Certificate

C/C++ Programming

Specialized Certificate

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About the C/C++ Programming Program

This certificate program approaches the C++ programming language as an extension of the C language. C++ adds object-oriented programming capabilities to the traditional C development environment. This approach allows UCSD Extension to provide extended programming capabilities and experience to both novice and seasoned programmers by utilizing the full complement of C/C++ utilities and development environment. The certificate is designed to allow students to enter and be productive in the fields of programming, software analysis, algorithm design, object-oriented software development, or software test and integration. Students will also gain the tools and techniques necessary to stay current with rapidly changing technologies, move on to other environments like Java, or complement a formal degree. Upon completion of the program, students will be well prepared to design, develop, implement, and maintain complex C/C++ applications in various environments.

Online

12 months

15 months if taking the prerequisite

$3,025

Excludes textbooks and materials

Program Highlights

Can be completed entirely online
Designed for current industry standards
Covers all major C and C++ concepts as well as numerous standard library items
Teaches procedural and object-oriented programming techniques
Focuses on efficiency, portability, and implementation independence
Explores concepts applied to real world situations
Addresses standard programming style and documentation
Utilizes instructor-written custom course readers focused on course content
Provides structured curriculum taught by experienced industry practitioners

Program Benefits

Gain proficiency in C and C++ language syntax and application development
Apply object-oriented design principles to several major C++ projects
Gain experience using an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for program development and testing
Learn various techniques for debugging programs
Earn a UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies certificate recognized by many employers for career development and advancement

For detailed information, please contact our Science & Technology department.

C/C++ Programming

Prerequisite

For students with little to no programming experience. Not required to complete this program. No department waiver necessary.

Introduction to Programming

CSE-40028

Units: 3.00

$725.00

Obtain the foundational skills needed to begin your goal of becoming a programmer. This course introduces first-time programmers to basic programming techniques and principles using the popular Python Programming language. Python's simple syntax is similar to the English language making it easy to comprehend and allows programmers to write code with fewer lines. This course serves as a good starting point for students looking to further their training in the Python programming language. Course Highlights: Rules and syntax applicable to a modern programming language Understanding and...

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Required Courses

All four (4) required. Courses must be taken in the order listed. Twelve (12) units required.

C/C++ Programming I : Fundamental Programming Concepts

CSE-40475

Units: 3.00

$745.00

With an emphasis on the syntax, semantics and structured programming style, this class examines the C and C++ programming languages. Students will learn to create and compile basic programs using C/C++. Course Highlights: Writing and debugging programs Preprocessor Standard library functions Fundamental data types Operators Flow control statements Functions Arrays and pointers Strings Dynamic storage allocation Structures Classes File operations Course Learning Outcomes: Understand basic C and C++ concepts Ability to read, write and debug elementary C and C++ code Obtain working knowledge...

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C/C++ Programming II : Dynamic Memory and File I/O Concepts

CSE-40476

Units: 3.00

$745.00

Building upon C/C++ Programming I, level II will provide you with a further understanding of the C and C++ programming languages. Topics include: the run-time environment, advanced I/O features, advanced pointer and array concepts, basic data structures, efficiency and portability, the Standard C Library, and debugging techniques. Course Highlights: Bitwise operations Executive environment Recursion Advanced array and pointer concepts Storage map equations Dynamic pointer array allocation State diagrams and state machines Sorting and searching Lists, trees and hashings Data representation...

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C/C++ Programming III : Intermediate Programming with Objects

CSE-40477

Units: 3.00

$745.00

This course will emphasize using objecte oriented analysis and design techniques to learn the C++ programming language. Students completing the course will learn C++ syntax, how to make use of the C++ standard library, and how to design and implement custom types that extend the standard library. Course Highlights: Object oriented analysis and design Program structure, functions and variables Classes in-depth Operator overloading Inheritance Exceptions and templates Standard library string and vector Streams The Standard Template Library (STL) Two projects designed to expose the student to...

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C/C++ Programming IV: Advanced Programming with Objects

CSE-40478

Units: 3.00

TBD

Expanding on serveral topics in C++ Programming III, this course encompasses object-oriented analysis, design, and programming. Additionally, advanced memory management, stream and file I/O, persistence, multiple inheritance, advanced polymorphic programming, templates, STL libraries, C++ style, and efficiency will also be covered. Course Highlights: Generic programming and the C++ standard library Exception, safety issues and techniques The transactional memory model Class design and inheritance Compilers, names and interfaces Memory management Traps, pitfalls and anti-idioms Functors and...

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Other Courses of Interest

Data Structures and Algorithms in C/C++

CSE-40049

Units: 3.00

$745.00

Looking to improve your programming skills? Our course on fundamental algorithms and data structures can help you out. You'll learn how to write scalable code that performs well with large data sets, and also discover how to identify hidden performance bottlenecks. Although we use C/C++ in our course, the concepts taught apply to all programming languages and software development domains. After taking our course, you'll have the fundamental knowledge needed to answer algorithm and data structure questions that commonly come up in programming job interviews. Don't miss this opportunity to...

