UCLA Extension Programs: Enhancing Skills and Careers

UCLA Extension stands as one of the nation’s oldest, largest, and most comprehensive continuing education providers, merging high-caliber academics with practical, real-world applications. It is designed to help individuals grow - whether it’s exploring an interest, developing skills or shifting careers.

Flexibility and Convenience

UCLA Extension provides flexibility and convenience, offering:

Anytime Access: 24/7 access to materials and interactive course elements, so you can study when you have time.
Anywhere Learning: Login and learn from anywhere, at home or on the go.
Easy-to-Use System: Access to Canvas, an easy-to-use, cloud-based learning management system via web browser or Canvas mobile app.

Through Canvas, students can review the course syllabus, connect with classmates in the discussion portal, and begin their studies. If a course utilizes Zoom, access is provided through Canvas. Students can retrieve course materials, including discussion boards, readings, videos, webinars, and other activities. It also enables connection with instructors for questions about assignments, progress, or deeper insights, and facilitates coursework submission for feedback and evaluation.

Commitment to the Region

UCLA is deeply committed to the advancement and enrichment of Los Angeles and the Southern California region.

Comprehensive Program Offerings

UCLA Extension is one of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive continuing education programs. The curriculum is customized to place aspirations within reach through 150 certificate programs in more than 20 different fields. Many professionals who have university degrees enroll in UCLA Extension courses and programs to update their knowledge in such fields as engineering, computer science, business and management, health sciences and teacher education.

Specialized Programs

Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB): A University of California program that helps the legal community stay abreast of new developments and procedures in the field of law.
UCLA Anderson Executive Education: Since 1954, has been helping organizations and individuals work smarter, driving new knowledge into the workplace.
Center X: Designs and conducts programs that prepare and support K-12 teachers and administrators committed to social justice, instructional excellence, the integration of research and practice, and caring, in low-income urban schools.
School of Theater, Film and Television: Offers professional programs in producing, screenwriting, and writing for television modeled after its world-renowned M.F.A. program. Alumni have won numerous awards, including Academy Awards, Tonys, and Emmys.
National Head Start Association: Dedicated to policy and institutional reform, develops educational programs to provide vulnerable children and families with the tools and necessities to succeed in life.
Office of Continuing Medical Education at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA: Helps keep the medical community abreast of new and evolving medical concepts and advancements.
The Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior: A world-leading interdisciplinary research and education institute devoted to the understanding of complex human behavior and the causes and consequences of neuropsychiatric disorders.
UCLA School of Dentistry: Offers a continuing education program helping practicing dentists broaden and sharpen their skills with courses covering the latest scientific and clinical developments in the field.
Center for Prehospital Care: Encompasses education, research, and institutional quality improvement, serving aspiring and experienced EMS providers, agencies, and healthcare professionals.
The Southern California Education NIOSH and Research Center: Employs a coordinated, interdisciplinary set of continuing education activities that positively impact the region’s and nation’s occupational health and safety practice.
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UCLA (OLLI): For those 50 or over, it invites individuals to join a vibrant community of like-minded adults for the sheer joy of learning.

Certificate Programs: A Path to a Brighter Future

A certificate program at UCLA Extension gives you practical, career-ready skills taught by industry experts so you can make meaningful progress toward your professional goals without putting your life on hold.

Steps to Get Started

Enroll in a Course: Enrolling in one of the courses in the program (ideally an intro course) is a great first step. It's important to know that you'll pay for each course individually and most courses are open enrollment. This means you can take a course or two before committing to a program to make sure it’s the right one for you. However, a select number of programs do require an application prior to enrollment and this information is highlighted on those program pages.
Apply for Candidacy: Your next step is to apply for the program.
Complete Your Program: You’ll enroll in and pay for each course individually each quarter.To ensure that our programs and courses reflect the most current and relevant academic content, you will be required to complete your program requirements within five years, including any courses taken prior to establishing candidacy if you wish them to count toward your requirements.If you allow your candidacy to lapse and later decide to reestablish candidacy, you may be required to pay the full application fee again. You will also be subject to the curriculum requirements in effect at that time.
Receive Your Credentials: The My Certificates and Specializations link on your Student Portal can help you monitor your academic progress.

Exclusive Benefits for Certificate Students

When you enroll in a certificate program at UCLA Extension, you unlock a set of exclusive academic, career, and campus benefits designed to support you during your studies and beyond. These benefits include:

Access to UCLA Extension’s Career Resources including online resources and networking events
Access to Handshake, UCLA Career Center’s online job board, with access to thousands of job and internship postings
Become a member of the UCLA Alumni Association (upon completing your certificate) and a nationwide network of Bruin family
Participate in the annual UCLA Extension Graduation Ceremony on campus to celebrate all your hard work
Access to UCLA Recreation* as a student affiliate (*nominal additional fee applies)
Open a UCLA Bruin ID Card* for a number of student-related benefits (*nominal additional fee applies)

Specializations vs. Certificates

When you enroll in a specialization program at UCLA Extension, you unlock a set of benefits designed to support you during your studies and beyond. A certificate offers in-depth study of a professional field through coursework that balances theory and practice, providing learners knowledge and expertise in less time than many traditional postgraduate degrees. A specialization is a short, targeted series of courses that helps you quickly build skills in a specific area. Academic certificates are ideal if you want specific, practical knowledge in a particular field. Certificates offer a focused course of study balancing theory and practice with an emphasis on real-world experience. Because completing an academic certificate program can take less time and significantly less money than a graduate degree, it's also an ideal way to quickly improve your professional skills, gain practical training, or explore alternate careers.

Employer Recognition

Employers worldwide recognize the value of ongoing training and up-to-date skills. Academic certificate programs and specializations are typically very well received by employers and can be a significant consideration for hiring and promotion.

Advanced Standing

If you have completed coursework at another college that seem to be equivalent, you can petition to apply your prior coursework towards your program. Upon acceptance of your petition, an amount up to a maximum of 25% of the units in your program may be advanced and specific required courses may also be waived. Petitions for advanced standing and course waivers must be made within the first quarter of the program.

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Enrollment Requirements

You do not need a college (bachelor's) degree to enroll in most programs. Most courses are conducted at the academic level of post-baccalaureate (college/bachelor's degree) or some may be at the level of undergraduate major sequences. While most advanced courses have prerequisites, we usually offer introductory courses you can take if you're at a beginning level or need to refresh your knowledge. Typically you can also try a course to see if you're comfortable with the level. You can take as many courses as you feel you can handle during a quarter; most students who work full-time take one course per quarter, while fulltime students take three.

Career Advancement

A UCLA Extension certificate offers in-depth study of a professional field. Our coursework, developed by industry experts, balances theory and real-world practice, providing you the knowledge you need to transform your career in less time than many traditional postgraduate degrees. So whether you you want to launch a new career or advance to the next level of your current path, a certificate program can get you there.

Program Examples

UCLA Extension offers a wide array of certificate programs across various fields. Here are some examples:

Accounting

Equip yourself with a thorough understanding of accounting standards and principles while also preparing for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Examination.

Entry Quarters: All
Duration: 3 Quarters
Estimated Tuition & Fees: $16,390
Estimated Program Textbooks/Materials: $400

Cybersecurity

Learn essential cybersecurity skills in our 4-course Cybersecurity Certificate. Quickly gain the knowledge you need to protect your technology infrastructure from physical and virtual threats.

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Entry Quarters: All
Duration: 2 Quarters
Estimated Tuition & Fees: $12,175
Estimated Program Textbooks/Materials: $700

Data Science

This certificate program is designed to help students learn to develop software applications using high-level programming languages. Learn to leverage the power of big data to extract insights and improve decision-making for real-world problems. Gain hands-on experience in data management and visualization, machine learning, statistical models, and more for a career in data science.

Entry Quarters: All
Duration: 2 Quarters
Estimated Tuition & Fees: $12,175
Estimated Program Textbooks/Materials: $600

Data Science with a Concentration in Cybersecurity

Learn how to harness the power of big data and protect technological infrastructures in this nine-course certificate program.

Entry Quarters: All
Duration: 3 Quarters
Estimated Tuition & Fees: $19,405
Estimated Program Textbooks/Materials: $1,000

Software Development

Develop software applications in Java and Python and enhance your web development skills. Gain the practical knowledge necessary to compete in an evolving technology ecosystem.

Entry Quarters: All
Duration: 2 Quarters
Estimated Tuition & Fees: $12,175
Estimated Program Textbooks/Materials: $600

Systems Analysis

This certificate provides training in the analysis and design of information systems. The program prepares students to perform information systems requirements analysis, design, development, installation, and operation as well as testing and documentation.

