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Special Certificate Programs - Columbus State University

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Academics

Special Certificate Programs

African Studies Certificate

The African Studies Certificate is designed as a multi-disciplinary course of study to enhance understanding of the African continent, its people and cultures. The 18-hour program is open to all students enrolled at CSU in good standing and pursing a baccalaureate degree. Requirements include:

  • ANTH 3125, "People and Cultures of Africa;"
  • Three semester hours of an indigenous African language (e.g. SWAH 1001) or demonstration of proficiency above the intermediate level in an indigenous African Language(**); or Arabic in the absence of the availability locally of an indigenous African language and when approved by the African Studies Committee;
  • 12 semester hours from the following: (Note: no more than 6 semester hours of any language or from any one discipline may be included):
    • ANTH/SOCI 3225 Model African Union
    • BIOL 5535 (selected topic-The Ecology of Sub-Saharan Africa)
    • BUSA 3135 International Business*
    • FREN 4555 (selected topic-Francophone African Literature)
    • HIST 3127 Introduction to Modern Africa
    • HIST 3128 Introduction to Traditional Africa
    • HIST 5546-(selected topic in African History, titles vary)
    • HIST 5547 History of South Africa
    • POLS 3555 (selected topic-Politics of Developing Nations*)
    • POLS 3555 (selected topic-African Political Economy)
    • SOCI 3107 African Women and Development
    • SOCI 3120 Educational Development in Africa
    • Up to 6 semester hours of an African Language (indigenous African languages or the non-indigenous African languages of Arabic, French, Spanish, or Portuguese)
    • Independent Study relevant to African Studies for a max of 3 sem hours*
    • Other Selected Topics Courses with significant Africa-related content*
    • Any courses offered through the University System of Georgia's Online African Studies Certificate program.*
    • A maximum of nine semester hours may be awarded for courses taken at other institutions that are deemed equivalent to CSU offerings.*

(*) Approval must be granted by the African Studies Coordinator, or in his/her absence, by the Director of the Center for International Education, upon verification of the significant Africa-related content of the course.

(**) Native speakers can sign up for FLAP credit of 6 or 9 units depending on the requirement in their major. They can earn credit through either 2001 or 2002 of the relevant language.

Army Medic Health Science Certificate

The Certificate of Army Medic Health Science is designed as a course of study to enhance the understanding of health sciences from a global and public health perspective. This 17 credit hour program is open to military soldiers who are training as Special Operations Medics at the Ft. Benning military installation in Georgia. Only Army Medics that have prior approval by the Columbus State University's Director for Military Affairs may enroll into the program. This certificate is designed to meet the unique academic needs of the Army Medics while accommodating their specialized training in the health service profession. The Army Medics are only in the Ft. Benning area for 6 to 8 weeks. Upon arrival they begin specialized training that is conducted on the military installation with the 75th Ranger Regiment. During this training they complete assigned readings in addition to clinical training that occurs within the regiment and Martin Army Community Hospital among other soldiers that are assigned to the unit. After completion of the local training, the medics transfer to Ft. Bragg, North Carolina for the next phase of intensive training and education. Requirements include: BIOL 1216 Human Biology, ITDS 2106 Medical Terminology 1 (online), ITDS 2108 Medical Terminology 2 (online), HESC 4698 Internship/Clinical, HESC 2015 Personal Health (online option), and HESC 4795 Seminar in Health Science: Topic - Medical Ethics (online).

Artist Diploma Certificate

The Artist Diploma is a unique conservatory-inspired post-baccalaureate program, focused on developing both the artistry and professionalism of gifted young musicians. Candidates for the diploma possess not only great talent, but also the ability and determination to realize that talent in the contemporary musical world. Artist Diploma students focus on performance, deepening their artistry in close collaboration with master teachers. Requirements include: sixteen semester hours of applied music lessons at the 6000 level, four semester hours of ensemble participation at the 7000 level, and four hours of chamber or large ensemble participation at the 6000 level or higher. To qualify for this certificate, students must have completed a bachelor's degree or equivalent in music, as well as a thorough interview process.

