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Certificate

Front End Development

Specialized Certificate

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About the Front End Development Program

Master Front-End Development: Build Stunning, Interactive Websites and Applications

Web development has rapidly evolved, leading to highly interactive and complex applications that require specialized skills. To manage this complexity, development work is typically divided into front-end and back-end functions. As a front-end developer, you serve as the bridge between designers and back-end developers, translating designs into functional, user-friendly web interfaces.

Our Front-End Development Program equips you with essential skills to create dynamic websites and applications. Through this program, you will gain hands-on experience in HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and industry-leading frameworks like React. Whether you are a begineer looking to build strong foundation in front-end development or a developer aiming to build interactive applications, this program is designed for you. To help you specialize in your area of interest, the program offers two distinct tracks: Front-End Engineer, focusing on coding and interactivity, and Front-End Designer, emphasizing UI/UX principles and visual design.

Learning Outcomes

  • Develop responsive websites and applications using HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and jQuery.
  • Master front-end frameworks and libraries such as React to build dynamic user interfaces.
  • Understand and apply principles of user interface (UI) design and user experience (UX) to create intuitive web applications.
  • Implement best coding practices for performance optimization, including sprites, caching, and modern development tools.
  • Build a high-quality portfolio to showcase your technical skills to potential employers.

Program Benefits

  • Hands-on Training: Comprehensive, practical learning experiences designed to immerse you in front-end development.
  • Industry-Driven Curriculum: Courses developed and taught by experienced professionals to ensure relevance to today’s job market.
  • Career Advancement: Acquire immediately applicable skills to launch or advance your career in web development.
  • Portfolio Development: Gain real-world experience and create a professional portfolio to impress potential employers.
  • Career Resources Hub: You will have access to dedicated Career Resources Hub with career information, job postings, events and tutorials.

Flexible Learning for Busy Schedules

Our self-paced online program is ideal for individuals with demanding schedules, offering a pay-per-course model that provides the flexibility to take as many or as few courses as you need each quarter. This allows you to balance your education with work and personal commitments. To begin, scroll down to the "Courses" section at the bottom of the page. While the program can be completed in 15 months, you have the option to extend it up to five years if needed.
 

Have Questions?

We're here to help!
Schedule a one-on-one appointment with the program manager to get personalized guidance or email us anytime at
infotech@ucsd.edu. Let’s explore how this program can help you achieve your career goals.
Online
15 months
You have 5 years maximum to complete the certificate
$3,670
Pay-per-course

Key Program Topics

This program covers a wide range of essential front-end development topics, including:
 
  • HTML & CSS Fundamentals: Learn how to structure and style web pages using modern HTML5 and CSS3 techniques.
  • JavaScript Essentials: Understand core JavaScript concepts, including variables, functions, and event handling.
  • Responsive Web Design: Build mobile-friendly websites using flexible layouts and media queries.
  • JavaScript Frameworks: Gain hands-on experience with React to create dynamic, component-based applications.
  • UI/UX Principles: Explore best practices for designing intuitive, user-friendly interfaces.
  • Performance Optimization: Implement strategies such as caching, minification, and code splitting to improve web performance.

Who Should Enroll?

  • Beginners: Who is aiming to build strong foundation in Front-end Development and start a career in software development.
  • Aspiring Front-End Developers: If you are looking to break into web development, this program is for you.
  • Web Designers: Strengthen your coding skills to implement graphical designs effectively.
  • Software Developers: Enhance your expertise in client-side development.
  • Freelancers & Entrepreneurs: Build interactive websites and applications for personal or business use

Take the first step toward becoming a skilled front-end developer. Enroll today and start building engaging web experiences!

How to Apply

Students may enroll in individual courses without applying to the certificate program. For students pursuing the certificate, there will be a one-time $95 certificate fee. Effective June 23, 2025 (Summer quarter), the certificate fee will increase to $125.
 

Get More Information

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

Front End Development
Classroom type:
Live Online
In-Person
Online
Hybrid
Download Course List

Required Courses

Front End Engineer

Front End Designer

Other courses of interest

Not required for certificate

San Diego Workforce Partnership

UC San Diego Extended Studies & Google Career Tech Certificates Program is a new program from the San Diego Workforce Partnership built to help you prepare for a career in the tech industry. You’ll earn a UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies certificate and a Google Career Certificate over 15 months. Additionally, the Partnership will support you with personalized career-readiness training and invitations to exclusive workshops, plus access to a network of employer partners to help you land a job upon program completion. With no upfront program costs and a 0% interest outcomes-based loan, you only pay back the loan amount if you are earning the equivalent of at least if you land a job making more than $40,000 a year.

