FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is digital infrastructure?
Digital infrastructures are the physical installations that support the transmission, storage, and computation of data. Varying in form and scale, they underpin virtually all internet operations today. These infrastructures include data centers, which range from small edge facilities to expansive hyperscale operations. They also include the subsea fiber-optic cables that transport over 99% of international data traffic, the satellites that power the growing space economy, and the standards and protocols that make these systems interoperable. The course will cover the development of subsea fiber technologies, as well as the complexity and challenges of marine operations for installation, repair, and maintenance. On land, internet traffic is supported by fiber-optic cables that run underground or are strung along utility poles. At interconnection facilities—often housed in data centers—networks link with one another. The course will also include discussions of Internet Exchange Points (IXPs), Points of Presence (POPs), caching, and peering.
Wait, isn’t the internet wireless?
It often feels that way, but for the most part, the answer is no. Wireless connections usually handle the “last hop”—the final link between a Wi-Fi router or cellular tower and your device. From there, most traffic travels over physical infrastructure: terrestrial fiber running under streets and along utility routes, and subsea cables that carry the bulk of international data traffic. In some places, wireless systems (such as microwave links) also support backhaul between network sites, but they typically connect into—and depend on—the wired fiber backbone. This certificate does cover critical wireless infrastructure, including cellular, microwave, and satellite systems. We examine these technologies not in isolation, but in relation to the global fiber backbone and the evolving network architectures shaped by 5G deployment and AI-driven demand. By integrating technical analysis with policy, sustainability, and industry standards and frameworks, we offer a nuanced perspective on how the internet reaches end users, and the implications and challenges of doing so.
I don’t know anything about technology. Is this program for me?
These courses will give you an overview of technology, but they are intended to be accessible to all disciplines. It is our belief that, since everyone is dependent on the Internet, there should be education that enables anyone—from a journalist to those interested in working in government—to understand what’s going on beneath the interface.
Will I only learn about digital infrastructure in the United States?
This certificate is a program in global digital infrastructure. The curriculum is developed not only by scholars in the United States but will include contributions and case studies from around the world.
Do I need to take all three core courses to get credit?
No. You may take one, two, or all three courses for UC Berkeley credit—each course is credit-bearing on its own. Completing all three gives you the full sequence and broadest coverage of the curriculum. However, only students who complete all three core courses are eligible to receive the certificate.
What kind of support will I receive during the program?
Beyond access to your course instructors, you will use UC Berkeley’s online learning platform (bCourses/Canvas) to access lectures, videos, readings, announcements, and assignments in one place. The certificate also prioritizes interaction. You will engage with classmates through discussion forums and other course activities, with opportunities for real-time sessions when scheduled. Instructors and Graduate Student Instructors (GSIs)/teaching assistants hold office hours, respond to questions via email and course messaging, and provide feedback throughout the course. When included in the schedule, guest speaker sessions offer the chance to engage directly with practitioners and leaders in the field and deepen your understanding of the sector.
What opportunities are available to those who complete the certificate?
You will immediately join a vibrant, worldwide community of students, instructors, and guest experts, with opportunities to gain exposure beyond the classroom through public-facing writing and industry publications. Strong student work is frequently showcased more formally, including the publication of their essays in industry magazines and presentation of top projects to industry panels. This may include operators, regulators, standards bodies, and civil society organizations focused on connectivity, resilience, and sustainability. A key benefit is your inclusion in the GDI Talent Database, which allows you to showcase your profile and CV directly to industry leaders who are actively hiring. Finally, graduates gain access to professional communities—including free membership to Infrastructure Masons (iMasons)—as well as opportunities to attend major conferences and represent the program at events across the digital infrastructure sector.
Where do students go after joining GDI?
Because digital infrastructures today intersect with so many sectors, our alumni follow diverse trajectories. For established professionals working across the ecosystem—from operators and vendors to regulators, consultancies, and development banks—the certificate provides the technological, policy, and management grounding needed to deepen expertise and advance in their current roles. For others, the program serves as a launchpad: students use it to identify a research focus for further specialization, pursue graduate study, or pivot into new areas of interest. Alumni have also leveraged the certificate to secure industry internships and successfully apply for fellowships, awards, and further professional opportunities.
I am interested in academic research. Will this certificate be useful for me?
Absolutely. The program is deeply rooted in academic rigor and connects students with partners across disciplines worldwide. Our instructors hold advanced degrees from leading universities and maintain active research portfolios, including books, articles in peer-reviewed journals, and participation in leading conferences and associations. We leverage these global collaborations to support students aiming for Masters or PhD programs, providing resources to help you launch a research agenda, refine your academic interests, and prepare for your next career step. If you are seeking hands-on experience after taking any of the courses offered through the certificate, you can also apply to relevant undergraduate research opportunities at UC Berkeley, such as URAP projects focused on digital infrastructure. Furthermore, because the curriculum is research-based, we create pathways for exceptional students to collaborate on projects led by graduate students, professors, and post-docs.
I am a member of a company, government, NGO, or research organization and would like to be involved as a partner. What should I do?
We welcome collaborations with stakeholders focusing on digital infrastructure. Whether you represent the private, public, civil-society, or research sectors, we invite you to deepen your engagement with the program. Partners contribute in a variety of ways, including joining our annual Advisory Board, recruiting from our student and alumni talent pool, or supporting scholarships and special projects. Partnerships can also include guest lectures, shared case materials, mentorship opportunities, and collaborative research or convenings. If you are interested in exploring these opportunities, please reach out to our program team to discuss potential avenues for collaboration. We are also happy to schedule an introductory call to learn more about your goals and identify a partnership model that fits.
How can I enroll?
Registration depends on your status. Current UC Berkeley students can simply log into CalCentral and enroll directly in GDI-eligible courses. Visiting students, working professionals, and international applicants, however, must first submit an application through the UC Berkeley Summer Sessions portal. Once your application is processed, you will receive a CalNet ID to access the system, pay fees, and finalize your enrollment. Please note that international students planning to attend on campus should apply early to allow sufficient time for visa processing. To get started, review the eligibility requirements for your category and click the 'Enroll' button below.
Are there any prerequisites to apply for the Certificate in Global Digital Infrastructure?
No, there are no prerequisites to apply. The program is open to anyone interested in global digital infrastructure, regardless of their professional background, academic training, or prior experience.
Whom should I contact if I have any further questions?
For any questions not answered above, please contact our Program Manager, Federica Tortorella, at federica.tortorella@berkeley.edu. If your question relates to admissions and enrollment logistics, include your status (Berkeley student, visiting student, professional, international) so we can respond faster.