About the RF Engineering Program
Become an RF Engineering Expert: Build the Future of Connectivity
In today’s rapidly evolving world, wireless communication is transforming industries and daily life. From Bluetooth devices and video game controllers to GPS navigation and satellite TV, radio frequency (RF) technology powers it all. As RF Engineering reshape global connectivity, there has never been a more exciting time to master this field.
The RF Engineering Specialized Certificate provides engineers with the essential skills to excel in both the commercial and military sectors. Learn how to design cutting-edge RF circuits that are energy-efficient, high-performance, and cost-effective, enabling the next generation of wireless technology. This program equips you with hands-on knowledge to create RF subsystems, design integrated circuits, and master the fundamentals of RF systems.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this program, you will:- Understand the unique design requirements at RF frequencies.
- Differentiate between RF circuit, integrated circuit (IC), and system design needs.
- Master the design of RF blocks and systems, including calculating system characteristics.
- Be ready to tackle RF challenges in industries ranging from telecom to aerospace.
Program Benefits
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers everything from RF parameters and device theory to system impairments and performance.
- Specilized Electives: You have the opportunity to explore specialized topics such as mixed signal design, advanced antenna modeling, and microwave transmission engineering that gives you the flexibility to focus on the most relevant aspects of RF engineering to suit your professional goals.
- Industry-Relevant Skills: Stay ahead in a fast-paced industry with advanced topics in RF system architectures and sub-systems requirements.
- Flexible Learning: Gain introductory theory as well as advanced knowledge in specific RF topics.
- Practical Training: Combine theory with practical exercises to reinforce learning.
- Career Opportunities: RF engineers are in high demand in fields such as telecommunications, defense, consumer electronics, and automotive industries.
- Experienced Instructors: Courses taught by experienced instructors and industry professionals with extensive expertise in the RF engineering field, ensuring that you gain insights from real-world applications and the latest industry practices.
- 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 unexengr@ucsd.edu. Let’s explore how this program can help you achieve your career goals.
Key Program Topics
- RF Parameters: Fundamentals of frequency, impedance, and gain.
- Passive and Active Components: Dive deep into the roles of inductors, capacitors, diodes, and transistors.
- RF Devices Theory: Explore the theory behind RF amplifiers, coupling structures, filters, and oscillators.
- RF System Architectures: Learn about overall system design, including common system impairments and performance characteristics.
- Advanced Topics: such as Antenna Design and Simulation, Microwave Test & Measurement, RF PLL Synthesizers, and Mixed Signal Design.
Who Should Enroll?
This program is ideal for you if you have a foundation in electronics or telecommunications, and/or a background in electrical or computer engineering, and are looking to expand your expertise in RF engineering. If you lack this background, you can start with Electronics and Telecommunications Review (ECE-40289), RF Principles and Applications (EE-40137). If you already have this foundation, you may proceed with the required courses—no waiver is needed.
RF Engineering
Prerequisites
If you have prerequisite knowledge you may enroll in required courses, no waiver is needed.
Required courses
All three are required and can be taken in any order.
Electives
Choose two
Other Courses of Interest
Not required to earn this certificate.
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Conditions for Admission
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.
FAQs
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 Extension course in its place. Send your request to substitute one of the program courses to unexengr@ucsd.edu. In your request, indicate which course you would like to take and which course it would substitute. Include how a substitution may better meet your professional or employment needs. The class should align with the overall student learning outcomes of this certificate. As previously mentioned only one waiver total can be granted per certificate. Requests for these considerations require departmental approval. Contact unexengr@ucsd.edu to make a request or for additional information.
Related Programs
Antenna Engineering
Digital Signal Processing
