Online Post-Bacc Certificate in Computer Science
A Computer Science Certificate for Career Changers
The Tufts online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Computer Science is designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in another field who want to transition into computer science or pursue an advanced degree in the discipline. As part of the Pathway to MS in Computer Science, this flexible online program helps you build the essential knowledge needed to enter the tech field or continue into Tufts’ online Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS).
Students complete bridge coursework and earn a post-baccalaureate certificate that covers essential topics such as data structures, algorithms, systems, and computer hardware. Qualified students can then seamlessly transition into the online MSCS program, completing both programs in as little as 2.5 years.
What are the program benefits?
- Pathway to a Master's Degree: Complete the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate and continue directly into the online MSCS program. Earn your graduate degree faster and with a strong academic foundation.
- Essential Computer Science Skills: Build core competencies in programming, algorithms, systems, and hardware. The curriculum is designed to prepare you for graduate-level coursework or a technical career shift.
- Flexible Online Format: Learn on your schedule with asynchronous and interactive courses that support your transition into the computer science field.
- Accelerated Timeline: Earn the post-baccalaureate certificate and seamlessly begin the online MSCS program, completing both programs in as little as 2.5 years.
- No GRE Required: Applicants who have earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. or Canadian institution do not need to submit GRE scores.
Pathways to Computer Science
Tufts School of Engineering offers two online pathways for students seeking to advance into the field of computer science. Both options provide the same curriculum and lead to a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Computer Science.
After completing the program, qualified students can apply their new skills to pursue expanded career opportunities or continue directly into the Tufts online MS in Computer Science program.
MS in Computer Science Pathway
The Pathway to MS requires the same courses as the certificate pathway but does not require a second application to the MS program. Instead, after successfully completing the certificate courses, students will be able to continue pursuing the Master of Science in Computer Science. In some circumstances, students may be able to start the MS program after completing only two of the graduate-level post-baccalaureate courses. Students in that position should speak with their academic advisor.
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Computer Science Pathway
The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Computer Science provides a strong academic base in key areas such as data structures, algorithms, systems, and computer hardware. Whether you are preparing for a career change or looking to expand your technical responsibilities, this certificate from Tufts School of Engineering offers a valuable credential to help you move forward.
Computer Science Courses
The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Computer Science and the Pathway to the MS in Computer Science include the same set of courses. These courses are designed to build core knowledge and technical skills in programming, algorithms, systems, and computer hardware. Whether you plan to complete the certificate on its own or continue directly into the Tufts MS in Computer Science program, this coursework will prepare you for success in advanced study and technical careers.
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An introduction to computer science via the programming language C++. You will learn how to devise precise procedures for solving a given problem, and how to specify these procedures using the C++ syntax. This course does not assume any prior programming experience.
*If you do not have any academic or professional experience in computer science, you may be required to take this course as an introductory course to the post-baccalaureate certificate program.
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4 Credits. In this course, data structures and algorithms are studied through major programming projects in the C++ programming language. Topics covered include linked lists, trees, graphs, dynamic storage allocation, and recursion.
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3 Credits. This course covers foundations of discrete mathematics and an introduction to proofs. Topics include propositional logic, sets, relations and functions, counting, logic and methods of proof, combinatorics, graphs and digraphs, probability, and number theory.
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4 Credits. In this introduction to the study of algorithms, explore strategies that include divide-and-conquer, greedy methods, and dynamic programming. Delve into graph algorithms, sorting, searching, integer arithmetic, hashing, and NP-complete problems.
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3 Credits. Study models of computation that include Turing machines, pushdown automata, and finite automata. Learn grammars and formal languages, such as context-free and regular set. Better understand important problems, including language equivalence theorems and the halting problem.
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CS 105 Programming Languages
5 Credits. Learn the principles and application of computer programming languages, with an emphasis on the ideas and techniques most relevant to practitioners. The course explores abstract syntax, lambda calculus, type systems, and dynamic semantics.
