Are you considering transitioning into the computer science field but don’t have the technical skills yet? Our fully online 15-credit-hour Pathway to Computing Graduate Certificate is designed for individuals from various academic backgrounds looking to transition into the computer science field. Whether you're a college graduate in a non-computing field or a professional looking to break into tech, this program provides the foundational skills you need to start your journey toward qualifying for positions in the booming tech job market or preparing to enroll in a graduate-level computer science program. No prior experience or coding knowledge is required – we’ll teach you everything from discrete structures to object-oriented design to algorithms.

This program will prepare you to gain admission into graduate-level computer science programs or to qualify for positions in the booming tech job. This is an ideal pathway for anyone looking to shift into the rapidly growing field of computing.

What you will learn: Essential computing courses, including topics like data structures, programming, algorithms, and computer systems.

By completing the certificate, you gain priority admission to your choice of master's degree: USF's Master of Science in Computer Science program or USF's Master of Science in Data Intelligence, with no GRE required. If you don't feel ready to commit to a full master's program, the PTC graduate certificate qualifies you to be accepted in the Artificial Intelligence Graduate Certificate program, which requires the technical foundation you build in the PTC program.

As part of a national effort to expand opportunities in the tech industry, USF encourages applicants from all backgrounds, especially women in STEM. With flexible, asynchronous courses designed for busy professionals, this certificate offers a practical, accessible route into computing.

Apply today to take the first step toward a new career in tech.