5613643

These Courses are Perfect For

  • Software developers pursuing mastery in software architecture and quality assurance methodologies
  • Quality assurance professionals and project leaders aiming to elevate team performance and reduce lifecycle costs
  • Working professionals and international learners requiring accredited, flexible training for career advancement

Build your skills your way.

We invite you to strengthen your skills in our individual courses. Note that this certificate program is currently suspended. Courses may be applied to a certificate only if you are currently declared in a program.
 

Program retirement

As we evolve our programs to reflect today’s technology landscape, the certificate in Software Engineering Quality is being retired and is no longer open for new enrollment. If you are enrolled in this certificate and are finishing up your courses, please reach out to us at extension@ucsc.edu.

You are invited to build and strengthen your teaching skills by enrolling in individual courses.

Learn QA methodologies. Build a strong SQA team. Save on costs.

Software errors cost companies millions of dollars. The longer it takes to discover bugs, the more costly the corrective action. When you study quality assurance in the UCSC Silicon Valley Extension Software Engineering and Quality pathway, you learn to methodically and thoroughly test and manage software projects. You learn to minimize defects early in the life cycle and influence product development to improve the customer experience.

Our rigorous approach to quality assurance complements the latest and established practices in software engineering and user experience design with proven techniques in software testing.

Three QA focus areas

We offer three focus areas for your studies to help you prepare for your next software quality assurance job.

Software Engineering

A focus on software architecture, software system design, and modeling

Quality and Testing

A study of software test automation and quality assurance methods

User Experience Design

The practices and methods required to create successful user experience for software across various platforms

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate competence in the software development lifecycle, from requirements to release
  • Design and model software systems using object orientation
  • Develop test plans and quality assurance strategies that minimize defects in software systems
  • Apply accepted software development techniques, such as Agile, in planning a software system’s development
  • Design clean and consistent user interfaces

Courses

See the Syllabus Library
1. Required Course(s):
Title units Fall Spring Summer Winter
Managing Software Projects 1.5 Flexible
Object-Oriented Analysis and Design 3.0 Flexible, Online Traditional
Software Quality Assurance and Testing 2.0 Flexible
2. Electives: Software Engineering
Title units Fall Spring Summer Winter
Data Structures and Algorithms Using Python 3.0 Flexible
Advanced DevOps Technologies 3.0 Live-Online
Designing, Building and Integrating RESTful API 2.0 Flexible
DevOps Technologies 3.0 Live-Online
3. Electives: Quality and Testing
Title units Fall Spring Summer Winter
Quality Management for Enterprises, Products, and Programs 2.0 Flexible
Agile Software Development using TDD/BDD and Python 3.0 Flexible
Web Applications Testing, Comprehensive 3.0
4. Electives: User Experience Design
Title units Fall Spring Summer Winter
User Experience Design Fundamentals 3.0 Flexible
Mobile Interface Design and Gen AI 3.0 Flexible
5. Completion Review:
Title units Fall Spring Summer Winter
Software Engineering and Quality Certificate Completion Fee

1. Required Course(s):

Managing Software Projects
SEQA.X406
$750
You may enroll in this offering at any time.
Sri Srinivasa
Sri Srinivasa
Jul. 16 - Aug. 13, Thu, 6:00pm - 9:00pm
  • Flexible Attend in person or via Zoom at scheduled times.
SEQA.X406.(15)
Schedule
Date Start Time End Time Meeting Type Location
Thu, 07-16-2026 6:00pm 9:00pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Thu, 07-23-2026 6:00pm 9:00pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Thu, 07-30-2026 6:00pm 9:00pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Thu, 08-06-2026 6:00pm 9:00pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Thu, 08-13-2026 6:00pm 9:00pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
 

This class meets simultaneously in a classroom and remotely via Zoom. Students are expected to attend and participate in the course, either in-person or remotely, during the days and times that are specified on the course schedule. Students attending remotely are also strongly encouraged to have their cameras on to get the most out of the remote learning experience. Students attending the class in-person are expected to bring a laptop to each class meeting.

To see all meeting dates, click "Full Schedule" below.

You will be granted access in Canvas to your course site and course materials approximately 24 hours prior to the published start date of the course.

Required Texts:
1. Software Engineering, Roger S. Pressman PhD , Bruce R Maxim PhD, McGrawhill, 2019. ISBN: 978-1260548006

2. Harvard Business Publishing Coursepack Simulation and HBR case Studies: https://hbsp.harvard.edu/import/1416860

Summer
Object-Oriented Analysis and Design
SEQA.X401
$980
You may enroll in this offering at any time.
Edwin Mach
Edwin Mach
Jul. 10 - Sep. 11, Fri, 6:30pm - 9:30pm
  • Flexible Attend in person or via Zoom at scheduled times.
SEQA.X401.(31)
Schedule
Date Start Time End Time Meeting Type Location
Fri, 07-10-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Fri, 07-17-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Fri, 07-24-2026 11:58pm 11:59pm Online Traditional ONLINE
Fri, 07-31-2026 11:58pm 11:59pm Online Traditional ONLINE
Fri, 08-07-2026 11:58pm 11:59pm Online Traditional ONLINE
Fri, 08-14-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Fri, 08-21-2026 11:58pm 11:59pm Online Traditional ONLINE
Fri, 08-28-2026 11:58pm 11:59pm Online Traditional ONLINE
Fri, 09-04-2026 11:58pm 11:59pm Online Traditional ONLINE
Fri, 09-11-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
 

