With the rate at which computers and technology are advancing, it is becoming increasingly necessary to have some proficiency in using and fixing computers. However, not everyone is interested in attaining a complete undergraduate degree in computer sciences if they do not intend to use these skills in the future. For these individuals, the option of obtaining an online computer science certificate may be the answer.
What Are These Certificates?
As the name suggests, online certificates in computer science offer short training courses in a variety of topics within the field of computer sciences. These certifications are recognized professionally and may be used by students to enhance their resumes and increase their chances of being employed by potential employers.
Generally, certificates are offered in the following fields:
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Computer networks
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IT project management
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Software engineering
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Web application development
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Digital forensics
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Health informatics
This list is not exhaustive; there are many other areas in which you could obtain a certification. Beginner students could use these courses as a means of evaluating their interest in the field of computer sciences, and decide whether they want to pursue a bachelor's degree in computer science. Advanced students may take these online computer science certificate courses to refresh their memory or learn a new skill. Either way, the benefits are quite high.
Online Education
There are several benefits of taking an online course in computer science. Firstly, the flexibility afforded to the student is unparalleled by traditional on-campus programs. Students do not have to worry about commuting to and from their locations to other areas. Since the material is available online, anyone could access it from anywhere in the US. Secondly, online courses have a more relaxed deadline structure, so students are able to study at their own pace to thoroughly grasp the concepts before moving on to the next module. Computer science courses require a large use of the computer in teaching anyway, so it makes sense to leverage these machines for the entire learning experience.
Thirdly, there is an online community always present to help each other out should a person get stuck. Unlike campus-based offerings, where you are cut off from help when you leave the campus, the online community is able to provide you with answers in a faster manner, which allows you to work through problems quickly.
What Can I Do With A Certification?
Those who wish to use these courses as a tester for the computer science industry may do so without any added hassle. Those who wish to make more substantial use of their learning could use these courses and their existing knowledge to start their own small businesses. Certified web application developers could gather together and provide their services for a fee to clients. With time, they could build their skill set to grow bigger and deal with more complex problems. Alternately, advanced students could use these courses to explore new areas of research and potentially carry these on to a doctoral level. Or they could use their new skills to improve existing processes in the workplace for greater efficiency.