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Certificate

Wireless Communications Technologist

Specialized Certificate

About the Wireless Communications Technologist Program

As we navigate an increasingly interconnected world, the demand for skilled professionals in wireless communications is on the rise. Our specialized certificate program will equip you with the knowledge and expertise needed to design, implement, and troubleshoot complex wireless networking systems that enable seamless communication across industries.

What You'll Achieve: The Skills That Matter

  • Understand FCC rules and regulations
  • Learn about the different system architectures, lifecycles, and connectivity
  • Gain experience with Implementation and Troubleshooting

But it's not just about the skills – our program can lead to exciting career opportunities within communications companies. You'll develop technical aptitude that translates into real-life scenarios for mission-critical applications. Plus, you'll have access to:

  • Internship elective courses to gain practical experience
  • The Career Resources Hub, offering career information, job postings, events and tutorials

Apply for Our Grant Program

Apply Now


We're excited to announce that we've partnered with the Motorola Solutions Foundation to offer a unique opportunity for 13 individuals in southern California to gain access to our specialized certificate program in Wireless Communications Technologist at no cost. This grant will provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a rapidly growing industry.

What We're Looking For

We're committed to supporting young adults who have been excluded from STEM careers, so if you identify as an adult or young adult living in southern California without a college degree, we want to hear from you!

Scholarship Qualification Criteria

  • Adult or young adult
  • No college degree required
  • Located in the southern California region

How to Apply for the Grant

Don't miss this chance! Follow these easy steps:

  1. Complete Your Application: Fill out our online application with all required information by July 1st, 2025.

  2. Get to Know Us: Join a short online session where we'll introduce ourselves and answer any questions you may have.

  3. Final Decision: We'll review your application and notify you of the outcome via email.

Program Details

Our program is delivered live online and in person at UC San Diego Extended Studies, with options for both remote and on-campus attendance. You can choose how to learn best – it's up to you!

Online Courses for Non-Grant Students

If you're not part of our grant award, don't worry! Our online courses offer the same curriculum as our in-person program, so you can still gain valuable skills without having to attend classes on campus.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the program administrator at mlplavsich@ucsd.edu for assistance during the application process. We're here to help!

Online
for Non-Grant Students
9 months
or 3 quarters.
$2,275
Includes only required courses and one elective. Certificate fee not included.

Why Take This Program?

Upcoming shortages in skilled professionals and new opportunities in the public safety communication systems industry will require more skilled professionals over the next several years. As 5G systems, fiber, and broadband networks become the North American Standard, this field is being exponentially broadened across the industry - and companies such as Motorola Solutions, Motorola Solutions Service Partner Community, Harris, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and local municipalities who maintain their own systems will need to expand their workforce as needs arise.
 

Gain Practical Experience 

As part of the elective courses in this certificate, you may participate in an internship program. Gain practical, real-world experience with the nation's top Wireless Engineering companies.

Visit the internship course page to get more information.

Who Can Qualify

  • New high school graduates

  • College students

  • Military separation

  • Career changers looking to join the workforce as Wireless Communications Technologists

  • Career advancers

Where Should I Start?

Students can follow two course options depending on their current work experience:

New To The Field

Students with no experience in technology, it is recommended they take the 2 core courses and may choose one (1) among the following electives: 

Previous Experience 

Students with some experience in the field, may take the core courses to refresh their knowledge and one (1) elective in the program. 

Wireless Communications Technologist

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

Required

All required

Electives

Only One Required

Looking To Become An Internship Partner?

Gain access to a wide pool of incoming talent.

To Become a Partner:

  • Sign an agreement with UC San Diego Extended Studies
  • Provide a certificate of liability insurance
  • Provide a website link for students to apply

Looking To Participate In The Internship?

Work With The Top Wireless Communications Companies

In this 120-hour in-person internship, you will learn how to diagnose, troubleshoot, discuss and resolve wireless communication equipment. In order to qualify for the internship, you must be registered in the Certificate Program, and be enrolled in at least 1 required course. You must apply directly with the desired company, and upon acceptance, may then enroll in the Internship Course.

Made In Collaboration with Motorola Solutions' Service Advisory Council

This program was made in collaboration with Motorola Solutions' Service Advisory Council and their team of experts.






Visit The Virtual Career Hub Today To Unlock Your Benefits!

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Advisory Board

Roger Cassell

President and CEO
Talk CEI

Sal Decina

Sr. Service Specialist & Technical Compliance Consultant
Motorola Solutions

Kerm McPherson

Vice President of Service Operations,
Day Wireless Systems

Sean O'Neal

Business Development Manager- West Region
Motorola Solutions

Milan Plavsich

Senior Director of Engineering
Qualcomm Technologies Inc.

Ramesh Rao, Dr.

Director of the Qualcomm Institute
UCSD Div of the CA Inst for Telecom & Info Tech (Calit2)

Erika Widegren

Sr. Analyst Managed and Support Services
Motorola Solutions

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