Building a career in computer science without a CS degree

Computer science is increasingly involved in every industry, yet several hurdles make it difficult to study in college — iCAN wants to change that. The Illinois Computing Accelerator for Non-specialists (iCAN) at The Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, is a one-year certificate program for anyone who wants to pursue a career in computer science but does not have a degree in it.

Interested? Here are five things you should know about iCAN at Illinois Grainger Engineering!

1) iCAN builds fundamental skills for graduates from any background.

A student with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, environmental engineering or anything other than computer science can get a certification in computer science through iCAN. The program focuses on the computer science fundamentals, like programming, algorithms and data structures, with the purpose of combining them with your background and interests. By mixing your passions and interests with computational fundamentals, iCAN creates opportunities for broader perspectives within the field.

2) iCAN prepares you to interact with peers in the CS field.

iCAN utilizes a cohort structure, enabling a collaborative environment for you to apply your growing knowledge and build an educational network. Because each iCAN student comes from a different academic background, students will learn how computing can be applied to different issues and gain a broader and deeper understanding of computing. You will be fully prepared to speak about how computing can be used to fix issues within your field of study.

3) iCAN develops professionals that can maneuver the dynamic world of computer science.

iCAN students attend a seminar course with topics that reflect the diversity of thought in and various applications of computer science. The seminars, which grow increasingly complex through coursework, focus on how computer science is an ever-changing field that adapts to solve problems in any sector. As computer science becomes more heavily intertwined in every field, iCAN prepares you to fill a critical role in bridging the gap between your own industry and computing.

4) iCAN is an accessible program that can work for all schedules.

iCAN is an expedited program, but it is only part-time. This allows you to work full-time and still earn your certificate. Students only take up to seven credit hours at a time, working toward a total of 20 credit hours. You can estimate the overall cost of the program using our Illinois Cost Calculator. Because iCAN is a graduate certificate program, you are also eligible for financial aid through FASFA and iCAN-specific tuition scholarships.

5) iCAN students can continue their education with a computer science graduate degree.

Upon completing the iCAN program, you can decide to expand your computing knowledge and experience through a Master of Computer Science (MCS). In fact, 90% of iCAN graduates who apply to the MCS program at Illinois are admitted! iCAN offers a bridge into this professional graduate degree program with modalities of the MCS offered in Chicago, on the Urbana-Champaign campus or online.