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

Important update for 2026-27

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:

  1. Python Programming for Beginners

  2. Python: Object-Oriented Programming

  3. Python for Programmers

Courses

Program Requirements

Total: 6.5 units

  • 3 courses
  • End with specialization completion review.

View course CALENDAR

1. Required Course(s): Minimum 6.5 Units
Title units Fall Spring Summer Winter
Python Programming for Beginners 1.5 Online Self-paced
Python for Programmers 3.0 Online Self-paced, Live-Online
Python: Object-Oriented Programming 2.0 Live-Online
2. Completion Review:
Title units Fall Spring Summer Winter
Specialization in Python Completion Fee

1. Required Course(s): Minimum 6.5 Units

CMPR.X415
$580
  • Online Self-Paced Work online at your own pace.
Schedule
Date Start Time End Time Meeting Type Location
Tue, 01-05-2027 12:01am 12:02am Online Self-Paced ONLINE
Tue, 04-06-2027 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 5, but you may still enroll until February 9. All course work must be completed by 11:59 pm on April 6, 2027.

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 3.6 or higher and Jupyter Notebook is required. The recommended software to obtain the required tools for this course is Anaconda, free Individual Edition: https://www.anaconda.com/products/individual

Recommended Tools & Materials: 
Learn to Program with Python 3: A Step-by-Step Guide to Programming, 2nd edition, Irv Kalb, Apress, 2018, ISBN: 9781484238783.

Murach's Python Programming (2nd Edition), Joel Murach, Michael Urban , Mike Murach and Associates, 2021, ISBN: 9781943872749.

Think Python, Allen B. Downey, O'Reilly Media, Inc., 2015, ISBN: 9781491939413.

Winter
CMPR.X416
$980 (Estimated Cost)
Currently no classes scheduled. Would you like to be notified when a class is available?
Summer
CMPR.X420
$750 (Estimated Cost)
Currently no classes scheduled. Would you like to be notified when a class is available?
Summer

2. Completion Review:

O-CE0509
$50
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.

Demo