Starting in the Fall of 2023 the department will offer "stackable certificates" in computer science. Stackable certificates are ideal for professionals looking to gain new skills as well as new students not ready to commit to a full degree program. The certificates provide a sequence of credentials accumulated over time to build up an individual's qualifications. You can view the detailed course descriptions on the NDSU University Catalog page.

Fundamentals of Computing and Security  

The Fundamentals of Computing and Security certificate provides an easy entry point for students who are interested in computing and security and may lack prerequisites for our more theoretical computer science courses. CSCI 227 is the first course in a three-course Python-based computing sequence that satisfies programming requirements in our Computer Science and Cybersecurity degrees. The certificate consists of the following three courses:

Computer Science Foundations  

The Computer Science Foundations certificate completes the list of courses recommended for the first 2-3 semesters in the Computer Science B.S. major. Prerequisites for this certificate can be met in one of two ways: Students who have completed the Fundamentals of Computing and Security certificate can proceed with the remaining courses in the Python sequence (CSCI 228/229). Students without programming background can take the Java sequence (CSCI 160/161), provided they pass the Math placement test at Trigonometry or Precalculus level. This certificate moreover provides fluency in the use of the Unix operating system (CSCI 277), which is important in all of our majors. The certificate consists of the following three courses:

Core Computer Science Competencies  

The Core Computer Science Competencies certificate is comprised of those courses that anyone without a Computer Science degree may need for advanced course work or professions in computer science. Discrete Mathematics (CSCI 222) includes an introduction into Boolean algebra and other mathematical concepts that form the basis of computer algorithms. Database Systems (CSCI 366) addresses the theory and practice of relational database systems that underly the vast majority of commercial software applications. Comparative Programming Languages (CSCI 372) discusses concepts of some of the most important languages as well as similarities and differences between them. Programming knowledge equivalent to the Computer Science Foundations certificate is expected. The certificate consists of the following three courses:

Software Development  

The Software Development certificate is intended for students who wish to build their development expertise. This certificate can be useful for students in other majors who are interested in a software development career. It is also suitable for students who previously completed a degree in a different major and wish to apply to our graduate programs, but do not yet have software development experience. Programming knowledge equivalent to the Computer Science Foundations certificate is expected. The certificate consists of the following three courses:

Computing Systems  

The Computing Systems certificate provides thorough coverage of more advanced concepts in languages and systems. Students with a baccalaureate degree in a non-STEM discipline who wish to do graduate studies in Computer Science would be able to demonstrate advanced quantitative skills through this certificate. Programming knowledge equivalent to the Computer Science Foundations certificate is expected. The certificate consists of the following three courses:

Cybersecurity  

The Cybersecurity certificate draws from the set of courses that are specific to the B.S. in Cybersecurity and the Cybersecurity track of B.S. in Computer Science degrees. It can be of interest to professionals with computer science degrees who wish to expand their expertise in the area of cybersecurity. It is also targeted at current students who complete a different track of the B.S. in Computer Science and wish to cover more than one specialization. The certificate consists of the following three courses:

Data Science  

The Data Science certificate draws from the set of courses that are specific to the Data Science track of the B.S. in Computer Science degree. It can be of interest to professionals with computer science degrees who wish to expand their expertise in the area of data science. It is also targeted at current students who complete a different track or program and wish to cover more than one specialization. The certificate consists of the following three courses:

Software Engineering  

The Software Engineering certificate draws from the set of courses that are specific to the B.S. in Software Engineering and the Software Engineering track of our B.S. in Computer Science degree. It can be of interest to professionals with computer science degrees who wish to expand their expertise in the area of software engineering. It is also targeted at current students who complete a different track or program and wish to cover more than one specialization. The certificate consists of the following three courses: