VetJet

Requirements

To be eligible for VetJET, you must have all of the following

1. Veteran status (non-active duty). 
2. Current California residency (or actively residing California)
3. Meet the minimum qualifications for Certificate of interest. 
4. Have attended one information session for VetJET

Student expectations:

1. Maintain good academic standing
2. commitment to participate in VetJET programming 
3. Attend academic advising sessions
4. abide by UCLA student conduct code
5. Communicate with VetJET Program representatives when challenges arise

Certificates

Scroll down on each linked page for a list of classes and more information!

Accounting

Gain a thorough understanding of accounting standards and principles to prepare for the new core Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Examination. Available Formats: Online | In-Person

Recognized by employers throughout Los Angeles and beyond, the UCLA Extension Accounting Certificate program was designed to provide a thorough understanding of accounting standards and principles, and prepare students to sit for the core CPA Examination. The program covers relevant coursework for those considering pursuing CMA®, CIA®, and CFA® certifications.

UCLA Extension works closely with industry experts, advisory boards, and professional associations to assure accounting courses are relevant to current trends and practices. Our comprehensive accounting curriculum is designed for real-world applicability, providing practical skills to help meet the increasing demands of the accounting industry.

For details on the recent changes to the CPA Exam and associated adjustments to UCLA Extension Accounting programs and courses, visit our CPA Exam Preparation page.

Accounting Fundamentals

Whether you want to prepare for a career in accounting, earn credit toward a degree program, or are a business owner who wants to make informed economic decisions, our four-course Accounting Fundamentals Certificate can set you up for success. Learn essential accounting principles and practices from industry experts. Available Formats: Online | In-Person

The Accounting Fundamentals Certificate provides an important foundation of accounting principles needed by small business owners to successfully navigate the bottom line. 

Duration: 6 months (full-time), 1 year (part-time). Start any quarter.
Format: Online or In Person

And for those seeking a career in accounting, it also serves as the foundation for building your own customizable training. It can be stacked with another certificate:

• Accounting Certificate – Prepare for the CPA Exam
• Taxation Certificate
• Internal Audit Certificate

Or build your knowledge with a 3- or 4-course specialization:

• Intermediate Accounting
• Advanced Accounting
• Focuses in Accounting

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling

Acquire the knowledge to become an effective substance use disorder counselor. Learn the skills to help clients identify and change addiction-related beliefs and behaviors. Format: Remote (Required Courses). Internship may be in-person or remote.

Addiction is one of the most pressing public health challenges in society today. With nearly 21 million Americans—a number that is greater than all cancer diagnoses combined—suffering from substance use disorders, there is an urgent need for competent and knowledgeable counselors in the field.

To help address this serious issue, the UCLA Extension Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling Certificate program prepares students for professional certification and careers in substance use disorder counseling.  

Format: Remote (required courses). Internship may be in person or remote.
Duration: 1.5 years

Practical training and coaching

Our program prepares individuals interested in getting started in the field, as well as those already working in it, to identify addiction-related behaviors and help clients find their motivation to change them using evidence-based practices. Students emerge with a comprehensive set of skills; program graduates are trained to counsel clients and families, and participate in treatment planning.

The UCLA Extension difference

UCLA Extension works to ensure students are provided with the most current, relevant and scientifically sound curriculum and training available.

Students participate in a supervised field work practicum, where they not only have the opportunity to put their skills into practice, but are able to contribute to the community while still in school. Further, graduates meet the educational requirements for professional certification through the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals(CCAPP).

Construction Management

Learn key construction management topics in this fast-track program covering foundational industry knowledge. Format: Online or In Person

Construction managers plan, coordinate, and oversee construction projects from start to finish. Whether civil, commercial or residential, every construction project is unique and requires specialized skills to go from conception to completion.

The five-course UCLA Extension Construction Management Certificate provides a solid foundation in the essentials of construction management, including key principles of project scheduling, cost management and quality assurance. Perfect for individuals who are new to the field or currently working in construction and looking to formalize their education, the program offers an overview of the industry’s critical aspects.

This comprehensive curriculum blends theory and applied learning, exploring real-world scenarios, case studies and practical applications of construction management techniques and tools with experienced instructors. Graduates of the program are equipped for entry- to mid-level positions, such as assistant project manager, construction coordinator, estimator, site supervisor and quality assurance assistant. 

