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Computer Science Fundamentals, Certificate

Learn about computer science and programming (no programming background required) while earning a certificate that acts as a bridge to the Masters program.

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About this Program

The Certificate in Computer Science Fundamentals helps you start a new career in the region's tech industry with no programming experience required. If you’ve already completed your undergraduate degree—no matter what your major was —you’re encouraged to apply. Once you’ve completed your certificate, you can continue directly into the MS in Computer Science program. Our optional Summer or Winter Boot Camp allows you to learn Java and C++, so you can have the same foundational experience your peers had in Programming I and Programming II.

The Programming Boot Camp

  • The Boot Camp is the first quarter of the Certificate program. If you have no prior programming experience in Java or C++, the Boot Camp is for you. The Boot Camp consists of two accelerated computer programming courses that meet 3 times per week and require 15-20 hours of work per week outside of class.
  • If you completed courses equivalent to Programming I and Programming II, you can ask to waive the Boot Camp quarter. Just apply for a Fall or Spring start date and be prepared to discuss your previous programming coursework and work experience with the department as part of the application process.
  • The Boot Camp is offered as a Summer Boot Camp in June or Winter Boot Camp in January. After the Boot Camp, you progress to the next quarter of the Certificate program.

Admission Requirements

  • Completed Application for Graduate Admission 
  • Bachelor's degree earned at a four year, regionally accredited institution. Typical candidates have a 3.0 or higher GPA, but there is no minimum GPA to apply. You’ll be evaluated on your entire application to make an admissions decision. 
  • A cover letter explaining your interest in the program. 
  • To waive the Boot Camp, you should provide evidence of coursework (or other experience) equivalent to the undergraduate courses Programming I and Programming II. 
  • The GRE is not required for most applicants.  
  • International students have additional requirements beyond the general application. For more information, please visit the Graduate Admissions page and the International Student Center.

Deadline to Apply

This program has no application deadline and applications are evaluated on a rolling basis. Completed applications are typically evaluated within 4 weeks of submission. 

Program Requirements at a Glance

This certificate program from the Department of Computer Science can be completed in three to four quarters, in 18-24 credit hours, depending on whether you participate in Boot Camp.

  • CPSC 5001 - Programming Boot Camp I
  • CPSC 5002 - Programming Boot Camp II

Students may waive one or both of these preparatory courses if they have prior equivalent coursework.

What You’ll Learn

Learn about the classes you’ll take as a student here.

A Fit for Every Student

Hear from students on how the certificate in computer science helped them bridge the gap and make a meaningful career change.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Certificate is for any person interested in a tech career, regardless of their undergraduate background. This program provides a foundation in computer science and offers a bridge option into the Master of Science in Computer Science program.

Yes! From 2017-2021, more than 65% of Career Change Certificate graduates have gone on to enroll in the Masters in Computer Science program at Seattle University.

Scholarships are available and allocated once a student has completed Programming Boot Camp. 

All students enrolling in the Boot Camp or Certificate program are required to have a laptop.

Recommended specifications include:

  • 16GB memory.
  • 512GB SSD minimum disk space.
  • 64 bit quad core processor (Core i5/i7, 8th generation or higher).

Minimum specifications are:

  • 8GB memory.
  • 256GB SSD minimum disk space.
  • 64 bit dual core processor (Core i5/i7, 8th generation or higher).

The Boot Camp is held during the Summer and Winter Quarters. The Career Change Certificate begins in the Fall Quarter or the Spring Quarter and runs for three quarters.

  • Boot Camp: Summer Quarter or Winter Quarter
  • Career Change Certificate:
  • Fall Quarter Start: Fall-Winter-Spring
  • Spring Quarter Start: Spring-Fall-Winter (no summer quarter Certificate courses)

Qualified students who complete the Certificate will be eligible to start the MSCS program in the subsequent quarter.

The Certificate meets two times per week. Currently there are two sections student may choose from, with courses typically offered from either 3:30-5:35 p.m. or 6:00-8:05 p.m.

The Boot Camp meets three times per week for the quarter. Courses are typically offered from either 3:30-5:35 p.m. or 6:00-8:05 p.m.

Java and C++

Your cover letter should address three topics:

  • Why are you applying for the Career Change Certificate in Computer Science Fundamentals?
  • What undergraduate computer science coursework have you completed?
  • How will participating in this program enable you to reach your career goals?

These topics can typically be addressed in 1-2 pages.

When the number of qualified applicants exceeds the capacity of the program, a waitlist will be created at the end of the admissions process. If you are placed on the waitlist, you will be offered admission on a rolling basis as space becomes available.

If you have not completed the undergraduate courses Programming I and Programming II (or their equivalents), you must complete the Boot Camp unless you have completed past computer programming coursework or have certain computer-related job experience. You’ll need to talk to an advisor to waive Boot Camp requirements. 

Outside coursework used to waive the Boot Camp requirements typically need to be completed at an accredited institution with a grade B or better. You can not use non-accredited, non-credit courses (e.g. Coursera) to waive prerequisite courses.

Please contact the Graduate Admissions (grad-admissions@seattleu.edu) to discuss waiving Boot Camp courses without prior coursework. It is uncommon for someone to be granted a waiver without coursework, but if you’re already employed as software engineers or in a similar role, you may be able to waive Boot Camp courses through testing.

Due to the condensed time frame of the Programming Boot Camp, courses meet 3 times per week and there is 15 to 20 hours of work outside of class. Attending the Boot Camp while working full-time is possible, but you should anticipate an intense schedule for the 10 weeks of the Boot Camp.

The Programming Boot Camp is a more intense time commitment than the Certificate program itself. The Certificate program meets 2 times per week, with 8 to 12 hours of work outside of class per week.

We’re Here for You

If you have any questions about the program, please contact us below.