The fastest-growing language
4 - 6 months
6859315
This Program is Perfect For
- Beginners eager to build programming confidence
- Intermediate learners ready to deepen their understanding of Python’s structure
- Aspiring developers seeking professional-level fluency and toolkit readiness
Program review underway
As we evolve our programs to reflect today’s technology landscape, the specialization in Python is under review and is not currently open for new enrollment. If you are enrolled in this specialization and are finishing up your courses, please reach out to us at extension@ucsc.edu. We will help you plan your journey.
After reviewing the current market conditions and engaging with industry, we are now offering new short programs, that are flexible paths to get the skills you need fast. During this time, our specialization programs continue to be under review and we are committed to assisting all enrolled students to finish the specialization programs. To learn more, visit our Short Programs page.
Courses are open to everyone
You are invited to enroll in individual courses to build your knowledge and develop new skills.
Meet the growing demand for Python developers
Python, one of the most widely used programming languages in the open source community, is in high demand by employers in just about every industry. It is especially important for people interested in breaking into data science and machine learning.
Fortunately, the elegance and simplicity of Python makes it one of the easiest languages to master. In this 6.5-unit Python Specialization, you can start as a novice and, in just four to six months of hands-on practice, master the fundamentals.
Gain Python skills for a competitive edge on the job market
Suggested order of courses:
Courses
Program Requirements
Total: 6.5 units
- 3 courses
- End with specialization completion review.
1. Required Course(s): Minimum 6.5 Units
CMPR.X420
$750
You may enroll in this offering at any time.
Jul. 9 - Aug. 27, Thu, 6:30pm - 9:30pm
- Live-Online Attend via Zoom at scheduled times.
CMPR.X420.(28)
Schedule
| Date | Start Time | End Time | Meeting Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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 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: Access to a computer with Python version 3.9 or higher is required (python.org is where to get the official version). You can use any Python development environment, as long as you can produce ".py" files. I will use both the default "IDLE" editor and "PyCharm" (free Community Edition) in class.
Recommended Textbook:
Object-Oriented Python, Irv Kalb, No Starch Press, 2022, ISBN 9781718502062. OPTIONAL - not required. The course covers about two thirds of the material in this book. I will provide notes for each class meeting.
|| Prerequisites:
Prerequisites / Skills Needed
Summer
Currently no classes scheduled. Would you like to be notified when a class is available?
Summer
CMPR.X415
$580
(Estimated Cost)
Currently no classes scheduled. Would you like to be notified when a class is available?
Summer
2. Completion Review:
O-CE0509
$50
You may enroll in this offering at any time.
Schedule
Please enroll in the Python Specialization Completion Fee only after all of the specialization requirements have been met and your final grades are posted.
Establish Candidacy
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