Computer Science Undergraduate Research Certificate

The "Computer Science Undergraduate Research Certificate" is designed to prepare undergraduate students for the rigors of a graduate program that encompasses a research emphasis. The 15-hour program is especially designed for students wishing to complete their last semester in an undergraduate computer science program that requires a significant research project and who wish to continue into the M.S. in Applied Computer Science. To qualify for this certificate, the students must have finished the equivalent of seven semesters of Computer Science in good standing including courses in data structures, operating systems, databases, computer architectures, and algorithms. Requirements include: CPSC 4205 Senior Project & Portfolio (3 Credits), CPSC 4899 Independent Study (3 Credits), CPSC 4500 Undergraduate Research (6 Credits), and at least one additional three-credit upper division computer science class approved by the School of Computer Science.

European Union Certificate

The European Union Certificate is designed to provide students with an interdisciplinary course of study on the European Union. The target students are those already completing degrees in business, the social sciences, and humanities. Requirements include: EURO 2105, EURO 4105, and 12 semester hours from the following (no more than six hours in any single discipline): ARTH 2126, ARTH 3127, ARTH 3555, BUSA 3135, CRJU 3555, ECON 3165, ENGL 4145, EURO 3105, ITDS 2748, MGMT 4116, MUSC 3229, PHIL 3116, PHIL 3125, POLS 3138, POLS 3141, POLS 3555, and POLS 4166. In addition, students may also apply HIST 5557U, HIST 5565U or HIST 5575U toward the certificate if the course is approved by the Director of the Center for International Education. Students must complete HIST 1111 or HIST 1112 and EURO 2105 before entering the certificate program. The EU Certificate may be obtained by students pursuing a degree program or by those who have already completed an undergraduate degree. Students must also complete a study abroad program, overseas research, or an international internship.

Graduate Certificate: Modeling and Simulation

Admission Requirements

  • Applicants must show evidence that they are proficient in the core areas of computer science. Should an applicant not be able to provide such evidence, the admissions committee may require the applicant to take CPSC 6105, and make a grade of B or higher.
  • Applicants must show evidence that they are proficient in computer programming. Should an applicant not be able to provide such evidence, the admissions committee may require the applicant to take CPSC 6106, and make a grade of B or higher.
  • Applicants must show evidence that they are proficient in calculus. Should an applicant not be able to provide such evidence, the admissions committee may require the applicant to take an undergraduate course in calculus and make a grade of C or higher
  • Applicants must show evidence that they are proficient in statistics. Should an applicant not be able to provide such evidence, the admissions committee may require the applicant to take an undergraduate course in statistics and make a grade of C or higher.

Proficiency in each of the above areas may be shown by submitting university transcripts documenting the applicant's previous achievements in the area, such as classes that the applicant has passed with a grade of B or higher (or C or higher for calculus and statistics). These achievements also include having earned a BS or an MS degree in computer science from an accredited college or university within the previous five years.

Proficiency in programming (item 2) may be argued for by an applicant by showing evidence of extensive industry experience in developing software.

The admissions committee will evaluate applications for admission to each of the above certificate programs, and make decisions on whether a given applicant may be admitted to the program, and on whether a waiver for CPSC 6105, CPSC 6106, calculus, and/or statistics should be granted.

Curriculum

  • Required Courses
    • CPSC 6107 (Survey of Modeling and Simulation)
    • CPSC 6142 (Systems Simulation)
  • Choose 3 of the following
    • CPSC 5125 (Computer Graphics)
    • CPSC 6118 (Human-Computer Interface Development)
    • CPSC 6143 (Simulation Project)
    • CPSC 6147 (Computer Visualization)
    • CPSC 6148 (Simulation and Gaming)

Note: To qualify for this graduate certificate, students must obtain a grade of "B" or better in all courses taken towards this certificate program.

Graduate Certificate: Information Systems Security Officer

Admission Requirements

  • Applicants must show evidence that they are proficient in the core areas of computer science. Should an applicant not be able to provide such evidence, the admissions committee may require the applicant to take CPSC 6105, and make a grade of B or higher.
  • Applicants must show evidence that they are proficient in computer programming. Should an applicant not be able to provide such evidence, the admissions committee may require the applicant to take CPSC 6106, and make a grade of B or higher.
  • Applicants must show evidence that they are proficient in computer networking. Should an applicant not be able to provide such evidence, the admissions committee may require the applicant to take a graduate offering of CPSC 5157 – Computer Networks, and make a grade of B or higher.