Format: Online or In Person. Can be completed 100% online.
Duration: 2 quarters (half-time) / 3 quarters to 1.25 years (part-time)

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. Formats: Online | In-Person

Cybersecurity is essential for mitigating organizational risk against loss of data, intellectual property, and brand equity, as well as associated legal ramifications. Understanding how cyberattacks happen and how to protect your IT infrastructure against them is your best defense. 

Whether you’re an entrepreneur seeking to protect your business from cyber intrusions, or you manage a cybersecurity team, our Cybersecurity Certificate program was designed to give you a deep understanding of the foundational principles, plus hands-on experience with both offensive and defensive tools. The classes in this five-course program are taught by cybersecurity industry experts.

Formats: Online or In Person

Data Science

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. Format: Online

Today’s data scientist is a business-savvy, data-driven problem solver with the insights to ask the right questions and the skills to find the correct answers. The role is part art and part science, requiring big data management, programming, statistics, and machine learning for extracting, analyzing, and communicating findings.

Program formats

The UCLA Extension Certificate in Data Science is offered in two program formats: standard and intensive. Both offer the foundational knowledge necessary for a career as a data scientist, data analyst, or business analyst.

• Standard Program
  Complete at your own pace. All courses are offered online and in-person. Most students finish the program in 6-15 months.
• Intensive Program
  Earn your Data Science Certificate in just 10 weeks. Required courses are taken together as a bundle, but offer the same rigor and credentials as our standard program option. Classes are provided online via remote instruction three times per week.

Entertainment Studies

From development to cinematography, this certificate will help you discover the ins and outs of the entertainment industry.

The Entertainment Studies Certificate is designed for those who are interested in exploring careers as filmmakers and content creators in all sectors of the industry.

This program is ideal for students who possess a passion for entertainment and prefer to shape their own program from a wide variety of areas, including acting, directing, and producing.

Format: In Person or Online
Duration: 1 year (full-time pace) to 3 years (part-time pace)

Environmental Studies

Designed for those who want to make a real difference in the world, this program provides a multidisciplinary perspective on a variety of environmental issues. You’ll also acquire a strong foundation for understanding the complex relationship between humans and the environment. This certificate is offered mostly online.

Human Resources Management

Study industry trends and learn human resources core competencies to begin or advance your HR career. Available formats: Online | In-Person

Whether you are completely new to the field or have some employee relations experience, the Human Resources Management Certificate program will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to establish and advance your career in the field. This 36-unit certificate program offers a current, comprehensive and practical grounding in the major areas required of a human resources professional. Our courses are conveniently scheduled and offer skills that can be applied immediately along with guidance from instructors who are well-respected experts and practitioners in the field.

We offer ongoing certificate advisory services to help students plan their course of study based on their needs and schedules. Additionally, students can take advantage of career development opportunities through internships and professional association affiliations.

Format: Online and In-Person. Can be completed 100% online.

Marketing with Concentration in Digital Marketing

Learn the foundational principles of marketing with a special focus on digital marketing. Harness the power of social media, search engine optimization (SEO), email and advanced tools to enhance your marketing capabilities. Formats: Online or In Person

Digital marketing can be a powerful complement to traditional advertising and promotions. Build a comprehensive foundation in marketing principles, research, communications, and brand management, integrating the latest online tools and resources. This certificate is our most comprehensive marketing program and requires no previous marketing experience.

Formats: Online or In-Person

Paralegal Studies

Approved by the American Bar Association, the Paralegal Studies Certificate prepares students for a career as a professional paralegal in a law firm, businesses, government, or nonprofit organization. The program fulfills educational requirements to work as a paralegal in California and is taught by UCLA School of Law-approved instructors. Available Format: Live Online.

For over four decades, UCLA Extension’s Paralegal Training Program has been setting students up for success. Recognized by employers throughout Los Angeles and beyond, our program equips students with a thorough understanding of the functions and ethics needed in this ever-growing profession. Our program qualifies graduates to hold themselves as paralegals under the California Business & Professions Code §6450. It has been designed specifically to prepare students to perform and adapt successfully in an ever-changing legal environment.

Financial Aid is Available
The Paralegal Training Program is approved for Federal Financial Aid. For more information, see Financial Aid Eligibility and FAQs.

