This program provides a comprehensive foundation in machine learning, combining Python programming, applied mathematics, and hands-on projects to develop and implement algorithms for regression, classification, clustering, dimensionality reduction, and deep neural networks. (A-G Approved)
FUTURES Programs
Career pathway programs for high school students to fulfill passions, explore new interests and gain hands-on experience before entering the workforce or applying for college.
Your Future Lies Just Ahead
Choosing the right college or career pathway is not an easy decision. The UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies Futures programs enable students to fulfill their passions, explore new interests and gain hands-on experience before they enter the workforce or apply for college. Each program is designed specifically for high school students. The cutting-edge coursework is taught by leading industry experts in high demand fields. All programs culminate in an Award of Completion issued by UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies for use on college applications and resumes.
Exciting news! Futures courses offered in partnership with high school locations may qualify for Career and Technical Education (CTE) course credit. High schools interested in providing CTE credit for select Futures courses are encouraged to reach out to us at precollege@ucsd.edu for more information and next steps.
Testimonials
Shape your future today in the areas of Computer Science, Business Management, Design and Life Sciences.
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Choose a Program to Get Started
Android Programming
This hands-on program teaches participants to design, code, debug, and test Android apps using Java and Android Studio, building skills for future studies or careers in programming.
Business Management
This program provides a practical foundation in business management, covering leadership, organizational behavior, marketing strategy, and decision-making through real-world case studies and hands-on skill development.
Digital Circuit Design
Explore the fundamentals of analog electronics, digital logic, and high-level description languages to design and build the digital circuits that drive today’s technology. (A-G Approved)
Front End Web Development
Gain the skills to design and build engaging, interactive, and responsive websites using HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and jQuery while applying professional coding practices and creative problem-solving.
iOS Programming
Get hands-on experience designing, coding, and testing dynamic iOS applications using Swift and Xcode, while building engaging, user-friendly interfaces and developing essential problem-solving and collaboration skills.
Marketing
Gain practical marketing skills and hands-on experience in strategy, branding, digital marketing, and market research while developing communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities for professional and personal growth.
Robotics with JavaScript
Learn to program robots using JavaScript, exploring automation, sensor data processing, and AI while gaining hands-on experience with Arduino-compatible robots and robotic simulations.
Translation and Interpretation
Gain advanced skills in Spanish-English translation and interpretation through intensive training designed to prepare bilingual students for professional certification and competitive opportunities.
Wireless Communications Technologist
Gain hands-on expertise in wireless technologies and digital media by exploring Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and advanced audio/video processing techniques.
About Futures
The UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies Futures initiative gives high school students the opportunity to explore career and college pathways through programs that offer practical and applied learning in high demand fields. Our courses and programs not only provide students with real-world skills and personal development, but also with opportunities for internships, professional employment, and educational advancement. These programs are specifically designed for high school students and adhere to the same rigor and standard of excellence upheld by the University.
All programs and initiatives coordinated by UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies and its units are designed and implemented in full compliance with Proposition 209 and the University of California Anti-Discrimination Policy. More information about Proposition 209 can be found here. More information about the University of California Anti-Discrimination Policy can be found here.
About the Department of Education and Community Outreach (ECO)
The Department of Education and Community Outreach offers a uniquely holistic and service-based approach to education, incorporating opportunities for students in PreK- postsecondary; parents; teachers and school personnel; community members; and adults over the age of 50. ECO attends to the needs of over 30,000 learners per annum in contextually grounded, dynamic and personalized ways, employing face-to-face, blended and online formats. Beyond courses, certificates and programs leading to professional licensure, ECO works with communities across the globe to cultivate capacity and to serve as catalysts for transformation.
ECO serves as home to a host of cutting-edge programs and initiatives aligned with the needs of education and industry, including Sally Ride Science, the Futures initiative, and the University of California Professional Development Institute (UCPDI), a system-wide applied research organization. ECO partners with schools, districts and postsecondary institutions across the United States in support of developing avenues for enhanced access, equity and inclusion in education. ECO also works cooperatively public libraries, YMCAs and other community-based organizations to bring to them the best of what the University of California has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students receive three (3) 90000-level pre-college units per course. Some participating high school locations accept these units to serve as elective units on students’ high school transcripts potentially being applied to high school graduation requirements. Contact your school counselor to confirm unit acceptance PRIOR to enrolling in the courses. In addition, some higher education institutions will accept these units as transferable units to be applied to undergraduate requirements. Please contact the institution as to specific guidelines on unit transfers. Students can request official transcripts from UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies to include in college applications and for professional pursuits.
Students enroll directly through the Futures website. Upon choosing a course within one of the program offerings, add the course to your cart and select your grading preference. Read and accept the terms and conduct policies to move forward with checkout. If you have a UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies student account, login to process your enrollment. If you do not have a UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies student account, create a new account here, then login with your new credentials. Follow the above steps until enrollment and payment is processed. If you have questions during this process, please contact Student Services at (858) 534-3400.
Visit UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies’s website and click order your transcript. Login with your student account credentials and follow the step-by-step prompts. If you have questions during this process, please contact Student Services at (858) 534-3400, option 3.
Yes, courses will be offered in sequential order as curriculum builds upon preceding courses.