Proficiency in each of the above areas may be shown by submitting university transcripts documenting the applicant's previous achievements in the area, such as classes that the applicant has passed with a grade of B or higher. These achievements also include having earned a BS or an MS degree in computer science from an accredited college or university within the previous five years.

Proficiency in programming (item 2), or computer networking (item 3), may be argued for by an applicant by showing evidence of extensive industry experience in developing software, or in network administration.

The admissions committee will evaluate applications for admission to this certificate program, and make decisions on whether a given applicant may be admitted to the program, and on whether a waiver for CPSC 6105, CPSC 6106, or CPSC 5157G should be granted.

Curriculum/Course Requirements

CPSC 6126 (Information Systems Assurance)
CPSC 6136 (Advanced System Security)
CPSC 6157 (Network Management)
CPSC 6159 (Computer Forensics)
CPSC 6167 (Network Risk Assessment)

Note: To qualify for this certificate, the student must obtain a grade of "B" or higher in each of the courses that are required for the certificate

Graduate Certificate: Information Systems Security Professional

Admission Requirements:

  • Applicants must show evidence that they are proficient in the core areas of computer science. Should an applicant not be able to provide such evidence, the admissions committee may require the applicant to take CPSC 6105, and make a grade of B or higher.
  • Applicants must show evidence that they are proficient in computer programming. Should an applicant not be able to provide such evidence, the admissions committee may require the applicant to take CPSC 6106, and make a grade of B or higher.
  • Applicants must show evidence that they are proficient in computer networking. Should an applicant not be able to provide such evidence, the admissions committee may require the applicant to take a graduate offering of CPSC 5157 – Computer Networks, and make a grade of B or higher.

Proficiency in each of the above areas may be shown by submitting university transcripts documenting the applicant's previous achievements in the area, such as classes that the applicant has passed with a grade of B or higher. These achievements also include having earned a BS or an MS degree in computer science from an accredited college or university within the previous five years.

Proficiency in programming (item 2), or computer networking (item 3), may be argued for by an applicant by showing evidence of extensive industry experience in developing software, or in network administration.

The admissions committee will evaluate applications for admission to this certificate program, and make decisions on whether a given applicant may be admitted to the program, and on whether a waiver for CPSC 6105, CPSC 6106, or CPSC 5157G should be granted.

Curriculum

CPSC 5157G (Computer Networks) or CPSC 6157 (Network Management)
CPSC 6126 (Information Systems Assurance)
CPSC 6128 (Network Security)
CPSC 6167 (Network Risk Assessment)

Note: To qualify for this certificate, the student must obtain a grade of "B" or higher in each of the courses that are required for the certificate.

International Studies Certificate

The International Studies Certificate provides students with international knowledge, global perspectives and cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity which they will apply in their chosen discipline and in a variety of work and community environments. The knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of an International Studies Certificate student will position him or her to enter graduate or professional programs or to operate in the interdependent and cross-cultural environment of today's businesses, schools, health care providers, non-profits and governments. Center for International Education.

Curriculum

Credit Hours Courses Comments
3 INTS 2105: Introduction to International Studies and Cross-Cultural Learning INTS 2105 introduces students to the theory and practice of international studies, globalization and cross-cultural learning. Must be completed before the student has completed 9 credit hours in the certificate. A grade of "C" or better must be earned for this class.
3-6 International Learning Community (ILC) classes At least 3 credits must be an ILC course at the 1000 or 2000-level.
3-6 Internationally focused upper level classes (3000-5000) These may be ILC or non-ILC courses if the latter has significant (50% or more) international content. The courses may or may not be in the student's major. Each non-ILC course must be chosen from a pre-approved list or approved by the ISC Coordinator.
3-6 Study abroad or other international experiential classes The study abroad classes may be at any level but must be taken as part of an approved study abroad, international internship or service abroad program. Non-credit bearing experiences such as international volunteering or cross-cultural learning may be considered by the ISC coordinator in lieu of the study abroad requirement.
3-4 Capstone Course The ISC capstone course will be in the student's major but will have an international focus. If the student's academic program has a research capstone, this certificate requirement will be fulfilled with an ISC-contract capstone course approved by the ISC coordinate but as part of the student's existing program requirements. In cases where there is no research capstone course in the major, INTS 4895: International Studies Certificate Capstone Research must be completed.
In either case the student must first complete at least 12 hours toward the ISC and must obtain prior approval of the ISC coordinator before enrolling. A grade of "C" or better must be earned for this class.
18 Minimum credit hours required.

