Certificate Overview
The Programming Graduate Certificate provides a foundation in computer science and the principles of programming. Through four online courses, you’ll explore algorithms, data structures, software engineering, and web development, gaining a deep understanding of how programs are designed, structured, and executed.
Designed for professionals seeking to develop or strengthen programming skills, this certificate prepares you to apply programming languages and computational concepts to build and analyze software across a range of computing environments.
Skills You'll Gain
Through the Programming Graduate Certificate, you’ll learn to:
- Work with programming languages such as C, PHP, JavaScript, SQL, CSS, and HTML.
- Apply fundamental programming concepts, including algorithms, data structures, and software engineering principles.
- Analyze and implement data structures, including lists, stacks, queues, trees, and graphs.
- Develop programs that incorporate concepts such as encapsulation, resource management, and security.
- Apply programming skills in areas such as Unix/Linux systems, web interfaces, and database systems.
Courses
The graduate certificate in programming requires four courses. You choose one of the following certificate course tracks.
CSCI E-50 Course Track
- CSCI E-50 Intensive Introduction to Computer Science
- CSCI E-22 Data Structures
- 2 electives (chosen from the elective course group)
CSCI E-10AB Course Track (Retiring)
The CSCI E-10AB certificate will be retired at the end of the fall 2027 term.
To earn the certificate, all courses must be completed within three years of starting the first eligible certificate course OR by December 2027, whichever comes first. We will not award this graduate certificate for courses taken in spring 2028 or later.
- CSCI E-10A Introduction to Computer Science Using Java I
- CSCI E-10B Introduction to Computer Science Using Java II
- CSCI E-22 Data Structures
- 1 elective (chosen from the elective course group)
Selecting courses. Multiple course options are available during fall, spring, and summer terms. Offerings vary by term. Explore current options in the DCE Course Search & Registration platform.
Upcoming Term: Fall 2026
Enroll in your first certificate course this fall — no application required.
Pre-registration opens July 6. Registration opens July 20 at 9 a.m. ET.
Tuition
Support and Resources
Access to career resources, including webinars, advising, and career fairs
Weekly virtual office hours with the student advising team
Affiliate membership in the Harvard Extension Alumni Association
Earning Your Certificate
If you take two courses per semester, you can complete your certificate in 8 months. If you prefer a more flexible pace, you have up to three years to finish.
There is no formal application required. You simply register for each course.
To meet the requirements for the certificate:
- Complete the four certificate courses for graduate credit.
- Earn at least a B grade in each course.
- Complete all courses within three years of starting your first eligible certificate course.
Learn more about pursuing a certificate and the process of requesting your certificate.
