Postgraduate Certificate in Computer Science

• STEM graduates seeking formal preparation for CS or AI graduate (M.S. or Ph.D.) programs
• Professionals building computing and AI skills to complement careers in fields such as finance, biology, engineering, media, or psychology
• Students pursuing AI, robotics, or data-driven roles requiring strong computing foundations

Note: This program is not an introductory coding bootcamp; it is academically rigorous and theory driven.

Core Competencies

• Programming proficiency developed through C++ coursework and object-oriented design
• Data structures and algorithm analysis
• Machine organization and systems-level understanding
• Discrete mathematics, graph theory, cryptography, and algorithm design
• Concurrency, performance evaluation, and software construction

Career & Academic Impact

• Build interdisciplinary computing skills applicable to AI and other applied domains
• Strengthen preparation for competitive M.S. programs in:
  • Computer Science
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Data Science
  • Robotics
• Demonstrate readiness for graduate-level AI and advanced computing coursework

Differentiation

• Upper-division university coursework is completed alongside degree-seeking students
• Covers intermediate algorithms, operating systems, and machine organization
• Strong preparation for AI, robotics, and advanced computing careers
• Bridges non-CS undergraduate degrees to graduate study
• Emphasizes theory and systems knowledge needed for AI-focused graduate study
• Approved by the UCR Department of Computer Science M.S. Program committee

Eligibility

• Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in STEM or a related field, and meet one of the following prerequisite pathways:
  • Computer Science (CS) 9A–C or equivalent and CS/MATH 11 (for non-STEM backgrounds)
• OR CS 10A–B or equivalent and CS/MATH 11 (for non-STEM backgrounds)
  • OR Pass Self-Assessment Prerequisites Check established by UCR’s Department of Computer Science. You may self-assess if you satisfy the admission requirements by completing the Self-Assessment Prerequisites Check form (external site).

  Admission into the postgraduate certificate program does not guarantee admission into any master’s program. A separate application to the graduate program is required.

  Completion Requirements

  To complete the program, students must:

  • Apply to the program and be accepted
  • Successfully complete all required courses with a grade of C- or better
  • Submit a Completion Verification application after receiving the grade for their final course to initiate an academic audit to ensure all program requirements have been met. Processing this application requires an administrative fee (see application for details).

Students complete 24 units of upper-division coursework, with the following required courses:

• CS 010C - Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithms (4 units): Learn fundamental data structures, algorithm analysis, and object-oriented programming to solve complex computing problems using structured software development techniques.
• CS 111 - Discrete Structures (4 units): Explore discrete mathematics with applications in computer science, including number theory, graph theory, counting methods, and cryptography.
• CS 061 - Machine Organization and Assembly Language Programming (4 units): Understand computer organization, memory, instruction sets, and low-level assembly programming to grasp how software interacts with hardware.
• CS 100 - Software Construction (4 units): Develop skills in designing, implementing, testing, and maintaining software systems while learning professional practices and ethical responsibilities.
• CS 141 - Intermediate Data Structures and Algorithms (4 units): Apply algorithm analysis and advanced design techniques, including divide-and-conquer, greedy methods, and dynamic programming, to data structures such as trees, graphs, and strings.
• CS 153 - Design of Operating Systems (4 units): Gain a comprehensive understanding of operating system principles, including concurrency, memory management, file systems, security, and system performance.

A minimum grade of C- is required for all coursework. Please note that classes are currently conducted during weekday business hours.

Step 1: Connect with an Enrollment Advisor

• Submit the form at the bottom of this page to get personalized guidance on prerequisites, program fit, and your pathway into the certificate.

Step 2: Apply to the Program

• An application is required to establish your candidacy in the certificate program and confirm the requirements you must complete.
• Submit the online application and supporting documents where applicable.
• Review the How to Apply page for details about the application process.

Step 3: Enroll in Coursework

• After acceptance, an advisor will assist you with course enrollment each quarter.
• Courses are taken in-person at UCR.
• Most students complete the program in 3–6 quarters.

Step 4: Complete the Certificate

• Successfully complete all coursework with a C- or better
• Submit the Completion Verification application to initiate the academic audit confirming you met all certificate requirements.

Step 5: Apply to Graduate Programs

• Use the certificate as formal preparation for M.S. programs in Computer Science, AI, Data Science, or Robotics.
• Completion of the certificate does not guarantee admission to a graduate program.

• Students enroll and pay on a quarterly basis. Students pay a program-level fee of $1,324 for one course and $2,648 for two courses.
• For detailed information on fees and payment options, refunds, and payment policies, visit UCR Extension Fees & Refunds.
• Employer reimbursement may apply; ask your Human Resources department about tuition or professional development funding.
• Limited scholarships are available through the NSF DREAM (Distributed Research Apprenticeships for Master’s).

B.S. in Non-CS Program → Postgraduate Certificate (Bridge) → M.S. in Computer Science / Data Science / Robotics

• The certificate provides formal upper-division CS preparation
• Graduates are prepared to apply to competitive M.S. programs in CS, AI, DS, or Robotics
• Learn more about UCR’s Master’s in Computer Science program