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
CS for Any Major
How to Earn a Programming and Computation Certificate
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 to
stay on schedule!
Take 1–2 courses
per semester
6
Complete 6
courses total
1 Apply for the Certificate
Go to the Minor/Certificate Application page.
Select CS Computer Science from the dropdown menu; choose Programming and Computation (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 and CS 313E. Testing out of CS 303E or having credit for CS 312 does not count as a substitute. Additionally, four upper-division courses are required, with all coursework needing a grade of C- or better. Up to two pre-courses can be substituted, and details on pre-approved courses and the petition process can be found in the Course Substitution PDF.
Only students pursuing the certificate can register for the elective courses.
4 Fill Out the Certification Survey
The certification survey is sent via the certificate listserv.
5 Certification
In the final semester, submit the Online Certification Request Form.