Interdisciplinary Programs

This 12-credit computer science education graduate certificate prepares educators for teaching K-12 computer science courses and integrating computational thinking across the K-16 curriculum.

Offered collaboratively by the School of Education (SOE) and the Department of Computer and Information Sciences (CIS), the graduate certificate in computer science education addresses the critical shortage of computer science educators. By earning this certificate, educators gain content knowledge and skills for teaching computer science at the K-12 levels, becoming knowledgeable about the new standards, materials and methods for teaching computer science and integrating computational thinking across the K-16 curriculum. Project-based assessment, hands-on workshops and online activities immerse candidates in effective practices that could be applied in their local settings.

Although it is intended primarily for educational professionals wanting to teach computer science, this graduate certificate in computer science education is open to any graduate students wanting to add to their existing credentials. Candidates in the master of education in educational technology (EDTC) program, for example, can earn this graduate certificate as part of their master’s program coursework, as can doctoral candidates with permission of their academic advisor.