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Certificate Programs forInternational StudentsStudy side-by-side with American Students and Working Professionals.UCLA Extension, the Continuing Education Division of the University of California, Los Angeles1
A Message from the DeanWith over 50 programs from whichto choose, UCLA Extension CertificatePrograms represent one of our mostattractive offerings for internationalstudents and professionals.Originally designed for studentsand professionals seeking toadvance their careers, explore thepossibility of changing careers, orstay competitive in the job market,UCLA certificate programs havebeen meeting the needs and careerobjectives of hundreds of international students and professionalsfor nearly 40 years.Table of ContentsWelcome Certificate Programs Certificate Programs vs. Masters Certificate Program Information Frequently Asked Questions Quick Information Chart English Language Studies Online Education & Custom Programs Dean Cathy SandeenOne of the greatest advantages of our programs is that they are highlypractical and focus on real-world issues in each field of study. The majorityof our instructors are working professionals in the subjects they teach.Thus, course lectures, activities, and discussions focus on the day-to-daychallenges that professionals face on the job.Another advantage of our programs is that they are very reasonablypriced, especially considering their in-depth and thorough nature. Costscan be more easily managed because you pay for your courses quarterby quarter rather than all at once.As an international participant in our programs, you will have the benefitof studying side-by-side with American students and professionals, some ofwhom may already be working in the same field. Thus, you will haveopportunities to share experiences with your classmates and instructors.If you qualify for Optional Practical Training (OPT) upon completion of your program, you can gain practical work experience in the U.S. for up to 12 months.I have had the pleasure of meeting many of our international certificate programstudents, and I look forward to welcoming you to UCLA Extension—and toanother important step in your education and career development!Yours,Cathy Sandeen, PhD, MBADeanUCLA Extension234-567891011Certificate Programs:Design Communication Arts 12Interior Design 13Landscape Architecture 14Accounting 15Advertising 16Business Administration 17Business Fundamentals 18General Business Studies 19Human Resource Management 20International Trade & Commerce 21Marketing 22Real Estate 23Taxation 24Paralegal Studies 25-26Applications Programming 27Construction Management 28Systems Analysis 29Directing 30Acting 31Cinematography 32Development 33Entertainment Media: General Studies 34Producing 35Business & Management of Entertainment 36Independent Music Production 37Music Business 38Film Scoring 39Gardening & Horticulture 40Introductory Science 41Print & Broadcast Journalism 42Post-Baccalaureate Program 43Academic Calendar 44Laurel Hummel Scholarships 45About Los Angeles 46-47
Welcome to UCLA ExtensionUCLA Extension is the continuing education divisionof the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA),one of the leading universities in the world. Withaccess to UCLA’s instructors and resources as well asworking experts from Los Angeles industries, UCLAExtension provides academic, career, and personaldevelopment for adult professionals. Each year, UCLAExtension is the choice for over 3,000 internationalparticipants from more than 60 countries.We offer over 50 certificate programs for professionaldevelopment that meet the requirements for full-timeinternational study. Upon completion of a certificateprogram, participants are awarded a certificate bearingthe seal of the University of California, Los Angeles—recognized worldwide for high-quality education.This booklet describes all the certificate programscurrently available to full-time international participantsin F-1 student status through UCLA Extension. It isdesigned as a resource and planning guide for thosewho wish to enroll in these programs. Once you haveselected a program, visit our International Programswebsite at uclaextension.edu/iso for further informationand to complete an application form.To learn more about the history, services, andother educational offerings of UCLA Extension,visit uclaextension.edu.“UCLA Extension has beenlike a second beginning forme. It has helped meactualize my professionalgoals and make long lastingfriendships with manyfellow classmates.” — Ritu Gandhi, India, Certificate in AccountingVisit Royce Hall, a historic building on UCLA’s campus.UCLAGene D. BlockChancellorUCLA ExtensionCathy SandeenDeanUCLA ExtensionMichelle StilesInterim Associate Dean for AdministrationUCLA ExtensionKarim CherifAssociate Dean for Academic AffairsUCLA Extension3
UCLA Extension Certificate ProgramsWhat is a certificate program?Who are the instructors?UCLA Extension certificate programs involve a sequence ofcourses related to one central topic such as marketing, computerprogramming, graphic design, or journalism. Our programs aredesigned to provide you with what you need to become aworking professional in your field of interest. We offer over 50programs which are approved for F-1 international students.The majority of our instructors are highly regarded professionals who are currently working in their fields of specialization. The courses they teach are directly related to whatthey do each day on the job. Some of our instructors areprofessors at UCLA and other colleges and universities. Inall cases, the instructional focus is on practical application—providing you with knowledge and skills that you can useon the job.Courses in most programs are sequenced so that they movein complexity from basics to more advanced topics, concepts,and practical challenges in the field. In addition to meetingthe standards of UCLA Extension, all of our programs havebeen approved by UCLA academic departments and faculty.UCLA and UCLA Extension operate on the quarter system,and there are four academic quarters or sessions in a calendar year: winter, spring, summer, and fall. In order to meetthe requirements of your student visa, you must enroll in aminimum of 12 units of instruction each quarter, and mostcourses are four-unit courses. Thus, most students enroll inthree courses per quarter. While many of our programs canbe completed in three to six quarters, some take longer.Who are your classmates?In your UCLA certificate program, you study side-by-side withstudents and working professionals from the U.S. and fromother countries. You have many opportunities to networkwith your classmates and to learn from their experiences inthe workplace.Many courses are held at Lindbrook Center in the heartof Westwood Village.You’ll meet fellow students from the U.S. as well as manyother countries.“I really appreciated sharing this experience with students from all around the world. It madethe International Trade and Commerce program much more realistic to interact with peoplefrom many different cultural backgrounds. ” — Anett Weller, Germany, Certificate in International Trade & Commerce4
Why do students and professionals enroll inUCLA Extension certificate programs?People enroll in our programs for different reasons. Someseek more knowledge for advancement or promotions intheir current field; some want to stay current with newdevelopments and technologies; some want to make careerchanges or explore a new field to see if it matches theirtalents and ability; and some want to prepare for speciallicenses or certification.UCLA Extension certificate programs are a great valuebecause they offer high-level, in-depth instruction in a specificfield at a much lower cost than a university degree program.What are the career advantages of a UCLAExtension certificate?Employers all over the world will be impressed that youhave completed a program at UCLA and that you havegained practical, hands-on experience in your field—in yourstudies, through possible internships and Optional PracticalTraining (OPT), and through networking with your instructors and classmates.Many of our programs include the possibility of an internshiptoward the end of a program. After completing a program, youmay become eligible for OPT, which will allow you to workand earn money for up to one year in the U.S. in a field whichis closely related to your certificate program.The cross-cultural advantages of our programs are immeasurable. You not only gain insights into your field of studybut also into American culture, lifestyles, academic life, andlife in Los Angeles, one of the world’s most diverse andinteresting cities.In addition, upon program completion, you will receive animpressive UCLA Extension certificate as well as an officialUCLA Extension transcript documentingall the courses that you have taken inyour program.Southern California is sunny almost all year5
Certificate Programs vs. MastersMost UCLA Extension Certificate ProgramsMost Master’s Degree Programs*Entry Date FlexibilityFour per year, every three monthsOne per yearApplication DeadlineTwo months before program startOne year before program startAcademic RequirementsTOEFL or IELTSCollege transcriptsTOEFL or IELTSUndergraduate degree and transcriptsExaminations: GRE, GMAT, etc.DurationOne yearTwo yearsSelectionAll qualified applicantsNo wait listsCompetitiveAdmission limitsWait listsProgram CostSame fees for international or local studentsHigher fees for international students thanlocal studentsInternshipsAvailable during the programAvailable during the programOptional PracticalTraining (OPT)Available on program completionAvailable on program completionProgram FocusAcademic program emphasizing careercentered, practical workplace applicationAcademic program emphasizing theory,research, and some applicationClassmatesMostly working professionalsMostly full-time studentsCourse ScheduleEvenings, allowing days freeDaytimeInstructorsHighly regarded industry professionalsand UCLA facultyUniversity facultyUniversity RecognitionCoursework and instructors approved byUCLA Academic Senate and UCLA academicdepartments. Post-baccalaureate levelCoursework and instructors approved byUniversity Academic Senate andacademic departments. Master’s levelDocumentationCertificate with University sealOfficial transcriptDegree with University sealOfficial transcriptTransfer creditSome courses transferable to master’s degree;Decision lies with receiving institutionSome courses transferable to doctorate;Decision lies with receiving institution* Degree programs are not standardized in the U.S. Information will differ by institution. The information on master’s degrees is general, representing most institutions.6
