Skip to Content
Certificate

C/C++ Programming

Specialized Certificate

Apply Now Request Info

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
$2,995
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

How to Apply

This certificate requires an application before taking any courses. There will be a $0.00 fee to apply to this program. Students will be required to pay a $95.00 fee upon acceptance to start their certificate program.

Get More Information

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

C/C++ Programming
Classroom type:
Live Online
In-Person
Online
Hybrid
Download Course List

Prerequisite

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

Required Courses

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

Other Courses of Interest

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.

Related Documents

FAQs

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.
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.
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.
 
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.
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.
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.
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

Related Programs

C# Programming

Introduction to the C# programming language and exposure to real-world scenarios that will help build the confidence needed to succeed.

iOS Programming

This certificate is geared towards beginners in the app development field as well as the professional software developers hoping to gain specialized skills in iOS programming.

Java Programming

Provides concentrated study and working knowledge of the Java programming language as well as object-oriented programming and design.