UC Irvine Extension has created its Embedded Systems Engineering Certificate program in response to the rapidly growing demand for professionals skilled in developing embedded systems. The courses are available during summer 2005 quarter and are designed for hardware and software programmers, technology professionals and engineers who desire hands-on experience in this challenging industry.
Venture Development Corporation, a market research firm, recently reported that the worldwide market for embedded software solutions and related services reached more than $1.4 billion, and is expected to rise at a rate of 13.5%.
The proliferation of embedded devices in recent years has resulted in a wave of “smart” consumer products, including cell phones, PDAs, televisions and appliances. The military is one of the largest adopters of embedded technology using it for navigation and communication as well as to create “smart” weapons. NASA has also installed embedded systems in all of its spaceships, and use of the technology is expanding into the automotive and medical device industries as well.
“Embedded systems are here to stay, and the potential markets for these complex devices are varied and enormous,” said Rogelio C. Rodriguez, director of engineering and sciences at UC Irvine Extension. “This certificate program provides working professionals with knowledge that can be applied immediately and highly specialized skills that prepares them for the future of the technology industry.”
To complete UC Irvine Extension’s Embedded Systems Engineering Certificate, students must take three required courses: Fundamentals of Embedded Systems Design and Programming, Embedded Systems Architecture and Real-Time Embedded Systems Programming. Students can then choose two out of more than a half dozen elective courses to complete the program.
“Embedded device designers must be tenacious due to the inherent resource constraints in the design process, and they must also know the intricacies of hardware and software interaction,” said Rich Newman, a member of the UCI program’s advisory board and technical account manager at Wind River Systems. “This program will help professionals who have specialized in one area to expand their knowledge base and give them the tools to further their careers.”
As the continuing education arm of a prestigious university, UC Irvine Extension is dedicated to providing a transforming learning experience for students, offering thousands of exciting courses and programs to local, regional and global constituencies. UC Irvine Extension offers a rich array of academic and personal development programs to support a diverse audience from a wide selection of academic programs to numerous campus events and activities. UC Irvine Extension continues to provide a university-level learning experience to all students. For more information about UC Irvine Extension’s Embedded Systems Certificate Program, visit www.extension.uci.edu or call (949) 824-5414.