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Jumpstart your career in tech with ASU’s Computer Science Foundations Certificate

Build foundational skills in computer programming, technology systems and engineering while earning transferable credits.  

About the certificate

Sharpen your knowledge in computer applications, programming principles, and technology systems through these highly relevant courses.

In this online program, you’ll work through four ASU Universal Learner Courses. You only pay $25 to begin a course, and $400 at the end of each course to convert the course for credit.

Upon completion, you’ll receive a College Foundations Certificate in computer science from ASU, as well as 12 credit hours that you can apply towards a bachelor’s degree.

Total cost: $1,700

Students sitting with laptops

Employment of computer scientists is expected to increase by 26 percent between 2023 and 2033. On average, there will be approximately 3,400 job openings each year throughout the decade.

Woman smiling and holding a laptop

Computer science encompasses areas like cloud computing, artificial intelligence, robotics, web and game development, UX/UI design and emerging technologies.

Two men smiling at a desk

Potential degrees include: software engineering, cybersecurity, data science, informatics, computational forensics, data analytics and many more options.

Successfully complete these courses to earn your certificate!

Each course is only $25 to enroll and you only pay $400 to earn credit when you receive a grade that you’re satisfied with.

CIS 105

Computer Applications and Information Technology

CSE 110

Principles of Programming

STP 226

Elements of Statistics

ENG 101

First-Year Composition

How it works

Get set up

Register and log in to the learner portal.

Sign up for your first course

Verify your identity then pay just $25 to start your first course.

Take course

Complete assignments. Take the exam. Earn a grade that meets your satisfaction.

Get academic credit

Pay just $400 to add this to your ASU transcript.

Repeat steps 2-4 for required courses

Once all courses are complete, and you convert each course for credit. You’ll receive an ASU College Foundations Certificate.

Why pursue this certificate with ASU?

Start today

Open to all learners—no application required.

Earn college credit

Earn transferable credits that can be applied toward a degree at ASU or other accredited universities.

Receive an industry-aligned credential

Your certificate demonstrates your readiness for further academic or career pursuits.

Earn admission to ASU

For learners 22 and older, successful completion of this certificate with a 2.75 GPA meets the aptitude requirements for general university admission to ASU. Learners 21 or younger will need to complete 12 additional credits before earning admission. Learn more about ASU Earned Admission.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to apply to ASU?

No, anyone who is not enrolled at ASU can work towards Career Foundation and Career Mastery Certificate courses — no application required. Upon completion, you’ll get a certificate with the ASU logo, your name and the name of the certificate you completed, along with transferable college credits.

How do I get started?

It’s easy! Begin completing the courses listed on the specific certificate page. Once you successfully complete all the courses required for a given certificate, you will receive an email containing your certificate.

When can I start a course?

You can enroll at any time. Many courses are on-demand, meaning you can start and finish on your own schedule. Some courses run in an 8-week session with specific start and end dates. Each course start date is listed on the course page.

How long does it take to earn a certificate?

The program consists of four courses. Learners typically complete the program in 6-12 months.

How do these courses appear on
my transcript?

These courses appear identically to a course you would take online or on campus as an enrolled ASU student. Learn more about requesting a transcript.

Have questions? We’re here to help!

Support Coaches are available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. MST.

Feel free to leave messages after business hours — we’ll follow up with you as soon as we’re back online. 

Phone

844-448-7707

Email

ulcourses@asu.edu

Live chat

Ready to transform
your future?

Take the first step towards earning college credits with flexible, affordable courses designed to fit your lifestyle.

Register now

Please select one of the options below:

Universal Learner Courses for high school students

Universal Learner Courses for adults/college students