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
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.X416
$980
You may enroll in this offering at any time.
Jan. 6 - Apr. 7, Tuesday, 12:01am - 11:59pm
- Online Self-Paced Work online at your own pace.
CMPR.X416.(845)
Schedule
| 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.
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: Murach's Python Programming, 2nd Edition, Joel Murach and Michael Urban, Mike Murach and Associates Inc., 2021, ISBN-13: 9781943872749.
Recommended Text: The Quick Python Book, 3rd Edition, Naomi R. Ceder, Manning Publications, 2018, ISBN-10: 1617294039, ISBN-13: 978-1617294037.
Additional Information
AI*: This course introduces AI midway through the term as a supervised enhancement tool, helping students refine their own handwritten coding assignments and reflect on the insights gained, while also evaluating how different GenAI systems support their work.
You may enroll in this offering at any time.
Feb. 14 - Mar. 14, Saturday, 9:00am - 3:30pm
- Flexible Attend in person or via Zoom at scheduled times.
CMPR.X416.(61)
Schedule
| Date | Start Time | End Time | Meeting Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, 02-14-2026 | 9:00am | 3:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Sat, 02-21-2026 | 9:00am | 3:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Sat, 02-28-2026 | 9:00am | 3:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Sat, 03-07-2026 | 9:00am | 3:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Sat, 03-14-2026 | 9:00am | 3:30pm | 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.
Note: Students are required to have laptops with Python 3.7 or higher installed.
Recommended Texts:
Lutz, Mark. Learning Python, 5th ed. O'Reilly Media, Inc., 2013. ISBN-10: 1449355730 ISBN-13: 9781449355739
David M. Beazley. Python Essential Reference. 4th edition, Addison-Wesley Professional, 2009. ISBN-10: 0672329786 ISBN-13: 9780672329784
Additional Information
AI*: This course encourages students to learn to leverage generative AI tools like ChatGPT to accelerate problem-solving, deepen their understanding of Python concepts, and explore real-world programming use cases.
You may enroll in this offering at any time.
Apr. 4 - May. 2, Saturday, 9:00am - 3:30pm
- Flexible Attend in person or via Zoom at scheduled times.
CMPR.X416.(62)
Schedule
| Date | Start Time | End Time | Meeting Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, 04-04-2026 | 9:00am | 3:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Sat, 04-11-2026 | 9:00am | 3:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Sat, 04-18-2026 | 9:00am | 3:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Sat, 04-25-2026 | 9:00am | 3:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Sat, 05-02-2026 | 9:00am | 3:30pm | 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.
Note: Students are required to have laptops with Python 3.7 or higher installed.
Recommended Texts:
Lutz, Mark. Learning Python, 5th ed. O'Reilly Media, Inc., 2013. ISBN-10: 1449355730 ISBN-13: 9781449355739
David M. Beazley. Python Essential Reference. 4th edition, Addison-Wesley Professional, 2009. ISBN-10: 0672329786 ISBN-13: 9780672329784
Winter
Spring
CMPR.X415
$580
Currently no classes scheduled. Would you like to be notified when a class is available?
You may enroll in this offering at any time.
Jan. 6 - Apr. 7, Tuesday, 12:01am - 11:59pm
- Online Self-Paced Work online at your own pace.
CMPR.X415.(837)
Schedule
| 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.
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
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.
Recommended Text:
Learn to Program with Python 3: A Step-by-Step Guide to Programming, 2nd edition, by Irv Kalb, Apress. ISBN-13: 978-1484238783 ISBN-10: 9781484238783
Murach's Python Programming (2nd Edition), Authors: Joel Murach, Michael Urban Publication Date: 2021-04-01 ISBN: 9781943872749
Think Python, Authors: Allen B. Downey Publisher: "O'Reilly Media, Inc." Publication Date: 2015-12-02 ISBN: 9781491939413
Python Programming for the Absolute Beginner, Authors: Michael Dawson Publisher: Course Technology Publication Date: 2003-01-01 ISBN: 9781592000739
Additional Information
AI*: This course includes an integrated module that examines how AI can be used to advance coding proficiency and sustain ongoing learning.
You may enroll in this offering at any time.
Jan. 12 - Mar. 2, Monday, 6:00pm - 9:00pm
- Flexible Attend in person or via Zoom at scheduled times.