Yes, payment plans are available on a case-by-case basis through UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies. Payments are evenly broken up prior to the start of a program and are automatically charged to a credit card on file one time per month. For more information on payment plans, please contact precollege@ucsd.edu.
Once students have completed all three required courses within a Futures program track, students need to request an audit of their completion status by emailing precollege@ucsd.edu. A UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies staff member will complete the audit and contact Extended Studies' Student Services team to process the Award of Completion. Awards of Completion will be mailed directly to the address listed in the student account.
Students are required to earn a C- or higher to receive credit for a course and apply the course toward the requirement to earn an award of completion.
Futures courses run in line with a traditional academic year with enrollment opening by August and classes running from approximately September to June. Some courses are also run in a compressed format during the summer, making it possible to complete all three courses during one summer.
Futures Advisory Committee
Assistant Dean at UC San Diego Extended Studies
Morgan Appel
Morgan Appel is Assistant Dean for Education and Community Outreach (ECO) at UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies, overseeing a diverse array of programming for PK-post retirement, including opportunities for students, practitioners, administrators, parents, and community stakeholders. He previously served as Director of Education Programs at UC Irvine’s Division of Continuing Education (DCE) following a research appointment at the Claire Trevor School of the Arts at UC Irvine. With expertise in education transformation and policy, Appel has worked with a number of school districts, universities, and research institutes to explore the impacts of legislated and organically-generated change agentry across segments of education. Professional specialties include gifted and talented education; the neuroscience of teaching and learning; arts integration; and organizational behavior in educational institutions. Beyond his current administrative appointment, Appel teaches a variety of courses at both UC San Diego and UC Irvine.
Assistant Director at UC San Diego Extended Studies
Megan Lancaster
Megan Lancaster is a dynamic and accomplished leader serving as Assistant Director within UC San Diego Extended Studies' Education and Community Outreach department. With expertise in strategic planning, program development, and outcome-driven evaluation, Megan spearheads initiatives that deliver transformative academic and enrichment opportunities, equipping students to excel in collegiate and professional pursuits. Before joining UC San Diego, Megan was the Program Supervisor for the Viejas Tribal Education Center, where she played a pivotal role in advancing educational programs tailored to the community's unique needs. Her extensive experience also includes teaching across K-12 levels in both public and private schools in the San Diego area, showcasing her versatility and commitment to educational excellence. Megan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from San Diego State University, along with a Single-Subject Teaching Credential in Social Science, a Multiple-Subject Teaching Credential, and a Master of Arts in Education from Azusa Pacific University. Her comprehensive academic background and dedication to student success make her a respected voice in the field of education and community outreach.
Instructor at UC San Diego Extended Studies
Jeff Allen
Born and raised in San Diego, Jeff Allen has maintained a deep interest in computers and technology since childhood. He started programming with languages like Fortran and Java before progressing to networking, robotics and web-based interests. Jeff holds a master’s degree in education with a California teaching credential in computer science. He taught A+ Computer Repair at Abraxas High School in Poway and Networking Fundamentals at Remington College, and he was the robotics advisor at Northview High School in Covina before coming to Poway Unified School District. He currently teaches programming, hardware and operating system courses. Jeff teaches the Space Out! and JavaScript courses for Sally Ride Science Junior Academy.
Instructor at UC San Diego Extended Studies
Tony Mauro
Tony Mauro currently teaches Computer Science, Machine Learning, and Digital Circuit Design at Canyon Crest Academy in Carmel Valley, CA., and founded NexStream Technical Education to provide enrichment opportunities in these areas to students and professionals looking to enhance their skill sets. His formal education is in Electrical Engineering where he completed his BSEE and MSEE degrees from the California Polytechnic University and the University of Southern California. He worked as a hardware, software and systems design engineer at Qualcomm Inc. for over 20 years where he was awarded over 20 patents. He joined the faculty at UCSD in 2022 where he develops curriculum and teaches with the Extended studies and Futures groups. He is also active in computer science and engineering pathways with the California Career Technical Education (CTE) program of study and contributes to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) to promote the fields to secondary students.
Instructor at UC San Diego Extended Studies
Amy Kaufman
Amy Kaufman, M.Ed., is a former Instructional Programs Administrator serving 30 high schools within five comprehensive high school districts. She has been an instructor at the high school, adult school and community college level. Currently, she is a CTE program facilitator and an educational technology designer and developer of online courses for the Orange County Department of Education. She has been the Vice President of the California Council on Adult Education - South Coast Section and brings many years of experience as an educator.
Instructor at UC San Diego Extended Studies
Elena Chirkova
Elena Chirkova has over 25 years of experience in fashion, modeling, and TV, along with 20+ years as a Career Technical Education (CTE) educator. Starting her journey as a professional model at 14, she worked with renowned European designers like Jean-Claude Bonucci, refining her skills in design and client collaboration. Elena holds a Master’s in Education and a Bachelor’s in Fashion, founding "Dance in Style" in 1998 to create ballroom dancewear, later expanding into skatewear and theater costume design. As an educator, she passionately mentors students, develops innovative CTE curricula, and contributes as a member of California Teachers Together.
Have Questions?
Fill out the below form or contact us directly at precollege@ucsd.edu or 858-534-0804.