The Capstone Certificate in Computer Sciences Online Kickstart Program for Professionals (CS Kickstart Online Program) offered by the University of Wisconsin–Madison Department of Computer Sciences is designed for students who want to learn the fundamentals of computer science, including the basics of artificial intelligence (AI) and its modern use. Students use this kickstart certificate to build programming skills that transfer to more technical positions or for promotion. The program can be completed in four terms. The largely asynchronous, online format of coursework provides maximum flexibility for students to complete the certificate effectively within the context of work and/or family responsibilities.
How to Get in
Adult Career and Special Student Services (ACSSS) is the admitting office for all University Special students. However, the Department of Computer Sciences makes the final admission decision upon review of all applicant materials. Please submit an application here to get admitted to the CS Kickstart program at UW-Madison.
Admission Requirements
- Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a non-Computer Sciences-related area.
- Preferred minimum bachelor’s degree GPA of 3.0 on a 4.00 scale
- GRE is not required
- International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency by submitting evidence of English language proficiency through one of the following options:
- Minimum TOEFL: 92 internet (iBT)
- Minimum IELTS: 7.0
- Duolingo English Test: 125
- Earned a bachelor’s degree from an institution that taught entirely in English
Application Steps
- Submit an online application for admission as a University Special student, selecting UNCS Capstone Certificate and the program: Computer Science Kickstart Program
- Submit the following materials with the application:
- Resume/CV that includes educational history and professional experience
- Transcripts of all previous college work
- If English is not your primary language, you must submit evidence of English language proficiency through one of the following options:
- Minimum TOEFL: 92 internet (iBT)
- Minimum IELTS: 7.0
- Duolingo English Test: 125
- Earned a bachelor’s degree from an institution that taught entirely in English
- Submit documentation of having met one of these criteria as a PDF email attachment to the Program Coordinator at kickstart@cs.wisc.edu.
- After a decision has been made, the Program Coordinator will contact you by email to inform you of the decision and inform you of the next steps.
Application Deadline
The fall application deadline is July 1st. We only admit for the fall term. Applications received after this timeline are reviewed on a rolling basis. Please contact kickstart@cs.wisc.edu for assistance with applying.
Prerequisites
Applicants must have some mathematical reasoning and logical thinking proficiency.
Enrollment
Admitted applicants receive a formal letter of admission to UW–Madison from Adult Career and Special Student Services along with general enrollment information.
The Department of Computer Sciences will send an email to admitted applicants with specific information pertaining to enrollment in courses and completion of the capstone program.
Additional details about the enrollment process are provided on the ACSSS enrollment page.
Requirements
Grade Requirements
Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00 in capstone courses to continue to the next class.
Required Courses
Designed for the working professional, all courses are offered online. Students must complete all 4 courses listed below to receive the certificate.
- COMP SCI 303 – Introduction to Java Programming – 3 Credits
- COMP SCI 370 – Introduction to Data Structures and Software Development – 3 Credits
- COMP SCI 440 – Artificial Intelligence (AI) Paradigms to Practice – 3 Credits
- COMP SCI 477- Algorithmic Thinking – 3 Credits
Total Credits 12
Minimum Requirements for Capstone Certificate Completion
- Students must earn a minimum grade of C in each course used to meet Capstone Certificate requirements.
- Courses in which a student elects the pass/fail or audit option will not count toward completion of Capstone Certificate requirements.
- All of the Capstone Certificate credits must be earned “in residence” (which includes on-campus and distance-delivered courses) at UW-Madison.
- All of the Capstone Certificate credits must be earned while enrolled in the Capstone Certificate program.
Individual Capstone Certificate programs may have additional requirements for completion, which will be listed above as/if applicable.
Learning Outcomes
- Recognize and apply the core computing principles, including abstractions and algorithms, to solve real-world problems.
- Apply best practices to design, develop, and refine software applications
- Understand common AI techniques and apply AI tools in a variety of settings
- Demonstrate an understanding of key principles, concerns, and approaches for a sub-area of computer science
Return to main Kickstart Program page.