Which course meets a computer literacy requirement?

An introductory computing course on your college's list. NJIT says “Each student must complete a minimum of 3 credits in an introductory computing course covering the foundations of computational thinking.” and lists “CS 106 Introduction to Computing”; IU South Bend lists “CSCI-A 106 Introduction to Computing”. UPI Study's Introduction to Computing (Computer Science 235) and Computer Concepts and Applications (Computer Science 150) are self-paced introductory computing courses of this kind.

IU South Bend's outcomes include “Use productivity software for data analysis, presentation, and reporting”, and NJIT says “Each student should learn to use software and computing systems and to access, store, process, and analyze information as an essential aspect of critical thinking and problem solving.” Computer Concepts and Applications covers hardware, operating systems, files, networks, the internet, office software, databases and programming basics.

Its requirement is “Research and Computing Literacy | 7 Credits”, including “One 3-credit course or three 1-credit courses in computing or information technology”. Its 2025–2026 catalog listed “IFSM 201 Concepts and Applications of Information Technology (3) General education/research and computing literacy”; the 2026–2027 list names “Courses designated ARIN, CIFS, CMIT, CMSC, CSIA, CYOP, WDDE, or XRDE” and DATA 200, so ask UMGC which outside courses it matches.

Computer Concepts and Applications (Computer Science 150) covers computer hardware, operating systems, files, networks, the internet, online etiquette, office software, databases and programming basics. Introduction to Computing (Computer Science 235) covers application and system software, hardware, information systems, networks, databases, the web and programming logic.

Computer Concepts and Applications: NCCRS recommends 3 semester hours, lower division, in MIS among other subjects. Introduction to Computing: NCCRS recommends 3 semester hours, lower division, in Information Technology among other subjects.

Computer Concepts and Applications is longer by its syllabus. Computer Concepts and Applications: 20 chapters and 73 instructional hours. Introduction to Computing: 11 chapters and 43 instructional hours. Both are self-paced, so you finish as fast or as slow as you want.

No prerequisites are listed for Computer Concepts and Applications and Introduction to Computing, so the order is up to you and your program.

Each ends with 100 multiple-choice questions; Computer Concepts and Applications after 20 chapters, Introduction to Computing after 11.

No: neither is on the ACE list. Computer Concepts and Applications has an NCCRS recommendation for 3 semester hours in MIS; Introduction to Computing has an NCCRS recommendation for 3 semester hours in Information Technology. Not being on the ACE list never means not recommended for credit.

Yes, online: under light proctoring (no camera) if you already have 70% before it, otherwise under full proctoring. The quizzes and the assignment are open-book; the Computer Concepts and Applications final is not.

Yes. Computer Concepts and Applications is a separate course: enroll in it alone, study it online at your own pace, and send its transcript to your college.

ACE and NCCRS have over 2,100 cooperating colleges that will consider accepting credits; the final decision is with the universities. NCCRS recommends Introduction to Computing for 3 semester hours in areas including Information Technology, MIS and Liberal Studies, or as a General Education elective. Search your school in Find My College and ask whether it meets your computer literacy requirement. For the registrar: Computer Concepts and Applications's NCCRS recommendation lists MIS and Introduction to Computing's NCCRS recommendation lists Information Technology.