Certificate Program InformationEligibilityApplication to most programs is open tointernational students 18 or older, who havethe equivalent of a U.S. high school education and the TOEFL or IELTS minimumscore. For specific program admissionrequirements see the certificate programpages within this booklet. Graduates of anaccredited U.S. college with an Associate’sor higher degree are exempt from theTOEFL or IELTS requirement.English RequirementsAdmission to all programs requiressubmission of a minimum score onthe TOEFL iBT or IELTS (AcademicModule only) dated within the lasttwo years. See the Quick Informationchart for minimum scores required foreach program. A TOEFL iBT score of100 or an IELTS score of 7 exemptsyou from additional English testingand requirements. We do not acceptinstitutional TOEFL scores.A TOEFL or IELTS score between theminimum and exempt scores allowsyou to be admitted to your program ifthat is the minimum score requirement. However, you will have to takeUCLA Extension’s English as a SecondLanguage Placement Exam (ESLPE)after you arrive in the U.S. and beforeyour courses start. Your ESLPE scorewill exempt you from English requirements or require you to take one or twoESL courses along with your certificateprogram courses. The ESL requirementmust be fulfilled during your first twoquarters. ESL courses count towardyour 12-unit per quarter requirement.Academic StatusRequirementsYou must enroll in 12 units of credit(letter grade) courses that counttoward your certificate program everyquarter and obtain at least a “C” gradein every course. This means you mayhave to take courses in your programthat are not your preferred choices.For academic entry and completionrequirements, see specific programdescriptions in this booklet.Proof of Financial CertificationBefore you enter the U.S., it is a legalrequirement to provide a bank statementto show that you can cover the cost ofyour education and living expenses inthe U.S. without having to work.Health InsuranceIt is mandatory for all internationalstudents at UCLA Extension to havemedical insurance. Medical care isexpensive in the United States. UCLAExtension has an insurance policy foryou to purchase. The application liststhe rates for students, spouses, andchildren. Your dependents must applyat the same time as you do.Program CostsCosts for course fees, textbooks, andmaterials may vary depending on thecourses you choose. You pay for yourcourses each quarter, that is, everythree months. The amount you payeach quarter also may vary. You donot pay the full program amountbefore you begin the program.Program DurationThe Quick Information Chart in thisbooklet lists the estimated duration ofeach program, including time to complete English language requirementsand take eligible vacation periods, asapplicable. Your program length willshorten if: 1) you do not take the eligible vacation quarter following everythree consecutive quarters of full-timestudy; 2) you already have fulfilled theESL requirements; 3) you begin yourprogram with transfer credits.Class Hours and LocationUCLA Extension courses are mainly heldMonday through Thursday evenings withsome on weekends. Most courses areheld on the UCLA campus and inWestwood Village. Some are held at otherlocations in Los Angeles. Your courses forany given quarter may require you totravel to different locations.HousingCertificate program participants liveoff-campus. For housing informationvisit uclaextension.edu/iso.TransfersStudents transferring to UCLAExtension from another school mustcomplete the transfer process within60 days of the last date of attendanceat the previous school.InternshipsTo be eligible for an internship, youmust first complete nine months of fulltime enrollment in F-1 student status.Your time as a full-time ESL student inF-1 status does not count toward thenine-month requirement. Your internship must be taken during the programand must be approved for academiccredit. Check postings from the academic department to see if your program offers internships.Optional Practical Training(OPT)The maximum 12-month optionalpractical training allows internationalstudents to work in the U.S. in a jobdirectly related to their field of studywhile in F-1 status. To be eligible toapply, you must complete a UCLAExtension certificate program andhave held F-1 status for one academicyear (nine months) or longer.VacationUCLA Extension operates on the quartersystem. Each