Certificate in Computer Science Education - Coastal Carolina University
MyCCU
In This Section
Apply Visit Info Tours
In This Section

Certificate in Computer Science Education

This 15-credit 100 percent online curriculum in Computer Science Education supports the professional development of teachers interested in advancing their knowledge and skills in computing systems, networking, computational thinking, programming, data analysis, societal impacts, and pedagogical strategies. Prior experience in computer science is not required and the five courses can be completed in one year. Teaching certification is not required for admission; however, South Carolina teachers who are initially licensed in other fields or grade levels may be eligible to apply to the South Carolina Department of Education to add Computer Science (Grades 9–12) after completing the courses and earning the required score on the Praxis specialty exam. Certified teachers employed full-time in South Carolina public schools are eligible for special tuition rates.

Courses can also be taken individually by teachers with a professional certificate to help prepare for the CS Praxis 5652 test.

Related Links

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

The learning outcomes for the Certificate in Computer Science Education program are derived from the South Carolina Computer Science Standards, the ISTE Computer Science Educator Standards, and the Praxis Computer Science (5652) test specifications. Upon completion, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate professional knowledge of computing systems and networks.
  2. Apply modern computational thinking and programming practices to solve real-world problems.
  3. Evaluate ethical, legal, and other societal issues relevant to the impact of computing.
  4. Utilize data collection, storage, analysis, and visualization tools and workflows.
  5. Implement effective pedagogical strategies for teaching computer science.

ADMISSION TO STUDY

Applicants should apply through the Office of Graduate Studies at Coastal Carolina University.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applications for the summer cohort are due May 1st. Applications for fall cohort are due July 1. Applications for the spring cohort are due December 1st. Spring entry is contingent upon an applicant's computer science background.

Applicants for admission to the Certificate in Computer Science Education program must meet the following criteria:

  1. Completion of the application form and payment of the application fee.
  2. Evidence of having received a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution in this country or its equivalent at a foreign institution based on a four-year degree program.
  3. Submission of an official transcript from each post-secondary school or college previously attended (all prior undergraduate academic study must be represented as well as any graduate study).
  4. Submission of a brief written statement of educational and career goals, including how this certificate program will contribute to realizing those goals.

REQUIRED COURSES (15 CREDITS):

  • CSED 605 - Foundations of Computing Systems - 3 credits
    This course examines the ecology of modern computing through the lens of abstraction, a technical concept that explains how the relationships among hardware and software components impact device functionality. Students are challenged to analyze use cases and identify strategies to design, manage, and troubleshoot computing systems to solve real-world problems. 
    Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring

  • CSED 607 - Introduction to Data Science - 3 credits
    This course explores fundamental tools and methods for collecting, managing, and processing big data using computational models, statistical inferencing, and machine learning to identify trends, support claims, and solve real-world problems in varied disciplines. Data visualization and storytelling techniques are also emphasized. Prior experience in programming or statistical analysis is not required. 
    Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring

  • CSED 608 - Computational Thinking and Programming - 3 credits
    This course promotes understanding of computer programming and logic by teaching students to “think like a computer”. This course explores skills needed to develop and design language-independent solutions to solve computer-related problems. This course also covers development and design basics, including use of variables, control and data structures, principles of command-line, and object-oriented languages. 
    Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring

  • EDIT 604 - Teaching with Technology - 3 credits
    A standards-based investigation of instructional technologies and their potential to improve teaching practices, professional communication, workflow productivity and learner performance. The course is closely aligned to the National Education Technology Standards for Teachers (NETS-T), published by ISTE, and surveys an extensive range of tools and techniques to design, develop, implement and evaluate technology-integrated instruction in education and training settings. Course assessments are project-based and require students to demonstrate competence by analyzing instructional design contexts and producing instructional materials. A standards-based investigation of instructional technologies and their potential to improve teaching practices, professional productivity, and student performance. The course is designed to meet the National Education Technology Standards for Teachers (NETS-T), published by ISTE.
    Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

  • IST 610 - Networking and Cybersecurity Fundamentals - 3 credits
    This course provides students with the fundamentals in networking and cybersecurity. The course discusses the principles of networking including protocols, topologies, circuit and packet switching, routing, and related topics. The course also provides students with a foundation in cybersecurity topics such as security threats, vulnerability analysis, firewalls, intrusion detection, and access control. This course is designed for students with little or no prior networking or security experience. 
    Semester(s) Offered: Spring

SCHEDULE

Course of Study: Begin Spring 2024, Finish Fall 2024
Spring 2024: IST 610 and CSED 608
Summer 2024: EDIT 604 
Fall 2024: CSED 605 and CSED 607

Course of Study: Begin Summer 2024, Finish Spring 2025
Summer 1 2024: EDIT 604
Fall 2024: CSED 605 and CSED 607
Spring 2025: IST 610 and CSED 608

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Kaitlin Nash, Graduate Program Manager
Spadoni College of Education and Social Sciences
100 Tom Trout Drive
Prince Building 212
Conway, SC 29526
843-349-4057
spadonigrad@coastal.edu