Compare Programs

Find the right UMGC degree, specialization, or certificate for your professional and educational goals. Use the compare option to decide between multiple programs of interest.

Computer Studies Certificate
Undergraduate Certificate

These program requirements are for students who enroll in the 2026-2027 academic year.


An undergraduate certificate in computer studies provides you with an introduction to the entire field of computer and information science. It is a credential providing you knowledge in a specific skill area and may serve as a foundation toward an associate or bachelor's degree.

Program Highlights

Programming track (CMIS):

  • Design, test, and debug algorithms to solve problems using pseudocode and C
  • Create, implement, test, debug, and document object-oriented programs using Java

A+ Net+ track (CMIT):

  • Evaluate, install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot computer hardware components and operating systems
  • Recognize the type of network design appropriate for a given scenario

Digital Media/Interactive Design track (CMST):

  • Follow proven design theory in creating digital media for print, web, and mobile devices
  • Design effective digital media from concept to final product
Required Courses

One Required Course:

  • IFSM 201

One 9-credit Sequence:

Choose one 9-credit sequence from the following:

Programming Focus:

  • (3 Credits, CMSC 105)
  • (3 Credits, CMSC 115) 
  • (3 Credits, CMSC 215)

or

A+Net+ Focus

  • (3 Credits, CMIT 202)
  • (3 Credits, CMIT 265)
  • (3 Credits, CMIT 291) or (3 Credits, CMIT 320)

or

Digital Media/Interactive Design Focus 

  • CMST 290
  • CMST 295
  • CMST 308 or (3 Credits, DATA 200) or any lower-level computing course or three 1-credit computing courses

Computer Studies-Related Courses (6 credits)

  • Chosen from any CMIS, CMIT, CMSC, CMST, CSIA, DATA, or IFSM courses   

Note: This information is for students who enroll in the 2025-2026 academic year. For prior year requirements for this program or to review UMGC's complete program requirements for a specific academic year, visit our program catalog archive

 

Career Preparation
Experience Recommended for Success in the Program

No previous experience is needed.

Total Program Credits
18
Transfer Credits
Up to 9
Format
  • All courses are available online
  • Select on-site and hybrid courses available
Tuition Per Credit
  • $250 per credit hour
    (Europe & Downrange)

See our Tuition Rates page for details.

Admission Requirements

This program follows standard UMGC admission requirements.

Military-Specific Details

This program does not have military restrictions. It is available to all eligible civilian and military-affiliated students.

State-Specific Details

This program does not have state-specific restrictions.

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Computer Science
Bachelor of Science

These program requirements are for students who enroll in the 2026-2027 academic year.


Find success in a growing industry by earning an online bachelor's degree in computer science at University of Maryland Global Campus. Learn from experienced faculty members who are industry experts in the field. Build essential skills that can transfer over to a number of industries. And take charge of your learning experience by utilizing our convenient online courses and no-cost electronic resources. You can also save time and money with a variety of scholarship opportunities and our generous transfer credit policy. Get started today!

Program Highlights
  • Analyze problems: Analyze a complex computing problem and apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
  • Identify solutions: Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
  • Communicate effectively: Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
  • Make informed judgments: Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgements in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
  • Engage as a leader: Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
  • Apply theory: Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.
Required Courses
  • (3 Credits, CMSC 150)
  • (3 Credits, CMSC 115)
  • (3 Credits, CMSC 215)
  • (3 Credits, CMSC 220)
  • (3 Credits, CMSC 310)
  • (3 Credits, CMSC 315)
  • (3 Credits, CMSC 345)
  • (3 Credits, CMSC 412)
  • (3 Credits, CMSC 427)
  • (3 Credits, CMSC 451)

Major Elective Courses

Take three courses (9 credits) chosen from a specified group of courses. We have outlined a set of elective course recommendations grouped by topic under Explore Elective Recommendations.

Capstone Course

  • (3 Credits, CMSC 495)

Related Required Courses

The following required courses (6 credits) may be applied to general education requirements:

  • (3 Credits, CMSC 105)
  • (3 Credits, STAT 200)

The following required course (4 credits) may be applied to elective requirements:

  • (4 Credits, MATH 140)

Career Preparation

This degree program is designed to help you prepare for computer science careers in many industries, including data processing, healthcare, information security, finance, and more. Potential job titles include computer scientist, software engineer, database administrator, and computer systems architect.

UMGC courses are taught by experienced faculty and address skills and competencies that are highly valued by today’s employers.

Experience Recommended for Success in the Program

We recommend you have previous professional programming experience or experience programming as a hobby.

Total Program Credits
120
Transfer Credits
Up to 90
Format
  • All courses available online
  • Select hybrid courses available
Tuition Per Credit
  • $250 per credit hour
    (Europe & Downrange)

See our Tuition Rates page for details.

Admission Requirements

This program follows standard UMGC admission requirements.

Military-Specific Details

This program does not have military restrictions. It is available to all eligible civilian and military-affiliated students.

State-Specific Details

This program does not have state-specific restrictions.

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Cloud Computing & Networking
Graduate Certificate

These program requirements are for students who enroll in the 2026-2027 academic year.


Jumpstart your IT career with an online graduate certificate in cloud computing and networking from University of Maryland Global Campus. As you advance through this program, you can increase your industry marketability by learning career-relevant skills in app development, averting network security risks, designing cloud solutions, and more. Expand your knowledge base under the direction of experienced faculty members who bring their practical expertise to the classroom. You can also earn your certificate on your own schedule with our convenient online courses. Why wait? Take the first step and apply today!

Program Highlights
  • Communicate effectively: Communicate clearly in writing and speaking, ensuring alignment with the content, purpose, and audience. 
  • Perform analyses: Apply logical processes to analyze complex issues and make sound decisions. 
  • Learn to lead: Collaborate with teams and individuals, applying leadership skills, to achieve organizational objectives. 
  • Assess technology: Assess cloud and network technologies, including network protocols, cloud and network services, cloud deployment models, virtualization and other underlying technologies.  
Required Courses

Required Courses 

  • (3 Credits, CLCS 605)  
  • (3 Credits, CLCS 615) 
  • (3 Credits, CLCS 625) 
  • (3 Credits, CLCS 635) 
Career Preparation

This program is designed to help you prepare for higher-level education in cloud computing and networking as well as entry-level or mid-level career paths in a variety of industries, including business, healthcare, law enforcement, and higher education. Build skills in organizational infrastructure alignment, cloud infrastructure solutions, cloud planning and design, cloud security analysis, and more. 

Experience Recommended for Success in the Program

You are expected to have a strong understanding of information technology, computer networks, databases, and the internet. Strong writing skills are also encouraged.

Total Program Credits
12
Transfer Credits
Up to 6
Format
  • All courses available online
Tuition Per Credit
  • $336 per credit hour
    (Europe & Downrange)

See our Tuition Rates page for details.

Admission Requirements

This program follows standard UMGC admission requirements.

Military-Specific Details

This program does not have military restrictions. It is available to all eligible civilian and military-affiliated students.

State-Specific Details

This program does not have state-specific restrictions.

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