Linux Programming and Administration
Certificate Program

Linux Programming and Administration

The operating system of choice

Enroll in Certificate View Individual Courses

Certificate Description

Master Linux—the operating system of choice

Linux is the operating system of choice for servers, network infrastructure, embedded systems, and mobile devices. In our Linux Programming and Administration professional certificate program you will learn both core and advanced Linux skills needed to work at top companies in Silicon Valley.

Many of our courses are not available in traditional colleges, yet they are highly applicable in a real-world work environment. From basic installation and tools to kernel customization for advanced systems—you can tailor your Linux study path to your interests.

Two Linux study tracks

You’ll take three core courses and then choose from two popular tracks of study.

    Linux System Administration

    In the Linux System Administration track, you’ll get a solid foundation in configuring, operating, and administrating open, multi-user, multi-tasking Linux operating systems.

    Linux System Development

    In the Linux System Development track, you’ll learn skills you’ll need to customize and optimize processes, IOs, and kernel modules.Linux Programming and Administration certificate program objectives

Linux Programming and Administration certificate program objectives

  • Master shell commands and shell scripting in the Linux operating system

  • Develop software programs and applications tailored for Linux, leveraging Linux system calls

  • Build competence in managing, maintaining, updating, and supporting Linux installations

Our Linux students

  • Software developers wanting to enhance programming knowledge
  • Entry-level or career changers looking to enter the software development or support fields
  • IT support staff wishing to expand their knowledge of Linux
  • People interested in developing open source applications or advancing the Linux operating system and manage multiple VMware ESXi hosts and virtual machines using the vCenter Server
Cost: $6,000 | International Tuition Cost
Required Credits: Total Required: 5–6 courses (14 units). Required: 3 core courses (8–9 units) and 2–3 electives (6 units). End with certificate of completion review.
Duration: A full-time student can complete the certificate in 9–12 months.

Courses

Course Units Fall Winter Spring Summer
1. Track 1: Core Courses (Complete both)
Linux Shell Programming 3.0
Linux System and Network Administration 3.0 Summer TBD
2. Track 1: Programming Languages (Take 1)
C Programming, Advanced 3.0
C++ Programming, Comprehensive 3.0
C Programming for Beginners 2.0
Go Programming, Fundamentals 3.0
Introduction to Web Programming: JavaScript and PHP 2.0
Java Programming, Comprehensive 3.0
Java Programming for Beginners 2.0 Summer TBD
Python for Programmers 3.0
Python: Object-Oriented Programming 2.0
3. Track 1: Electives (6 units required)
Cloud Computing, Introduction 0.5
Linux, Introduction 2.5
Linux Kernel and Drivers, Advanced 3.0
Linux Kernel & Drivers 3.0
Linux System Performance in the Cloud and Data Center 3.0
Linux Systems Programming 3.0
Networking Fundamentals 3.0
Storage Technology in Data Centers 3.0
System Virtualization Fundamentals 2.5
4. Track 2: Core Courses (Complete both)
Linux Shell Programming 3.0
Linux Systems Programming 3.0
5. Track 2: Programming Languages (Take 1)
C Programming, Advanced 3.0
C++ Programming, Comprehensive 3.0
Java Programming, Comprehensive 3.0
6. Track 2: Electives (6 units required)
Cloud-Based Web Application Development using Linux 3.0
Cloud Computing, Introduction 0.5
Embedded Linux Design and Programming 3.0
Linux, Introduction 2.5
Linux Kernel and Drivers, Advanced 3.0
Linux Kernel & Drivers 3.0
Linux System and Network Administration 3.0 Summer TBD
7. Events
Software Development Info Session None
8. Required Certificate Review
Linux Programming and Administration Certificate Completion Fee None

Certificate Inquiry Form

Contact Us
Speak to a student services representative.

Call (408) 861-3860

Envelope extension@ucsc.edu

Requisite Knowledge

Please review the course descriptions to ensure that you have taken necessary prerequisites or meet the requirements through job experience or previous education.

Professional Development

Licensure and Certification

Developers and system programmers in the Development Track learn to customize and optimize processes, IOs and kernel modules. Our virtual server courses can also prepare you for optional VMware professional certification exams.

Please see our Licensure and Certification Policy to learn more.

Declaring Candidacy

You can enroll in a certificate program any time during your studies.

Once you create your student account, you can enroll in a certificate program. Although you can enroll in a program at any time, the benefit of enrolling early is that it locks in your certificate requirements. This means that even if program requirements change, the requirements to complete your certificate will remain the same for you.

  • You must enroll in the certificate program before enrolling in the Certificate Completion Review.

You have a total of five years to complete all necessary courses in a certificate program.

All the necessary units in a certificate must be completed within a five-year window. The clock begins on the first day of your first course in the certificate program. For example, if you started a course on Sept. 5, 2017, you would have to complete all of the required units in this certificate by Sept. 4, 2022.

  • Enrolling in a certificate program does not trigger the beginning of the five-year window. It begins the first day of the first course that applies to a certificate program.
  • The Certificate Completion Review process does not have to occur within the five-year timeframe.

Grade Requirements

Please note that only letter grades of C- or higher may be applied to a certificate, and in some programs, students may have more stringent requirements. Students in most employer- and government-sponsored payment programs, such as workforce development, as well as international students on F-1 visas, need to maintain a B average to meet their requirements. Personal Financial Planning students have additional grade requirements for individual courses to attain a certificate.

See Grading and Credits Policy for further information.