Graduate Certificates Enable Easy Transition into Computing M.S. Programs

With computing playing an ever-increasing role in how companies operate, and the high demand for skilled computing professionals, people with no previous college or work experience in computing are applying to Ying Wu College of Computing (YWCC) to pursue graduate degree in one of the college’s M.S. programs.

Thanks to its several graduate certificate programs, YWCC students new to academic coursework in computing are able to acquire the core skills and experience that they will need to be successful in their chosen M.S. degree program.

When Roberto Rivera, a Senior Research Analyst at NJ TRANSIT with an undergraduate degree in Business, working daily with large datasets, wanted to do more than just run the data through Excel, he decided to upgrade his skillset to that of a full-fledged data scientist. But herein lay the problem. Already having a BS degree, spending another four years to acquire yet another BS in data science or the related field of information systems. was out of the question. Pursuing a graduate level degree in data science or information science was also fraught with difficulty, as these M.S. programs require a BS-level technical background in computing, which Rivera did not have.

Fortunately, Rivera heard of the four-course graduate certificate programs. offered by YWCC. These were standalone programs, but also provided a conditional entry to the 10-course M.S. programs for those lacking the background. By starting in the certificate program, it was possible to get quickly up to speed, and upon successful completion of four courses, continue to the M.S. program while transferring all credit. Limited success in the certificate program would not enable continuation to the M.S. program, but still allow Rivera to leave with a graduate-level credential valued by most employers. Rivera enrolled in the Certificate in Data Mining program, completing it with flying colors in May 2020. This allowed him to continue to the M.S. in Information Systems., which he will complete in August this year.

“Through the college’s multiple graduate certificates, M.S. degrees in computing are now accessible to professionals with undergraduate degrees in distant fields such as business, economics, sports management and liberal arts”, said Dr. Craig Gotsman, dean of YWCC. “We have designed these certificates to enable students to ramp up in popular areas of computing and use their success in those programs to continue seamlessly into one of the college’s M.S. programs. It is essentially risk-free, eliminating the need to spend extra time, effort and money on the additional ‘bridge courses’ that we required a candidate to complete in the past before they could be considered for a M.S. program.”

Tracy Zhang is another YWCC graduate student whose previous education was as far as can be from the field of computing. Zhang, a business owner and entrepreneur, has an undergraduate and graduate degree in in the field of sports management. As the owner of the Jersey City-based United Chinese Basketball Association, Zhang works closely with colleagues and clients in China to operate a basketball league, training camps and cultural exchange programs that bring Chinese players to the U.S.

Zhang recognized the need for computer science professionals capable of developing technologies to support the sport industry in China, so he added computer science talent to his business, including a PhD-level computer scientist. Being a hands-on business owner, Zhang realized the importance for himself to have computing experience and skills so he could understand how to develop the computing systems required to support his organization.

He enrolled in the Certificate in Computer Science program, taking one course a semester alongside his already busy schedule and many responsibilities. When he successfully completes the program, Zhang plans to use his certificate toward an M.S. in Data Science.

“Data Scientists are a critical need in professional sports, and being able to bring data science expertise to my business and my work will help me remain competitive,” said Zhang. “With its nearby location and very competitive tuition compared to other colleges in the region, NJIT’s Jersey City location was the best choice for me to achieve my education and business goals. Having a clear goal for pursuing a degree is essential. Mine was to grow my business and promote basketball in China. Keeping my eye on that goal has helped keep me motivated as I move through the program and tackle new subject matter.”

Rivera has some advice for anyone interested in computing who does not have prior computing experience. Even when starting in a Certificate program, which does provide something of an introduction to the field, taking the time to prepare before starting classes can be a crucial key to success in an NJIT program. “Before I enrolled in the certificate program, all I knew was Excel. Programming was foreign to me,” says Rivera. “So I took advantage of all the free online resources available out there to get familiar with programming. I carefully reviewed my course syllabi, and did whatever I could to get up to speed before I stepped into the classroom. That helped me feel much more comfortable and got me familiar with computing vocabulary so I could immediately focus on the material I was learning.”

Another valuable experience Rivera has gained in his graduate studies has been exposure to younger students and having the chance to see how they learn, the tools they use and their work style.

“As I move up the career ladder at NJ Transit, I am entering more managerial roles,” Rivera said. “Learning alongside younger students has been a big plus to me and given me useful insights to working on multi-generational teams that I know will benefit me as I grow in my career.”

Detailed information about all YWCC graduate certificate and M.S. degree programs can be found on the YWCC website. More detailed information on the programs offered at the Jersey City location is available at the NJIT@JerseyCity website.