Graduate Certificate in Computer Science Instruction

Develop the necessary skills to teach computer science at the secondary level with the Graduate Certificate in Computer Science Instruction in the College of Science and Technology at Temple University. 

Computer science is a critically important, highly competitive discipline that has grown exponentially in recent years. However, the U.S. faces a shortage of qualified computer science teachers. This 12-credit graduate certificate program is specifically designed for current math and science teachers to help meet the growing demand for computer science and information technology instruction in secondary schools.

Through the innovative curriculum, you’ll form a thorough understanding of foundational concepts in computer science and pedagogical strategies for broadening participation in the classroom. You’ll also produce a well-developed portfolio of instructional materials that you can use to teach computer science concepts in secondary education classrooms. 

Pennsylvania State Certification

Graduates of the program already certified to teach in secondary education will be prepared to take the Praxis Computer Science Subject Test, required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, to become certified to teach computer science in Pennsylvania public schools.

Delivery Method

All in-person courses in the Graduate Certificate in Computer Science Instruction program are held on Temple’s Main Campus in Philadelphia. Coursework can be completed over four continuous semesters (including the summer semester) so you can earn the certificate in 15 months. Courses in the fall and spring semesters are offered online to allow in-service teachers to complete classes during the academic year, with intensive, short-term courses offered on campus during the summer. 

Classes & Curriculum

The Graduate Certificate in Computer Science Instruction curriculum comprises the following four required courses. 

  • Introduction to Teaching Computer Science Principles
  • Teaching Advanced Computer Science Principles
  • Teaching Networked Computing Systems
  • Teaching the Use of Data, Algorithms and Creativity for Problem Solving

Learn more about Computer Science Instruction Certificate courses.

Related Graduate Degrees

*College of Education and Human Development

Careers

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Computer Science Instruction program are prepared to continue their careers as professional educators, with the added opportunity to teach computer science, one of the fastest-growing sectors in the U.S.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Graduate Certificate offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2023–2024 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,301.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,696.00 per credit

You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

ST-COSI-GRAD

Additional Program Information