VLSI Engineering

Silicon Valley's Most Comprehensive IC Curriculum

UCSC Extension in Silicon Valley offers the VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) Engineering Certificate Program for professionals working in the integrated circuit, ASIC, semiconductor, EDA, device and system industries. With more than 20 cutting-edge courses, our VLSI curriculum includes the most complete integrated circuit courses of any school in the area.

Lab-Based Instructional Environment

At our new Santa Clara facility, students build practical experience using the latest EDA tools on Linux, in our fully upgraded state-of-the-art VLSI Lab. Our courses do not just focus on the tools but also offer an overall understanding of the design methodology and flows. Studying here you will benefit from:

  • Compute server with quad-core CPU and high memory
  • Real EDA tools used by professionals in the field
  • Lab integrated with lectures
  • Real-world test cases for practice
  • Lab available for access whenever building is open

 

Keep Pace with Industry Developments

Our instructors are working professionals who are experts in their disciplines. So course content reflects what is really going on in the industry. They share real-world, applied knowledge to help you expand and solidify your skills. We cover hardware specification, logic design, verification, synthesis, physical implementation, circuit design, testing and manufacturing integrated circuit products.

Benefits of Studying at UCSC Extension

  • Hands-on learning of marketable skills
  • Up-to-date knowledge of best design practices
  • Interactions with instructors
  • UC-quality curriculum
  • Convenient location and schedule

 

Who Should Attend This Program

We offer the opportunity for individuals to acquire skills in different areas which helps them grow expertise and advance careers.

  • Technical professionals can count on us to provide the training needed to achieve cost, schedule and customer requirements on their jobs.
  • Entry level engineers can acquire hands-on knowledge in VLSI development while networking with fellow students and teaching staff.

Prerequisites

You will need a degree in a technical field or equivalent knowledge acquired through training and experience in hardware design and development. Experience with UNIX and/or LINUX is required for the lab sessions. Knowledge of a programming language (e.g., C, Perl or Bash Shell) may be helpful.

Recommended Course Sequence

It is recommended that you take at least one course from the 'Design Methodology' category. Other courses can be taken based on your interests and professional levels. For beginners, take 'Introduction' courses before 'Advanced'.

Note: Some courses may be listed in more than one program, however, only one course may be shared between two Engineering and Technology certificate programs unless otherwise noted.

Benefits of Declaring Candidacy

We encourage you to establish candidacy in a certificate program early in your studies. There are substantial benefits in doing so:

  • Curriculum changes subsequent to the date your application is received will not affect your course requirements.
  • Candidates will be notified of updates or special opportunities related to the program.

Enroll online now or contact the Engineering & Technology Department for more information:
(408) 861-3860 or e-mail program@ucsc-extension.edu.

Course Schedule
Declare Candidacy

VLSI Engineering Certificate Requirements

Total: 14 units
GPA: 3.0
C or better in all courses.
Timeline: Complete minimum units/courses within 3 years.

Note: Courses completed more than five years prior to date of certificate issuance cannot be used to fulfill requirements.

How to Apply

Certificate applications can be submitted online. Simply click on the "Declare Candidacy" button above. Then, select the "Enroll" button next to the certificate title and follow the instructions.

Transfer a Course
Forms & Information
FAQs

Course Materials

Refer to your enrollment receipt for specific details about materials for this course. Your course may require one or both of the following types of materials:

Course Readers: Students are responsible for ordering printed course readers through our on-demand course materials service. 

Electronic Course Materials: An electronic version may also be downloaded after logging in to your course website: https://online.ucsc-extension.edu/xsl-portal

For more details on both of these options, visit our course materials page.


For information about ordering textbooks, click here.