Program Overview

Program Overview

The C/C++ Programming certificate program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the C and C++ programming languages. This program approaches the C++ programming language as an extension of the C language, adding object-oriented programming capabilities to the traditional C development environment.

Program Details

• The program is offered entirely online and can be completed in 12 months, or 15 months if taking the prerequisite course.
• The tuition fee for the program is $3,025, excluding textbooks and materials.
• The program is designed to allow students to enter and be productive in the fields of programming, software analysis, algorithm design, object-oriented software development, or software test and integration.

Program Highlights

• The program can be completed entirely online.
• It is designed for current industry standards.
• It covers all major C and C++ concepts as well as numerous standard library items.
• It teaches procedural and object-oriented programming techniques.
• It focuses on efficiency, portability, and implementation independence.
• It explores concepts applied to real-world situations.
• It addresses standard programming style and documentation.
• It utilizes instructor-written custom course readers focused on course content.
• It provides a structured curriculum taught by experienced industry practitioners.

Program Benefits

• Gain proficiency in C and C++ language syntax and application development.
• Apply object-oriented design principles to several major C++ projects.
• Gain experience using an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for program development and testing.
• Learn various techniques for debugging programs.
• Earn a UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies certificate recognized by many employers for career development and advancement.

Admission Criteria

• Complete the application and pay the application fee.
• UC San Diego Extended Studies 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.

Prerequisite

• For students with little to no programming experience, the Introduction to Programming course (CSE-40028) is recommended but not required.

Required Courses

• C/C++ Programming I: Fundamental Programming Concepts (CSE-40475)
• C/C++ Programming II: Dynamic Memory and File I/O Concepts (CSE-40476)
• C/C++ Programming III: Intermediate Programming with Objects (CSE-40477)
• C/C++ Programming IV: Advanced Programming with Objects (CSE-40478)

Other Courses of Interest

• Data Structures and Algorithms in C/C++ (CSE-40049)

Demand and Job Prospects

• Industries employing people with C and C++ programming skills include Professional, Scientific, Technical Services, Finance, and Insurance.
• Job titles include Embedded Systems Engineer, Software Developer, C++ Programmer, C++ Developer, Programmer/Analyst, Firmware Engineer.
• The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median salary range for Software Developers in 2023 as $138K nationally - $178K in California annually.
• The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported job growth rate for Software Developers in 2023 through 2033 at 17%.

Who Will Benefit

• Developers looking to refresh their C and C++ competencies.
• Non-programmers learning programming to enhance their careers.
• Managers and QA who work with programmers and desire a better understanding of C and C++.
• Career changers seeking to join the workforce as programmers.
• Computer Science undergraduates seeking an MS degree.

Next Steps Experience

Upon completion of this certificate, consider taking the course CSE-40049 Data Structures and Algorithms in C/C++ to continue building your skills.

Advisory Board

The advisory board consists of industry professionals and academics, including:

• Godfrey Duke, Software Engineering, Raytheon
• James Gappy, Sr. Software Engineer, Sony
• William Griswald, Ph.D., Professor, UC San Diego Computer Science and Engineering
• Pierre Huguet, Chief Executive Officer, Delange Intelligence Services
• Michele Leroux Bustamante, CIO, Solliance
• Riyad Mammadov, Director of Applications Development, XDimensional Technologies
• Raymond Mitchell, Jr., Software Engineering, independent Consultant
• Bruce Schurter, Principal Software Engineer, Wildcat Discovery Technologies
• Zoiner Tejada, CTO, Solliance
• Walter Wesley, Department Chair, Mesa College

Related Programs

• .NET Development with C#
• Java Programming
• Python Programming

FAQs

• Are Soft Skills available to students for their professional development under this program?
  • Yes, the Corporate and Community Relations team offers a wide array of workshops, webinars, and executive programs designed to develop strong professional skills applicable across all industries.
• How do I enroll in a course?
  • To enroll in a class, click on the class link in the matrix and that will take you to that class page. There you can find the start date for that course, and you can complete the registration/payment process.
• Is this program in-class or online?
  • The courses alternate between in-class and online offerings per quarter. All in-class courses use a blended approach, meaning that they combine face-to-face classroom methods with computer-mediated learning activities.
• Can the programming prerequisite be waived if I have taken a programming course elsewhere or have equivalent working knowledge?
  • The prerequisite is not required in order to complete the prerequisite. However, it serves as a guideline to students as to the level of knowledge required for students enrolling into the first required course in this program.
• How long does it take to complete the certificate?
  • Students who choose to take one course per quarter for 5 consecutive quarters can complete the program in 15 months. Students who do not need the prerequisite course CSE-40028 Introduction to Programming can complete the program in 1 year. You have up to five years to complete all requirements for the certificate.
• Is this certificate program open to non-California residents?
  • Yes, the program is open to non-California residents, including non-US residents. The tuition is the same for all students.
• How can I get more information about this program?
  • You will find a downloadable program flyer and program FAQs under "Related Documents" on the right side of the top of this page. If you need further information, please contact the program representative.