UCLA School of Law
Program curriculum is developed in cooperation with the UCLA School of Law, with input from our Advisory Committee of industry experts. Instructors are also vetted and approved by the UCLA School of Law and include attorneys, judges, paralegals, and other legal professionals, selected from a broad spectrum of the legal community. Some are also graduates of the program themselves, who have gone on to careers as practicing attorneys or judges. Our diverse instructor base delivers a unique and relevant perspective on the legal field.

Choose the Program That Works for You
Already mid-career, or have a busy schedule? No problem! There’s no need to put your life on hold to switch careers, or expand your career options.

5-Month Daytime Program
Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

This 5-month program offers a more traditional class schedule, designed for those who work nights or have other obligations, but have the mornings available for study. 

11-Month Evening Program
2 evenings a week, from 6:30-10 p.m.

This 11-month program is designed to meet the busy schedules of working professionals.

Live Online Instruction

The 5- and 11-month programs are both offered live online which means all class meetings are scheduled and held in real-time using Zoom, allowing for live interaction with your classmates and instructors.

Personal Financial Planning

Fully prepare for CFP® Certification (Certified Financial Planner) and learn relevant trends and practices in the financial planning field. Available Format: Online | In Person

As a leading provider of personal financial planning educational programs, UCLA Extension offers this 8-course CFP Board registered certificate to equip you with a thorough understanding of financial planning standards and practice. The curriculum covers the relevant topics that form the basis of—and prepares you for—the CFP® Certification Examination.

Format: Online and In Person. Can be completed 100% online. 

Duration:  1 year (full-time), 1.5 – 2 years (part-time)

Accelerated Program: For financial professionals, with at least 2 to 3 years experience, who are looking for an accelerated learning experience, you may consider our Personal Financial Planning: Accelerated Online Certificate.

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. 

The UCLA Extension Post-Baccalaureate in Pre-Nursing Studies is designed to provide foundational classes for students planning on applying to entry-level master’s programs or accelerated bachelor’s programs in nursing. 

The Certificate is a rigorous full-service offering geared toward working adults; curriculum courses in math and the sciences may fulfill nursing school prerequisites. In addition to evening and weekend classes, expert program advisors, instructors who work in the field and state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, the program delivers key continuing education needs such as:

• The latest information about emerging research in the health sciences 
• Academic counseling and resources, including student orientation, optional resume critiques and answers to questions about completing nursing school applications
• Support during the nursing school application process
• Optional workshops on writing a personal statement 
• Help identifying sources for nursing volunteer hours, including potential opportunities with the Nursing Volunteer Program at UCLA Ronald Reagan Hospital

Format: In-Person + Limited Online Courses
Duration: 1 year (full-time), 2 years (part-time)

Post Production

Prepare for a career as an editor or post-production professional in film, television, and documentaries. Gain hands-on training taught by Hollywood professionals.

Accessible content creation tools, the power of social media, and the expansion of media platforms have created a need for professionals with film and video editing skills, VFX talent, and the capacity to use the latest post-production techniques for feature, TV and documentary projects of all budgets.

The UCLA Extension Post-Production Certificate offers training in industry-standard software, practical project experience, and exposure to networking/internship opportunities for students wishing to begin, advance, or transition into editing, VFX, sound, or similar specialties.

Hands-on and in-person.

Learn the art and craft through in-person classes taught by executives from a variety of studios, as well as from professional editors, colorists, and sound designers on projects at Netflix, Amazon Studios, Vice, MTV, and other prominent services.

A DIY ethos.

The certificate offers students a quick path to breaking into the business as an assistant editor. All participants are required to have their own computing resources; upon successful program completion, you will have the basic tools and personal equipment necessary for stepping into a related below-the-line position.

Format: In-Person, some courses offered online
Duration: 9 months (full-time pace) to 3 years
Unit Requirement: 40
GPA Requirement: minimum 3.0 for certificate completion

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. Federal financial aid available. Earned credits are transferable to UC and Cal State campuses, plus many universities nationwide (some limitations may apply).  

No academic prerequisites are required for admission.