quarter is three monthslong. Summer is not an automaticvacation quarter at UCLA Extension.To be eligible for a vacation quarter,you must first complete three consecutive quarters of full-time enrollmentin F-1 status.Refund PolicyThe International Student fee isrefundable minus the nonrefundablefee if your visa is denied or if you donot enter the United States. There areno refunds if you enter the UnitedStates on UCLA Extension’s I-20. Allrefund requests must be received inwriting to the International StudentOffice (ISO) before the first day of theentry quarter printed on your I-20.The health insurance fee also isrefundable minus a processing fee.Application Entry DatesApplications are accepted up to threequarters before your entry quarter. Youmay begin any quarter unless otherwiseindicated by your program.Entry Quarter Application DeadlineFall (Sept-Dec)Aug 1Winter (Jan-Mar)Nov 1Spring (Apr-Jun)Feb 1Summer (Jun-Sept)May 17
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the connection between UCLA Extensionand UCLA?UCLA Extension is the continuing education division ofUCLA. Our courses and instructors are approved by theUCLA Academic Senate as well as the appropriate UCLAacademic departments. Our instructors are highly regardedindustry professionals and are also drawn from UCLA faculty.What is the difference between a degree anda certificate?Certificate programs are structured for adult learners who in manycases already have degrees and who need to deepen or expandtheir knowledge in a particular area. Intended for working professionals, these programs offer practical, hands-on training for realworld application. Please see the chart comparing UCLA Extensioncertificate programs to advanced degree programs.What are the benefits of earning a certificate?In many instances, certificate programs offer specialized trainingand education unavailable at graduate or undergraduate levelin a format and time frame practical to working adults.People typically earn certificates to facilitate a careerchange, promotion, explore new fields, or stay currentwith new technologies. Programs may fulfill licensure orcertification requirements for professional associations,industry groups, state agencies, or corporations, and alsomay prepare students for advanced degree programs.Who will my classmates be?Participants include American students and working professionals as well as international students and professionals frommany different parts of the world. You will take the sameclasses as all other participants at UCLA Extension. You will notbe in separate classes designated for international participants.If courses are held in the evening, what will I doduring the daytime?Since most courses require hours of preparation, you will beexpected to use daytime hours to complete assignments andwork on course projects. You also can use daytime and weekend hours for recreation and enjoying the many benefits oflife in southern California.Can I apply for two certificate programs on myapplication and can I change programs after Ibegin a program?Yes. You can take two programs at the same time and enrollin courses from both programs. If your educational goalschange, you can change programs after approval from youracademic advisor and your international student advisor.Can I take a full-time program on a B1/B2 tourist visa?No. To take UCLA Extension courses full-time (12 units ormore each quarter), you must have a valid F-1 student visa.How do I get an F-1 visa (also known as astudent visa)?Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home countryfor the visa application procedure. Applying for a visa doesnot guarantee that you will receive a visa.8If I transfer to UCLA Extension from another schoolor program in the U.S. with an expired F-1 visa, doI need to renew it before beginning at Extension?No. You may legally remain in the U.S. with an expired F-1visa as long as you are in full-time student status. You onlyneed to renew an expired visa when you leave the UnitedStates and then want to return to continue as a student.Can I work as an F-1 student?Yes. If employment is available, you may work on the UCLAcampus for 20 hours a week during the regular school yearand 40 hours a week during a vacation quarter as long asyou stay in good standing. To work outside of these physicaland time limits puts you immediately “out of status.”How can I locate internships and opportunities for OPT?To have the best opportunities for internships and OPT, youneed to demonstrate that you are a dedicated and hardworkingcertificate program participant and internship/OPT candidate.By establishing an excellent record with your instructors andyour certificate program advisor, you improve your chances ofgetting references and recommendations for internships andOPT. Additionall
the seal of the University of California, Los Angeles— recognized worldwide for high-quality education. This booklet describes all the certificate programs currently available to full-time international participants in F-1 student status through UCLA Extension.
