Page 72 - Bowie State University Graduate Catalog 2018-2020.

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

1. 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 503 - Software Design and
Development (or equivalent).
2. 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.
3. 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 the appropriate courses. Students admitted for the certificate program
would also 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.

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