Computational Core Online Undergraduate Certificate Requirements

Effectively using computers to solve problems is a key part of the modern technology-driven workplace. Build your portfolio of career skills by completing the computer science online undergraduate certificate.

The certificate includes five programming courses and 17 credit hours that teach you the skills needed to solve real-world problems by developing your own computer software. Each course is delivered in a state-of-the-art, online computer science education environment that lets you practice what you are learning as you learn it.

Core requirements (17 hours)

CC 110 Introduction to Computing (3 hours, fall/spring)

This overview of the history of computers and programming will cover famous historical figures and their impact in modern computing. You will be introduced to major topics in computer science such as artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, cryptography, big data, cybersecurity, robotics and more. Brief experience with computer programming concepts will be helpful.

CC 111 Elements of Computer Programming (1 hour, fall/spring)

The course provides a very basic introduction to computer programming concepts including variables, data types, functions, conditionals, iterations, and collections. The course uses the Python programming language and provides interactive lessons and projects reinforcing new skills and concepts.

CC 210 Fundamental Computer Programming Concepts (4 hours, fall/spring)

The basic concepts in developing computer programs— program structure and syntax, primitive data types, variables, control flow, iteration, simple algorithms, debugging and good software development practices, and an introduction to object-oriented programming— are all covered.

The course introduces students to computer programming using one of several programming languages. Interactive lessons and engaging projects reinforce new skills and concepts while relating programming fundamentals to the real world. It covers the basic concepts of programming from variables and control flow to functions, objects and simple algorithms.

CC 310 Data Structures and Algorithms 1 (3 hours, fall/spring)

This is an exploration of simple data structures and related algorithms in computer programming’s well as basic concepts of complexity analysis and object-oriented design concepts.

The course introduces simple data structures such as sets, lists, stacks, queues and maps. Students
learn how to create data structures and the algorithms that use them, and are introduced to
algorithm analysis to determine the efficiency of algorithms.

CC 315 Data Structures and Algorithms 2 (3 hours, fall/spring)

The course covers more advanced data structures and related algorithms. More focus is placed on formal software development methods and software engineering fundamentals. The course also includes an introduction to requirements analysis processes that provide the specification of algorithmic requirements.

This course introduces advanced data structures such as trees, graphs and heaps. Several new
algorithms using these data structures are covered. Students also learn software development methods and software engineering fundamentals, and how to effectively use those skills to develop projects of increasing size and scope.

CC 410 Advanced Programming (4 hours, fall/spring)

Advanced programming techniques and projects cover concepts from simulation and modeling, media applications, secure design, information management, parallelism and networking. Software development methodologies, processes and design patterns, and practical experience with professional communication and collaboration are explored.

In this course students gain experience writing programs using advanced programming techniques. Projects cover a variety of application domains and introduce numerous technologies to help students master advanced computer programming concepts.