College of Education Health and Human Services
School of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies
www.kent.edu/ehhs/tlcs

About This Program

The Computer Science Endorsement Preparation program is designed for educators seeking to incorporate computer science into their curriculum, this program provides the tools and knowledge necessary to teach computer science concepts to K-12 students. With a focus on both theory and practical application, this program will prepare you to inspire and educate the next generation of computer scientists. Read more...

Contact Information

• Chia-Ling Kuo | ckuo@kent.edu |
  330-672-0599

• Connect with an Admissions Counselor: U.S. Student | International Student

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • Mostly online
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*

Accreditation 

The Computer Science Endorsement Preparation non-degree program has received national accreditation from the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), the professional organization that reviews licensure programs for the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

^{* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.}

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

• Master’s degree in education or another appropriate field from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 2.750 GPA on a 4.000-point scale (last degree)
• Official transcript(s)
• Evidence of valid four-year Resident Educator or five-year Professional State of Ohio teaching license (no longer required starting with spring 2025 admission term)
• Effective with spring 2025 admission term: Evidence of valid Resident Educator or Professional State of Ohio teaching license
• Goal statement
• Two letters of recommendation from academic and professional references

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Spring Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Summer Term
  • Rolling admissions

Program Requirements

Endorsement Requirements

Graduation Requirements

Licensure Information

Prior to program completion, the candidate must demonstrate proficiencies in the following areas (including but not limited to): data literacy and analysis; use of research and assessment data; leadership and collaboration; utilizing and supporting appropriate technology for the discipline; and application of professional dispositions, laws and policies, codes of ethics and professional standards appropriate to their field of specialization.

Candidates seeking Ohio teaching licensure are required to pass specific requirements in order to apply for licensure from the Ohio Department of Education. Students must pass the Ohio Assessment Exam to obtain this licensure. Students should consult the Educational Technology program area for specific program requirements and refer to the Ohio Department of Education - Educator Preparation website for more information on assessments specific to licensure type.

Program Learning Outcomes

Completers of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of computer science content and model important principles and concepts:
   1. Demonstrate knowledge of and proficiency in data representation and abstraction;
   2. Effectively design, develop and test algorithms;
   3. Demonstrate knowledge of digital devices, systems and networks; and
   4. Demonstrate an understanding of the role computer science plays and its impact in the modern world.
2. Plan and teach computer science lessons/units using effective and engaging practices and methodologies.
3. Design environments that promote effective teaching and learning in computer science classrooms and online learning environments and promote digital citizenship.
4. Create and maintain safe, ethical, supportive, fair and effective learning environments for all students.
5. Participate in, promote and model ongoing professional development and lifelong learning relative to computer science and computer science education.

Residence Requirement Policy for Non-Degree Teacher Education Licensure/Endorsement Preparation Programs

• Non-degree licensure (initial and additional) and endorsement programs  that are a total of 15 credits or above: Students must complete 60% of the coursework at Kent State University, including the course that addresses the CAEP A.1.1 Standard as designated by the program area.
• Non-degree licensure (initial and additional) and endorsement programs that are less than 15 total credits: Students must complete 100% of the coursework at Kent State University.
• Students are permitted 6 years to complete licensure  programs and  4 years to complete endorsement programs at Kent State University.
• Coursework transferred from another university cannot be more than 6 years old at the time the licensure/endorsement program is completed.
• Students who do not meet the residence requirements will not be recommended for licensure by Kent State University.

Full Description

The Computer Science Endorsement Preparation non-degree program is intended for teachers who want to become computer science educators or assume various technology coordinator positions in a school or at the school district level.

This endorsement must be added to an existing teaching license and cannot be obtained independently as a separate licensure. Students who hold a master’s degree in education or another appropriate field may be able to earn the endorsement with this non-degree program. Students without a master's degree may work toward both a master’s degree and the endorsement by applying to the M.Ed. degree in Educational Technology, Computer Science Endorsement Preparation concentration.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.