Computer Science Graduate Certificate

Study a variety of areas including theory, analysis, design, and implementation of information systems, or tailor your education for a narrower, relevant approach. Structured and rigorous courses help you master the skills you need to truly make an impact in your field and advance your career.

Admission Requirements

• You must meet the general admission requirements that pertain to all graduate certificate candidates.
• Your prior education must include the following prerequisites: (1) One year of calculus (two semesters or three quarters); (2) One semester/term of advanced math (discrete math is strongly preferred but linear algebra and differential equations will be accepted); (3) One semester/term of Java (C++ will be accepted but the student must be knowledgeable in Java); (4) One semester/term of data structures; (5) One semester/term of computer organization (e.g., assembly language and machine organization).
• If your prior education does not include the prerequisites listed above, you may still be admitted under provisional status, followed by full admission once you have completed the missing prerequisites. Missing prerequisites may be completed with Johns Hopkins Engineering (all prerequisites are available) or at another regionally accredited institution.
• If you decide to pursue the full master’s degree, all courses will apply to the master’s degree provided they meet program requirements and fall within a five-year time limit. You must declare your intention prior to completing the certificate.
• If you are an international student, you may have additional admission requirements.

Certificate Requirements

• Complete the three foundational courses and one elective offered from the program course list. These must be completed within five years.
• One or more required courses can be waived by the student’s advisor if a student has received an A or B in equivalent graduate courses. In this case, the student may replace the waived required courses with the same number of other graduate Computer Science courses and may take these courses after all remaining required course requirements have been satisfied.
• Only one C-range grade (C+, C, or C−) can count toward the graduate certificate.
• All course selections are subject to advisor approval, and the advisor may authorize substitutions for any courses, including required courses.