teaching or research assistantship, include any special skills or experience that would assist us in making assistantship decisions.
  • Resume
  • Transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended (regardless of whether a credential is earned or not). Unofficial transcripts are accepted for admissions application review, once enrolled a final official transcript is required. International students applying for Data Science must submit semester-by-semester transcripts as well as consolidated transcripts. 
  • Many programs have specific recommendations/requirements, please see the additional program-specific requirements for more information.
  • International students: official TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson PTE or Duolingo (if accepted by program) score. Unofficial scores are accepted for admissions application review, once enrolled official scores are required and must be sent by the testing agency (copies/scans not accepted). This is required of any applicant who did not earn a bachelor’s degree or higher degree from an accredited academic institution in the U.S. or accepted English-speaking country, see exemptions for more details. The Duolingo test is not accepted for the following programs: Art Education, Biology/Marine Biology, Luso-Afro-Brazilian Studies & Theory, Marine Science and Technology (MS, PSM, PhD), Nursing (MS, DNP, PhD), Portuguese Studies, Professional Writing and Communication, Psychology (ABA, Clinical, Research), and Public Policy.

Program deadlines

Learning Style: Online

Online courses are taught by UMass Dartmouth faculty to provide high-quality instruction and personal attention. Students have the flexibility to accommodate work and home responsibilities within the structure of defined assignment due dates.

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Course descriptions, schedules and requirements