The online Digital Literacy Computer Science (DLCS) certificate prepares K-12 educators to teach students the foundations of digital literacy/computer science.
Modality
Digital Literacy Computer Science Certificate Program Overview
The Cambridge College post-master's Digital Literacy Computer Science certificate serves licensed science, math and library teachers who seek this additional add-on license and take the Massachuesetts 5-12 DLCS MTEL test.
The program and coursework are all online. Two courses are offered each term.
Digital Literacy Computer Science Certificate Program Highlights
The DLCS certificate course work provides the necessary depth and content knowledge needed to support the expectations outlined in the Massachusetts Curriculum Framework 2016. It also addresses the subject matter knowledge as outlined by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for the new Digital Literacy and Computer Science licensure (K-12).
Once you've completed this certificate, you'll be prepared to:
- Demonstrate the knowledge and skills expected of professional educators by regional, state and national accreditation bodies
- Understand the principles and concepts of computing and society, including cyberbullying, safety security issues and technology laws as well as recovery strategies
- Evaluate the impact of technology and assistive technologies in people’s lives, commerce and society
- Demonstrate advanced research skills and strategies to identify, evaluate and credit sources and information
- Utilize digital tools and resources to enhance communication and collaboration, solve problems and publish online by demonstrating an understanding of computer systems, programming and computational thinking
Digital Literacy Computer Science Certificate Tuition Information
*See curriculum sheet for a breakdown of credits and credit ranges.
Course List
This certificate features courses such as:
- Computational Thinking: Data Structures & Algorithms
- Computers, Software & Networks
- Network Security & Safety
Prospective graduate degree students for programs in the School of Education & Counseling must satisfy the following requirements plus any program-specific requirements your program may have.
- Complete and sign the online application.
- Pay the application fee. Pay your $50 ($100 for international students) application fee by the term start date.
- Send official transcripts. Maildirectly to Cambridge College in a sealed, unopened envelope. Learn How to Send Transcripts. Required degrees must be from accredited colleges or universities.
- Master's and most graduate certificate programs require an earned bachelor's degree.
- Post-master's certificates and CAGS require an earned master's degree.
- International transcripts must be translated and evaluated by an approved agency. See all international student requirements
- Send your résumé and work experience. Send your resume that details your education and work experience, including how they pertain to your career goals. If your SEC program has a work experience requirement, it will be listed in the Program-Specific Requirements section below.
- Submit your personal statement. Write a 500-word, typed, double-spaced essay describing your professional experience, goals and objectives for graduate study. How do you expect your graduate studies to enhance your future career?
- Include two professional recommendations (not required for fully online programs). These should address your professional character and ability to perform graduate work. Download Applicant Recommendation Form
- Interview (required for some programs). If your program requires an interview, it will be listed in the Program-Specific Requirements section below.
- Satisfy Health Insurance & Immunization requirements. (Massachusetts only). These are required only for graduate students taking six or more credits per term in Massachusetts through on-campus or hybrid classes. Health insurance may be waived.
Teacher Licensure Program Requirements
In addition to the requirements listed above, our Teacher Licensure Programs have these additional requirements:
- Earned bachelor's degree with 3.0 or higher GPA.
- MA Educator Documentation from the Massachusetts Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) website. Keep copies of all documents submitted and, upon admission, post in your electronic portfolio:
- Massachusetts Educator Personnel ID (MEPID number)
- MTEL Communication & Literacy Test, successfully completed.
Required if completed:
- Massachusetts preliminary license, if held
- Sheltered English Instruction requirement
- Fingerprinting and Criminal Offender Record Information
Applicants who do not initially meet all requirements (e.g. GPA of 3.0 or MTEL) for admission into their chosen licensure program must enroll in the corresponding non-licensure degree option. Students who achieve a 3.0 GPA upon completion of the first three SEC courses, pass the MTELs, and now meet all requirements, may request a change of program.
Disclosures: For all Licensure Programs
- Licensure requirements are subject to change per Massachusetts regulations. All Cambridge College licensure programs are based on current regulations.
- All candidates admitted for licensure programs must successfully complete the program in its entirety.
- All requirements at the time of program completion must be finalized prior to seeking Massachusetts endorsement for licensure purposes.
- If you have any licensure questions, please speak to your program chair.
Program-Specific Admission Requirements
- Master's degree required
- Massachusetts teachers who hold an initial or professional license may elect to add this digital literacy license by submitting this coursework on their own to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for transcript approval. Part of the approval process will include 150 hours of teaching digital literacy in a school setting; this can be submitted by a school principal on official letterhead.
Careers in Digital Literacy and Computer Science
The Massachusetts state government has issued guidelines for all schools to integrate digital and computer science literacy in grades K-12. The goal is to prepare students for our increasingly tech-focused workforce. This puts a DLCS certificate in great demand for Massachusetts educators.
$64,272
Average annual salary for computer science teachers in Boston*
According to ZipRecruiter, computer science teachers in Boston make an average salary of $64,272 per year.*
ZipRecruiter, Computer science teacher jobs, https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/Computer-Science-Teacher/-in-Boston,MA (visited December 27, 2023).
Digital Literacy and Computer Science Jobs
The certificate in Digital Literacy and Computer Science will prepare you for jobs such as a computer science teacher from kindergarten through grade 12.