CS 111 Operating Systems
3 Credits. Analyze the fundamental issues in operating system design, including concurrent processes such as synchronizations, sharing, deadlock, and scheduling. Examine the relevant hardware properties of uniprocessor and multiprocessor computer systems.
CS 115 Database Systems
3 Credits. Explore the fundamental concepts of database management systems, including data models, SQL query language, implementation techniques, the management of unstructured and semi-structured data, and scientific data collections.
CS 116 Introduction to Security
3 Credits. Delve into the fundamentals of cybersecurity, including attacking and defending networks, searching for vulnerabilities, cryptography, reverse engineering, web security, static and dynamic analysis, malware, and forensics. Hands-on labs and projects included.
CS 121 Software Engineering
3 Credits. Examine core principles and ideas that enable the development of large-scale software systems, with a focus on programming. Explore abstraction, modularity, design patterns, specification, testing, verification, and debugging.
CS 135 Introduction to Machine Learning
3 Credits. Investigate the methods that computers can use to learn from data or experience and make corresponding decisions. Topics explored include supervised and unsupervised learning, reinforcement learning, and knowledge extraction with applications to science, engineering, and medicine.
The Tufts master’s in computer science online program will equip you with the skills and credentials needed to pursue new job opportunities, advance within your current organization, and increase your earning potential. From building applications to developing large-scale software systems, you’ll participate in transformative learning experiences that challenge you to think critically and develop creative solutions with real-world applications.
Explore high-demand jobs you can pursue with an online computer science master’s degree and the average salary you could earn:
| Job Title | Average Salary ³ |
|---|---|
| Vice president (VP), information technology | $164,070 |
| Director of engineering | $159,910 |
| Senior product manager | $140,046 |
| Machine learning engineer | $127,254 |
| Principal software engineer | $127,254 |
| Senior software engineer | $127,254 |
| Senior systems engineer | $127,254 |
| Software developer | $127,254 |
| Software development manager | $127,254 |
| Information security officer | $112,008 |
| Data scientist | $103,501 |
| Solutions architect | $102,232 |
| Test/quality assurance engineer | $99,611 |
³ Lightcast, 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
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Upon completion of the online Pathway to MS in Computer Science (post-baccalaureate certificate), you will be ready to pursue a technical career and meet the qualifications to enroll in our online MS in Computer Science program.
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No specific background experience is required to apply to the online Pathway to MS in Computer Science (post-baccalaureate certificate) 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.
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Yes, you can pursue the Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) after completing the Pathway to MS in Computer Science (post-baccalaureate certificate) program.
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The application requirements for the online Pathway program include:
- Application fee
- Resume/CV
- Personal statement
- Transcripts
- One letter of recommendation
- Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo test scores (if applicable)
For application help, schedule a one-on-one walkthrough with an enrollment advisor.
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Cost per credit for the Pathway to MS in Computer Science program in Computer Science is $1,765 for graduate-level courses (numbered 100 and above) and $1,049 for undergraduate-level courses (numbered below 100).* Please review tuition and financial aid resources available.
*While most tuition rate changes are effective in the fall term each academic year, The Trustees of Tufts College reserve the right to change the tuition or to establish additional fees or charges for special features or services whenever such action is deemed advisable. We will provide the earliest possible notification of changes in tuition and other fees.
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Students enrolled in the Pathway to MS in Computer Science 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.
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As a student in the Tufts online Pathway to MS in Computer Science 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:
- Dedicated academic advisors
- Technical support resources
- Online tutoring
- Career counseling
- Networking opportunities
- Access to online library resources and research databases.
Our goal is to provide you with the support you need to excel in your studies and achieve your professional goals.
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No, the Tufts online Pathway to MS in Computer Science 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.
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To learn more about the Tufts online Pathway to MS in Computer Science, 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.
Featured Computer Science Faculty
Martin Allen
Karen Edwards
Mark Sheldon
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