Welcome to the University of Miami Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Computer Science Program

The Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Computer Science (PBC) is a non- credit Program designed for people with a Bachelor of Science degree in another discipline, who wish to learn the core skills of Computer Science. Completion of the PBCC will provide opportunities to apply computational techniques in other areas, to change career paths towards computing, or to continue on to graduate student in Computer Science.

The PBC includes courses in programming, computer architecture and systems, some mathematics, and an elective chosen from the many courses available in the Department of Computer Science. 

By completing this one-year of full-time study, students will obtain the knowledge and skills at the heart of Computer Science, opening the doors to new and exciting opportunities.  

Pre-Requisites for the PBC program are a Bachelor Degree, Calculus I, and Computer Programming I (or equivalent). Credit can be given for prior study. At least 15 credits of PBC courses must be completed at the University of Miami.   

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Quick Facts About the Program

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  • What Will I Learn?

    By completing the Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Computer Science Program, students will be able to:

    • Write efficient computer programs using appropriate data structures.
    • Use their understanding of computer organization and architecture to select and utilize computer systems effectively.
    • Use UNIX-based computer systems, and write programs that make use of the UNIX operating system.
    • Characterize the underlying theory of computational systems.
    • Discuss and write about a range of topics in Computer Science (as presented in seminars).
    • Use basic mathematics in the development of computer software.

  • Course Listing

    Courses: 

    • PBC 220 - Computer Programming II [A first course in programming is prerequisite to starting the PBC.] 
    • PBC 314 - Computer Organization and Architecture 
    • PBC 317 - Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis 
    • PBC 322 - C Programming and UNIX 
    • PBC 405 - Computer Science Seminars 
    • PBC 427 - Theory of Computing 
    • PBC 309 - Discrete Mathematics I 
    • Elective 1
    • Elective 2

    Recommended enrollment sequence:
    Session 1: PBC 220, PBC 314, Elective 1, PBC 309
    Session 2: PBC 317, PBC 322, PBC 427, Elective 2, PBC 405

    For students wishing to continue to a graduate program in Computer Science, Elective I should be PBC 162, and Elective 2 should be PBC 224.

  • Course Descriptions

      • PBC 162 – Calculus II
        Transcendental functions, methods of integration, improper integrals, infinite series, polar coordinates, and introduction to differential equations.
        Prerequisites: Calculus I

      • PBC 220 - Computer Programming II
        Common APIs including list, priority queue, set, and map, and their efficient implementations in an object-oriented language using fundamental data structures. Sorting and other applications of recursion. Combining asymptotic analysis and experiments to extrapolate running times. Using APIs in a software project.
        Prerequisites: Computer Programming I, Calculus I

      • PBC 314 - Computer Organization and Architecture
        Digital logic and digital systems. Machine level representation of data. Assembly level machine organization. Memory system organization and architecture. Interfacing and communication. Functional organization. Multiprocessing and alternative architectures.
        Prerequisites: Computer Programming II, or Data Structures
        Corequisites: PBC 220 - Computer Programming II, PBC 309 - Discrete Mathematics I

      • PBC 317 - Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis
        Basic algorithmic analysis. Algorithmic strategies. Fundamental computing algorithms. Distributed algorithms. Cryptographic algorithms. Geometric algorithms
        Prerequisites: PBC 220 - Computer Programming II, PBC 309 - Discrete Mathematics I

      • PBC 322 - C Programming and UNIX
        C programming: Functions and program structure. Core language elements. Pointer arithmetic. System tools for C programming. Programming for UNIX: The UNIX system call interface. Interfaces to the internet. Scripting.
        Prerequisites: PBC 220 - Computer Programming II

      • PBC 405 - Computer Science Seminars
        A range of topics in Computer Science, as embodied in the seminars hosted by the Department.
        Prerequisites: 12 credits in PBC courses

      • PBC 427 - Theory of Computing
        Sets, relations, and languages. Automata theory. Basic computability theory. Turing machines. The complexity classes P and NP.
        Prerequisites: PBC 220 - Computer Programming II, PBC 309 - Discrete Mathematics I

      • PBC 224 - Introduction to Probability and Statistics
        Probability distributions, random variables, expectation and variance, point estimation, interval estimation, testing of hypothesis, analysis of variance.
        Prerequisites: Calculus I

      • PBC 309 - Discrete Mathematics I Mathematical methods of computer science and computer engineering. Mathematical reasoning, sets, relations, functions, Boolean algebra, combinatorics, graphs.
        Prerequisites: Calculus I
        Corequisite: Calculus II

  • Professional Badges

    DISPLAY YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS WITH OUR CAREER AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT BADGES

     

    The Division of Continuing and International Education’s mission is to empower people to reach their full potential through lifelong and lifewide learning. Revolutionary learning experiences are created for our students to ensure that we meet the demands of the ever-changing economy. We continuously measure our programs’ core competencies, instruction, quality, standards, and service.

    The continuing education landscape has elevated an era of innovation and disruption and as such, the Office of Professional Advancement has instituted a badging system.  Graduates of our programs will be able to virtually display a badge, which showcases their new skillset to prospective employers and professional colleagues.

    How does it Work?

    Badges are earned by successfully completing a certificate program through the Office of Professional Advancement. * Upon completion, you will receive an email with instructions on how to collect your badge. Once collected, you can display your badge on social media sites like LinkedIn. Any potential employer will be able to click on the badge for a list of specific skills associated with the respective certificate received.

    *Please call us for a list of approved programs.

    For more information about our career and professional development badging, please call us at 305-284-4000.

  • Have Questions?

    For more information, please call 305-284-4000. Our enrollment advisors can answer any questions or schedule a meeting to discuss your goals and opportunities.

 Speak to an Enrollment Advisor