Specific Supplementary Authorization in Computer Science Education

This program is jointly offered through a UC Riverside and UC Davis partnership. You will take the courses through UC Davis, and the academic units, certificate and CTC processing will be managed by UCR University Extension.

• Enroll in courses directly through UC Davis Center for Integrated Computing and STEM Education website by clicking here .
  • If you would like to earn credit, please let the course organizer know during the session.
  • For student advising or course-related questions, please contact info@c-stem.ucdavis.edu or 530.752.9082.
• Complete all your coursework with a grade of C or better.
• Once your grades have been posted, contact UCR University Extension's Credentials Office at credentials@ucx.ucr.edu or 951.827.4105 to request your authorization. A credential analyst will send you the necessary forms.
  • If you are earning the Computer Science Authorization, we can help you submit your recommendation to the CTC.
  • Please note that additional steps are needed in order to review, verify completion, and submit your recommendation to the CTC. An advisor can guide you through the process.
• Once you have submitted your forms and UCR University Extension has completed the verification process, you will receive an email from Parchment (certificate issuing system) with instructions on how to access your digital and printed certificate.
  • You will have three days to review your certificate and verify your mailing address.
• Let your professional network know of your achievement by updating the education portion of your LinkedIn profile (use #ucrextension in your post).

K-12 educators, pre-service teachers or school or district administrators in public, private or charter school environments who are interested in furthering their knowledge in computer science education.

The Computer Science Authorization may be of interest to any teacher, pre-service teacher or school or district administrator interested in furthering their knowledge in computer science education. Specific supplementary authorizations may only be added to Single Subject Credentials and authorize the holder to teach Computer Science in grades preschool, K-12, and classes primarily for adults.

Prior to enrolling, please ensure that you meet the following minimum requirements:

1. Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution
2. One of the following valid, unexpired, California teaching credentials:
   • Multiple Subject
   • Single Subject
   • Standard Elementary
   • Standard Secondary
   • Special Secondary
3. Please note that there is no application required to begin taking courses toward the Introductory Computer Science Authorization, however, we recommend that you apply by the third course if you would like UCR to assist with the filing of CTC paperwork at the completion of the required courses. You can apply, free of charge, below.

CTC Authorization Completion Requirements

• Complete all your coursework with a grade of C or better.
• Once your grades have been posted, contact UCR University Extension's Credentials Office at credentials@ucx.ucr.edu or 951.827.4105 to request your authorization. A credential analyst will send you the necessary forms.
  • If you are earning the Computer Science Authorization, we can help you submit your recommendation to the CTC.
  • Please note that additional steps are needed in order to review, verify completion, and submit your recommendation to the CTC. An advisor can guide you through the process.
• Once you have submitted your forms and UCR University Extension has completed the verification process, you will receive an email from Parchment (certificate issuing system) with instructions on how to access your digital and printed certificate.
• You will have three days to review your certificate and verify your mailing address.

CTC Notice

The final decision regarding an applicant's academic eligibility for a supplementary or subject matter authorization will be determined by CTC staff when the documentation is submitted and the application is evaluated.

• How computing systems and digital devices function, and how they have contributed to various disciplines
• Best practices in problem solving techniques and fundamental computing concepts including decomposition, data representation and algorithms
• High-level programming languages and advanced software design

University of California programs for professions that require licensure or certification are intended to prepare the student for California licensure and certification requirements. Admission into programs for professions that require licensure and certification does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or certificate. Licensure and certification requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the University of California and licensure and certification requirements can change at any time.

The University of California has not determined whether its programs meet other states' educational or professional requirements for licensure and certification. Students planning to pursue licensure or certification in other states are responsible for determining whether, if they complete a University of California program, they will meet their state's requirements for licensure or certification. This disclosure is made pursuant to 34 CFR §668.43(a)(5)(v)(C).

This program is jointly offered through a UC Riverside and UC Davis partnership. You will take the courses through UC Davis, and the the academic units, certificate and CTC processing will be managed by UCR University Extension.

Introduction to Teaching Computer Science – 3 units – CS X458.01

• The course develops an understanding of the basics of computer science (CS) and best practices in teaching it. Topics include the major components and functions of computing systems, devices, and networks, fundamental principles and structures of computing practice and programming, computational thinking, block-based programming, basic robotics with virtual robots for teaching CS, impacts of computing and social, legal, and ethical issues, and effective pedagogical strategies and techniques, including project-based learning and alignment with K-12 Computer Science Standards.

Programming and Integration of CS into STEAM Teaching – 4 units – CS X458.02

• The course develops an understanding of key topics in computer programing and best practices in integrating CS into STEAM teaching. Topics include computational thinking, data structures and algorithms, decision making, random numbers, arrays, count loops, math operations and plotting, data analysis, input/output, functions, human-computer interaction and impacts, and simultaneous execution of tasks. Participants will also study the integration of computer science activities and applications into STEAM teaching and will gain knowledge and experience in project-based learning.

Development of Integrated CS and STEAM Curriculum with Physical Computing – 4 units – CS X458.03

• In the course students design and develop interactive programming lessons and activities for CS and STEAM topics, including the use of digital devices and systems. Topics include randomized activities, graphical user interface (GUI) elements for student interaction and formative assessment, physical computing with Arduino and I/O devices, secure communication between devices, and software tools and integration strategies for creating a customized curriculum according to students’ grade and cognitive levels in math, science, and language arts. Participants will work in groups on collaborative projects that implement project-based learning. Participants will also learn strategies for using makerspaces and robotics competitions to engage students, build teamwork, and encourage collaborative learning. They will develop competition challenges for students and learn how to organize local competitions for schools and districts.

Computer Programming in C – 4 units – CS X458.04

• The course provides an introduction to C programming. Topics include computational thinking, pseudocode and flowcharts, data structures and representation, decomposition, abstraction, algorithms, input/output, visualization, 2D and 3D plotting, random numbers, repetition, selection statements, arrays, sorting, functions, data files, animation, debugging, Command Shell operations, software design, and strategies for teaching computer science in alignment with CS standards.

Data Structures and Software Design – 4 units – CS X458.05

• The course provides an introduction to advanced topics in C programming, including iteration, pointers, struct, classes, data structures, linked lists, searching and sorting algorithms, and program design and debugging, plus an introduction to object-oriented programming using classes in C++. Pedagogical principles and strategies for teaching AP Computer Science Principles and creating compelling lessons and activities will be covered.