Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Computer Science
Kickstart your computing career with Tufts. The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Computer Science equips you with the technical skills to pursue better job opportunities or continue your education with our online MS in Computer Science.
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Computer Science Online Certificate Program
As a student in the Post-Baccalaureate Computer Science Certificate program you will:
Boost your computing career by building key competencies.
Choose between the Computer Science certificate or master’s track based on your professional goals.
Build meaningful relationships with your faculty and peers through live, computer science online courses.
Learn comprehensive, foundational computer science knowledge and skills.
Start with Foundational Computing. Finish with a Master’s Degree.
Complete the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate and Boost Your Credentials in Computer Science Online.
Computer Science Certificate Program Overview
The 100 percent online Post-Baccalaureate Computer Science Certificate program offers two tracks that provide you with foundational knowledge and skills in data structures, algorithms, hardware, and systems. Our two track options enable you to gain the expertise needed to pursue better career opportunities or acquire the credentials to earn our online MS in Computer Science. To help you choose the right track, you will work with an advisor to develop an individualized plan of study in computer science online courses based on your academic history and professional goals.
Certificate Track: The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Computer Science (17-23 credits) is designed for students who are new to the field of computer science and are looking to gain a solid foundation in the field to pursue new career opportunities.
Master’s Track: The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Computer Science to MS in Computer Science (7 credits prior to beginning the MS) is designed for students who are new to the field of computer science who aim to pursue a Master of Science in Computer Science.
Computer Science Online Post-Baccalaureate Program by the Numbers
1
Students can complete the Master’s Track in as little as one semester, and then transition to the online MS in Computer Science program.*
2
The online certificate program offers two tracks. Track one includes five to six classes for a total of 17-23 credits. Track two includes two classes for a total of seven credits.
23%
US employment in the field of computer science is expected to grow 23 percent by 2032.**
*Subject to taking the required number of credits.
**U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024.
Is the Tufts Online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Computer Science Right for You?
The online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Computer Science program is designed to provide you with the foundational computer science online courses to start a new career in technology or continue on to graduate study in computer science. You’ll focus on developing core knowledge and skills in programming and mathematical proofs through programming projects and problem sets. Whether you are new to the field or interested in boosting your computing expertise, the Tufts computer science certificate can help you develop technical and problem-solving skills that will help you succeed.
Post-Baccalaureate Computer Science Certificate Program Curriculum
As a student in the Tufts computer science certificate program, you will complete a concentrated, rigorous curriculum delivered 100 percent online. We offer two pathways: the Certificate Track (17-23 credits) and the Master’s Track (seven credits). Depending on the track you choose, you may complete the program in one semester or one year.
You will be required to take computer science online courses such as Data Structures and Discrete Mathematics before choosing three electives. Once you complete the required courses, earning a B- or higher, you will be eligible to enroll in our online MS in Computer Science program.
Explore the CurriculumComputer Science Online Program Faculty
Post-Baccalaureate Computer Science Certificate Learning Outcomes
Computer science has become an integral component of a complex and rapidly evolving world. As a student in the online post-baccalaureate certificate program, you will dig deeper into key computer science concepts and, upon completion, be prepared to:
Write reliable and efficient programs in high-level language
Employ a range of proof techniques and mathematical formalisms to analyze computational problems
Provide reasoning about the semantics and structure of programming languages
Analyze the complexity of computational problems
Prove important properties of fundamental algorithms and data structures
Find and fix security flaws in programs and systems
Employ machine learning models to find complex patterns in data sets
Develop complex software, following best practices and industry standards
Key Dates & Deadlines
Spring, summer, and fall cohorts are available.
Computer Science Job Outlook
We live in an increasingly digital world, and organizations continue to prioritize their technical needs. As a result, the computer science job outlook is positive, with employment in this field expected to increase by 23 percent by 2032.* The online Post-Baccalaureate in Computer Science program helps students earn the credentials needed to pursue entry-level computer science jobs or continue their education with a master’s degree in computer science.
*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024.
Computer Science Job Titles
Prospective roles for candidates who transition into and complete our online MS in Computer Science program include:
Source: Payscale, February 2022
Why Choose Tufts University for Your Computer Science Certificate?
As a world-class research institution, Tufts University is committed to developing leaders who are prepared to make an impact. Our community embraces individuality while fostering collaboration and inclusion to empower students to innovate on a global scale.
The School of Engineering connects you to science, the arts, and humanities through transformative, hands-on educational experiences. We bridge the gap between ideas and real-world impact so you will graduate equipped with a forward-thinking mindset and technical skills to pursue better career options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Computer science jobs are expanding across industries as more organizations prioritize their technical needs. As a graduate of the Tufts computer science master’s program, you will have the tools and expertise to pursue the highest-earning computer science roles in areas such as software development, solutions architecture, cybersecurity, and data science, among others.
Upon completion of the online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Computer Science, you will be ready to pursue a technical career and meet the qualifications to enroll in our online MS in Computer Science program.
No specific background experience is required to apply to the online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Computer Science program. Whether you’re new to the field or looking to enhance your existing skills, our program is designed to accommodate students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.
Yes, you can pursue the Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) after completing the post-baccalaureate certificate program.
The application requirements for the online PBCS certificate include:
- Application fee
- Resume/CV
- Personal statement
- Transcripts
- One letter of recommendation
- Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo test scores (if applicable)Â
For application help, schedule a one-on-one walkthrough with an enrollment advisor.
Cost per credit for the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate program in Computer Science is $1,730 for graduate-level courses (numbered 100 and above) and $1,010 for undergraduate-level courses (numbered below 100). Please review tuition and financial aid resources available.
Students enrolled in the Master’s Track: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Computer Science to MS in Computer Science Program are eligible for certain scholarships. These scholarships can only be used towards the MS in Computer Science degree program. Our dedicated financial aid advisors can help you explore scholarship opportunities, grants, loans, and other forms of financial assistance to make your education more affordable.
As a student in the Tufts online PBCS program, you’ll have access to a comprehensive array of support services designed to enhance your learning experience and facilitate your academic success. These services include:Â
- Dedicated academic advisorsÂ
- Technical support resources
- Online tutoringÂ
- Career counselingÂ
- Networking opportunities
- Access to online library resources and research databases.Â
Our goal is to provide you with the support you need to excel in your studies and achieve your professional goals.
No, the Tufts online PBCS program is 100 percent online, allowing you to complete your coursework from anywhere. Our flexible online format enables you to balance your studies with your personal and professional commitments while still benefiting from the same high-quality education and resources available to on-campus students.
To learn more about the Tufts online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Computer Science (PBCS), schedule a one-on-one walkthrough with an enrollment advisor or request more information. Tufts University offers a flexible, 100 percent online program designed to help you advance your career.
Tufts University Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Computer Science Accreditation
Tufts University has been continually accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), one of seven regional higher education accrediting bodies in the United States, since 1929. Tufts is evaluated by and achieves accreditation from NECHE once every ten years. The next comprehensive evaluation will take place in Spring 2033.