Short-Term IT Certificate Programs

Looking to launch or grow a career in IT—without the time or cost of a full degree?

Columbus State Community College's Short-Term IT Certificate programs are non-credit, so you can build job-ready skills in as little as 30–35 weeks, at a fraction of the cost of the same courses taken for college credit.

Gain hands-on experience, build a portfolio, and complete a real-world capstone project—all with real employer demand in Central Ohio.

\n \n Program Features \n Non-credit training: Build job-ready skills without earning college credit—these programs cost significantly less than the same coursework taken as part of an associate degree.

Cohort model: Courses are offered sequentially, allowing students to progress together as a group.

Flexible format: 100% online classes meet weekly via Zoom, with sessions recorded for later viewing—built to fit around the schedules of working adults.

Instructor support: Study sessions are held virtually, via Zoom, based on student and instructor availability.

\n \n Upcoming Programs: \n \n Cybersecurity (34-weeks) September 15 – June 15, 2027, $3,595 (Each course billed separately) \n Be the front line of digital defense: safeguard networks, systems, and data \n Upon completion, you'll earn a microcredential in Python Fundamentals, and prepared to take the optional ISC2 Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) certification exam.

\n \n What You'll Learn \n\n \n Querying databases using SQL \n\n\n \n Managing and protecting Linux systems \n\n\n \n Understanding networking fundamentals and secure communication protocols \n\n\n \n Scripting with Python for automation and security tasks \n\n\n \n Implementing security controls for confidentiality, integrity, and availability \n\n\n \n Applying real-world defensive strategies via a culminating SSCP-aligned capstone project \n\n \n Who Should Enroll \n\n \n IT professionals seeking a transition into cybersecurity \n\n\n \n Career changers looking to enter a high-growth field \n\n\n \n Students pursuing SSCP certification and foundational cybersecurity roles \n\n\n \n Individuals interested in security operations, system protection, and threat mitigation.

\n\n \n \n Artificial Intelligence Certificate (30 weeks) October 7th – May 26, 2027, $2,600 (Each course billed separately) \n \n What You’ll Learn \n Practical experience applying: \n\n \n Computer Vision \n\n\n \n Generative AI \n\n\n \n Natural Language Processing \n\n \n Strengthen your understanding of mathematical, statistical, and logical reasoning, and complete a capstone project and learning portfolio to demonstrate your ability to apply AI solutions to real-world problems.

\n \n Who Should Enroll \n\n \n Students with a working knowledge of Relational Databases, SQL, and Python programming.

\n\n\n \n Students who have completed Columbus State’s IT certificate programs in Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, or Software Development — or have equivalent certifications, degrees or experience.

\n\n \n \n Ready to Get Started?

\n Email: \n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n PIa17430eff1f9-25405-41441334