Digital Tech Credential
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Helpful links
- VCU eServices
- Tuition and fees calculator for credit students
- Application for Virginia In-State Tuition [PDF]
- Credit Registration Form [PDF]
- Certification of Eligibility [PDF]
- VCU tuition benefit
- VCU Health System education assistance
- Digital badging
Upcoming courses
Registration using a manual Credit Registration Form [PDF] [PDF] is available. If you are an active nondegree-seeking student, you can enroll online through eServices during the registration period.
Summer Semester 2025
CMSC 210.C90: Computers and Programming (prerequisite)
May 19, 2025 - July 9, 2025
Registration Fee: Tuition and Fees
Where: Fully Asynchronous Online (2 Sections)
View registration pages for Computers and Programming>
Software Engineering and Web Development
View registration page for Software Engineering and Web Development>
Data Science Skills
View registration page for Data Science Skills>
Cybersecurity Skills
View registration page for Cybersecurity Skills>
See the VCU Bulletin for admission requirements for VCU undergraduate students for the Baccalaureate Certificate in the Fundamentals of Computing.
When you complete a prerequisite course in Computers and Programming, and courses in both Data Science Skills and Cybersecurity Skills through VCU, you are eligible for The Capital CoLab Digital Technology Credential, giving you exclusive hiring advantages with companies in the Capital Region. A Software Engineering and Web Development course is also available.
Who should take these courses
Fundamentals of Computing courses, offered through the VCU Department of Computer Science in the College of Engineering, were designed for VCU undergraduate students who are non-computer science majors/minors, as well as for VCU and VCU Health employees, working professionals (including VCU alumni), and those in the job market who can benefit from acquiring essential technical skills needed for success in today's digital economy. Each online course is 3 credit-hours.
Course descriptions
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CMSC 210: Computers and Programming (prerequisite)
Introduction to object-oriented programming using Python.
Read more about Computers and Programming
The course introduces students to structured programming logic and design techniques. The course content also includes instruction in critical thinking and problem-solving skills using contemporary tools. Specific topics include flowcharting, pseudocode and program control structures, including sequence, selection and repetition. This course is not applicable for credit toward the B.S. in Computer Science.
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CMSC 320: Software Engineering and Web Development
Introduction to software engineering and web development.
Prerequisite: CMSC 210Read more about Software Engineering and Web Development
The course introduces students to the software development process, including design, development and testing principles. Students will apply these principles in the development of a web application. This course is not applicable for credit toward any College of Engineering degrees.
Instructor: Jonathan Buffkin
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CMSC 330: Data Science Skills
Introduction to data science skills.
Prerequisite: CMSC 210Read more about Data Science Skills
The course introduces students to the foundations of data science and the tools used to collect, analyze and represent data. Students will apply these principles in both analysis and visualization projects. This course is not applicable for credit toward any College of Engineering degrees.
Instructor: Abigail Byram
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CMSC 340: Cybersecurity Skills
Introduction to cybersecurity skills.
Prerequisite: CMSC 210Read more about Cybersecurity Skills
The course introduces students to cybersecurity terminology, standards and best practices. Students will apply these practices as part of a cybersecurity-focused project. This course is not applicable for credit toward any College of Engineering degrees.
Instructor: Vijender Chaitanka
Registration
VCU Continuing and Professional Education registration using a manual registration form is available. If you are an active nondegree-seeking student, you can enroll online via eServices during the registration period.
For current VCU undergraduate students:
If you are a current VCU undergraduate student enrolled in a non-computer science major/minor, ask your adviser about fitting the Fundamentals of Computing courses into your degree planning. Those active in the Banner system can register online through eServices.
To pursue a certificate in Fundamentals of Computing, current VCU students must:
- Meet the admissions requirements listed in the bulletin
- Submit a Change of Major form with “Fundamentals of Computing” as your secondary program
- Register through eServices
To enroll without pursuing the certificate, simply register through eServices during the registration period.
For nondegree-seeking students, new students, and VCU and VCU Health employees:
Community members wishing to take these courses individually, or pursue the Capital CoLab Digital Tech Credential by taking these three courses: Computers and Programming, Data Science Skills and Cybersecurity Skills, will register through VCU Continuing and Professional Education. Visit our registration page for additional instructions on registering for undergraduate credit. The tuition and fees calculator for credit students can also be accessed on this page under 'Helpful links'.
The tuition benefit or education assistance may be available to qualified employees. Contact Human Resources to determine eligibility, and refer to our payment and billing page for specific details.
Required forms for registration are available on this page under 'Helpful links'.