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Demand and Job Prospects

Industries employing people with C and C++ programming skills include: Professional, Scientific, Technical Services, Finance, and Insurance
Job titles include: Embedded Systems Engineer, Software Developer, C++ Programmer, C++ Developer, Programmer/Analyst, Firmware Engineer
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median salary range for Software Developers in 2023 as 138K nationally - 178K in California annually
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported job growth rate for Software Developers in 2023 through 2033 at 17%

Who Will Benefit

Developers looking to refresh their C and C++ competencies
Non-programmers learning programming to enhance their careers
Managers and QA who work with programmers and desire a better understanding of C and C++
Career changers seeking to join the workforce as programmers
Computer Science undergraduates seeking an MS degree

Conditions for Admission

Complete the application and pay application fee. UC San Diego Extension programs are designed to best serve college-prepared working professionals. Although programs are open to all adult learners, where program capacity is limited, applicants with this profile will receive preference for admission.

Next Steps Experience

Upon completion of this certificate, consider taking the course CSE-40049 Data Structures and Algorithms in C/C++ to continue building your skills.

EDC Preferred Provider

The San Diego Regional EDC's Advancing San Diego program is designed to address talent shortages in STEM positions. Students of our program will be eligible for fully-funded internships at San Diego small companies. Learn more about the program by visiting AdvancingSD.com.

FAQs

Are Soft Skills available to students for their professional development under this program?

To advance in today’s competitive job market, in addition to your technical skills, employers are seeking candidates who possess soft skills including self-awareness, communication skills, team building, EQ, Leadership and Management etc. Our Corporate and Community Relations team offers a wide array of workshops, webinars, and executive programs designed to develop strong professional skills applicable across all industries. Participants will be able to implement the skills learned immediately upon completion of their training.

To get more detail on what they have to offer, we encourage you to visit our Leadership and Management Essentials webpage.

How do I enroll in a course?

To enroll into a class, click on the class link in the matrix and that will take you to that class page. There you can find the start date for that course, and you can click on “Add to Cart” which will lead you to complete the registration/payment process.

Is this program in-class or online?

The courses alternate between in-class and online offerings per quarter. All in-class courses use a blended approach, meaning that they combine face-to-face classroom methods with computer-mediated learning activities. For online classes, all assignments and test/quizzes are completed online and submitted through Canvas, our online learning platform.

Can the programming prerequisite be waived if I have taken a programming course elsewhere or have equivalent working knowledge?

The prerequisite is not required in order to complete the prerequisite. However, it serves as a guideline to students as to the level of knowledge required for students enrolling into the first required course in this program. Those with little to no programming experience must take the Introduction to Programming course prior to enrolling in C/C++ Programming I. Those who wish to skip the prerequisite may do so without a department waiver. Please email infotech@ucsd.edu if you would like to see the syllabus of the prerequisite course.

How long does it take to complete the certificate?

Students who choose to take one course per quarter for 5 consecutive quarters can complete the program in 15 months. Students who do not need the prerequisite course CSE-40028 Introduction to Programming can complete the program in 1 year. You have up to five years to complete all requirements for the certificate.

Is this certificate program open to non-California residents?

Yes, the program is open to non-California residents, including non-US residents. The tuition is the same for all students. If you have questions about how enrolling in courses may or may not affect your visa status, please contact our International Department at ipinfo@ucsd.edu or (858) 534-6784.

How can I get more information about this program?

You will find a downloadable program flyer and program FAQs under "Related Documents" on the right side of the top of this page. If you need further information, please contact the program representative at 858-534-9152 or infotech@ucsd.edu.

Advisory Board

Godfrey Duke

Software Engineering

Raytheon

James Gappy

Sr. Software Engineer

Sony

William Griswald, Ph.D.

Professor

UC San Diego Computer Science and Engineering

Pierre Huguet

Chief Executive Officer

Delange Intelligence Services

Michele Leroux Bustamante

CIO

Solliance

Riyad Mammadov

Director of Applications Development

XDimensional Technologies

Raymond Mitchell, Jr.

Software Engineering

independent Consultant

Bruce Schurter

Principal Software Engineer

Wildcat Discovery Technologies

Zoiner Tejada

CTO

Solliance

Walter Wesley

Department Chair

Mesa College

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About the C/C++ Programming Program

Program Highlights

Program Benefits

How to Apply

Get More Information

C/C++ Programming

Prerequisite

Introduction to Programming

Required Courses

C/C++ Programming I : Fundamental Programming Concepts

C/C++ Programming II : Dynamic Memory and File I/O Concepts

C/C++ Programming III : Intermediate Programming with Objects

C/C++ Programming IV: Advanced Programming with Objects

Other Courses of Interest

Data Structures and Algorithms in C/C++

Demand and Job Prospects

Who Will Benefit

Conditions for Admission

Next Steps Experience

EDC Preferred Provider

FAQs

Advisory Board

Godfrey Duke

James Gappy

William Griswald, Ph.D.

Pierre Huguet

Michele Leroux Bustamante

Riyad Mammadov

Raymond Mitchell, Jr.

Bruce Schurter

Zoiner Tejada

Walter Wesley

Related Programs

C# Programming

iOS Programming

Java Programming