Noncredit Certificates
Noncredit Certificates for Career Advancement and Graduate Program Preparation
Noncredit certificates are available for students looking to strengthen their technical skills for career advancement or to qualify for admission to a College of Innovation & Technology graduate program. These intensive, asynchronous online courses are designed to fill skill gaps for students who have already completed undergraduate degrees.
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Courses are primarily self-paced, with weekly live Q&A sessions led by CIT faculty via Zoom for additional support. Each course concludes with a final exam, and students who successfully complete a course will receive a certificate of completion, which can be included with CIT graduate program application materials.
Computing certificates are four-week courses, while engineering certificates are six-week courses. Noncredit certificate courses are scheduled back-to-back, and registration is open year-round.
Please note: Noncredit certificates are not eligible for financial aid.
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Foundations of Object-Oriented Programming
Introduction to problem-solving and programming principles appropriate for scientific and technical applications. Development of step-wise refinement and program decomposition methods. Programming language concepts including iteration, selection, input-output protocols, arrays, structures, and subprograms. The programming language used is Java. In addition, this course will introduce the students to the principles of computer analysis of problems, design of algorithms, programming, and testing using the Java programming language. Topics include problem analysis basics of programming, inheritance, complexity, data structures, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees recursion, and the mechanics of running, testing, and debugging.
Note: This course in Object-oriented programming is replacing the Foundations of Algorithms course previously offered as a noncredit certificate. The original Foundations of Algorithms will no longer be available after March. Students that took the original Foundations of Algorithms can still use successful completion of that course for admission qualification. Students registering for the noncredit certificate after the Feb/Mar course should take Foundations of Object Oriented Programming.
Foundations of Object Oriented Programming Objectives
The course is designed to make the students fluent in analyzing and creating programs using java programming language. The course teaches the students the different keywords needed to write a complete java program using different coding structures. The major emphasis of the course is to provide the students with the knowledge of design, write, compile, run and debug a java program.
- Recognize the concept of object-oriented programming and creating classes.
- Design algorithms using pseudo-code, flowcharts, and structured charts.
- Use object-oriented programming methods to create computer programs that solve a variety of problems
- Apply foundational techniques to the design of such programs
- Demonstrate Integrated Development Environment for the editing, building, debugging, and testing of programs.
- Outline the differences between different data structures as well as searching and sorting algorithms.
- Calculate and analyze the complexity of small to medium programs built with basic data structures.
- Demonstrate implemented solution with appropriate data structure and algorithm for the assigned problem
- Describe basic and advanced data structures such as linked lists, stacks, and queues.
- Evaluate data structures for efficient data representation and organization with demonstrable results.
- Use object-oriented programming methods to create computer programs that solve a variety of problems
- Apply foundational techniques to the design of such programs
The student learning outcomes above will be achieved by means of lectures, reading assignments, and learn-by-doing homework assignments.
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*Refunds may be requested up to seven days before the start of the coursework. Refunds requested after that date will not be issued.
Foundations of Programming
This course is an introductory course in computer programming designed to provide students with a solid foundation in programming concepts, problem-solving strategies, and algorithmic thinking using C++. The course will focus on key programming concepts such as variables, control structures, functions, arrays, object-oriented programming, and file handling. Emphasis will be placed on writing clean, efficient, and well-documented code, as well as on developing strong problem-solving skills.
Foundations of Programming Educational Objectives
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Understand and apply the basic principles of programming in C++.
- Solve problems using algorithms and C++ programming constructs.
- Design, implement, and test programs that solve real-world problems.
- Develop an understanding of control structures (if-else, loops), functions, arrays, and basic object-oriented
programming concepts.
- Write, debug, and optimize code efficiently, following best practices.
- Work with files for input and output operations in C++.
- Collaborate on projects and understand the importance of code readability and documentation.
Registration links
*Refunds may be requested up to seven days before the start of the coursework. Refunds requested after that date will not be issued.
