I think the length of the program is a good place to start: 15 weeks full time vs. 9-12 months full-time is a huge difference: https://www.ucsc-extension.edu/ce

I think the length of the program is a good place to start: 15 weeks full time vs. 9-12 months full-time is a huge difference: https://www.ucsc-extension.edu/certificate-programs?cname=Software%20Engineering%20and%20Quality https://www.ucsc-extension.edu/certificate-programs?cname=So... I know people I've talked to (work with a similar company) feel the weight of family duty very heavily with career decisions. Having children or other family to be responsible for is one of the things that holds people back. Child care is incredibly expensive and having to carry that burden on your own can be very taxing and can get in the way of your work if you're at home. Shorter runway to earn more is a much more desirable option.