K-12 Computer Science Teaching (Certificate) Online

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Build the knowledge and foundational concepts, skills and methods for teaching Computer Science (CS) to students in K-12.

Montclair State University’s innovative, K-12 Computer Science Teaching Certificate is designed for equity-oriented teachers seeking to meet the demand for high-quality computer science education. The 15-credit, fully online program will prepare teachers with coursework in computer science content, including coding, programming, problem-solving through computational thinking, equity and diversity in Computer Science fields, and research-based methods of teaching Computer Science. Gain the skills needed to teach foundational computer science concepts and competencies in your school district. Coursework integrates content knowledge in computer science with the teaching strategies needed to succeed as an educator. Courses are offered in five, 8-week sessions.

Quick Facts

Level: Graduate Certificate
Apply for: Fall 2024
Start class: Sept. 4 or Oct. 28
Credit Hours: 15
Tuition

Professional Development in Computer Science Education

Computer Science Associate Professor Katherine Herbert and College of Education and Human Services Acting Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Sumi Hagiwara are overseeing more than $1.2 million in grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) to create support programs, resources, professional development programming and opportunities in computer science for New Jersey educators.

For more information about grant-related professional development events in computer science at Montclair State University, visit Montclair’s K-12 CS Education Hub.

The program is designed to introduce in-service teachers to foundational concepts, skills and methods for teaching Computer Science (CS) to students in K-12. The program objectives include the following:

• Provide teachers with foundational knowledge and skills for the teaching of CS and computational thinking content in U.S. classrooms.
• Develop teachers professional growth and identity in CS to keep pace with global changes.
• Support teachers’ understanding of computational thinking and how to build students’ computational thinking in the classrooms.
• Build effective and appropriate interdisciplinary CS curriculum for students in K-12.
• Examine issues of equity in CS and promote best-practices for the teaching of CS and computational thinking in U.S. classrooms.
• Design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessments for the learning of CS and computational thinking.

For the K-12 Computer Science Teaching graduate certificate, students must complete 15 credit hours. Courses are offered sequentially during the summer, fall, and spring and can be completed in as little as 3 terms. For additional information, please contact your advisor to discuss your program of study.

• CSIT 500 – Computer Science Principles (3 credits)
• CSIT 501 – Java Programming (4 credits)
• TLRN 500 – Computational Thinking in K-12 Classrooms (3 credits)
• TLRN 501 – Equity in Computer Science Education (2 credits)
• TLRN 502 – Methods of Inclusive Computer Science Teaching (3 credits)

The Department of Teaching and Learning has compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions by prospective students. If you are unable to find the answer to your question(s) please contact Montclair Online at online@montclair.edu.

In order to be considered for admission into the program please submit:

• An application
• Current resume
• Official copies of the academic transcript from each college and/or university attended, documenting an earned undergraduate degree. Electronic transcripts are recommended to expedite the application process. You can often request this directly from your institution or by using electronic processing through sites such as the National Student Clearinghouse.
• Students holding degrees from non-US institutions must request a course-by-course transcript evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services or by Educated Choices. TOEFL (Test of English as a foreign language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or Duolingo English Test are required for applicants to any program who earned their degree in a country where English is not the official language. Please check our International Applicants page for more information and for our current TOEFL/IELTS Waiver Policy.

If you have general questions regarding the application process and admission requirements, please call or email Montclair Online:
Email: online@montclair.edu
Phone: 973-655-7110

If you have specific questions about the program and would like academic advisement, please contact your Graduate Program Coordinator.

Coordinator: Dr. Sumi Hagiwara, Department of Teaching and Learning