About the Software Quality Assurance Program
“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 recent years, Quality Assurance (QA) has developed a well-defined set of methodologies, and techniques, and has grown into a field of its own. Though QA was considered a sub-discipline of test or product management in the past, the growing need for companies to automate and streamline their testing processes evolved the importance of QA.
The Quality Assurance professional must be skilled not only in what was before recognized as software testing, or other testing areas like integration testing, but in variety of very special skills. These skills range from scripting languages (for writing automation scripts), system and web administration, and certain aspects of project management, to unit testing. Companies in the medical industry (Illumina, B&D), banks and big insurance companies (Citibank, American Specialized Health), and engineering companies have constant openings in this field. Though job descriptions vary, all of them require familiarity with software processes and testing techniques, consequently enabling shorter and more reliable test turnaround times.
The Software Quality Assurance certificate will provide effective tools and knowledge for those involved in all stages of Software Development and testing process: Unit testing, Feature testing, Integration testing and Regression testing. The certificate program will teach the skills necessary to ensure that testing is well documented, processes established, and results are correctly interpreted and are repeatable. The required and elective courses are well-rounded, enabling those enrolling in the Software Quality Assurance certificate to satisfy the requirements for job openings in any of the above mentioned areas of QA.
Learning Objectives
- Understand and apply Software development processes and release management
- Learn testing types, methodologies, stages, and application to software life cycle
- Hands-on experience with planning, writing and running tests
- Interpret data and metrics obtained during testing process
- Exposure to DevOps tools and concepts
Prerequisites
General knowledge in programming or a background in Computer Science or professional experience in software development is desirable but not required.
Who Will Benefit
- Testers to update their knowledge in testing procedures used in the industry
- Developers interested in understanding the methodologies used in QA
- Managers that work closely with QA department
- Career Changers planning to join the job force as a Quality Assurance Engineer.
Program Benefits
- Online and in-class formats available
- Hands-on training with tools and methodologies relevant to the industry
- Immediately applicable skills that satisfies the requirements of current job openings
- Taught by leading industry practitioners
- You will have access to dedicated Career Resources Hub with career information, job postings, events and tutorials
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 2 courses alongside Scripps Institution of Oceanography(SIO) Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) degree in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation (MBC) students. 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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