Futures by UC San Diego Extended Studies Recently Updated

Career pathway programs for high school students to fulfill passions, explore new interests and gain hands-on experience before entering the workforce or applying for college.

Your Future Lies Just Ahead

Prepare for your future with skills you can use right away! UC San Diego Extended Studies online, asynchronous Futures Programs give high school students the opportunity to explore real-world careers through hands-on learning and professional training. Designed and taught by industry experts, these immersive programs help students develop practical, job-ready skills—on their own schedule. Each program culminates in a UC San Diego Extended Studies Award of Completion, a credential that highlights their accomplishments on college and job applications.

The Futures Programs empower students to think critically, create boldly, and prepare for what’s next. Build your future today with UC San Diego Extended Studies.

Choose a Program to Get Started

Advanced Digital Design

Explore advanced AI hardware design and optimization, from foundational digital circuits to custom FPGA, ASIC, and neuromorphic implementations, culminating in a hands-on capstone project.

Advanced Machine Learning

Discover advanced neural networks, generative models, and natural language processing to tackle complex tasks in classification, image processing, and sequence modeling.

Android Programming

This hands-on program teaches participants to design, code, debug, and test Android apps using Java and Android Studio, building skills for future studies or careers in programming.

AutoCAD

Learn the fundamentals of AutoCAD to create professional 2D drawings, floor plans, and construction documents using industry-standard drafting techniques.

Business Management

This program provides a practical foundation in business management, covering leadership, organizational behavior, marketing strategy, and decision-making through real-world case studies and hands-on skill development.

Digital Circuit Design

Explore the fundamentals of analog electronics, digital logic, and high-level description languages to design and build the digital circuits that drive today’s technology. (A-G Approved)

Front End Web Development

Gain the skills to design and build engaging, interactive, and responsive websites using HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and jQuery while applying professional coding practices and creative problem-solving.

iOS Programming

Get hands-on experience designing, coding, and testing dynamic iOS applications using Swift and Xcode, while building engaging, user-friendly interfaces and developing essential problem-solving and collaboration skills.

Machine Learning

This program provides a comprehensive foundation in machine learning, combining Python programming, applied mathematics, and hands-on projects to develop and implement algorithms for regression, classification, clustering, dimensionality reduction, and deep neural networks. (A-G Approved)

Marketing

Gain practical marketing skills and hands-on experience in strategy, branding, digital marketing, and market research while developing communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities for professional and personal growth.

Revit

Learn to use Building Information Modeling (BIM) using Revit by designing, managing, and visualizing detailed construction projects from concept to presentation.

Robotics with JavaScript

Learn to program robots using JavaScript, exploring automation, sensor data processing, and AI while gaining hands-on experience with Arduino-compatible robots and robotic simulations.

Translation & Interpretation

Gain advanced skills in Spanish-English translation and interpretation through intensive training designed to prepare bilingual students for professional certification and competitive opportunities.

Wireless Communications Technologist

Gain hands-on expertise in wireless technologies and digital media by exploring Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and advanced audio/video processing techniques.

Futures courses offered in partnership with high school locations may qualify for Career and Technical Education (CTE) course credit. 

Classes are delivered online. All programs culminate in an Award of Completion issued by UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies for use on college applications and resumes.

Visit our website for the full Futures schedule.