To complete this certificate, you must take a minimum of 12 UCLA-equivalent (XL) courses.* Nine of the 12 courses must be chosen from the following four core disciplines (a minimum of one course from each area):

• Group 1 – Chemistry (CHEM)
• Group 2 – Biological Sciences (LIFESCI, PHYSCI, MIMG, or MCD BIO)
• Group 3 – Math/Statistics (MATH or STATS)
• Group 4 – Physics (PHYSICS)

Optional Courses

XL-level social sciences, humanities, and language courses are available if needed for a student’s academic goal, but are not required to earn the certificate. Students can include up to three of these courses and have them count towards the certificate’s 12 course minimum requirement.

Note: Students MUST let the department know so that XL-level social sciences, humanities, and language courses can be added to their certificate record since these are optional.

SHOW LESS

GPA Requirement: Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 at the time of completion to earn the certificate.

Producing

Learn the ins and outs of producing short films and features from Hollywood professionals.

Taught by Hollywood professionals, the UCLA Extension Producing Certificate program gives students essential skills and knowledge needed for both creative and physical producing.

The curriculum emphasizes the role of story as well as principles of financing, marketing and distribution.

Students also benefit from extensive networking opportunities with both industry expert instructors and peers from around the world.

Format: Online and In-Person
Duration: 1 year (full-time pace) to 3 years
Unit Requirement: 48
GPA Requirement: minimum 3.0 for certificate completion

Project Management

Acquire comprehensive training in project planning, execution, and control, seamlessly integrating critical project components such as schedule, cost, quality, risk, and leadership in alignment with Project Management Institute (PMI)® guidelines. Formats: Online | In-Person

Are you aspiring to kickstart or advance your career in project management? UCLA Extension offers a comprehensive Project Management Certificate program designed to enhance your analytical and leadership skills and set you apart in today’s competitive job market.

Our program caters to professionals across various industries, including entertainment, engineering, healthcare, IT, banking, and more. Continuously updated to incorporate the latest industry trends, including the impacts and tools of Artificial Intelligence, our curriculum ensures that you stay ahead of the curve.

Dive deep into essential project management principles through our curriculum, meticulously crafted to meet the rigorous standards set by the Project Management Institute (PMI)®. Aligned with the project management 49-processes framework and the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide), our courses provide thorough training to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary for success. Additionally, we offer guidance to prepare you for the Project Management Professional (PMP)® exam, paving the way for you to attain the globally recognized PMP® certification by PMI®.

Format: 100% online or in person

Eligible: Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and VA education benefits

Real Estate Investment and Finance

Learn to navigate the complex and multi-faceted world of real estate investing and financing. Gain a comprehensive understanding of real estate investment analysis, appraisal, and strategy, and prepare for a variety of career opportunities available in the industry. Formats: Online | In Person

Our real estate finance courses are designed to help newcomers and established real estate professionals learn to analyze property values and returns on real estate investments and investment portfolios, as well as understand the strategies and factors driving real estate markets. The program provides you with a comprehensive understanding of real estate investments, which include: rental housing, shopping centers, office complexes, REITs, and the risks and rewards of each. 

Graduates of the program are prepared to take on roles such as real estate financial analyst, portfolio manager or real estate appraiser. Program curriculum is approved by the UCLA Anderson School of Management and all courses are taught by working industry professionals who bring their personal insights to the classroom. Our dynamic learning environment lets you connect with instructors and classmates, some of whom are already established in the industry. 

Whether you’re new to the business or a veteran, our program will prepare you to succeed in this exciting and lucrative industry. 

Format: Online or in person. Can be completed 100% online.

Duration: 6 months (full-time), 1 year (part-time)

UCLA Health Medical Assistant Program

The UCLA Medical Assistant Program (MAP), offered through a partnership between UCLA Health and UCLA Extension, combines the theory and practical experience necessary to prepare students to transition successfully into a career as a medical assistant.

Medical assistants play an essential role in providing health care. They take vital signs, administer medications and perform administrative tasks, helping physicians care for patients.

The UCLA Medical Assistant Program (MAP), offered through a partnership between UCLA Health and UCLA Extension, combines the theory and practical experience necessary to prepare students to transition successfully into a career as a medical assistant.

Our curriculum combines the theory and practical experience necessary to prepare students to successfully transition into a career as a Medical Assistant.

Instructors are working nurses, physicians, and other health care professionals working in the medical field. They maintain strong professional ties to respected organizations and are leading health care reform at UCLA Health.

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