FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Admissions Requirements

Curriculum

Certificate Academic Requirements

Continuation to Masters Degree Program

Advisors

Instructions for online application

How do I apply to the certificate program?

Are the certificate program credits transferable for credit in the MS in Computer Science

I want to enroll in the accelerated certificate program but my company only reimburses me after I pass the course with a B or better. Is there any way I can avoid scrambling to find several thousand dollars up front?

I would like to get a certificate in the certificate program but would have to schedule it over four semesters due to limited budget.

Can I apply for federal loans for this program?

Can I enroll in this program even if my bachelor’s degree is not in computer science?
How much calculus is really needed?

I’m a little rusty in my math (or computer networking) skills, and am afraid I may not have the prerequisites for this program.  What should I do?

I’m already enrolled in another GW program. Can I enroll in this one in addition (and apply these courses to that program)?

I can only attend the first half (10 weeks) of the cohort classes. Can I take the other courses on a regular semester schedule? How do I do this?

My organization likes this program very much and it appears to meet our needs. However, we can't send somebody from our non-Washington location for 22 weeks.  Do you have any other suggestions?

Q: How do I apply to the certificate program?

A: Go to http://www.cs.gwu.edu/academics/graduate/csia_certificate/apply.html for details about applying online and tracking your own application or for other information on how to apply.  If you are applying for a summer cohort certificate program, please indicate on your application whether you want to take this in the traditional way (two ten-week sessions) or by semi-distance learning (meetings approximately once a month, all day, with CDs sent to you for the other lectures). 

Q: Are the certificate program credits transferable for credit in the MS in Computer Science?

A: Yes. An application must be completed to gain admission to the MS program in Computer Science.  Those accepted to the MS program may transfer their certificate credits toward the graduate degree.

Q: I want to enroll in the accelerated certificate program but my company only reimburses me after I pass the course with a B or better. Is there any way I can avoid scrambling to find several thousand dollars up front?

A: Since the accelerated cohort program does not follow the normal semester calendar, the answer is unfortunately no.  If you take certificate courses during the regular semester program, or continue on for a MS degree after you get a certificate in the accelerated program, you might be able to use a monthly payment program set up by GWU in conjunction with Academic Management Services.   Call 1-800-531-4300 or go to the AMS website at www.tuitionpay.com.

Q: I would like to get a certificate in the cohort program but would have to schedule it over four semesters due to limited budget.

A: You don't have to take the certificate option as a cohort - You can simply take one course at a time during the regular semesters as part of the non-cohort certificate program.

Q: Can I apply for federal loans for this program?

A: At this time, graduate certificate students are not eligible for federal loans, though we encourage you to contact your employer about the prospect of tuition reimbursement.

Q: Can I enroll in this program even if my bachelor’s degree is not in computer science?

A: Maybe. Each prospective student is different, and each case is individual and is evaluated on an individual basis. The admission requirements for the GWU Computer Science Department graduate program are:

-A Bachelor's Degree, preferably in Computer Science or related field.
-A 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of course work for the Bachelors Degree
-Two courses in mathematics beyond pre-calculus
-One year of science with a laboratory
-A course in a structured programming language (equivalent of Csci51 or Csci49)
-A course in Discrete Structures (equivalent of CSci 123)
-A course in Data Structures (equivalent of CSci 131 or CSci 103)
-A course in Computer Architecture (equivalent of CSci 52)
-A course in Operating Systems (equivalent of CSci 156)

A “standard” bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field will satisfy these requirements in many cases. In some other cases, equivalent experience will substitute for some of these courses. For example, many network administrators have roughly equivalent skills to those gained from courses in computer architecture and/or operating systems. Most people who have programmed a decent amount in C++ or Java can satisfy the structured programming language course.

Q: How much calculus is really needed?

A: Note that the admissions requirements state “two years mathematics beyond pre-calculus” but are not more specific. What we are really looking for is enough mathematical grounding so you will be prepared when a few equations are used to describe an encryption method, the expected risk of something, or a hardware circuit.  Zero to few actual integrals or derivatives will be encountered.

Q: I’m a little rusty in my math (or computer networking) skills, and am afraid I may not have the prerequisites for this program.  What should I do?

A: If you know you don’t have the prerequisites, GW (and other local universities) offers the prerequisite courses, and you should take them first. If you are just a little rusty or uncertain, contact us with your questions.  The accelerated certificate programs typically offer a brush-up session free of charge a week before classes start to students who want or need it; this also can help you decide whether you might be biting off more than you can chew.

Q: I'm already enrolled in another GW program. Can I enroll in this one in addition (and apply these courses to that program)?

A: You can only be enrolled in one GW program at a time. “Enrolled” is different than “taking a course or two”. “Enrolled” means having applied and been accepted in a program. In some cases, you can “drop out” of one program, enroll in the CSIA program, earn your certificate, and then transfer those courses into the original program, to which you must reapply; but don’t try this without first consulting with your advisor in your current program.

Q: I can only attend the first half (10 weeks) of the cohort classes. Can I take the other courses on a regular semester schedule? How do I do this?

A: We would only accept you under those conditions assuming you met the other entrance requirements on a wait-list basis. That is, if we did not have a full cohort a week or so before the class, we would admit you. Our aim is to populate the cohort with people who will commit for twenty weeks of hard work.

Q: My organization likes this program very much and it appears to meet our needs. However, we can't send somebody from our non-Washington location for 22 weeks.  Do you have any other suggestions?

A: Our semi-distance learning option for this program is offered on the Foggy Bottom Campus, and allows the student to make four one-day trips and one two-day trip to Washington for in-person education and to do the rest of the studying anywhere in the world.  These trips are spaced about a month apart.  Even some working professionals who live in the Washington area prefer this, since they often are traveling on business or for other reasons can not commit to meeting two nights a week in person on one of our campuses.  Stay tuned for our announcement reagrding the next time this option will be offered.

• Accelerated Program at the GWU Virginia Campus. 

Conventional Program

The CSIA certificate can also be earned by completing four courses in thr program, each with a minimum grade of a B, during the regular academic semesters, as described in the Certificate Requirements.

Note: Not all courses are available each semester.  Please note that continuous enrollment in the fall and spring semesters must be maintained.  If you are not able to register for an appropriate course in fall or spring, you must register for a leave of absence in that semester.  Please see the Department of Computer Science about registration for a leave.