Computer Science Certificate - Networks and Distributed Systems Track

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Computer Science Certificate Program

The Certificate Program in Computer Science is a post-baccalaureate program designed to strengthen the expertise of professionals in key computer science areas. Graduates of the program will be better able to contribute to the increasingly technological work environment of the local economy. Students acquire direct experience with state-of-the-art hardware and software. Classes meet in the evening, and a student may take up to five years to complete requirements.

The Certificate Program in Computer Science is especially valuable to individuals already in the workforce who seek to advance or redefine their careers. Students may enter it to update a particular area, to explore a new career direction, or to try out post-baccalaureate study in preparation for eventual enrollment in a graduate degree program.

The certificate is earned by completing 12 credits in any track, with at least a 3.0 average. The possible tracks are given below.

Admission to the Certificate Programs

A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and completion of the following courses in mathematics and computer science: Calculus of One Variable (i.e. Calculus I and II), one additional mathematics course beyond Calculus, (e.g. Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Abstract Algebra, Advanced Calculus, Discrete Structures), and COSC 404 - Software Design and Development (or equivalent).
Applicants who do not have the required mathematics and/or computer science background may be granted provisional admission subject to the completion of these requirements within the first four semesters. Completion of these requirements will not be a part of the applicant’s graduate program.
These requirements are identical to the requirements for students seeking to earn the master’s degree in computer science. Students admitted to the master’s degree program would also be eligible to earn a certificate by taking appropriate courses. Students admitted for the certificate program also would be admitted to the master’s degree program; certificate courses count towards the master’s degree, and the certificate student could easily switch to the degree option.

Certificate Program Requirements

A minimum of 12 credit hours of coursework (four courses, three credits each), together with their prerequisites if any, from the chosen track, with an overall grade point average of 3.00 or better. The student’s academic advisor must approve the program.
All credits must be completed at Bowie State University.
All requirements must be completed within a period of five (5) consecutive years.

Networks and Distributed Systems

In this track, the students are introduced to general principles of computer communication, network architectures and programming using TCP/IP protocols. Students also study issues relating to distributed computing.