Infrastructure Masons is happy to announce the launch of the Certificate in Global Digital Infrastructure, marking a significant milestone as the first undergraduate program of its kind. Developed through a collaboration between Infrastructure Masons (iMasons), the SubOptic Foundation, DCD Academy, and the University of California, Berkeley’s Center for New Media, this groundbreaking certificate provides students worldwide with a unique opportunity to explore the multifaceted world of digital infrastructure.
Launching in Summer 2025, the certificate program is designed to introduce students to the technical, economic, legal, environmental, and social dimensions of the global Internet’s infrastructure, including data centers and subsea telecommunications cables. The curriculum takes a holistic approach, covering the data centers where information is stored and computation occurs; the subsea networks that transmit 99% of data traffic between continents; and infrastructures such as Internet Exchange Points (IXPs), Points of Presence (POPs), and colocation facilities, where networks are interconnected. The program encompasses components, business models, design/build, operations, and maintenance, alongside the impacts of and on economies, geopolitics, artificial intelligence, and the environment.
Courtney Popp, Director of Education Programs at Infrastructure Masons, emphasized the significance of this initiative:
“The launch of the Certificate in Global Digital Infrastructure is a game-changer for our industry and the future workforce. Through this collaboration with UC Berkeley, DCD Academy and the SubOptic Foundation, we are breaking down barriers to education and creating a global pathway for students from all backgrounds to enter and shape the digital infrastructure space. This program is more than just a curriculum—it’s an invitation to engage with the critical systems that power our connected world. At iMasons, we are committed to driving education and access, and this certificate is a testament to what’s possible when industry and academia come together to inspire the next generation of leaders.”
The partnership with the SubOptic Foundation facilitated a connection with Professor Nicole Starosielski at UC Berkeley. Over the past year, Professor Starosielski has collaborated closely with the iMasons Education Committee and iMasons Education Programs staff, applying her expertise in global internet and media distribution to this initiative. Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping a curriculum that integrates academic rigor with industry insights.
All courses in the certificate program are project-based and encourage collaboration among students from various disciplines and backgrounds. No prior experience in digital infrastructure, computer science, or engineering is required, and students from all fields—from sciences to liberal arts—are encouraged to participate. The courses, guided by Professor Starosielski, will include guest lectures from data center and subsea cable experts. The program will be offered online in both synchronous and asynchronous formats, with Digital Infrastructure 101 potentially available in person at UC Berkeley. Each course spans six weeks, providing an immersive and comprehensive learning experience.
The inaugural cohort will have the opportunity to enroll in the following courses:
- Digital Infrastructure 101: The Hidden Foundations of the Internet (May 27–July 3, 2025)
- How to Build a Global Internet: Digital Infrastructure Projects from Subsea Cables to Data Centers (July 7–August 15, 2025)
- Tech Wars: Security, Geopolitics, and Resilience of Digital Infrastructures (July 7–August 15, 2025)
Students from around the world are invited to participate in this transformative program and gain a comprehensive understanding of the infrastructures that power the digital world. By enrolling, participants not only expand their knowledge but also position themselves at the forefront of a field critical to the future of global connectivity. This class can be taken as a standalone certificate and is not limited to Berkely students
This initiative highlights the meaningful impact that results from partnerships with iMasons for organizations and industry leaders. Companies and institutions are encouraged to support educational programs that bridge the gap between academia and industry, ensuring the development of a skilled and knowledgeable workforce equipped to address the challenges of tomorrow.
About iM Education Initiative
Infrastructure Masons Education Initiative is committed to increasing the flow of digital infrastructure talent by promoting awareness and education, partnering with quality programs, offering scholarships, and supporting curriculum development. To learn more about this initiative and how to get involved, click here.