Computer Science Global Access Certificate: 19 units

Offered by: College of Science, Computer Science Department and the College of Professional and Global Education

• Certificate Required

The proposed Global Access Certificate Program in Computer Science is an academic credit certificate program. The program comprises 6 required courses in computer science with a total of 19 credit units that will be completed within one year. The program aims to create learning opportunities for students and professionals with computer science background to extend their computer science knowledge and expand their career opportunities through the focused educational program. Program participants will also benefit from the program in getting prepared for admission to the graduate program in computer science at CPP or other institutions. The program is designed for both domestic and international students.

For international students, the proposed program provides F-1 visa support. A combination of the core courses and intensive English language courses will be offered to international students to make sure that the students enroll as full-time students that take at least 12 credit units per semester, according to the SEVP regulation on international student status. Upon completion of the program, international students will be eligible for an Optional Practical Training (OPT). For details about OPT, please visit the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services website.

Program Goals and Objectives

Goal 1 - To provide an organized, sequential curriculum that addresses the knowledge and skills of computer science and prepare graduates to be competent entry-level computer science professionals in a multicultural environment

Goal 2 - To provide a prescribed set of courses that prepares graduates for admission to the graduate programs in computer science

Student Learning Outcomes

Computer Science graduate are able to:

1. Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
2. Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.

Admission Criteria

Domestic Students and International Students (currently attending a college/university inside the U.S.)

• Post-baccalaureate degree or an undergraduate junior level status, which is 60 transferrable units, Golden Four courses (A1, A2, A3 and B4) completed with a C- or higher.
• GPA: 3.0 or higher
• 8-10 semester units of Calculus I & II and Probability and Statistics
• 12-15 semester units of Object-Oriented Programming, Discrete Structures, Data Structures, and Computer Organization

International Students (from a college/university outside the U.S.)

• 60 semester credits (approximately 2 years) from an accredited college/university
• GPA: 3.0 or higher
• 8-10 semester units of Calculus I & II and Probability and Statistics
• 12-15 semester units of Object-Oriented Programming, Discrete Structures, Data Structures, and Computer Organization
• At least 1 course of College-level Mathematics
• Good Academic Standing

International applicants must submit official evidence of English language proficiency:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
• Computer Test (CBT): 197
• Paper Test (PBT): 527
• Internet Test (iBT): 71
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): 6.0
• Duolingo: 95
• ITEP (International Test of English Proficiency): 3.7~3.8
• CET-6 (College English Test): 425
• TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication): 640

Admission Process

Students will apply through Cal State Apply. The Office of Admissions will be responsible for evaluating the applicants for admission eligibility.