This class meets simultaneously in a classroom and remotely via Zoom. Students are expected to attend and participate in the course, either in-person or remotely, during the days and times that are specified on the course schedule. Students attending remotely are also strongly encouraged to have their cameras on to get the most out of the remote learning experience. Students attending the class in-person are expected to bring a laptop to each class meeting.

There will be asynchronous materials/instruction available on Canvas per the direction of the instructor.

To see all meeting dates, click "Full Schedule" below.

You will be granted access in Canvas to your course site and course materials approximately 24 hours prior to the published start date of the course.

Required Text: Object Oriented Analysis & Design Cookbook: Introduction to Practical System Modeling, Edwin Mach, ISBN-10: 167094316X, ISBN-13: 9781670943163. 

Recommended Text: UML Distilled: A Brief Guide to the Standard Object Modeling Language, 3rd Edition, Martin Fowler, Addison-Wesley, ISBN-10: 0321193687, ISBN-13: 978-0321193681.

Summer
Software Quality Assurance and Testing
SEQA.X403
$735 (Estimated Cost)
Currently no classes scheduled. Would you like to be notified when a class is available?
Spring

2. Electives: Software Engineering

Data Structures and Algorithms Using Python
CMPR.X425
$980 (Estimated Cost)
Currently no classes scheduled. Would you like to be notified when a class is available?
Spring
Advanced DevOps Technologies
SEQA.X409
$750 (Estimated Cost)
Currently no classes scheduled. Would you like to be notified when a class is available?
Winter
Designing, Building and Integrating RESTful API
SEQA.X407
$760 (Estimated Cost)
Currently no classes scheduled. Would you like to be notified when a class is available?
Fall
DevOps Technologies
SEQA.X408
$750 (Estimated Cost)
Currently no classes scheduled. Would you like to be notified when a class is available?
Spring

3. Electives: Quality and Testing

Quality Management for Enterprises, Products, and Programs
PPMT.X421
$785
You may enroll in this offering at any time.
Eric C Heilmann
Eric Heilmann
Jul. 29 - Sep. 9, Wed, 6:30pm - 9:30pm
  • Flexible Attend in person or via Zoom at scheduled times.
PPMT.X421.(9)
Schedule
Date Start Time End Time Meeting Type Location
Wed, 07-29-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 08-05-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 08-12-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 08-19-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 08-26-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 09-02-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 09-09-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
 

This class meets simultaneously in a classroom and remotely via Zoom. Students are expected to attend and participate in the course, either in-person or remotely, during the days and times that are specified on the course schedule. Students attending remotely are also strongly encouraged to have their cameras on to get the most out of the remote learning experience. Students attending the class in-person are expected to bring a laptop to each class meeting.

Students attending the class in-person are expected to bring a laptop / tablet to each class meeting.

To see all meeting dates, click "Full Schedule" below.

You will be granted access in Canvas to your course site and course materials approximately 24 hours prior to the published start date of the course.

Required Tools & Materials: None

Recommended Textbook: Juran's Quality Handbook: The Complete Guide to Performance Excellence, 7th Edition, Joseph A. De Feo, McGraw-Hill, ISBN 13: 978-1259643613 or eBook version ISBN 13: 9781259643620.

||

Prerequisites / Skills Needed

Prerequisites:

  • PPMT.X425: Project Management in the Age of AI
Summer
Agile Software Development using TDD/BDD and Python
SEQA.X404
$840
You may enroll in this offering at any time.
Paddu N Melanahalli
Paddu Melanahalli
Jun. 23 - Aug. 25, Tue, 6:30pm - 9:30pm
  • Flexible Attend in person or via Zoom at scheduled times.
SEQA.X404.(18)
Schedule
Date Start Time End Time Meeting Type Location
Tue, 06-23-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 06-30-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 07-07-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 07-14-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 07-21-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 07-28-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 08-04-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 08-11-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 08-18-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 08-25-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
 

This class meets simultaneously in a classroom and remotely via Zoom. Students are expected to attend and participate in the course, either in-person or remotely, during the days and times that are specified on the course schedule. Students attending remotely are also strongly encouraged to have their cameras on to get the most out of the remote learning experience. Students attending the class in-person are expected to bring a laptop to each class meeting.

To see all meeting dates, click "Full Schedule" below.

You will be granted access in Canvas to your course site and course materials approximately 24 hours prior to the published start date of the course.

