Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professionals drive innovation in the workforce and contribute to advancements that improve quality of life, economic development, and global market strength. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the STEM job market should grow 10.4% between 2023 and 2033. That’s nearly three times the growth rate for the non-STEM job market.
This burgeoning workforce needs professionals from all backgrounds, including those outside traditional STEM fields. According to the National Science Foundation, diversity in the STEM professions “provides the potential for innovation by leveraging different backgrounds, experiences, and points of view. Innovation and creativity, along with technical skills relying on expertise in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), contribute to a robust STEM enterprise.”
If you’re looking to pivot to a STEM profession, a post-baccalaureate program—like the Tufts University online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Computer Science and the online Post-Baccalaureate Data Science Certificate—can help you build the fluency and skills you’ll need. Derik Hendriksen studied philosophy and considered a career in law before finding his calling in STEM; the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Computer Science enabled him to leverage his skill set while developing new fluencies.
Build a Strong STEM Foundation for the Modern Job Market
Tufts’ Post-Baccalaureate Programs Set You up for Success
Career Transitions: Why Pivot into a STEM Career
The STEM fields offer prospective professionals many benefits: lower unemployment rates, higher salaries, and a growing job market, to name a few. Many of the skills valued in the STEM professions—communication, organization, strategic planning, critical thinking, and creativity—are also held by those outside STEM disciplines. They need only develop the requisite STEM proficiency to capitalize on their assets.
That’s the position Hendriksen was in when he considered a pivot to STEM work. As he put it, “I’ve always been really big into tech but I didn’t have the credentials to say that I was able to do these things.” That’s why he enrolled in a post-baccalaureate certificate program at Tufts School of Engineering.
Designed for Aspiring STEM Professionals: Post-Baccalaureate Programs
Tufts online post-baccalaureate certificate programs cater to students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds. Students in these programs develop knowledge and skills that prepare them for future success. The programs can be completed in as little as one semester; according to Teaching Professor Ming Chow, the programs allow students to explore their interests without having “the stress of going through … the full requirements [of a degree program].”
In addition to preparing students academically, the Tufts post-baccalaureate programs provide online students with a supportive learning environment to ensure they reach their full potential. Students have access to personalized guidance, faculty mentorship, and career counseling. Faculty hold virtual office hours and encourage student engagement. As Part-Time Lecturer Lisa Diorio explains: “We’re very accessible and accommodating. … We understand that students have a life beyond school.”
Tufts post-baccalaureate certificates qualify students to enter the Tufts online Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) or Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) programs if they wish to continue their education. Hendriksen took the path, noting, “The continuity is great. There’s nothing changing for me as I move into the master’s program.”
Building Skills, Earning a Valuable Credential: Derik’s Story
As an undergraduate, Hendriksen double-majored in philosophy and political science with plans to pursue a legal career. While studying for the LSAT, he had a change of heart. He realized his true interest was in technology.
Hendriksen had previously considered a graduate degree in computer science but was concerned because of a negative experience in a freshman computer science course. After exploring his options, he discovered the Tufts Post-Bacc in Computer Science. He realized it was a good option, allowing him to “make sure that I could get through [the program] before I started looking at ultimately getting that master’s.” Now starting his online MSCS at Tufts, Hendriksen enthuses that “the post-baccalaureate prepared me well for what I expect to see in the master’s program.”
During the post-baccalaureate program, Hendriksen discovered an interest in cybersecurity. Chow’s Introduction to Security class piqued his passion; Hendriksen particularly enjoyed the final Capture the Flag assessment, which provided students “hands-on experience with skills you’ll need in cybersecurity. It was super collaborative and fun.”
Flexible Learning for Working Professionals
The Tufts online post-baccalaureate certificate programs cater to working professionals. The flexible program format allows students to balance their education with other responsibilities. This enables them to invest in their STEM career transition without sacrificing their professional development or income.
Many students find the online environment more conducive to learning than the in-person format. Hendriksen is one: as someone who struggled to pay attention during his undergraduate lectures and had to spend time reviewing materials on his own to keep up, he appreciates that “all lectures are pre-recorded,” allowing him to view them at his convenience and go over them as many times as needed. This flexibility, combined with small class sizes, opportunities for one-on-one mentorship,collaboration through group projects, and virtual faculty office hours, ensures that online post-baccalaureate students enjoy a comprehensive, engaging, and supportive learning experience.
Outcomes and Aspirations for Pathways Students
Graduates of the Tufts School of Engineering online programs can pursue various roles. Those who earn an online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Computer Science can pursue jobs such as web developer, systems analyst, and database administrator. Graduates of the online MSCS program are prepared for advanced roles, including software developer, threat detection analyst, and network architect.
The online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Data Science prepares graduates for careers including database architect, data engineer, and analytics manager. Those completing the online MSDS program can pursue roles like data scientist, statistician, and machine learning engineer.
As he begins work on his MSCS, Hendriksen is “interested in the intersection of computer science and technology with health…but cybersecurity is the ultimate endgame.” He finds cybersecurity especially appealing after having insightful conversations with people in the field and learning about growing job opportunities.
Hendriksen is happy to be on the path toward realizing his goals and advises prospective students to follow his lead: “Stop telling yourself that you’re thinking about it,” he says. “You’ll never know until you try.” For those worried about the solitude of online learning, he assures that “there are always people around that can support you.” Tufts’ welcoming community and abundant resources provide students the tools to excel in the program and beyond.
Unlocking Potential Through Tufts Pathways Programs
The Tufts online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Computer Science and online Post-Baccalaureate Data Science Certificate play a crucial role in transforming non-STEM professionals into skilled contributors in the technology and data science fields. Through a flexible online format, students gain the essential technology skills they need to bridge the gap to a rewarding STEM career or advanced education. If you’re interested in a STEM career, contact an enrollment advisor to learn whether Tufts pathway programs can help you reach your goals. If you’re ready to take the leap, you can start your application online today.