Computer Science Education Certificate

Vision Statement

This graduate certificate is intended for educators seeking to extend their knowledge and skills in the teaching computational thinking, computer science, and information technology. In completing program coursework, certified Nebraska teachers will also meet requirements for the IT supplemental endorsement. Teachers from other states should consult with with their corresponding state officials to consider local credentialing applicability. Prior background in computer science is not required.  

Program Contact Information

Harvey Siy, PhD, Graduate Program Chair (GPC)
402.554.2834
hsiy@unomaha.edu

Emily Wiemers, Graduate Advisor
402.554.3819
ewiemers@unomaha.edu

Program Website

Other Program Related Information

Students who hold current Nebraska teaching certificates are eligible for the IT supplemental endorsement upon completing all required courses except CSCI 8010. Those who seek to earn only the IT supplemental endorsement should apply for this graduate certificate program.

Grades of 'C' or lower cannot be used when applying for the State of Nebraska IT supplemental endorsement.

All students must apply for completion of the graduate certificate through MavLINK. Please see the Academic Calendar for deadlines on applying.

Admissions

General Application Requirements and Admission Criteria

Program-Specific Requirements

Application Deadlines (Spring 2025, Summer 2025, and Fall 2025)

• Fall: July 1
• Spring: December 1
• Summer: April 1

Other Requirements:

• International students who do not intend to teach in the US may be eligible for admission.

• English Language Proficiency: Applicants are required to have a command of oral and written English. Those who do not hold a baccalaureate or other advanced degree from the United States, OR a baccalaureate or other advanced degree from a predetermined country on the waiver list, must meet minimum language proficiency score requirement in order to be considered for admission.

  • Internet-based TOEFL: 80, IELTS: 6.5, PTE: 53, Duolingo: 110

• Statement of Purpose addressing the following: 
  • Describe your academic and professional journey. Discuss your background personal and professional experiences, and your current educational context. Be sure to explain your motivation for pursuing this program at this point in your career.
  • In order to advise you on initial coursework, please describe any prior formal or informal training you have completed in computing, computer science, and information technology. This includes, but is not limited to, programming/coding, web design, systems administration, computing networking, databases, and computer applications.
  • Finally discuss your post-certificate degree plans. How will the certificate in computer science education contribute to your future endeavors related to P-12 students, educators, administrators or other community stakeholders?
• Resume: Professional Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• A copy of your current teacher certification (if applicable)

Degree Requirements

Completion of the Certificate

During what is expected to be the semester the certificate is completed and prior to the posted deadline, students should apply for the certificate through MavLINK on or before the deadline. If you complete the application form and do not complete all of the requirements for the certificate, contact the Office of Graduate Studies as soon as possible. You must reapply during the next semester in which you expect to complete the certificate; no additional fee is charged to reactivate your application.

The following requirements are due 12 working days prior to commencement:

• “Incomplete” and “NR” grades from previous terms must be removed so that the grade will be in the Office of Graduate Studies.
• All fees, fines, and other obligations due the university must be settled.

For students currently enrolled in courses that are a part of their plan of study, enrollment must be maintained in order to complete the certificate. A grade for any current enrollment must be received by the Registrar's Office no later than the close of business on the fifteenth working day following the end of a semester.

Awarding of Graduate Certificates

The Office of Graduate Studies will mail the certificate to students when all requirements are completed and all obligations to the university are satisfied. The Graduate College will not approve any changes in the student's permanent record once the certificate is awarded.