Loyola University Chicago

Department of Computer Science

Graduate Certificate Programs

The Computer Science Department offers Graduate Certificates to students with a B.S. in Computer Science or a related field who wish to augment their professional preparation with more specialized training in an advanced area of technology.   

Format:  Students will select from an approved set of courses to develop critical skills and knowledge in a specialized discipline in the field.  To complete a certificate, students would take four three-credit courses in their area of specialization.  All of the certificate programs include broader foundational courses as well as more specialized courses.  The academic focus of each certificate is detailed below. Specific certificate outcomes and curricula can be found here. 

 Networking and Information Security:    

This certificate program is focused on the increasingly important area of network security within the broader field of information technology.  The coursework includes broader courses like Computer Networks and Network Security, plus more specialized courses on Intrusion Detection, Wireless Security, and Computer Forensics. 

Academic Focus:  Web Programming: 

This certificate program is focused on mastering programming skills required for to create and support applications on the web, including mobile web development, and specialized courses on client-side web programming and a server-side applications course. 

Academic Focus:  Technology Management: 

This certificate program is focused on preparing students for leadership roles in managing the organizational impacts of technological change.  The coursework includes broader courses like Organization Change and Development, plus more specialized courses on Project Management and modeling with Operations Management 

Program Outcomes 

Program outcomes for all Certificate Programs: 

  • Students will have developed new technical skills in the area of their specializations. 
  • Students will have a better understanding of the domain contexts within which these skills can be applied. 
  • Students will have acquired a credential and additional knowledge allowing them to advance professionally. 
  • Students will be prepared to enter a graduate program in the Computer Science Department, with the transfer of certificate credits toward their master’s degree. 

Each Certificate Program has additional outcomes specific to its specialization:  

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS  

Students must have the equivalent of a U.S. baccalaureate degree prior to starting certificate classes.  Applicants would submit:  a completed application form, official transcripts from their undergraduate institution(s), two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.  A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.7 is required.  No GRE scores are required.  Prior industry experience is considered as a factor in admissions. If students decide to pursue an MSIT or MSSE master’s degree, they will have to go through the regular admissions processes for those degrees.  Completion of a certificate program will not guarantee enrollment in any other degree program at Loyola University. 

Computer Science Certificate for Undergraduates (offered by the School of Continuing and Professional Studies) 

The School of Continuing and Professional Studies offers a professional certificate to enable SCPS students to begin a career in the field or to prepare them to complete a Master’s Degree in Information Technology or Software Engineering.  More details can be found here.