K-12 Computer Science Education, Graduate Certificate

Program Overview

The Graduate Certificate in K-12 Computer Science Education will support you in teaching computational thinking and computer science at the elementary and secondary levels. Some of the topics you will explore in the program are computational thinking, algorithmic thinking, abstraction, programming tools and creative thinking. This graduate certificate will help you to teach these concepts and skills through culturally relevant pedagogy, with attention to how culture and context impact student learning.

Program Outcomes

In a world where learners must move beyond being mere consumers of technology to become technology creators and problem solvers, the Graduate Certificate in K-12 Computer Science Education will prepare you with the foundations to teach computer science at the elementary and secondary levels.

This Graduate Certificate can be completed as a stand-alone credential or as a part of the Master of Arts in Educational Technology (MAET) program.

Career Outlook

This graduate certificate will build your knowledge of computer science and support you in teaching CS ideas at the elementary and secondary levels. You'll go beyond simply coding and will explore how computer science impacts our world as well as how CS ideas can be used to solve problems creatively in other disciplines.

A Top-Ranked Education

29th among Best Public Universities in America — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
Veteran-Friendly 'Gold Status' 10 Years in a Row — Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, 2025
#22 in Best Education Schools— U.S. News & World Report, 2026
#13 in Best Online Master's in Education Programs — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
#1 in Online Graduate Programs for Educational Administration and Supervision— U.S. News & World Report, 2026
#3 in Online Graduate Programs for Curriculum and Instruction— U.S. News & World Report, 2026
#3 in Online Graduate Programs for Special Education— U.S. News & World Report, 2026
#7 in Online Graduate Programs for Educational/Instructional Media Design — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
#1 in Graduate Programs for Elementary Teacher Education — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
#1 in Graduate Programs for Secondary Teacher Education — U.S. News & World Report, 2026

Tuition & Fees per credit

In-State Tuition

Out-of-State Tuition

$978.25

$1,222.25

Cost of Attendance

The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance. A breakdown of a graduate student budget can be found on the "Estimate Your Cost of Attendance" page.

The MSU Value Promise

You can be ensured a return on your investment at Michigan State University.

As one of the top research universities in the world, Michigan State University has advanced the common good with uncommon will since 1855.

MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community.

MSU has been offering online degree programs since 1998. Our maturity is evident in the high quality of the learning experience enjoyed by our online students.

MSU provides programs and initiatives that support and enhance diversity. We will expand our campus and external partnerships to put in place inclusive recruitment and retention practices. We nurture and promote individuals’ varied experiences and perspectives, ensuring structures and processes make possible full participation by all members of our community.

MSU actively collaborates with campus and external partners to innovate across all dimensions of graduate education. We create and support networks that increase collaboration and improve educational opportunities for our online students.

MSU’s nationally recognized online programs foster student growth and well-being throughout their academic career. We will expand inclusive mentoring practices and accelerate improvement across units to implement evidence-based practices to ensure our students complete successfully.

Continuing education can be one of the most exciting, challenging, and rewarding experiences you undertake in your life. We hope you consider becoming a Spartan, to learn online and reach your career goals. With highly ranked online programs and exceptional professors, we educate students who advance the common good with uncommon will.

Course Information

Core Courses

CEP 814 - Computational Thinking for K12 Educators (3 Credits)
CEP 824 - Programming Concepts for K12 Educators (3 Credits)
CEP 833 - Creativity in K12 Computing Education (3 Credits)

Admissions Requirements

To be accepted to this program, you must have:

A bachelor's degree
No letters of recommendation required.
Official transcripts from all previous schools

To apply to this program:

Complete a university graduate application and pay the application fee.
Submit all required materials to the application portal.
Please note that you will need to have your undergraduate transcripts sent to us for review.

K-12 Computer Science Education

Graduate Certificate

Online

Course Delivery

9

Total Credits

$978.25

Credit Hour

1 year

Minimum Duration

Dr. Liz Owens Boltz

Director of MAED, MAET, and MALXD Programs