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Digital Literacy Computer Science Certificate
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Credits for Licensure:
15
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Degree:
Post-Master's Certificate
Program Description
The Digital Literacy Computer Science Certificate (DLCS) serves licensed science, math and library teachers who seek this additional add-on license. The course work provides the necessary depth and content knowledge needed to support the expectations outlined in the Massachusetts Curriculum Framework 2016 and addresses the subject matter knowledge as outlined by the Massachusetts Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education for the new Digital Literacy and Computer Science licensure (K-12).
The demand for this license is great since the state government has issued guidelines for all schools to integrate digital and computer science literacy and courses K-12 to prepare students for high tech working environments.
The program and coursework are all online. Two courses are offered each term.
Digital Literacy Computer Science Certificate Learning Outcomes
Graduates demonstrate the knowledge and skills expected of professional educators by regional, state and national accreditation bodies. They understand the principles and concepts of computing and society, including cyberbullying, safety security issues, and technology laws as well as recovery strategies. They evaluate the impact of technology and assistive technologies in people’s lives, commerce and society. They demonstrate advanced research skills and strategies to identify and evaluate and credit sources and information. In addition, they utilize digital tools and resources to enhance communication and collaboration, solve problems, and publish online by demonstrating an understanding of computer systems, programming and computational thinking.
The Certificate in Digital Literacy and Computer Science will prepare you for jobs such as Computer Science Teacher (grades 5-12).
Curriculum
15
Credits
Courses required may vary based on transcript analysis, reviewed by Program Chair.
Computational Thinking: Data Structures & Algorithms
SCI 634 • 3 credit(s)
The content of this course focuses on basic and essential topics in data structures by covering the analysis and design of fundamental data structures. Activities engage students to use data structures as tools to algorithmically design efficient computer programs that will cope with the complexity of actual applications. Topics covered include array-based lists, linked lists, skip lists, hash tables, recursion, binary trees, scapegoat trees, red-black trees, heaps, sorting algorithms, and graphs.
Computers, Software & Networks
SCI 636 • 3 credit(s)
This course covers the fundamentals of information systems: basic hardware components and system-oriented troubleshooting procedures, the structure or architecture of computers, operating systems, Internet, data communications, the software hierarchy from systems software to application programs, and information systems' development life cycle. The course also focuses on the use and application of typical software packages including word processing, spreadsheets, databases and presentation graphics.
Computers & Society
SCI 637 • 3 credit(s)
This course examines the role and impact of computers, information and assistive technology in our daily lives, business, education, entertainment and study. Topics include: the use of the Internet and WWW as a research and information-sharing resource, digital literacy standards and skills, and the digital tools, resources, and computing devices used to create an artifact, solve a problem, communicate, publish online or accomplish a real-world task. The personal, professional, and corporate ethical and legal issues that arise in a computing context are also considered.
Computer Programming
SCI 638 • 3 credit(s)
This course builds on the concepts introduced in previous courses and shows how to use various language constructs to develop code and solve problems using a hands-on approach. For each topic, students are expected to design, write, and analyze code corresponding to that topic and reflect on their programming efforts as a way to increase their problem solving and critical analysis skills.
Network Security & Safety
SCI 640 • 3 credit(s)
This course covers network vulnerabilities and safety issues such as peer pressure and cyber bullying as well as important concepts and technologies that address the risky computer and network environment. It details cryptographic tools and algorithms, authentication and access control schemes and protocols, systems that can be used to secure computers and networks, and the security of these systems. The course also deals with management issues around computer and network security, recovery strategies and using outsourcing services with respect to function and quality. Students learn to use a variety of tools and systems that can be used in security assessment, intrusion detection, information protection, digital forensics, and system recovery.
Core Faculty
(617) 873-0212sandra.bridwell@cambridgecollege.edu
(617) 873-0849james.horn@cambridgecollege.edu
Senior Instructor
(617) 873-0279Peter.Ash@go.cambridgecollege.edu
(617) 873-0770William.Hoyt@go.cambridgecollege.edu
(617) 873-0347Patricia.Johnson@cambridgecollege.edu
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Admissions
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Admission Test:
No standardized graduate school tests required for admission into non-licensure programs.
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Admissions Office:
1-800-829-4723
- Application Form:
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Application Fee:
$50 ($100 for international students; $100 for EdD)
Program Requirements
- School of Education requirements for certificate programs
- Master's degree required
- Massachusetts teachers who hold an initial or professional license may elect to add this digital literacy license by submitting this coursework on their own to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for transcript approval. Part of the approval process will include 150 hours of teaching digital literacy in a school setting; this can be submitted by a school principal on official letterhead. There is no MTEL for this license.
Transcript analysis
Subject Matter Competency for Digital Literacy will be evaluated through transcript analysis by the program chair, following the Subject Matter Knowledge Standards for the Massachusetts Digital Literacy License (see www.doe.mass.edu). Only coursework completed within the last seven years, with grades of B or better will be considered.
Program credits
Additional credits may be required for competencies not satisfied before enrollment; credits may be reduced if any competencies have already been covered acceptably.
Program subject to change.
Health Requirements for Massachusetts Students
The Massachusetts Health Department and Cambridge College require the following of students in Massachusetts:
Immunizations – All students in Massachusetts are required to get certain immunizations before you can register for your first term. See form
Health Insurance – In Massachusetts, undergraduate students taking nine or more credits/term and graduate students taking six or more credits/term must enroll in the College’s health insurance plan. Students who have insurance with comparable coverage may request a waiver. See information and enroll or waive.
School Requirements
See Admissions Requirements for School of Education
International Students
International students need to provide supplemental documentation:
- Official demonstration of English language proficiency
- Supplemental documentation for issuance of I-20
- International transcripts, evaluated by an accepted evaluation service
Transfer Credit
Graduate program applicants, please complete the transfer credit request form if you wish to have prior course work evaluated for transfer. Learn more.
Undergraduate program applicants, once you are accepted, your official transcripts are evaluated for transfer credit.
Tuition
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Credits for Licensure:
15
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Cost per credit hour:
$639
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Application Fee:
$50 ($100 for international students; $100 for EdD)
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Health Insurance Fee:
$3,940 - Required for Massachusetts students only. See waiver details on Tuition & Fees page.
Note: Rates are as of June 2023, and are subject to change without notice. Rates apply to all students unless otherwise noted.
Financial Aid
Cambridge College offers financial aid to students in our degree programs who are enrolled at least half-time. Undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 6 credits each term. Graduate and doctoral students must be enrolled in at least 4 credits each term. Learn more
Grants, Scholarships, and Loans
Cambridge College welcomes the opportunity to support your efforts to pay for college. Federal, state, and local resources in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study, including Cambridge College Scholarships, are available to help defray the cost of tuition. Learn more
Getting Your Company to Help
Many companies have tuition assistance programs, designed to help their employees with their professional development. Learn more
