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K-12 Computer Science Endorsement Program


The Computer Science Endorsement program is a hybrid program designed for K-12 teachers who want to engage students in coding and robotics. The program of study provides multiple opportunities in programming, robotics, field experience, and pedagogical strategies for engaging students in the field of programming . 

  • Increasing the participation of students in computer science courses increases the chance that those students will go on to study computer science and add more diversity to the field.. Read more about the study here.

Requirements:

  • The Computer Science Endorsement on a state teaching license enables K-12 teachers to teach computer science and/or robotics courses within a school. 
  • Taking and passing the Ohio Assessment for Educators Computer Science Exam 054 is required to obtain the endorsement on the teaching license.


During the 2025-26 school year, a cohort of pre-service/in-service teachers will have the opportunity to obtain the computer science paid for through a grant from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.

Test preparation services and up to $500 of materials are also available per participant through grant funds.

For more information about applying for the next cohort, email teachcs@uakron.edu . 

The Computer Science Endorsement Program consist of five courses (17 graduate credit hours) beginning in May and finishing the following May. Field experience hours can be completed within a teacher's school setting and/or after school hours.

  • EDCI 575 Coding in the Classroom (3 credits): Intersession semester (hybrid)
    Robotics, middle grades programming, physical computing projects. Effective teaching practices and the impacts of computing.
  • CPSC 506 Intro to Python (4 credits): Summer semester
    Python programming concepts.
  • STAT 580 Statistical Data Management (3 credits): Summer semester
    Students learn data organization and structures, design of statistical databases, statistical software analysis, importing and exporting of data between software, and missing data analysis.
  • CPSC 505 Intro to Computing Concepts (4 credits): Fall semester
    Algorithmic thinking and data analysis including searching and sorting algorithms, simulations, and modeling. Programming concepts including debugging and object-oriented programming. Computing systems, networks, the internet, and cyber security issues.
  • EDCI 585 Applying Coding in the Classroom (3 credits): Spring semester (online)
    Application and demonstration of effective teaching principles within the coding environment. Apply knowledge of inquiry-based computer science curriculum, strategies for fostering an inclusive computer learning environment, and developmentally appropriate instructional strategies and practices. Includes 50 hours of field experience.

 
Courses in the Computer Science Endorsement program can be applied toward the area of concentration portion of the Master’s of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction.