Computer Science
Graduate Endorsement
Stand Out in your calling
JANUARY 7
NEXT START
With several start dates throughout the year.
15
CREDIT PROGRAM
Complete the program in just 2 semesters.
ONLINE
COURSEWORK
Complete your coursework 100% online and asynchronous.
$360
COST PER CREDIT
One of Iowa's most affordable and grant funding eligible programs.
Why Northwestern?
Why Northwestern?
Why Northwestern?
We believe teaching computer science is about more than technology—it’s about preparing the next generation to think critically, solve problems, and thrive in a digital world. Our 100% online Computer Science Endorsement program equips licensed teachers with the knowledge and skills to teach systems and networks, data representation, abstraction and designing, as well as developing, testing and refining algorithms that prepare teachers to improve student outcomes and leads to an Iowa Endorsement #277 (K-8) and/or #278 (5-12).
Not teaching in the state of Iowa? We will check with your state’s department of education to determine if this endorsement can be substituted for a certification in your state.
It’s more than a lane change.
Earning an endorsement doesn’t have to cost you time away from your other responsibilities. Log into class each week and complete your coursework, whenever it’s most convenient for you. Take 1-2 online 8 week classes at a time and you’ll finish your endorsement in just 2 semesters!
Resources to support your journey.
Application requirements
Application requirements
Application requirements
No GRE required. No application fee.
Application materials reviewed on a rolling basis. They will be evaluated as they are received.
No GRE required. No application fee.
Application materials reviewed on a rolling basis. They will be evaluated as they are received.
No GRE required. No application fee.
Application materials reviewed on a rolling basis. They will be evaluated as they are received.
Baccalaureate degree
Official transcripts showing a degree from an accredited institution.
- Official transcripts are needed from your bachelor’s degree institution.
- No undergraduate transcripts are required of NWC alumni.
Send official transcripts to onlineadmissions@nwciowa.edu or
Northwestern College Graduate & Professional Studies
101 7th St SW
Orange City, IA 51041
Degrees from colleges accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education [ABHE] or affiliated with the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges & Universities [TRACS] will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
GPA requirements
Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Applicants with a GPA under 3.0 may be eligible for conditional admission on a case-by-case basis.
Teaching license
Documentation of valid teaching license.
A digital or scanned copy from your state’s Department of Education website is sufficient.
Program specifics
Program specifics
Program specifics
15 credit program
15 credit program
15 credit program
CSED500 - Problem Solving and Algorithms
This course focuses on using computer-programming techniques to build robust
computer programs. The course emphasizes a consistent methodology for
designing, developing, testing, and refining code, with a primary focus on
implementing this methodology in a classroom setting. A text-based
procedural and/or object-oriented language will be used to implement
solutions to the programming problems. Several classic algorithms will be
introduced, with solutions featuring dynamic data structures and complex
data types. Multiple solutions will be compared and contrasted to determine
their relative strengths and weaknesses. (4 credits)
CSED525 - Computers and Networks for a Connected World
This course is concerned with how computers work and interact on both big
and small scales. First, the course covers the machine-level representation
of data its abstraction to primitive data types. Next, we consider the role
of a computer's operating system in managing the computer's data, memory,
and computation cycles. Then, our view of computation is expanded to include
many computers communicating via a network, including the client-server
paradigm and various protocols used to pass data back and forth. Our
definition of "computer" is expanded to include the various mobile devices
we use on a daily basis. Finally, we consider the frontiers of computing in
an always-on, connected world, investigating topics such as big data and
artificial intelligence. (4 credits)
CSED550 - Programming Fundamentals for Educators
This course introduces the fundamental building blocks of programming,
including primitive data types, functions, branching, iteration, basic data
structures, and common searching and sorting algorithms. Content will be
presented primarily using a block-based visual language, but some topics may
be presented using, as well. The software, code examples and code projects
featured in this course will be appropriate for teaching middle school and
secondary students with little to no prior programming experience. (4
credits)
CSED575 - Methods of Teaching Computer Science
This course explores computer sciences as a discipline at the K-8 and 5-12
levels that encourages inquiry, creativity, and collaboration. Given that
the nature of computing is investigative, the computer science activities
will be hands-on to gain insights about teaching and learning computing
concepts in classroom settings. Students will examine a variety of computing
tools, virtual environments, and other instructional resources that support
learning across disciplines. Students will learn that pedagogical methods in
computer science require intellectual rigor in order to develop lessons that
are relevant and pertinent to our culturally diverse world today. (3
credits)
Make it a master’s!
Master Teacher M.Ed. + Computer Science
Easily apply the 4 endorsement courses toward a Master of Education degree. The 15-credit Computer Science endorsement fulfills the 12-15 elective credits required in the Master Teacher track, allowing you to complete only 6 more courses (18 credits) to earn your graduate degree.
Faculty + staff
Brilliant scholars. Committed Christians. Invested in you. That's Northwestern's faculty.