CMPR.X415.(43)
Schedule
| Date | Start Time | End Time | Meeting Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon, 01-12-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:00pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Mon, 01-26-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:00pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Mon, 02-02-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:00pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Mon, 02-09-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:00pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Mon, 02-23-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:00pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Mon, 03-02-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:00pm | 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.
No meetings on January 19 and February 16, 2026. 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.
Additional Information
AI*: This course uses AI as a continuous statistical guide, generating simulations and visualizations, performing key analyses, and clarifying interpretations to help students confidently understand and apply concepts from basic descriptions through advanced inference.
You may enroll in this offering at any time.
Apr. 1 - Jul. 1, Wednesday, 12:01am - 11:59pm
- Online Self-Paced Work online at your own pace.
CMPR.X415.(838)
Schedule
| 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.
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
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:
Learn to Program with Python 3: A Step-by-Step Guide to Programming, 2nd edition, by Irv Kalb, Apress. ISBN-13: 978-1484238783 ISBN-10: 9781484238783
Murach's Python Programming (2nd Edition), Authors: Joel Murach, Michael Urban Publication Date: 2021-04-01 ISBN: 9781943872749
Think Python, Authors: Allen B. Downey Publisher: "O'Reilly Media, Inc." Publication Date: 2015-12-02 ISBN: 9781491939413
Python Programming for the Absolute Beginner, Authors: Michael Dawson Publisher: Course Technology Publication Date: 2003-01-01 ISBN: 9781592000739
You may enroll in this offering at any time.
May. 2 - Jun. 13, Saturday, 9:00am - 12:00pm
- Live-Online Attend via Zoom at scheduled times.
CMPR.X415.(44)
Schedule
| Date | Start Time | End Time | Meeting Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, 05-02-2026 | 9:00am | 12:00pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Sat, 05-09-2026 | 9:00am | 12:00pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Sat, 05-16-2026 | 9:00am | 12:00pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Sat, 05-30-2026 | 9:00am | 12:00pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Sat, 06-06-2026 | 9:00am | 12:00pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Sat, 06-13-2026 | 9:00am | 12:00pm | 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.
No meeting on May 23, 2026. To see all meeting dates, click "Full Schedule" below.
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
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:
Learn to Program with Python 3: A Step-by-Step Guide to Programming, 2nd edition, by Irv Kalb, Apress. ISBN-13: 978-1484238783 ISBN-10: 9781484238783
Murach's Python Programming (2nd Edition), Authors: Joel Murach, Michael Urban Publication Date: 2021-04-01 ISBN: 9781943872749
Think Python, Authors: Allen B. Downey Publisher: "O'Reilly Media, Inc." Publication Date: 2015-12-02 ISBN: 9781491939413
Python Programming for the Absolute Beginner, Authors: Michael Dawson Publisher: Course Technology Publication Date: 2003-01-01 ISBN: 9781592000739
Winter
Spring
CMPR.X420
$750
You may enroll in this offering at any time.
Feb. 4 - Mar. 25, Wednesday, 6:30pm - 9:30pm
- Live-Online Attend via Zoom at scheduled times.
CMPR.X420.(27)
Schedule
| Date | Start Time | End Time | Meeting Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wed, 02-04-2026 | 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, 02-25-2026 | 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, 03-18-2026 | 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.
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.
Access to a computer with Python version 3.9 or higher is required. python.org is where to get the official version. The default "IDLE" editor is recommended, but students can use any Python development environment, as long as you can produce ".py" files.
Recommended Textbook:
Object-Oriented Python, Irv Kalb, 2022. ISBN 9781718502062
You may enroll in this offering at any time.
Apr. 1 - Jul. 1, Wednesday, 12:01am - 11:59pm
- Online Self-Paced Work online at your own pace.
CMPR.X420.(813)
Schedule
| 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, 2026. All course work must be completed by 11:59 pm on July 1, 2026.
*All grades will be processed at the end of the course.
Access to a computer with Python version 3.9 or higher is required. python.org is where to get the official version. The default "IDLE" editor is recommended, but students can use any Python development environment, as long as you can produce ".py" files.
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:
Object-Oriented Python, Irv Kalb, 2022. ISBN 9781718502062
Winter
Spring
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
Instructors