Foundations of Data Structures
This certificate introduces problem-solving and programming principles appropriate for scientific and technical applications. Students will experience the development of step-wise refinement and program decomposition methods. Programming language concepts including iteration, selection, input-output protocols, arrays, structures, and subprograms will also be covered. This course will introduce the students to the Java programming language and prepare students to use it in the design of algorithms, programming, and testing code. Topics include the basics of programming problem analysis, inheritance, complexity, data structures, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees recursion, and the mechanics of running, testing and debugging.
Foundations of Data Structures Objectives
- Classify the nodes of a tree by parent, children, siblings, ancestors and descendants.
- Design and conduct experiments to verify the theoretical complexities of algorithm implementations.
- Identify the properties (transitivity, reflexivity, symmetry and anti-symmetry) of a binary relation.
- Identify various paths and cycles (such as Euler and Hamiltonian) in a graph.
- Perform complexity analysis of simple algorithms.
- Prove the correctness of simple algorithms using program assertions.
- Understand and use the basic concepts of relational database systems.
- Utilize a truth table to decide the veracity of a proposition.
- Write an induction proof.
Registration links
*Refunds may be requested up to seven days before the start of the coursework. Refunds requested after that date will not be issued.
Mechanical Engineering Review
This course introduces students to various topics in mechanical engineering, such as mechanics of materials, mechanical design and analysis, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, dynamics, electricity and magnetism, instrumentation and control, etc. The course is suitable for students with previous backgrounds in mathematics, computing, or science, but seek to develop knowledge of mechanical engineering. Completing this course, along with a sufficient GPA and meeting the other requirements, can qualify students for admission to the MSE in Mechanical Engineering at the UM-Flint CIT.
Students will receive a certificate of completion if they pass the course with a 70% total score on all course homework, quizzes, and tests.
Mechanical Engineering Review Course Outcomes
- Develop an in-depth understanding of stress, strain, safety factors, and other design parameters.
- Design mechanical systems and components using different design and failure theories.
- Analyze fluid flow problems for both internal and external flows.
- Perform thermal analysis and design of heat exchangers.
- Solve problems in dynamics and vibration applications.
- Analyze electrical circuits to determine the power, voltage and current.
- Demonstrate knowledge of control theories and instrumentations.
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*Refunds may be requested up to seven days prior to the start of the coursework. Refunds requested after that date will not be issued.
Fluids and Thermal Engineering
This course provides an introduction to key topics in fluid mechanics and heat transfer. Students will explore concepts such as fluid properties, fluid kinematics, fluid statics, the Bernoulli equation, control volumes, and differential forms of fundamental laws. Additional topics include dimensional analysis, similitude, flow phenomena, flow over immersed bodies, viscous flow in pipes, and compressible flow.
The heat transfer portion of the course focuses on the transfer of thermal energy between materials due to temperature differences. Students will study heat propagation through solids, fluids, and even across a vacuum. The course emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of the physical mechanisms behind heat transfer and teaches techniques for analyzing thermal systems in engineering applications.
This course is ideal for students with backgrounds in mathematics, computing, or other engineering fields who wish to expand their knowledge of mechanical engineering. Successful completion of the course, along with meeting GPA and other admission requirements, can help qualify students for admission to the MSE in Mechanical Engineering program at UM-Flint CIT.
Students who pass the course with a minimum total score of 70% across all homework, quizzes, and tests will receive a certificate of completion.
Fluids and Thermal Engineering Course Outcomes
- Develop an in-depth understanding of fluid characteristics and behavior, including fluid statics, pressure measurement (using manometers and other devices), buoyancy, and stability.
- Solve fluid flow problems using the Bernoulli equation, potential flow theory, inviscid flow analysis, differential fluid flow analysis, and the Navier-Stokes equations for viscous flows.
- Design fluid handling systems by calculating pressure drops and head losses across various types of equipment, valves, and fittings.
- Analyze laminar and turbulent flow systems, boundary layers, and internal and external flow scenarios.
