Working Professionals & Career Changers
You don’t need a tech past to have a tech future. This is your starting point.
Where to start?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I don’t have a CS background. Can I actually do this?
Yes — with the right preparation. CCI created bridging pathways specifically because talented people were being turned away from computing programs by prerequisite gaps, not ability gaps. Two graduate-level courses bridge you in:ITSC 6111 — Python programming & ITSC 5113 — Computer science math for researchers. After these, you’re fully prepared for your first semester.
I work full time. When will I fit my classes in?
CCI made a structural decision that most universities haven’t: every graduate course is after 4 PM. Not most courses — every course.
For banking professionals and downtown workers, courses are also available at the Dubois Center in Charlotte’s financial district — no campus commute required. The majority of CCI’s graduate students are employed full time. You’ll be in class with people managing the same thing you are, taught by faculty who designed the schedule around it.
How long will this take?
Most students complete their CCI master’s degree in 2 to 2.5 years while working full time, taking two courses per semester. The programs are structured to flex — some students move faster, some take longer. Both work.
Will my employer pay for this?
Many of Charlotte’s largest employers offer tuition benefits for graduate education. Before you assume you’re paying out of pocket, check with your HR team if you work at any of these organizations:
- Bank of America
- Wells Fargo
- Truist
- Atrium Health
- Novant Health
- Duke Energy
CCI programs qualify for tuition assistance at many of these employers. Your HR business partner or benefits portal will have the details.
What will this do for my career?
Here’s what the outcome data shows for our graduates who came from non-traditional backgrounds:
- They move into specialized technical roles that weren’t accessible without the credential — data scientist, cybersecurity analyst, health informaticist
- They advance within their current organization to technical leadership or management roles
- They make complete pivots — healthcare into health informatics, finance into data science
- They become more effective in their current role with a deeper technical foundation
Which program is right for me?
| If you want to… | Start here | Bridging available? |
| Work in AI or machine learning | MS in Artificial Intelligence | Yes — Python & math bridge courses available |
| Protect organizations from cyber threats | MS in Cybersecurity | Yes, depending on your background |
| Turn data into business decisions | MS in Data Science | Yes |
| Enter or advance in tech broadly | MS in Information Technology | Yes — broadest entry point of any CCI program |
| Apply data skills in healthcare | MS in Health Informatics & Analytics | Yes |
Bridging Pathways
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.
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 (AI)
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 (IT)
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.
MS in Cybersecurity
MS 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
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.
MS in Health Informatics & Analytics
MS in Health Informatics and Analytics
Programming Bridge: HCIP 5376 – Introduction to Programming for Health Informatics (3) – which can be substituted for ITSC 6111.
Math or Science Bridge: Applicants lacking a college-level statistics course within 5 years of matriculation may be required to take HADM 6108- Decision Analysis in Healthcare. This course would not count toward degree requirements.
