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Java Development
Answering the demand with simplicity
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Specialization Description
Meet the growing demand for Java developers
Java, one of the easiest object-oriented programming languages to learn and use, has been the dominant language for decades. No longer just a web development language, it’s now used in general-purpose programming. Developers use this platform-independent, open-source programming language for web, mobile, and server-side applications development.
The growth of Android OS, wearables, and appliances in the Internet of Everything (IoE) has contributed to the soaring popularity of Java and it's the language of choice for backend development for high-performance concurrent applications. It also has a simplicity; it doesn’t use the complicated concepts of pointers and thereby avoids the challenges of dealing with memory leaks.
The Java community
In this 8-unit Java Programming specialization, you can start as a novice and, in just four to six months of hands-on practice, master the fundamentals, and start articulating the intricacies of efficient algorithms using Java. Java is ubiquitous. Students of Java find a wide range of community support while they develop this skill.
Giving you a competitive edge
- Java Programming I
A mind-expanding, new way of thinking for novices - Java Programmings II
Gain a strong understanding of object-oriented programming (OOP) concepts that provide the structure for most Java applications and the basis of the language itself. - Data Structures and Algorithms using Java
Deeper insights into Java data structures and algorithms. You'll practice the core facilities of Java, Java API, create your own libraries, and gain the ability to analyze algorithms that are most important to professional programmers. Note: 70% of interview questions for developers are focused on this one topic.
Once you’ve completed these three courses, you’ll have a competitive edge in the job market.
Java in the Real World
In this brief Java program overview, several of our alumni talk with instructors Bineet Sharma, M.S.C.S., chair of the UCSC Silicon Valley Computer Programming certificate program, and instructor Radhika Grover, Ph.D., about how they're using Java in the workplace. (June 1, 2022)
Why Developers Choose Java
Hear Bineet Sharma, M.S.C.S., chair of the UCSC Silicon Valley Computer Programming certificate program and the Java Programming specialization program, discuss the job outlook for Java programmers, getting started in the field and resources for course planning. (June 28, 2021)
Program Overview
Estimated Cost: $2,625 (You pay only for courses you enroll in.)
Program Requirements: 8 units
Minimum Hours of Instruction:
Estimated Duration: 4–6 months
Courses
1. Required Course(s): You must successfully complete the three courses below.
2. Completion Review:
Meet Our Instructors
Specialization Inquiry Form
Recommended Course Sequence
We suggest: Java Programming I, followed by Java Programmings II, and on to the more advanced Data Structures and Algorithms using Java.
Program Chair

BINEET SHARMA, M.S.C.S., is a seasoned technologist with more than 30 years’ experience in technical architecture, upper level management, professional teaching, and entrepreneurship. He has served as program chair of the UCSC Silicon Valley Extension Computer Programming certificate program since 2019 and the Java Programming specialization since 2022. Please see his full bio.
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 (such as GreenFig or CLS by Barbri) may have a shorter completion requirement.