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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
  • Bachelor's degree or proof of equivalency to a U.S. 4-year bachelor's degree.
  • 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.

Admissions requirements

To apply please create an account in our Applicant Portal. You will need to submit:

  • Application form
  • $60 application fee (non-refundable)
  • Statement of Purpose (minimum 300 words)
  • Resume
  • Transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended (regardless of whether a credential is earned or not)
  • English Proficiency test scores:TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE Academic (if applicable)
  • Letter(s) of Recommendation (see program requirements for more information)
  • GRE/GMAT (not required for most programs, see program requirements for more information)

Unofficial transcripts and test scores are accepted for application review but official documents are required for enrollment, please have documents (ie. test scores) sent prior to the expiration. 

Application dates

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

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. The majority of our online courses are taught asynchronously.

UMass Dartmouth is Military Friendly

UMass Dartmouth is a Military Friendly School, with leading practices in the recruitment and retention of students with military experience.
Learn more about veteran services and benefits at UMassD. 

UMass Dartmouth participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.

UMass Dartmouth participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.