Building the internet of things
9 - 12 months
6172493
This Program is Perfect For
- Hardware and IoT engineers seeking industry-grade design and prototyping skills
- Technologists aiming to understand both hardware and software in embedded environments
- Flexible learners pursuing a career-relevant credential with workforce or international approval
Program review underway
As we evolve our programs to reflect today’s technology landscape, the certificate in Embedded Systems is under review and is not currently 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. We will help you plan your journey.
Courses are open to everyone
You are invited to build and strengthen your teaching skills by enrolling in individual courses.
Build your knowledge of universal connectivity
The UCSC Silicon Valley Extension Embedded Systems professional certificate program prepares students with the core design skills needed to work at some of the top companies in the Valley.
Our hardware professional students learn to design function-specific computer and communication systems, including:
- mobile devices,
- the Internet of Things,
- networking equipment,
- industrial controllers, and
- consumer and automotive electronics.
Learn on industry-standard hardware
Students get invaluable hands-on experience with quick prototyping using FGPAs from Xilinx. Learn to design and test hardware and software innovations of the future as you prepare for high-paying jobs in the industry. Electives are offered in two areas of study: embedded hardware and embedded software.
Certificate program objectives
- Design, debug, and synthesize digital logic for ASICs, PGAs, and IP cores
- Understand the basics of embedded software and hardware design
- Decode IO technologies, including PCI Express, Ethernet, and Fibre Channel
- Design and implement prototypes using FPGA
Courses
Program Requirements
Take 5–6 courses (14 quarter units).
- 3 required courses (8 quarter units)
- 2–3 elective credit courses (6 quarter units)
- End with certificate review.
1. Required Course(s):
EMBD.X415
$820
You may enroll in this offering at any time.
Sep. 14 - Nov. 16, Mon, 6:30pm - 9:30pm
- Flexible Attend in person or via Zoom at scheduled times.
EMBD.X415.(18)
Schedule
| Date | Start Time | End Time | Meeting Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon, 09-14-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Mon, 09-21-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Mon, 09-28-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Mon, 10-05-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Mon, 10-12-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Mon, 10-19-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Mon, 10-26-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Mon, 11-02-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Mon, 11-09-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Mon, 11-16-2026 | 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:
Embedded Systems Architecture: A Comprehensive Guide for Engineers and Programmers, 2nd Edition, Noergaard, Tammy, Newnes, 2012, ISBN: 978-0123821966.
|| Skills Needed:
Prerequisites / Skills Needed
Fall
EMBD.X423
$750
You may enroll in this offering at any time.
Jun. 26 - Sep. 4, Fri, 6:00pm - 9:00pm
- Flexible Attend in person or via Zoom at scheduled times.
EMBD.X423.(4)
Schedule
| Date | Start Time | End Time | Meeting Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, 06-26-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:00pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Fri, 07-10-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:00pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Fri, 07-17-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:00pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Fri, 07-24-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:00pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Fri, 07-31-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:00pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Fri, 08-07-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:00pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Fri, 08-14-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:00pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Fri, 08-21-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:00pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Fri, 08-28-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:00pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Fri, 09-04-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:00pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
Students may still enroll if they missed the 1st class session. However, they need to communicate with the instructor via Canvas and catch up on all missed work prior to the 2nd class meeting.
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.
No meeting on July 3, 2026. 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: Embedded Linux Primer, Christopher Hallinan, Pearson Education, 2011, ISBN: 9780137017836.
Summer
Currently no classes scheduled. Would you like to be notified when a class is available?
Summer
2. Electives: Embedded Software
EMBD.X424
$740
You may enroll in this offering at any time.
Oct. 8 - Dec. 10, Thu, 6:30pm - 9:30pm
- Flexible Attend in person or via Zoom at scheduled times.
EMBD.X424.(5)
Schedule
| Date | Start Time | End Time | Meeting Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, 10-08-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Thu, 10-15-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Thu, 10-22-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Thu, 10-29-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Thu, 11-05-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Thu, 11-12-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Thu, 11-19-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Thu, 12-03-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Thu, 12-10-2026 | 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.
No meeting on November 26, 2026. One "no meeting" date TBA. 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: Students will need to purchase a development board for coursework. Below is a list of examples, approximate cost $100:
- https://www.seeedstudio.com/SenseCAP-Watcher-W1-A-p-5979.html
- https://store-usa.arduino.cc/products/nicla-vision
- https://www.amazon.com/Arduino-Nicla-Vision-ABX00051/dp/B0B979238K
- https://www.sparkfun.com/nicla-vision.html
|| Skills Needed:
Prerequisites / Skills Needed
Fall
EMBD.X420
$750
You may enroll in this offering at any time.
Sep. 18 - Dec. 11, Fri, 6:30pm - 9:30pm
- Flexible Attend in person or via Zoom at scheduled times.
EMBD.X420.(5)
Schedule
| Date | Start Time | End Time | Meeting Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, 09-18-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Fri, 09-25-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Fri, 10-02-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Fri, 10-09-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Fri, 10-16-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Fri, 10-23-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Fri, 10-30-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Fri, 11-06-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Fri, 11-13-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Fri, 11-20-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Fri, 12-04-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Fri, 12-11-2026 | 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.
No meeting on November 27, 2026. Two "no meeting" dates TBD. 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: Students are expected to install or have access to Linux Operating System version 7, or higher (version 9 is preferred) on their home computers.
Options include VMWare, VirtualBox, LiveCD, disk partition or separate drive or an embedded Linux system such as a Raspberry Pi.
|| Skills Needed:
Prerequisites / Skills Needed
Fall
Currently no classes scheduled. Would you like to be notified when a class is available?
Winter
Currently no classes scheduled. Would you like to be notified when a class is available?
Winter
Currently no classes scheduled. Would you like to be notified when a class is available?
Spring
Currently no classes scheduled. Would you like to be notified when a class is available?
Spring
3. Electives: Embedded Hardware
EMBD.X409
$580
You may enroll in this offering at any time.
Oct. 23 - Nov. 20, Fri, 6:30pm - 9:30pm
- Live-Online Attend via Zoom at scheduled times.
EMBD.X409.(16)
Schedule
| Date | Start Time | End Time | Meeting Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, 10-23-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Fri, 10-30-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Fri, 11-06-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Fri, 11-13-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Fri, 11-20-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
This class is offered in an online synchronous format. Students are expected to log into this course via Canvas at the start time of scheduled meetings and participate via Zoom, for the duration of each scheduled 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: Bogatin's Practical Guide to Transmission Line Design and Characterization for Signal Integrity; Bogatin, Eric, Artech House, 2020. ISBN: 978-1-63081-851-7.
EMC and the Printed Circuit Board: Design, Theory, and Layout Made Simple, Montrose, Mark, Wiley/IEEE Press, 2004, ISBN: 978-0780347038.
Fall
EMBD.X406
$950
You may enroll in this offering at any time.
Sep. 2 - Nov. 18, Wed, 6:30pm - 9:30pm
- Live-Online Attend via Zoom at scheduled times.
EMBD.X406.(16)
Schedule
| Date | Start Time | End Time | Meeting Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wed, 09-02-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Wed, 09-09-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Wed, 09-16-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Wed, 09-23-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Wed, 09-30-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Wed, 10-07-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Wed, 10-14-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Wed, 10-21-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Wed, 10-28-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Wed, 11-04-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Wed, 11-18-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
This class is offered in an online synchronous format. Students are expected to log into this course via Canvas at the start time of scheduled meetings and participate via Zoom, for the duration of each scheduled class meeting.
No meeting on November 11, 2026. 1 "No meeting" date TBA. 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.
Recommended Texts:
PCI-SIG Standards, PCI-SIG (PCI Express). By special arrangement with the PCI-SIG, students will get access to pertinent standards for academic use.
IEEE 802.3 Standards, IEEE (Ethernet)
|| Skills Needed:
Prerequisites / Skills Needed
Fall
EMBD.X400
$980
You may enroll in this offering at any time.
Jul. 2 - Sep. 3, Thu, 6:30pm - 9:30pm
- Live-Online Attend via Zoom at scheduled times.
EMBD.X400.(17)
Schedule
| Date | Start Time | End Time | Meeting Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, 07-02-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Thu, 07-09-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Thu, 07-16-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Thu, 07-23-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Thu, 07-30-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Thu, 08-06-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Thu, 08-13-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Thu, 08-20-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Thu, 08-27-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Thu, 09-03-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
Students may still enroll if they missed the 1st class session. However, they need to communicate with the instructor via Canvas and catch up on all missed work prior to the 2nd class meeting.
5/26/26: Course postponed by one week. See full schedule for details.
This class is offered in an online synchronous format. Students are expected to log into this course via Canvas at the start time of scheduled meetings and participate via Zoom, for the duration of each scheduled 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:
Advanced Signal Integrity for High-Speed Digital Designs, Stephen H. Hall and Howard L. Heck, John Wiley & Sons, 2011, ISBN: 9781118210680.
Principles of Power Integrity for PDN Design - Simplified, Larry D. Smith and Eric Bogatin, Prentice Hall, 2017, ISBN: 9780132735629.
|| Prerequisites:
Prerequisites / Skills Needed
Summer
Currently no classes scheduled. Would you like to be notified when a class is available?
Winter
Currently no classes scheduled. Would you like to be notified when a class is available?
Winter
Currently no classes scheduled. Would you like to be notified when a class is available?
Summer
4. Also of Interest
EMBD.800
$775
You may enroll in this offering at any time.
Sep. 2 - Nov. 18, Wed, 6:30pm - 9:30pm
- Live-Online Attend via Zoom at scheduled times.
EMBD.800.(4)
Schedule
| Date | Start Time | End Time | Meeting Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wed, 09-02-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Wed, 09-09-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Wed, 09-16-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Wed, 09-23-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Wed, 09-30-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Wed, 10-07-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Wed, 10-14-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Wed, 10-21-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Wed, 10-28-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Wed, 11-04-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Wed, 11-18-2026 | 6:30pm | 9:30pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
This class is offered in an online synchronous format. Students are expected to log into this course via Canvas at the start time of scheduled meetings and participate via Zoom, for the duration of each scheduled class meeting.
No meeting on November 11, 2026. One "no meeting" date TBA. 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:
To participate in this class, you must have access to a computer (either a laptop or desktop) with the following system requirements:
Recommended System Requirements
Windows 11 (64-bit only) or Windows 10 (64-bit only)
Intel(R) Core(TM) i7 processor or equivalent
16GB RAM
10GB hard disk space (Install + User Files)
SSD
Adobe Reader (version XI or later for 3D PDF viewing)
Internet Connection
Web browser, which is up to date
Recommended Tools & Materials:
PCB Foundations, Paul B. Taubman and Sean Kelly, 2022, ISBN: 978-0998367095.
Practical PCB Design: A Hands-On Guide to Developing Printed Circuit Boards, Michael D. Smith, 2026, ISBN: 9781718504042.
Fall
5. Completion Review:
O-CE0071
$95
You may enroll in this offering at any time.
Schedule
Please enroll in the Embedded Systems Certificate Completion Fee only when all of the certificate requirements have been met and your final grades are posted.
Recommended course sequence
Requisite knowledge
You need a degree in a technical field or equivalent knowledge acquired through training and experience in system design and development. We recommended you have experience in C programming.
Please review course descriptions. Make sure you have taken the necessary prerequisites or meet the requirements through job experience or previous education before registering for a course.
Getting started
We suggest students begin with Embedded System Hardware Architectures, Introduction.
The remaining courses may be taken in any order provided prerequisites are met.
Substitutions & shared credits
Some technology courses may be listed in more than one program. However, only one course may be shared between two certificate programs unless otherwise noted.
Completion your certificate
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.
See Grading and Credits Policy for further information.
Establish Candidacy
Instructors
Program Chair
Michael Wang
Director of Business Development, ISSI Integrated Silicon Solution Inc.
MICHAEL A. WANG, M.S., M.B.A., is director of business development at Silicon Motion Technology Corp. He has held various technical and management roles at startups and multinationals in Silicon Valley, such as Infineon Technologies, ISSI Integrated Silicon Solution Inc., and Micron Technology. He was also the owner of an IT servicing company in Santa Cruz, Calif. for over six years. Wang has served as a senior member of IEEE and the chair for the IEEE Silicon Valley Consumer Electronics Society, as well as a past member of the Board of Directors for the Chinese American Semiconductor Professional Association. He has taught at UCSC Extension since 2006 and served as chair of the Embedded Systems certificate program since 2023.
Certificate Program Advisory Board
ALFREDO ALBA, MS
Senior Technical Staff Member, Intelligence Augmentation Department, IBM Almaden Research Center
ABDO BABUKR, MSEE
Consultant, Embedded Computing, Wave Spectrum, Inc.
SAM HUYNH, Ph.D.
Principal member of technical staff and a senior manager, AMD
Y.C. WANG, BSEE
Director, Global Academic Program at Digi-Key Electronics
Instructor, Embedded Systems Certificate Program, UCSC Silicon Valley Extension
MICHAEL A. WANG, M.S., M.B.A.
Director, Business Development, Silicon Motion Technology Corp.
Program Chair | Instructor, Embedded Systems Certificate Program, UCSC Silicon Valley Extension
