| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
Location: Los Angeles, California, USA
Affiliation: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Type: Continuing Education & Professional Development Institution
For: Working professionals, international students, and lifelong learners
UCLA Extension is one of the largest continuing education programs in the United States, offering certificate programs, short courses, and online learning for individuals looking to advance their careers, gain new skills, or transition into new industries.
World-Class Education – Courses designed by UCLA faculty & industry experts
Flexible Learning – Evening, weekend, and online classes available
Career-Focused Programs – Helps professionals upskill and change careers
Access to UCLA Resources – Networking opportunities, career services, and industry connections
No Formal Admission Process – Open enrollment for most courses
UCLA Extension offers certificate programs, diplomas, and short courses in various fields, including:
Business & Management: Marketing, Finance, Leadership, Human Resources
Technology & IT: Data Science, Cybersecurity, Software Development, AI
Entertainment & Media: Film Production, Screenwriting, Digital Media
Health & Sciences: Public Health, Clinical Research, Nutrition
Education & Teaching: TESOL, Early Childhood Education, College Counseling
Engineering & Architecture: Sustainability, Construction Management
Legal Studies: Paralegal Training, Intellectual Property Law
Explore Programs: N/A
Certificate Programs: 6 months – 2 years (Most can be completed in 1 year)
Short Courses: Few weeks – 6 months
Tuition Fees:
Certificate programs: $5,000 – $20,000 (varies by program)
Individual courses: $500 – $2,500 per course
International students on F-1 visas must enroll in full-time certificate programs.
UCLA Extension offers flexible online and hybrid programs, allowing students worldwide to gain a UCLA-quality education without relocating to Los Angeles.
No formal admission process for most programs – students can directly enroll.
Some certificate programs for international students (F-1 visa) require:
English Proficiency: TOEFL 83 / IELTS 6.5 / Duolingo 105
High school diploma or bachelor's degree (varies by program)
Internship Opportunities – Available in select programs for hands-on experience
Networking Events – Connect with industry professionals and UCLA alumni
Career Services – Resume workshops, job search assistance, LinkedIn profile help
1. Business & Management
Accounting & Finance
Accounting Certificate
Financial Planning & Wealth Management
Investment Management
Marketing & Sales
Digital Marketing
Social Media Marketing
Brand Management
Leadership & Human Resources
Project Management
Human Resources Management
Leadership & Organization Development
2. Technology & IT
Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
Data Science Certificate
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
Big Data Analytics
Cybersecurity & Software Development
Cybersecurity Certificate
Full-Stack Web Development
Python Programming
Cloud Computing & IT Management
Cloud Computing with AWS & Google Cloud
IT Support & Networking
3. Entertainment & Media
Film & Television
Film Production Certificate
Cinematography
Documentary Filmmaking
Screenwriting & Storytelling
TV Writing
Feature Film Writing
Creative Writing
Music & Performing Arts
Music Business Certificate
Film Scoring
Acting for Film & TV
4. Health & Life Sciences
Healthcare & Clinical Research
Public Health Certificate
Clinical Trials & Research Management
Nutrition & Dietetics
Medical & Pharmaceutical Studies
Pre-Medical & Health Studies
Drug Development & Regulatory Affairs
Mental Health & Psychology
Counseling & Therapy Techniques
Behavioral Science
5. Education & Teaching
Language & TESOL
Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL)
Foreign Language Teaching
K-12 & Higher Education
College Counseling Certificate
Early Childhood Education
6. Engineering, Sustainability & Architecture
Engineering & Construction
Civil Engineering & Infrastructure
Construction Management
Sustainability & Environment
Renewable Energy & Sustainability
Environmental Science & Policy
Architecture & Design
Interior Design & Space Planning
Landscape Architecture
7. Legal Studies & Public Policy
Law & Paralegal Studies
Paralegal Training Certificate
Business & Intellectual Property Law
Government & Policy
Public Policy & Administration
Immigration Law & Policy
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
UCLA Extension Transfer Credit Program (Earn credits toward a bachelor’s degree at UCLA or other universities) |
Varies (Depends on transfer requirements) |
$8,000 – $15,000 |
|
Pre-Medical & General Science Studies |
1 – 2 years |
$10,000 – $18,000 |
|
Business & Management Foundations |
1 year |
$10,000 – $15,000 |
|
Engineering & Technology Foundations |
1 – 2 years |
$12,000 – $18,000 |
|
Film, Television & Entertainment Studies |
1 year |
$9,000 – $14,000 |
|
Computer Science & IT Fundamentals |
1 – 2 years |
$10,000 – $16,000 |
|
Psychology & Behavioral Sciences |
1 year |
$9,000 – $14,000 |
|
Liberal Arts & Humanities |
1 year |
$8,000 – $13,000 |
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Postgraduate Certificate in Data Science |
9 – 12 months |
$9,000 – $12,000 |
|
Postgraduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning |
9 – 12 months |
$10,000 – $15,000 |
|
Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration |
1 year |
$12,000 – $16,000 |
|
Postgraduate Certificate in Project Management |
6 – 12 months |
$7,500 – $12,000 |
|
Postgraduate Certificate in Marketing & Branding |
9 – 12 months |
$9,000 – $14,000 |
|
Postgraduate Certificate in Film & TV Development |
1 year |
$10,000 – $15,000 |
|
Postgraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity |
9 – 12 months |
$10,000 – $14,000 |
|
Postgraduate Certificate in Public Health |
1 year |
$10,000 – $15,000 |
|
Postgraduate Certificate in Finance & Investment Management |
1 year |
$12,000 – $18,000 |
|
Postgraduate Certificate in Human Resource Management |
9 – 12 months |
$9,500 – $14,500 |
|
Postgraduate Certificate in UX/UI Design |
6 – 12 months |
$8,500 – $13,000 |
|
Postgraduate Certificate in Paralegal Studies |
9 – 12 months |
$9,000 – $14,000 |
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Advanced Certificate in Data Science |
1 year |
$10,000 – $15,000 |
|
Executive Program in Business Management |
1 year |
$12,000 – $18,000 |
|
Advanced Certificate in Cybersecurity |
9 – 12 months |
$10,000 – $14,000 |
|
Postgraduate Certificate in Public Health |
1 year |
$10,000 – $15,000 |
|
Leadership & Organizational Development |
9 months |
$9,500 – $14,500 |
UCLA Extension offers full-time certificate programs eligible for an F-1 student visa. Some of the most popular programs include:
Business & Management – Business Administration, Project Management, Digital Marketing
Technology & IT – Data Science, Cybersecurity, Software Development
Entertainment & Media – Film & TV Production, Screenwriting, Music Business
Healthcare & Science – