Complete CMIT-135
Upcoming Start Dates
Fall term A begins. Apply by Aug. 21.
Fall term B begins. Apply by Oct. 16.
Build Essential Tech Skills for the Digital Economy
Develop practical programming, database, and systems skills with Champlain College Online's Undergraduate Certificate in Computer Science. This focused 18-credit program provides a comprehensive foundation in multiple technical disciplines that employers value. Whether you're launching a tech career, enhancing existing technical skills, or exploring computer science before committing to a full degree program, this certificate delivers immediately applicable knowledge through hands-on learning experiences.
Develop In-Demand Computing Skills
- Programming Foundations: Learn to write, test, and debug code in multiple languages, including Python and C++, building the programming fundamentals needed in virtually all technical roles.
- Operating System Knowledge: Understand how operating systems function and manage computer resources, with practical experience in both command-line interfaces and system administration.
- Database Design and SQL: Create efficient relational database models and write SQL queries to store, manage, and retrieve data—essential skills for countless technical applications.
- Linux Administration: Gain hands-on experience managing Linux systems, including user management, file systems, and basic security configurations.
- Mathematical Applications: Apply linear algebra and analytical geometry concepts to solve computing problems, developing the quantitative reasoning skills that underpin advanced computer science topics.
- Integrated Problem-Solving: Combine skills from multiple technical disciplines to develop solutions to realistic technical challenges across various domains.
Program Curriculum
Learn more about Champlain's 100% online computer science undergraduate certificate, designed for working professionals from business to computer science.
From day one, students in this course are problem solving, first in terms of algorithmic design and then as early as week two via programming in the latest version of Python, using PyCharm. Students begin by writing a program to have a conversation, having strings and numbers as input, and advance, by week seven, to building a working password saver program, capable of looking up, adding (and encrypting), and storing passwords.
This course, through guided research and hands-on learning experiences, provides students with an understanding of operating systems, including their core fundamental principles and how they work. Students are introduced to the three most popular operating systems for personal computers (Windows, OSX and Linux), and mobile operating systems, and learn about standard functions such as memory, process/thread, input/output, storage and device management.
This course covers the fundamental concepts of linear algebra and analytical geometry, including matrices, vectors, linear transformations, and systems of linear equations. Students will also explore the analytical geometry of Euclidean spaces, including lines, planes, circles, spheres, and conic sections. In this course, students will develop their mathematical reasoning skills and learn how to apply these principles to solve real-world problems.
Learn the basics and more in this course on Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS) and SQL (Structured Query Language). Students propose a final project in the first module and then work, week-by-week, to design, create, and populate the database. Then, students learn to create queries and stored procedures.
Prerequisites
This course will introduce students to programming concepts, using a major industry programming language, C++. SDEV-240 covers the history of programming languages, the essentials of the C++ programming language, and how to write effective and efficient programs to solve a variety of real-world problems.
Prerequisites
CMIT-135
A hands-on course covering key components of the Linux operating system. Through hands-on activities students will gain a working knowledge of the Linux operating system. Topics include installation and configuration of Linux, using common commands and graphical interfaces, installing common server applications, User and group account management, as well as performance monitoring and security systems.
Prerequisites
CMIT-140
Additional Program Details
- Apply foundational programming and computational skills by developing, implementing, and debugging programs.
- Analyze and utilize operating systems, comparing functionalities, and executing commands to optimize performance and security.
- Design and implement relational databases by developing models, normalizing data, and creating SQL queries.
- Apply mathematical concepts to computer science problems using linear algebra and analytical geometry.
- Integrate core computer science concepts by combining programming, systems, databases, and mathematics to solve interdisciplinary problems.
Champlain College Online's computer science faculty, led by Department Chair Richard Pickering, are expert practitioners in the field. Their industry expertise ensures that our curriculum is aligned with the needs of employers, and reflects the skills today’s IT systems professionals need for success. Classes led by our seasoned experts will give you real-world insight into the world of information technology, and create a rich community of career-focused learning.
Tuition & Costs
Online Undergraduate Tuition Fall '24 - Summer '26
$335
per credit
$290
per credit for Champlain alumni, associate degree graduates, veterans**, and family members of veterans and servicemembers
$250
per credit for military servicemembers
$150
One-time graduation fee
*Based on a 3-credit course; cost will vary if course is a different number of credits
** Veteran rate effective Spring 2025, not retroactive
See the undergraduate cost of attendance and fees here
Affordability and Paying For Your Education
We provide a number of options to make your online education affordable, including preferred tuition for alumni, associate degree graduates, community college graduates, and military.
Why Get an Undergraduate Certificate in Computer Science?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that computer and information research scientist occupations will grow 26 percent from 2023 to 2033*. This certificate provides immediate workforce value and a foundation to further your education with CCO’s Information Technology programs.
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Information Security Analysts
Top Reasons to Pursue this Certificate:
- Develop specialized technical problem-solving
- Gain practical experience with Linux Systems
- Versatile career applications
- Build a foundation for self-directed learning
- Develop job-ready skills in months
Academic Excellence and Recognition
Regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education
Designated as a Military Friendly School for our commitment to the military community
Ranked among the best by Tech Guide for game design and computer science
Named the among the best schools with accelerated bachelor's degrees by Intelligent.com
Meet the Program Director
Daniel Selicaro, MS
Program Director, Technology and Assistant Professor
Oversees
- Computer Science (BS)
- Software Development (AS, BS)
- Web Design & Development (AS, BS)
- Software Engineering and Project Management (MS)
About
Daniel Selicaro is an Assistant Professor and Program Director for Technology at Champlain College Online. He oversees bachelor degree programs for Software Development, Web Design and Development, and Computer Science, as well as the graduate program in Software Engineering and Project Management.
Dan has been at Champlain College since 2007, and has been teaching web design and development for Champlain since 2015. He began his career in print journalism as a newspaper reporter, and was the news editor for Upside magazine and the Red Herring magazine in California. After moving back to the East Coast, he worked on digital marketing at Champlain College, and was an active part of two redevelopments of the College website, champlain.edu, before he took a role in the Information Systems department.
Outside of Champlain, Dan runs his own website development company, and is on the board of directors for several local organizations — including as marketing chair at the Fellowship of the Wheel mountain biking club, the Green Mountain Montessori School, and the Essex United Soccer Club. He is an avid mountain biker, and loves to spend his time adventuring in Vermont with his two young children.
FAQs: Computer Science Certificate
Yes, our online computer science certificate offers a comprehensive foundation on which you can build. You do not need to have previous experience or education to start this program. If you want to channel your interest in working with computers, this could be your perfect first step.
This computer science certificate focuses on essential languages, including Python, SQL, and C++. Students also benefit from knowledge and skills in Linux systems administration and relational database design. If there are specific skills you want to learn but aren’t sure if they are included in the program, contact us to learn more.
While a coding bootcamp can be a valuable experience, this computer science certificate program offers a more holistic education. Students can also apply their credits in this program toward associate and bachelor’s programs at Champlain College Online. If you aren’t sure whether a bootcamp, certificate, or degree program is right for you, talk to us today so we can answer your questions.
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