Answering the demand with simplicity
This Program is Perfect For
- Beginners looking to quickly gain industry-ready Java skills
- Learners aiming to master fundamentals vital for job interviews and real-world development
- Self-motivated individuals seeking flexible, credentialed learning
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. Once you’ve completed this specialization, you’ll have a competitive edge in the job market.
Courses
Program Requirements
Total 3 courses
- 3 courses
- 8 units
- End with specialization completion review.
| Title | units | Fall | Spring | Summer | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Java Programming I | 2.0 | Online Self-paced | Online Self-paced | ||
| Java Programming II | 3.0 | Flexible | |||
| Data Structures and Algorithms Using Java | 3.0 |
| Title | units | Fall | Spring | Summer | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specialization in Java Development Completion Fee |
1. Required Course(s):
- Online Self-Paced Work online at your own pace.
| Date | Start Time | End Time | Meeting Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, 01-06-2026 | 12:01am | 12:02am | Online Self-Paced | ONLINE |
| Tue, 04-07-2026 | 11:58pm | 11:59pm | Online Self-Paced | ONLINE |
Online Self-Paced courses have a structured learning environment where students are allowed to complete the work at their own pace. Students may complete the coursework early or use the entire duration of the course. This course is largely self-study with instructor guidance and includes online learning modules, assignments, and/or quizzes. All course materials and assignments will be available at the beginning of the course on Canvas, our learning management system.
For this section, student access begins on January 6, but you may still enroll until February 10. All course work must be completed by 11:59 pm on April 7, 2026.
Note: This course includes a module on "Introducing Generative AI Assisted Programming."
This course fulfills the Java prerequisite for the Carnegie Mellon University: Master of Information Systems Management (MISM) program
Based on the requirements for special programs, such as CMU, students may complete this course early and receive a letter grade before the official end date. Click here for details.
Students are required to have a computer with the latest Java SE Development Kit (JDK) and Exclipse IDE for Java Developers or equivalent IDE, e.g. NetBeans, IntelliJ, etc.
Required Text:
Murach's Java Programming (6th Edition) by Joel Murach, Published January 2022, ISBN 978-1-943872-87-9
Electronic Course Materials: 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.
- Online Self-Paced Work online at your own pace.
| Date | Start Time | End Time | Meeting Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, 03-03-2026 | 12:01am | 12:02am | Online Self-Paced | ONLINE |
| Tue, 06-02-2026 | 11:58pm | 11:59pm | Online Self-Paced | ONLINE |
Online Self-Paced courses have a structured learning environment where students are allowed to complete the work at their own pace. Students may complete the coursework early or use the entire duration of the course. This course is largely self-study with instructor guidance and includes online learning modules, assignments, and/or quizzes. All course materials and assignments will be available at the beginning of the course on Canvas, our learning management system.
For this section, student access begins on March 3, but you may still enroll until March 31. All course work must be completed by 11:59 pm on June 2, 2026.
Note: This course includes a module on "Introducing Generative AI Assisted Programming."
This course fulfills the Java prerequisite for the Carnegie Mellon University: Master of Information Systems Management (MISM) program
Based on the requirements for special programs, such as CMU, students may complete this course early and receive a letter grade before the official end date. Click here for details.
Students are required to have a computer with the latest Java SE Development Kit (JDK) and Exclipse IDE for Java Developers or equivalent IDE, e.g. NetBeans, IntelliJ, etc.
Required Text:
Murach's Java Programming (6th Edition) by Joel Murach, Published January 2022, ISBN 978-1-943872-87-9
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.
- Online Self-Paced Work online at your own pace.
| Date | Start Time | End Time | Meeting Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wed, 04-01-2026 | 12:01am | 12:02am | Online Self-Paced | ONLINE |
| Wed, 07-01-2026 | 11:58pm | 11:59pm | Online Self-Paced | ONLINE |
Online Self-Paced courses have a structured learning environment where students are allowed to complete the work at their own pace. Students may complete the coursework early or use the entire duration of the course. This course is largely self-study with instructor guidance and includes online learning modules, assignments, and/or quizzes. All course materials and assignments will be available at the beginning of the course on Canvas, our learning management system.
For this section, student access begins on April 1, but you may still enroll until May 13. All course work must be completed by 11:59 pm on July 1, 2026.
Note: This course includes a module on "Introducing Generative AI Assisted Programming."
This course fulfills the Java prerequisite for the Carnegie Mellon University: Master of Information Systems Management (MISM) program
Based on the requirements for special programs, such as CMU, students may complete this course early and receive a letter grade before the official end date. Click here for details.
Students are required to have a computer with the latest Java SE Development Kit (JDK) and Exclipse IDE for Java Developers or equivalent IDE, e.g. NetBeans, IntelliJ, etc.
Required Text:
Murach's Java Programming (6th Edition) by Joel Murach, Published January 2022, ISBN 978-1-943872-87-9
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.
2. Completion Review:
Please enroll in the Specialization in Java Development Completion Fee only once all of the certificate requirements have been met and your final grades are posted.
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.
Establish Candidacy