Latin American Studies Certificate

The Latin American Studies Certificate is designed to provide students with an interdisciplinary course of study on Latin America. Students from all majors with a minimum 2.80 GPA are eligible to participate. Requirements include: six hours of Spanish or French at the 3000 level, or demonstration of proficiency above the intermediate level in Spanish, French, Portuguese, Haitian Creole or Quechua; ITDS 2107 or SPAN 3175; and nine semester hours from the following (no more than three hours from the student's major): ANTH 5305U, ANTH 5515U, ANTH 5555U, ARTH 3555, BUSA 3135, COMM 4555, ECON 3165, HIST 3135, HIST 3136, HIST 3137, HIST 5535U, ITDS 1156 ,ITDS 2107, MGMT 4116, POLS 3146, POLS 3555, SPAN 2002, SPAN 3150, SPAN 3160, SPAN 3170, SPAN 3175, SPAN 3177, SPAN 4116, SPAN 4120 AND SPAN 5555U. Students must complete 30 semester hours of credit at a four-year institution or 15 semester hours at a two-year institution, and ITDS 2107 or SPAN 3175 before applying to enroll in the certificate program. Courses that are to be applied toward the Certificate must have a minimum of 25% Latin American content. All coursework for the Certificate must be approved by the certificate coordinator or the Director of the Center for International Education. The Certificate in Latin American Studies must be taken in conjunction with a baccalaureate degree program. For more information, contact the Center for International Education.

Professional Writing Certificate

The Professional Writing Certificate is a seven course, eighteen-credit program open to all majors and to non-degree students. This is a stand-alone certificate that does not require a student to be enrolled in a degree program at CSU. Up to 6 hours of transferred coursework may be applied to the certificate, provided the coursework is approved by the department chair. The program is designed for individuals who want to enhance their careers through a development of writing skills. The prerequisites to take courses in this certificate program are ENGL 1101 and ENGL 1102. The curriculum requires students take ENGL 3176, ENGL 5167, and four courses (12 hours) from the following: ENGL 3155, ENGL 3156, ENGL 3158, ENGL 3159, ENGL 3176, ENGL 3171, ENGL 3172, ENGL 5149, ENGL 5153, ENGL 5167. The curriculum will end with ENGL 5000, a portfolio the student must successfully complete in order to receive the certificate.

Robotics Certificate

The Robotics Certificate is a seven course, twenty-one credit program open to all majors and to non-degree students. This is a stand-alone certificate that does not require a student to be enrolled in a degree program at CSU. The program is designed to instruct students on the design, construction and programming of robotic and automated systems.

Required Hours: 21
PHYS 1111 Introductory Physics 1
CPSC 1301 Computer Science 1
CSPC 1301L Computer Science 1 Lab
CPSC 3555 Special Topics in Computer Science (Robotics)
ENGR 2255 Engineering Graphics and Computer Aided Design
ENGR 2201 Robotics Engineering 1
ENGR 2202 Robotics Engineering 2

TESOL Certificate

The Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Certificate is designed to prepare students to teach English as a second or foreign language, either in the United States or abroad. Any student admitted and enrolled in an undergraduate (U) or graduate (G) degree program at CSU is eligible to participate. The program consists of the following 18 hours of coursework: ENGL 5148U/G, ENGL 5147U/G, ENGL 5165U/G, ENGL 5167U/G, ENGL 5168U/G and ENGL 5169U/G. A grade of C or better is required in each course. For more information, contact Department of English.

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