Putting quality first
9 - 12 months
5613643
This Program is 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
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 certificate program, 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
Certificate program objectives
- 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
Program Requirements
Total: 5–7 courses (minimum 14 quarter units)
- Take 3 core courses (6.5 units)
- 3–4 electives (minimum 7.5–9 quarter units)
- End with certificate of completion review.
1. Required Course(s):
SEQA.X406
$750
Feb. 17 - Mar. 17, Tuesday, 3:00pm - 6:00pm
- Flexible Attend in person or via Zoom at scheduled times.
SEQA.X406.(14)
Schedule
Date
Start Time
End Time
Meeting Type
Location
Tue, 02-17-2026
3:00pm
6:00pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 02-17-2026
3:00pm
6:00pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 02-24-2026
3:00pm
6:00pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 02-24-2026
3:00pm
6:00pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 03-03-2026
3:00pm
6:00pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 03-03-2026
3:00pm
6:00pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 03-10-2026
3:00pm
6:00pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 03-10-2026
3:00pm
6:00pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 03-17-2026
3:00pm
6:00pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 03-17-2026
3:00pm
6:00pm
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.
Winter
SEQA.X401
$980
Jan. 9 - Mar. 13, Friday, 6:30pm - 9:30pm
- Flexible Attend in person or via Zoom at scheduled times.
SEQA.X401.(30)
Schedule
Date
Start Time
End Time
Meeting Type
Location
Fri, 01-09-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Fri, 01-09-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Fri, 01-16-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Fri, 01-16-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Fri, 02-06-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Fri, 02-06-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Fri, 02-20-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Fri, 02-20-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Fri, 03-13-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Fri, 03-13-2026
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.
Fall Online Self-Paced
Winter Online Self-Paced
Currently no classes scheduled. Would you like to be notified when a class is available?
Fall Flexible
2. Electives: Software Engineering
SEQA.X409
$750
Jan. 7 - Mar. 25, Wednesday, 6:30pm - 9:30pm
- Live-Online Attend via Zoom at scheduled times.
SEQA.X409.(8)
Schedule
Date
Start Time
End Time
Meeting Type
Location
Wed, 01-07-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Wed, 01-07-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Wed, 01-14-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Wed, 01-14-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Wed, 01-21-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Wed, 01-21-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Wed, 01-28-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Wed, 01-28-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Wed, 02-04-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Wed, 02-04-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Wed, 02-11-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Wed, 02-11-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Wed, 02-18-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Wed, 02-18-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Wed, 02-25-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Wed, 02-25-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Wed, 03-04-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Wed, 03-04-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Wed, 03-11-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Wed, 03-11-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Wed, 03-18-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Wed, 03-18-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Wed, 03-25-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Live-Online
REMOTE
Wed, 03-25-2026
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.
Two “no meetings” to be announced. 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.
Winter
CMPR.X425
$980
Jan. 20 - Feb. 19, Tuesday, 6:30pm - 9:30pm
- Flexible Attend in person or via Zoom at scheduled times.
CMPR.X425.(23)
Schedule
Date
Start Time
End Time
Meeting Type
Location
Tue, 01-20-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 01-20-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Thu, 01-22-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Thu, 01-22-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 01-27-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 01-27-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Thu, 01-29-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Thu, 01-29-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 02-03-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 02-03-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Thu, 02-05-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Thu, 02-05-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 02-10-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 02-10-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Thu, 02-12-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Thu, 02-12-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 02-17-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 02-17-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Thu, 02-19-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Thu, 02-19-2026
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.
Recommended Text:
"Data Structures and Algorithms in Python", Michael T. Goodrich, Roberto Tamassia, Michael H. Goldwasser. ISBN-13: 978-1118290279
Required Software: Python 3.7.4 and above. Jupyter notebook
Fall Flexible
Winter Flexible
Currently no classes scheduled. Would you like to be notified when a class is available?
Fall Flexible
Currently no classes scheduled. Would you like to be notified when a class is available?
Fall Flexible
3. Electives: Quality and Testing
SEQA.X404
$840
Jan. 20 - Mar. 24, Tuesday, 6:30pm - 9:30pm
- Flexible Attend in person or via Zoom at scheduled times.
SEQA.X404.(17)
Schedule
Date
Start Time
End Time
Meeting Type
Location
Tue, 01-20-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 01-20-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 01-27-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 01-27-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 02-03-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 02-03-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 02-10-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 02-10-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 02-17-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 02-17-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 02-24-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 02-24-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 03-03-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 03-03-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 03-10-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 03-10-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 03-17-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 03-17-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 03-24-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 03-24-2026
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.
Recommended Text:
"Agile Testing: A Practical Guide for Testers and Agile Teams", 1st edition, Lisa Crispin & Janet Gregory, Addison-Wesley Professional, ISBN: 978-0321534460
"The Art of Unit Testing: with examples in C#", 2nd edition, Roy Osherove, Manning Publications, ISBN: 978-1617290893
Winter
Currently no classes scheduled. Would you like to be notified when a class is available?
SEQA.X405
Currently no classes scheduled. Would you like to be notified when a class is available?
4. Electives: User Experience Design
UEWD.X412
Currently no classes scheduled. Would you like to be notified when a class is available?
UEWD.X414
$950
Jan. 21 - Mar. 25, Wednesday, 6:30pm - 9:30pm
- Flexible Attend in person or via Zoom at scheduled times.
UEWD.X414.(15)
Schedule
Date
Start Time
End Time
Meeting Type
Location
Wed, 01-21-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 01-21-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 01-28-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 01-28-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 02-04-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 02-04-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 02-11-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 02-11-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 02-18-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 02-18-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 02-25-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 02-25-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 03-04-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 03-04-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 03-11-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 03-11-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 03-18-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 03-18-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 03-25-2026
6:30pm
9:30pm
Flexible
SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Wed, 03-25-2026
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 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
Winter
5. Completion Review:
O-CE0383
$95
Schedule
Date
Start Time
End Time
Meeting Type
Location
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.
Recommended course sequence
Requisite knowledge
Experience with a programming language is required as well as a degree in computer science or engineering or equivalent experience in software development, testing, QA, or project management.Flexible course sequence
Courses may be taken in any order provided the prerequisites are met. Please review the course descriptions to ensure that you have taken necessary prerequisites or meet the requirements through job experience or previous education.
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.
To receive your certificate
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.
See Grading and Credits Policy for further information.
Instructors
Program Chair
Alka Jarvis
SEQ Chair | Global SQ Process/Performance Excellence Officer
ALKA JARVIS, M.B.A., is a global software quality process/performance excellence officer at Hitachi ABB. A Distinguished Quality Engineer and former senior director, she retired from Cisco Systems after 25 years with the company. An Exemplar Global certified auditor, she is a recognized industry leader in software engineering principles, quality assurance, and testing with an emphasis on customer experience, process improvement, and total quality management. She served nine years as chair for the U.S. Technical Advisory Group, which develops ISO 9001 series of standards, is the author of 10 technical books, is a recipient of Silicon Valley’s Corporate Woman of the Year Award, and received the Santa Clara University School of Engineering Adjunct Lecturer of the Year Award in 2024. Jarvis has taught at local universities for more than two decades and has served as chair of the UCSC Silicon Valley Extension Software Engineering and Quality certificate program since 2020.
Certificate Program Advisory Committee
ALKA JARVIS, M.B.A.
Global Software Quality Process/Performance Excellence Officer, Hitachi ABB.
Program Chair | Instructor, Software Engineering and Quality Certificate Program
