Qualcomm Technologies Launches 5G Certification Program with Top San Diego Universities

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. is excited to collaborate with two flagship universities in San Diego to provide 5G training and certification to university students and working professionals across the area. Through Qualcomm Academy, the company is collaborating with San Diego State University (SDSU) and the University of California San Diego (UC San Diego) to offer its 5G Associate-Level Certification Program, which helps prepare students and skilled workers for a career in wireless engineering.

Through this certification program, students dive into the technical components of 5G and gain the knowledge and skills they need to enter the workforce as wireless engineers. The program consists of 25-30 hours of in-depth and technical 5G training and one online exam, all led by experienced professionals at the company that invented many of the technologies that make 5G possible today. Upon completion, students receive a 5G Associate-Level Certificate that certifies them as industry-ready and proficient in key areas of 5G.

This program is a large step forward for upskilling engineers across San Diego and has caught the attention of San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. “This 5G training program is a big win for our students, adult learners, business community, and our city,” Mayor Gloria said. “This innovative certification will give our current and future leaders the tools they need to keep connected and competitive while also creating jobs and ensuring San Diego remains a leader in the technology sector.”

“5G technology is revolutionizing the way we live our lives, both personally and professionally,” John Smee, Senior Vice President of Engineering at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc, said. “With Qualcomm Academy’s comprehensive 5G training and certification, students from across San Diego and the world can gain access to important skills to help transform the wireless industry.”

SDSU offers this professional development and career growth opportunity at a discounted rate through SDSU Global Campus, while UC San Diego offers the certification to the global community as a core course in its Wireless Engineering Professional Certificate through the Division of Extended Studies.

"By forging relationships with industry leaders like Qualcomm, SDSU Global Campus is not only advancing our mission of providing accessible education to the community, but also creating invaluable job opportunities for learners aspiring to embark on exciting careers in 5G technology. Together, we are shaping the future workforce of this dynamic field,” Ian Gibson, Dean of SDSU Global Campus, said.

“From the inception of our CDMA Engineering Certificate in collaboration with Qualcomm in 1998, UC San Diego Extended Studies has consistently maintained dedication to cultivating a highly proficient workforce for the dynamic wireless industry. Over these many years, we've empowered countless professionals to upskill and adapt to technological advancements,” said UC San Diego Extended Studies Dean Hugo Villar. “Now, in the era of 5G, the next rung in an industry renowned for disruptive innovations, we remain committed to fostering excellence and equipping today’s workforce with the knowledge and skills that are required to maintain our vanguard in wireless technologies.”

If you are interested in enrolling in Qualcomm Academy’s 5G Associate-Level Certification through SDSU Global Campus, you may do so here.

If you are interested in enrolling in UC San Diego Extended Studies’ 5G Associate Certification, enroll here. For the Wireless Engineering Professional Certificate, enroll here.

These collaborations are part of Qualcomm Academy’s broader goal of training the next generation of wireless engineers. The group has a wide range of training options for university students, including its introductory-level 5G University Program, which offers free wireless training and has engaged more than 12,000 students from more than 500 universities around the globe since the fall of 2021.

“5G is a growing and exciting field that is in need of more young and driven engineers,” Vikram Malhotra, Senior Director of Program Management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., and head of Qualcomm Academy, said. “We are excited to be training students around the world and preparing them to lead the wireless industry.”

Any student from any university worldwide may take advantage of Qualcomm Academy’s free introductory-level 5G University Program by registering here.

About Qualcomm Academy

Qualcomm Academy is the educational and training branch of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. Please see below for a brief overview of what we offer:

• Flexible Learning: All courses are taught through our eLearning format, so participants may learn online and at their own pace. We can also set up live in-person or virtual training for groups of at least 15 employees.
• Learn from the Experts: All courses are taught by industry-leading engineers from Qualcomm Technologies.
• Diverse Course Portfolio: We offer a wide range of 5G and other courses for engineers and non-engineers of all levels.

Start learning today at academy.qualcomm.com or email us at academy@qti.qualcomm.com.