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Linux Programming and Administration
Certificate Program

Linux Programming and Administration

The operating system of choice

Establish Candidacy 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.

Choose your emphases of study

    Linux System Administration—Track 1

    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—Track 2

    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
Estimated Cost (You pay only for courses you enroll in): Up to $4,200. | International Tuition Cost
Required Credits: Complete 14 units (5-6 courses). In your chosen track, take 2 required courses, 1 programming course, and electives to add up to 14 units. Note: Only 1 programming course may be applied to the certificate. 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. Required Course(s): Track 1 - Linux System Administration
Linux Shell Programming 3.0
Linux System and Network Administration 3.0
2. Core Course(s): Track 1 - Linux System Administration. Complete one programming course.
C Programming, Advanced 3.0
C++ Programming, Comprehensive 3.0 Spring TBD
C Programming for Beginners 2.0
Go Programming, Fundamentals 3.0
Introduction to Web Programming: JavaScript and Python Django 2.0
Java Programming, Comprehensive 3.0
Java Programming for Beginners 2.0 Fall Flexible Summer Flexible
Python for Programmers 3.0 Fall Flexible
Python: Object-Oriented Programming 2.0
3. Electives: Track 1 - Linux System Administration (5-6 units required)
Cloud Computing, Introduction 0.5
Linux, Introduction 2.5
Linux Kernel and Drivers, Advanced 3.0
Linux Kernel & Drivers 3.0 Fall Flexible
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 Winter Flexible Summer Flexible
4. Required Course(s): Track 2 - Linux System Development
Linux Shell Programming 3.0
Linux Systems Programming 3.0
5. Core Course(s): Track 2 - Linux System Development. Complete one programming course.
C Programming, Advanced 3.0
C++ Programming, Comprehensive 3.0 Spring TBD
Java Programming, Comprehensive 3.0
6. Electives: Track 2 - Linux System Development (5 units required)
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 Fall Flexible
Linux System and Network Administration 3.0
7. Completion 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

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.

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.

Establish Candidacy

Establish candidacy in a certificate or specialization

Once you create your student account, you can establish candidacy in a certificate or specialization program any time during your studies.

The benefits of enrolling early
  • Lock in your certificate requirements.This means that even if program requirements change, the requirements to complete your certificate will remain the same for you
  • Receive program updates
  • Set your intention
  • It’s free

To complete a program, you must enroll in the certificate program before enrolling in the Certificate Completion Review.

You have five years to complete all necessary courses in a certificate program or three years to finish up a specialization program.

All the necessary units in a certificate must be completed within this 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.

Note:

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.

For more information: How do I get my certificate or specialization?

* Students participating in a special program, such as workforce, international, Personal Financial Planning, or curriculum partner programs (Udacity, Microfacturing Institutes) may have a shorter completion requirement.

Establish Candidacy

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.