The requirements for a minor in Computer Science and for the Certificate in Computer Science are identical. Either the completion of the minor requirements or the receipt of a certificate will be noted on all official transcripts from The University of Akron. In both cases the student must maintain a minimum of 2.00 grade-point average in all courses from the Department of Computer Science.

What is the difference between a certificate and a minor? Only students who are undergraduates working on a baccalaureate degree with another major area of concentration are permitted to take a minor in Computer Science. This is a well-understood way to announce a second area of competency to prospective employers, etc.

The certificate program was developed to permit those students who already have a baccalaureate degree with a major in another area of concentration to add computer science to his/her credentials. This mot only shows up on transcripts, but also provides a document stating that the student demonstrated some competency in the area of computer science. This may not be as well understood by prospective employers as the minor, but does at least document the knowledge. An undergraduate student may opt for the certificate instead of the minor, but it is not recommended.

The student wishing to enter the minor or certificate program in Computer Science should:

• Schedule an appointment with an advisor. Click here for schedule.
• Sign a contract for the minor or certificate program.