About the Software Quality Assurance Program
Launch or advance your career in Software Quality Assurance.
“Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.” - William A. Foster
In today’s technology-driven economy, software quality is mission-critical. From healthcare systems to financial platforms to advanced engineering applications, organizations rely on skilled Software Quality Assurance (QA) professionals to ensure reliability, compliance, and performance.
The Software Quality Assurance Certificate at UC San Diego Extended Studies prepares professionals with practical, job-ready skills in:
- Software testing methodologies
- Test automation fundamentals
- Release management
- DevOps tools and concepts
- Quality metrics and documentation
- Risk-based testing and regression testing
Why Earn a Software Quality Assurance Certificate?
Software testing and QA automation continues to grow due to:- Increased reliance on complex software systems
- Expansion of Agile and DevOps environments
- Rising need for automated testing frameworks
- Regulatory compliance requirements
- Accelerated software release cycles
- Shorten and streamline test turnaround times
- Improve software reliability
- Implement repeatable testing processes
- Interpret testing metrics effectively
- Collaborate across engineering teams
- Quality Assurance Engineer
- Software Test Analyst
- QA Automation Engineer
- Test Manager
- DevOps QA Specialist
- Software Quality Analyst
Employers seek professionals who understand both technical testing methodologies and process-driven quality systems.
What You Will Learn?
This comprehensive certificate equips you with in-demand skills across the full Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
Core Competencies Developed:
- Unit Testing
- Feature & Functional Testing
- Integration Testing
- Regression Testing
- Test Documentation & Traceability
- Process Establishment & Governance
- Automation & Scripting Fundamentals
- Risk Assessment & Test Metrics
- Agile & DevOps Testing Integration
Upon completion of the Software Quality Assurance Certificate, you will be able to:
- Understand and apply software development processes and release management practices
- Identify and implement testing types, methodologies, and stages across the SDLC
- Plan, write, execute, and document tests effectively
- Interpret data and QA metrics generated during testing
- Apply DevOps tools and concepts within QA workflows
Students gain hands-on experience with real-world tools and structured methodologies used across industries.
Why Choose This Program?
- Flexible learning options:
- Online and Live-online class format
- Designed for working professionals, the program allows you to balance career advancement with personal and professional commitments.
- Hands-on training with industry-relevant tools
- Immediately applicable, career-ready skills
- Career opportunities, access the dedicated Career Resources Hub with career information, job postings, events and tutorials
This program is designed to help you confidently compete for QA roles in high-growth sectors.
Perequisites
General knowledge of programming, a background in Computer Science, or professional experience in software development is desirable but not required.
This certificate welcomes both experienced professionals and motivated career changers entering the software quality assurance field.
Who Should Enroll?
This program is ideal for:
- Testers seeking to update their knowledge with modern testing procedures
- Developers interested in understanding QA methodologies and automation
- Managers working closely with QA and engineering teams
- Career changers preparing to enter the workforce as a Quality Assurance Engineer
Whether you are beginning your QA journey or advancing your expertise, this certificate provides structured training aligned with industry expectations.
Enroll today in the Software Quality Assurance Certificate at UC San Diego Extended Studies and advance your career in software quality engineering.
Software Quality Assurance
Required Courses
All three courses required and can be taken in any order
Elective Courses
One course required
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FAQs
Some electives are offered online using our online learning platform. You may click here for a tour of Learning Management System.
For more information on class formats you can click on each course in the matrix above, or go to “Frequently Asked Questions” under "Related Documents" on the right side of the top of this page. Classes in the matrix will indicate either in-person or online.
Students accepted into this program will take the two courses alongside Scripps Institution of Oceanography(SIO) graduate students in the Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) program in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation (MBC). The program will be completed over the established 9-week summer period (June 26- August 28, 2026), by taking the two required classes SIO-295S and SIO-295LS.
To begin your application, click on the "Apply Now" button on the certificate page. If you do not already have an Application Portal and a My Extension student account, you will be prompted to create one for each to complete your application. Once submitted, your application cannot be changed. You can track the progress of your application at My Extension.
Register at: Apply Now
Select the Program of Interest: Interdisciplinary Marine Conservation
Term: Summer 2026
Applications are open until April 30th, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to apply early as our available slots may fill. The application includes an application fee of $50 that can be paid with a major credit card. A deposit of $1,000 is required upon accepting the offer of admission. The remaining balance of US $18,995 is due by the start of the program. Payment plans are available.
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 Infotech@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 Infotech@ucsd.edu to make a request or for additional information.
Advisory Board
Skip Andrews
Enrico Bernardo
Donald Demuth
Victor Garcia
William Griswold, Ph.D.
Mark James
Johnathan Kies
Alicia McLain
Steven Wade
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