Programming fundamentals

Microcredential
Online
delivery
Advanced
level
3
courses

Whether you’re looking to take the first step toward a career in computing or you want to develop skills from expert faculty to help you move up in your current job, Oregon State University’s online microcredential in programming fundamentals will equip you with a solid understanding of core skills that can lead to new opportunities.

The courses in this microcredential offer the vital, fundamental skills to learn a new programming language or set of tools that would be required for an entry-level programming job.

Courses

This is an advanced-level microcredential that is designed for those with previous experience in a subject. These offerings provide in-depth training so you can build specialized skills that will help you excel in your field. Often, advanced microcredentials require some prerequisite college courses.

Required courses (11-12 credits)

Prerequisite courses

* – These courses are required unless you already met this prerequisite.

Note: Some prerequisite courses may have additional prerequisites. See the schedule of classes for details.

Skills you’ll gain

The in-demand skills you'll develop as a student in this microcredential will give you what you need to stand out and level up in your career.

  • Data structures
  • Programming in Python
  • Fundamentals of object-oriented programming
  • GitHub and git usage

Additional details

Oregon State microcredentials consist of at least three courses and 8 credits that follow OSU’s quarterly term calendar. All microcredentials are delivered online and some microcredentials may be offered on campus. Read other important microcredential details » 

Microcredentials allow you to gain specialized skills in focused subject areas in less time than it takes to complete a full degree or certificate program. Typically, you can complete a microcredential in nine to 12 months.

Completing a microcredential is dependent on course availability, term offerings, course sequencing and any required prerequisites. Connect with the OSU Ecampus enrollment services team to better understand when courses in this microcredential are delivered to help you create a timeline for application and enrollment. You can also explore the schedule of classes to preview course availability.

  • Apply to earn a microcredential as a current student: If you’re a current OSU student interested in pursuing a microcredential online, please submit this form. Note: You must complete at least one of the microcredential courses after having been accepted into the microcredential, and at least one course that makes up the microcredential must be taken online through OSU Ecampus.

You can find detailed tuition information for microcredential offerings on the tuition rates webpage. Please note: If you are pursuing a standalone microcredential as a nondegree student, you will not qualify for federal financial aid.

If you are pursuing a microcredential as a current student in an OSU degree or certificate program, you will be charged your program's tuition rate (if differential tuition is applicable). 

Earning a microcredential is a great way to develop a skill set that current and future employers are looking for. If your employer offers a tuition benefit program, you may be able to enroll online with Oregon State and receive a tuition scholarship that makes your student experience more affordable. You can also learn about the organizations OSU collaborates with to offer direct tuition benefit programs for online learners.

Oregon State offers two computer science degree programs online, and the credits you earn in this programming fundamentals microcredential can be directly applied toward either one — a bachelor’s degree or a postbaccalaureate degree that is designed for those who already have a bachelor’s degree.

If you plan to apply these credits toward a full degree, we encourage you to first contact the program to learn about the degree requirements. Please note that acceptance into a microcredential does not guarantee acceptance into a degree program.