Computer Science Education Endorsement
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Sacred Heart University offers the first dedicated computer science education endorsement sequence in Connecticut, designed for practicing K-12 educators who want to teach computer science with confidence. This fully online endorsement sequence combines computer science fundamentals with modern teaching strategies, which prepare you to lead the next generation of digital learning.
At a Glance
- Duration: 1 year
- Credits: 12
- Cost Per Credit: $785
- Modality: Online (includes synchronous and asynchronous coursework)
- Start Terms: Fall, Spring, Summer
Why Choose Computer Science Education Endorsement at SHU?
Sacred Heart University is the first and only college in Connecticut to design a course sequence for the computer science education endorsement! As the official Connecticut partner of national nonprofit CodeAI (formerly Code.org), SHU is part of the groundswell for K-12 computer science education in every corner of our state. As a result, the faculty for this sequence represent a robust network of experienced K-12 and university computer science educators, professional learning facilitators, and researchers.
Computer science is rapidly becoming a foundational skill in K-12 education. Schools across Connecticut and the country are expanding access to:
- Coding and programming
- Computational thinking
- Digital problem solving
- Technology literacy
Sacred Heart’s Computer Science Education Endorsement program prepares teachers to confidently bring computer science into the classroom. There is no coding experience needed.
As Connecticut’s official partner of CodeAI, SHU is helping expand K-12 computer science education statewide.
Who Is This Program For?
This program is built for teachers, not programmers. The computer science education endorsement is specifically designed for:
- Classroom teachers
- STEAM educators
- Curriculum leaders
- Teachers transitioning into computer science instruction
What Sets This Program Apart
First in Connecticut
SHU was the first university in the state to design a dedicated computer science education endorsement sequence for educators.
Official CodeAI partner
As Connecticut's official partner of CodeAI, SHU is helping expand K-12 computer science education statewide.
Built for teachers, not programmers
No coding experience is needed to get started.
Is the Computer Science Education Endorsement Right For Me?
The computer science education endorsement is right for educators who want to advocate for, prepare to teach, or strengthen their computer science instruction. Many types of educators benefit from deepening their computer science background and participating in a professional learning community for computer science.
The endorsement sequence is a strong fit for:
- Candidates for the M.Ed. degree at SHU, who can add the computer science education endorsement to their program and complete the endorsement requirements as part of their degree
- In-service elementary or secondary educators who are advocating for, preparing to teach, or already teaching computer science courses
- Elementary and secondary teachers who would like to earn the computer science education endorsement as part of a sixth-year degree in STEAM education
- Noncertified educators with an interest in incorporating computer science into private, enrichment, or informal educational settings
Frequently Asked Questions
The computer science education endorsement at Sacred Heart University prepares certified and non-certified educators to teach computer science in K-12 settings. You'll deepen your computer science background, join a professional learning community, and gain the skills to lead computer science courses.
The endorsement is designed for classroom teachers, STEAM educators, curriculum leaders, and teachers transitioning into computer science instruction who want to bring computer science to their K-12 students.
No. The program is built for teachers, not programmers, and requires no prior coding experience. You'll develop the technical and pedagogical skills you need throughout the course sequence.
You'll be introduced to various coding platforms, including but not limited to CodeAI (formerly Code.org), so you can apply a range of tools in your classroom.
No. There are no formal field-work requirements. Your courses will emphasize the application of computer science skills to K-12 settings and students, so you’ll build practical, classroom-ready experience without a separate field-work placement.
Educators who complete the computer science education endorsement are well-prepared to lead computer science courses at the elementary or secondary level, positioning themselves for opportunities in their current schools and districts or beyond. Currently in Connecticut, no particular subject-area certification is required to teach computer science courses, beyond being a certified educator at that grade level. At Sacred Heart University, we believe every student deserves a well-prepared teacher in computer science, just as they do in every other subject area. As the certification environment for computer science evolves, this program brings computer science closer to parity with other subjects. More computer science courses are being offered across Connecticut each year!
The computer science education endorsement sequence is designed to be completed in one year of part-time study at a rate of one course per term (including summer terms). Students can complete the four-course sequence by taking more than one course per term. When planning your schedule, note that the first two courses above (EDCS 501, EDCS 503/504) must be completed before taking either of the last two courses (EDCS 505/506 and EDCS 507/508).
Yes. Sacred Heart University was the first and only college in Connecticut to design a dedicated course sequence for the computer science education endorsement, and SHU is Connecticut's official partner of CodeAI.