Learn More

Visit The Virtual Career Hub Today To Unlock Your Benefits!

It's your one-stop shop for professional development and completely free.
Explore Careers

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.

STEP 1: Click on the "Apply Now" button on the certificate page. Complete the required fields on the application. Then click the "Save" button. Once you have saved the application, the "Submit" button will appear. Click on the "Submit" button to submit your application for review and consideration. Once submitted, your application cannot be changed. You can track the progress of your application at MyExtension. 

STEP 2: If you have a MyExtension student account, skip to Step 2. If you do not have a MyExtension account, go to myextension.ucsd.edu, click "Create an account" on the right side of the page, and follow the instructions to create an account. Once you have a MyExtension account, continue to Step 2.

Current application or certificate enrollment fees, if any, are listed under the “Apply Now” button on the certificate page on our website.
Yes, you may enroll in the program at any time. However, it is recommended that you enroll as soon as possible. The program curriculum may be updated at any time; if certificate requirements change, you must adhere to the curriculum at the time of your enrollment into the certificate. Enrolling in the certificate also gives you access to quarterly, personalized enrollment reminders from the program manager.
Yes! This program is designed for you to take it online in the convenience of your own home or office. All assignments, tests, and quizzes can be completed online and submitted through our Learning Management System. Our online course are asynchronous, you can login and complete your work 24/7. Typically, each instructor has weekly lectures (audio recorded and posted on the website along with a powerpoint presentation), readings, projects, assignments and discussion board topics that need to be completed by certain due dates.
You officially have five years from when you begin taking courses in the program to complete all requirements for the certificate.
If you have taken a course from an accredited university covering the learning objectives of a program course, you may be able to transfer your previous coursework to Extended Studies. If you have not taken a course elsewhere, but already have the skills covered in a course, you may be able to substitute an alternate Extended Studies course in its place. Please contact the program representative at infotech@ucsd.edu or 858-534-1566 for more information.
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.
Yes. Our programs are designed to be working-student friendly and most of our students are working professionals. The courses vary between two and three units, which amount to approximately 18-20 hours of class time for a two unit course and 27-30 hours of class time for a three unit course.
UC San Diego is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies - like all other UC San Diego schools, colleges, and departments - is accredited by WASC through the University. All courses and certificate programs offered by UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies have been developed and are administered in accordance with Extension policy and the regulations of the Academic Senate of the University of California. 
When you have paid your certificate fee and successfully completed all program requirements, you will need to request an audit by Student Services. To request an audit:
  • In your MyExtension account, click on “My Courses.”
  • On the right side of the page under “My Certificates,” click on the name of the certificate.
  • On the right side of the page under “Tools,” click on “Request Certificate Audit.”
  • Complete and submit the form that appears.
Once you have formally submitted your audit request, your certificate will be mailed to the address we have on file for you within ten business days.
No, we do not currently offer job placement assistance or internships. 
  • UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies offers continuing education loans through UC Approved Lenders. Each institution offers low competitive interest rates and flexible payment options. You are also encouraged to contact your personal financial institution about possible lending solutions. Direct links to UC Approved Lenders can be found on our website’s Financial Resources page.
  • The Employment Development Department (EDD) provides a comprehensive range of employment and training services in partnership with state and local agencies/organizations. More information is available on their website at edd.ca.gov.
  • Career Centers Located throughout San Diego County offer their communities comprehensive employment and training services benefiting both business and job seekers. More information is available on their website at workforce.org.
  • Please click here for information about Veteran’s Benefits.
  • Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) funds are limited to degree programs only, and cannot be used for courses or certificate fees at UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies.

Advisory Board

William Griswold, Ph.D

Professor, Computer Science and Engineering
UC San Diego

Edwin Lap

Founder and CEO
Cofa Media Inc.

Norman McEntire

Owner
Servin Corporation

Thomas Powell

Founder & President, Pint.com
UC San Diego Lecturer

Bret Stateham

Developer Evangelist
Microsoft

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