Required Tools & Materials: None

Recommended Tools & Materials:

Agile Testing: A Practical Guide for Testers and Agile Teams, 1st Edition, Lisa Crispin & Janet Gregory, Addison-Wesley Professional, 2008, ISBN: 978-0321534460.

The Art of Unit Testing: with examples in C#, 2nd Edition, Roy Osherove, Manning Publications, 2013, ISBN: 978-1617290893.

Summer
Web Applications Testing, Comprehensive
SEQA.X405
Currently no classes scheduled. Would you like to be notified when a class is available?

4. Electives: User Experience Design

User Experience Design Fundamentals
UEWD.X414
$950
You may enroll in this offering at any time.
Nicole L. Sharratt
Nicole Sharratt
Jun. 29 - Aug. 31, Mon, 6:30pm - 9:30pm
  • Flexible Attend in person or via Zoom at scheduled times.
UEWD.X414.(17)
Schedule
Date Start Time End Time Meeting Type Location
Mon, 06-29-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Mon, 07-06-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Mon, 07-13-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Mon, 07-20-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Mon, 07-27-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Mon, 08-03-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Mon, 08-10-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Mon, 08-17-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Mon, 08-24-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Mon, 08-31-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
 

This class meets simultaneously in a classroom and remotely via Zoom. Students are expected to attend and participate in the course, either in-person or remotely, during the days and times that are specified on the course schedule. Students attending remotely are also strongly encouraged to have their cameras on to get the most out of the remote learning experience. Students attending the class in-person are expected to bring a laptop to each class meeting.

To see all meeting dates, click "Full Schedule" below.

You will be granted access in Canvas to your course site and course materials approximately 24 hours prior to the published start date of the course.

Required Tools and Materials: Create a Figma account for the 10 weeks for class projects.

Recommended Text: The Elements of User Experience: User-Centered Design for the Web and Beyond (2nd Edition) (Voices That Matter) 2nd Edition, Jesse James Garrett, New Riders, December 26, 2010.   ISBN: 0321683684

Summer
Mobile Interface Design and Gen AI
UEWD.X412
$950
You may enroll in this offering at any time.
Orralyn Vithyavuthi, UX Instructor
Orralyn Vithyavuthi
Jun. 24 - Aug. 26, Wed, 6:00pm - 9:00pm
  • Flexible Attend in person or via Zoom at scheduled times.
UEWD.X412.(16)
Schedule
Date Start Time End Time Meeting Type Location
Wed, 06-24-2026 6:00pm 9:00pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 07-01-2026 6:00pm 9:00pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 07-08-2026 6:00pm 9:00pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 07-15-2026 6:00pm 9:00pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 07-22-2026 6:00pm 9:00pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 07-29-2026 6:00pm 9:00pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 08-05-2026 6:00pm 9:00pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 08-12-2026 6:00pm 9:00pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 08-19-2026 6:00pm 9:00pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 08-26-2026 6:00pm 9:00pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
 

This class meets simultaneously in a classroom and remotely via Zoom. Students are expected to attend and participate in the course, either in-person or remotely, during the days and times that are specified on the course schedule. Students attending remotely are also strongly encouraged to have their cameras on to get the most out of the remote learning experience. Students attending the class in-person are expected to bring a laptop to each class meeting.

To see all meeting dates, click "Full Schedule" below.

You will be granted access in Canvas to your course site and course materials approximately 24 hours prior to the published start date of the course.

Required Tools & Materials: Figma - https://www.figma.com/education/ (Figma is free for students)

 

||

Prerequisites / Skills Needed

Prerequisites:

  • UEWD.X414: User Experience Design Fundamentals
Summer

5. Completion Review:

Software Engineering and Quality Certificate Completion Fee
O-CE0383
$95
You may enroll in this offering at any time.
May. 23, , All Day
O-CE0383.(016)
Schedule
 

Please enroll in the Software Engineering and Quality Certificate Completion Fee only when all of the certificate requirements have been met and your final grades are posted.

Instructors

Alka S Jarvis
Alka Jarvis
SEQ Chair | Global SQ Process/Performance Excellence Officer
Edwin Mach
Edwin Mach
Director of Product Management and Head of Product Stream Processing Splunk
Eric Dorf
Eric Dorf
Senior UX Designer, Google
Eric C Heilmann
Eric Heilmann
Senior Consultant, Technical Program Management, Dell Technologies
John H. Bailey is an instructor in UX Design Department
John Bailey
VP, User Experience, Arctic Wolf
Min Wu
Min Wu
Senior Staff Software Engineer, ServiceNow
Nicole L. Sharratt
Nicole Sharratt
Chair | Head of User Experience, Leidos QTC Health Services
Orralyn Vithyavuthi, UX Instructor
Orralyn Vithyavuthi
UX Designer, Mentor & Leader
Paddu N Melanahalli
Paddu Melanahalli
Sr. Director-Engineering, Enterprise Networking & Cloud, Cisco Systems
Prajakta Badhe
Prajakta Badhe
Manager, Product Security at Origami Risk
Sri Srinivasa
Sri Srinivasa
Program Management Leader, Tesla

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