Graduate Programs Bridging Pathways
No Coding Background? No problem!
To increase accessibility for students from non-traditional and non-STEM backgrounds, the College has implemented targeted bridging and gateway coursework. These pathways allow promising applicants to acquire foundational technical skills, specifically in mathematics and programming, necessary for success in our Master of Science programs.
Bridging Pathways
Any students admitted without programming or math fundamentals into the College of Computing and Informatics’ Certificates or Masters programs have access to Bridging Pathway Options. Prior experience through work and/or professional certifications will be considered during advising.
MS in Artificial Intelligence (New for Fall 2026)
Programming Bridge: ITSC 6111 – Introduction to Programming. This course serves as a college-wide designation for Python-based introductory programming and data structures, providing an entry-point for students lacking coding proficiency.
ITSC 6111 is cross-listed with BINF 6111
Math or Science Bridge: ITSC 5113 – Computer Science Math for Researchers. This is a new graduate-level course designed to provide the foundational mathematics required for AI and computing research, specifically targeting students from non-STEM backgrounds.
MS in Information Technology
Programming Bridge: ITIS 5101 – Foundations of Programming. A JAVA-based online course teaching students with no programming experience fundamentals of programming in an object-oriented language. (OR ITSC 6111) Followed by ITIS 5135 (Web Based Application Design and Development) to understand how to produce software.
Math or Science Bridge: No additional requirement.
M.S. CyberSecurity
Programming Bridge: ITIS 5101 – Foundations of Programming. A JAVA-based online course teaching students with no programming experience fundamentals of programming in an object-oriented language. OR ITSC 6111
Math or Science Bridge: No additional requirement.
MS in Bioinformatics and Genomics
Programming Bridge: BINF 6111 (Bioinformatics Programming I) and BINF 6112 (Bioinformatics Programming II).
BINF 6111 is cross-listed with ITSC 6111
Math or Science Bridge: BINF 6100 (Biological Basis in Bioinformatics) when they lack the molecular biology background.
