Computer Science Endorsement

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The purpose of the graduate-level Computer Science Endorsement Program is to strengthen and enhance candidates’ competencies for teaching computer science and computational thinking skills in grades P-12. Individuals who earn this endorsement are in-field to teach computer science curriculum in grades P-12. This program is aligned to the Computer Science Endorsement Standards, as outlined by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission in Rule 505-3-.86. The standards seek to develop candidates’ knowledge and skills in the following areas: (1) CT Skills for Problem Solving; (2) Third Generation Programming Languages; (3) Computer Systems & Organization; (4) Networks & Internet; (5) Digital Artifacts, Data Analysis, Modeling & Simulation; (6) Security, Privacy, and Safety; (7) CT-Integrated Unit Planning for Diverse Audiences; and (8) Partnerships and Educational Programming for Robust CS Programs. Provided through a collaboration of UWG faculty of computer science (CACSI) and instructional technology (COE), the proposed program consists of a 4-course sequence of a total of 12 credit hours: CS 5210: Programming Fundamentals; CS 6311: Program Construction 1; MEDT 7499: Methods & Strategies for CT-integrated Learning; and CS 5310: Principles of CS The endorsement can be completed as a stand-alone.

Learning Outcomes

The program shall prepare candidates who:

1. Demonstrate computational thinking skills to formalize a problem and express its solution in a way that computers (human and machine) can effectively carry out.

2. Demonstrate proficiency in at least one third-generation programming language.

3. Demonstrate proficiency in basic computer system components and organization.

4. Demonstrate proficiency in fundamental principles of computer networks and the Internet.

5. Demonstrate proficiency in effectively and responsibly using computer applications to create digital artifacts, analyze data, model and simulate phenomena suggested by research and/or data.

6. Demonstrate proficiency and understanding of security, privacy, and safety concerns in computer systems, networks, and applications.

7. Plan, organize, deliver, and evaluate instruction that effectively utilizes current technology for teaching computational thinking principles, computer programming and its applications.

8. Work with business and industry leaders in establishing school/business partnerships and advisory committees and operate student organizations as appropriate.

Admission Requirements

- 2.75 GPA from a Bachelor’s Degree Program from an accredited institution - To be eligible for the professional Online Teaching Endorsement, the applicant must hold a level four (4) or higher renewable professional or Five-Year Induction certificate in any teaching field, as recognized by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.

Computer Science Endorsement

CS 5210 - Programming Fundamentals 3 Credit Hours
CS 5310 - Principles of Computer Science 3 Credit Hours
CS 6311 - Program Construction I 3 Credit Hours
MEDT 7499 - Methods & Strategies for CT-integrated Learning 3 Credit Hours
1. The Computer Science Endorsement is a program approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) with the purpose of preparing candidates to teach computer science at the P-12 level (GaPSC Rule 505-3-.86; July 2021).

2. Eligibility: “Educators holding a level four (4) or higher renewable professional or Five-Year Induction certificate in any teaching field and who complete the Computer Science Endorsement are qualified to teach computer science to students in grades P-12” (GaPSC Rule 505-2-.163; July 2021).

3. Students must maintain a “B” average throughout the program. Students who earn a grade of “C” in a course, must earn a grade of “A” in another course to compensate for the “C” grade. A grade of “C” in a second course will result in suspension from the program.