Entertainment Studies

Acting: This program will help bring your performance, improvisation, and auditioning skills to the next level.
- Entry Quarters: All
- Duration: 4 Quarters
- Estimated Tuition & Fees: $21,340
- Estimated Program Textbooks/Materials: $550
Business and Management of Entertainment: From film industry principles to the legal and financial aspects of entertainment, this certificate provides a thorough understanding of the entertainment business.
- Entry Quarters: All
- Duration: 3 Quarters
- Estimated Tuition & Fees: $16,255
- Estimated Program Textbooks/Materials: $550
Cinematography: Develop essential tools for working as a cinematographer. This program will provide a thorough understanding of current cinematography and camera techniques.
- Entry Quarters: Fall, Spring
- Duration: 3 Quarters
- Estimated Tuition & Fees: $18,055
- Estimated Program Textbooks/Materials: $550
Directing: Master the art of filmmaking. This program will teach the craft of directing through producing an original short film.
- Entry Quarters: Fall, Spring
- Duration: 4 Quarters
- Estimated Tuition & Fees: $21,440
- Estimated Program Textbooks/Materials: $550
Entertainment Studies: From development to cinematography, this certificate will help you discover the ins and outs of the entertainment industry.
- Entry Quarters: All
- Duration: 4 Quarters
- Estimated Tuition & Fees: $21,340
- Estimated Program Textbooks/Materials: $550
Film Scoring: This certificate will teach the craft and business of film scoring through hands-on practice.
- Entry Quarters: Fall
- Duration: 4 Quarters
- Estimated Tuition & Fees: $26,956
- Estimated Program Textbooks/Materials: $550
Film & TV Development: The Film and TV Development Certificate program provides the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and sell your film and television ideas.
- Entry Quarters: All
- Duration: 4 Quarters
- Estimated Tuition & Fees: $21,340
- Estimated Program Textbooks/Materials: $550
Independent Music Production: This certificate program will guide you through the ins and outs of independent music production.
- Entry Quarters: All
- Duration: 3 Quarters
- Estimated Tuition & Fees: $16,255
- Estimated Program Textbooks/Materials: $550
Music Business: This program will give you the knowledge to tackle the rapidly evolving music industry.
- Entry Quarters: All
- Duration: 4 Quarters
- Estimated Tuition & Fees: $19,850
- Estimated Program Textbooks/Materials: $550
Post-Production: Prepare for a career as an editor or post-production professional in film, television, and documentaries.

Health and Sciences

Post-Baccalaureate in Pre-Nursing Studies: Complete rigorous math and science courses to prepare to apply for accelerated undergraduate nursing programs or entry-level M.S. studies.
- Entry Quarters: All
- Duration: 3 Quarters
- Estimated Tuition & Fees: $20,245
- Estimated Program Textbooks/Materials: $1,000
Pre-Medical and General Science Studies: Our rigorous post-baccalaureate certificate program for pre-health students provides a structured academic preparation for those planning to apply to health professional programs including medical, dental, veterinary, nursing, pharmacy, physician assistant, and physical therapy, among others. Earned credits are transferable to UC and Cal State University campuses, plus many universities nationwide (some limitations may apply). No academic prerequisites are required for admission.
- Entry Quarters: All
- Duration: 4 Quarters
- Estimated Tuition & Fees: $27,400
- Estimated Program Textbooks/Materials: $1,500

Other Programs

Sustainability: Do you want a career with a greater purpose? Rise to the challenge and establish yourself as a leader in the important sustainability movement.
Marketing: Get the skills necessary to succeed in the dynamic and competitive field of marketing.
- Entry Quarters: All
- Duration: 2 Quarters
- Estimated Tuition & Fees: $11,900
- Estimated Program Textbooks/Materials: $600
Marketing with Concentration in Digital Marketing: Digital marketing can be a powerful tool.

Information for International Students

Duration: The length of time to complete your program based on full-time enrollment. Program extension requests must be requested in advance of your program end date printed on your Form I-20. Program end dates printed on Forms I-20 are reviewed and updated to reflect your final quarter of study.
Estimated Tuition & Fees: Program costs include fees that apply to all international students.

Pathway Program

Pathway at UCLA Extension is a two-year college program for students who identify as neurodiverse, offering a blend of educational, social, and vocational experiences. On campus, Pathway students attend classes and participate in the many social, recreational and cultural activities of a major university.

Residential Option

Living away from home while attending a college program is an important way to learn skills for independent living, and we recommend that all students take advantage of our residential option.

Learning More

To ensure that Pathway is the right fit for you, we invite you and your family to learn more about Pathway at UCLA Extension. Schedule a tour On-Demand Virtual Tour

In-Person Tour: Join us for an in-person, outdoor presentation and tour of Westwood, led by program staff. The tour includes a visit to the Residential building where Pathway students live. Comfortable shoes and walking attire are strongly recommended; tours are subject to change due to weather conditions.
Online Webinar: Live Zoom presentation covering all aspects of the Pathway Program, conducted by program staff.
Online Q&A: Live Zoom question and answers session about the Pathway Program.

Program Curriculum

At Pathway, our students receive the benefits of a UCLA college experience. Pathway uses a “learn by doing” approach, and the program features a curriculum of core courses, audit courses on UCLA’s main campus, UCLA Extension courses, and internships for our students to choose from.

Life Skills

While participating in Pathway, students receive life skills instruction from our partner, Level Up Solutions, a California regional center vendor. An independent living skills assessment will determine the scope and frequency of personalized instruction to accommodate each students’ needs. Staff work with students to develop essential living skills to prepare them to live in the least restrictive, most inclusive and safe environment possible. Services are provided in the student apartments, on campus, and throughout the community.

Educational Coach Support

As a part the college experience, Pathway students are paired with a UCLA undergraduate who provides academic support and peer mentorship.

Advocacy

This X Open course is an introduction to advocacy for people with disabilities. We will spend this session discussing the basics of disability rights and what it means to be a good advocate. Pathway has been offering the college experience to students with disabilities since 2006.

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