- Calculate pressure drops and flow rates, and design piping systems and flow measurement devices.
- Identify different modes of heat transfer—conduction, convection, and radiation—in engineering systems, and understand the thermal properties of various materials.
- Calculate rates of heat transfer through conduction, convection, and radiation in solids and fluids.
- Analyze the thermal boundary layer in both internal and external fluid flows.
- Design and evaluate different types of heat exchangers and calculate their performance.
Registration links
*Refunds may be requested up to seven days before the start of the coursework. Refunds requested after that date will not be issued.
Engineering Design & Analysis
This course introduces students to methods for analyzing forces and moments and applying them to calculate stresses and strains in structural members, including beams, columns, pressure vessels, and shafts. Students will learn techniques for predicting a structure’s response to loading and assessing its susceptibility to failure, taking into account material properties such as yield strength, ultimate strength, Young’s modulus, and Poisson’s ratio.
The course also covers stress concentrations caused by abrupt changes in geometry, such as notches and holes, and teaches students how to calculate maximum stresses and apply safety factors in design.
This course is ideal for students with backgrounds in mathematics, computing, or other engineering fields who want to build expertise in mechanical engineering. Completing the course with a sufficient GPA and fulfilling other admission requirements can qualify students for admission to the MSE in Mechanical Engineering program at UM-Flint CIT.
Students who achieve a minimum total score of 70% across homework, quizzes, and tests will earn a certificate of completion.
Engineering Design & Analysis Course Outcomes
- Develop a strong understanding of stress, strain, safety factors, and other key design parameters.
- Calculate stresses and deformations in bars subjected to axial loading under both uniform and non-uniform conditions, as well as in torsional members.
- Determine normal and shear stresses on any cross-section of a beam.
- Calculate principal stresses and principal angles in plane stress scenarios.
- Analyze stresses and deflections in structures under combined loading using moment-area methods and the principle of superposition.
- Assess the stability and buckling behavior of slender members under axial compressive forces.
- Perform design and analysis of pressure vessels and cylindrical structures.
- Apply various design and failure theories to the design of mechanical systems and components.
Registration links
*Refunds may be requested up to seven days before the start of the coursework. Refunds requested after that date will not be issued.
Electrical Circuit Analysis & Design
This course covers fundamental topics in electric circuit analysis and design, focusing on lumped, linear circuits in steady-state DC and AC conditions. Students will learn to apply key principles such as Ohm’s Law, Kirchhoff’s Laws, Thevenin’s and Norton’s Theorems, and methods including Linearity, Superposition, Source Transformation, and Maximum Power Transfer.
The course also explores the complete response of first- and second-order circuits, AC power and steady-state analysis, frequency and transient responses, and circuits utilizing operational amplifiers (op-amps).
Designed for students with backgrounds in mathematics, computing, or other engineering fields, this course helps build foundational knowledge in electrical and mechanical engineering. Students who complete the course with a sufficient GPA and meet additional requirements may qualify for admission to the MSE in Mechanical Engineering program at UM-Flint CIT.
A certificate of completion will be awarded to students who achieve a minimum total score of 70% across homework, quizzes, and tests.
Electrical Circuit Analysis & Design Course Outcomes
- Determine node voltages, branch currents, and electric power in circuits using Ohm’s Law and Kirchhoff’s current and voltage laws.
- Analyze DC and AC circuits using mesh analysis, nodal analysis, superposition, Thevenin’s and Norton’s theorems, and source transformation techniques.
- Evaluate the natural and step responses of RC, RL, and RLC circuits.
- Select and apply appropriate circuit analysis techniques for DC and AC circuit problems.
- Design and analyze circuits utilizing operational amplifiers (op-amps).
- Analyze AC circuits using frequency domain methods.
- Calculate power in AC circuits.
Registration links
*Refunds may be requested up to seven days before the start of the coursework. Refunds requested after that date will not be issued.