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Programming & Computation Certificate

No matter your major, computational skills can set you apart in today’s digital world. This certificate is designed for non-CS undergraduate students who want to build a strong foundation of key programming and computational thinking skills while gaining practical programming experience.

18

18-Hour Certificate

enhance your career

Enhance Your Career

CS for any major

CS for Any Major

How to Earn a Programming and Computation Certificate

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   Plan Ahead!

Since CS courses fill quickly, we recommend starting early, ideally in your freshman or sophomore year, and staying flexible with course selection. While the certificate is not part of Senior Countdown, many students complete it by planning ahead and enrolling in available courses each semester.

Stay on track by checking the University Course Schedule regularly for up-to-date offerings.

apply early

Apply early to
stay on schedule!

courses

Take 1–2 courses
per semester

6

Complete 6
courses total

1 Apply for the Certificate

Go to the Minor/Certificate Application page.

If you are on the 2024-2026 Catalog or beyond, select CS Computer Science from the dropdown menu; choose Programming and Computation (CTECS02).

If you are on the 2022-2024 Catalog or prior, select CS Computer Science from the dropdown menu; choose Elements of Computing (CTECS01).

After applying, you'll receive a Secure Academic Note confirmation.

2 Confirm Your Status

Check that your degree profile shows "Pursuing" for the Programming and Computation Certificate. If your status isn’t updated, email: cs-certificate@austin.utexas.edu with your name and EID after your advisor has added the certificate.

Contact your advisor to add the certificate to your profile to access the required courses!

Join the Programming and Computation listserv to receive updates and important information.

3 Complete 6 Courses

Students must complete two introductory classes, CS 303E (or CS312) and CS 313E. 

Additionally, four upper-division courses are required, with all coursework needing a grade of C- or better. Choose from:

  • CS323E - Elements of Scientific Computing
  • CS324E - Elements of Graphics/Visualization
  • CS326E - Elements of Networking
  • CS327E - Elements of Databases
  • CS330E - Elements of Software Engineering I
  • CS333E - Elements of Data Integration
  • CS329E - Topic Courses in Computer Science (more than 1 can count if different topics)
    • Elements of Data Analytics
    • Elements of Data Visualization
    • Elements of Mobile Computing
    • Elements of Web Programming
    • Elements of Game Development

Up to two upper division elective courses can be substituted, and details on pre-approved courses and the petition process can be found in the Course Substitution PDF. You can request a non pre-approved course be reviewed by filling out this Docusign. You cannot take a course you already have a substitute for. Testing out of CS 303E or having credit for CS 312 does not count as a substitute. 

Only students pursuing the certificate can register for the elective courses.

4 Fill Out the Certification Survey

In the final semester, submit the Online Certification Request Form.