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Certificate in Computer Science Education

Our 100 percent online certificate program offers teachers a coherent set of courses that prepare them to teach computer science concepts, including content in the advanced placement courses and pedagogical techniques.  

There is a growing demand for computer science courses, including advanced placement courses, across the United States, and a growing demand for teachers with computer science knowledge to teach them. The United States is lagging behind other countries in computer science education and this certificate will help address that educational gap.

Who is this program for?

This certificate program is designed for:

  • Current teachers at the secondary level, in any field/specialization
  • Educators who provide computer science education to kids in out-of-school programs or camps

How long will it take to complete the program?

Following a part-time schedule of one class per term, this 12-credit program can be completed in four terms, or just under a year and a half.

Start Term

Students can start the Certificate in Computer Science Education during the spring and summer terms.

Admissions Requirements and Checklist

Course Descriptions

This program consists of four courses offered entirely online. All the courses, except for the Methods & Capstone course, align with the CSTA Level 3 standards for high school students. Each course will have a diversity strand that will help teachers address the needs of all learners and include pedagogical content knowledge. Teachers who complete the certificate will also meet the ISTE Standards for Computer Science Educators.

All courses may be applied toward the Master of Education degree program to meet elective strand requirements.

Course Creation Center

Expand and Collapse Required Courses

Expand and Collapse EDU 6710 - Computational Thinking and Standards

Present and review the CSTA (Computer Science Teachers Association) K-12 Computer Science Standards along with resources on Computational Thinking and strategies for implementing them in the K-12 curriculum. The course will also begin to address stereotypes about computing, how to debunk myths about working in technology, and include strategies for active recruiting.

Expand and Collapse EDU 6720 - Computer Science Principles

Students in this course will learn computer science through building socially useful mobile apps using App Inventor, a visual, blocks-based programming environment. It uses the Mobile Computer Science Principles curriculum, which aligns with the framework for the proposed Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles course. It will continue to address effective pedagogy and how to mitigate underrepresentation in computing.

Expand and Collapse EDU 6730 - Programming and Teaching Java

This course will present the Advanced Placement Computer Science A course, which features object-oriented programming methodology with an emphasis on problem solving and algorithm development. This course will include strategies for evaluating and selecting curriculum that are engaging for students from all backgrounds.

Expand and Collapse EDU 6740 - Computer Science Methods and Capstone

Students will learn effective strategies for teaching computer science. Students will develop a project, either in a classroom or during an after-school or similar experience that seeks to teach a section of the CS standards targeted at the student population with which they are working. Projects should stress inclusivity and appeal to a diverse group of students. Data will be collected about projects including demographics of participants, aggregate achievement, and analysis of student work samples.

Sample Course Schedule

Spring Start

  • Spring: Computational Thinking & Standards
  • Summer: Computer Science Principles
  • Fall: Programming & Teaching Java
  • Spring: CS Methods & Capstone

Summer Start

  • Summer: Computational Thinking & Standards
  • Fall: Computer Science Principles
  • Spring: Programming & Teaching Java
  • Summer: CS Methods & Capstone

Next Steps...

 
Receive Program Info and Financial Aid Options
  • Detailed program overview
  • Personalized financial aid
  • Individual admissions support

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Contact Us

Katie WayneKatie Wayne
Associate Director, Enrollment Management
(877) 287-8740
kwayne@css.edu
Schedule a Meeting

Tuition: $435/credit*

* Tuition rates are for the 2020-21 academic year. Additional fees and costs for course materials may apply. Total program cost and completion time varies depending on transfer credits and individual program plans. Tuition rates are subject to change. View 2019-20 tuition rates.

National Center for Computer Science Education logo

The Computer Science Education Certificate is one of several programs in the National Center for Computer Science Education that support pre-service and in-service teachers. The Center champions, researches and provides equitable computer science learning opportunities for K16 teachers and students.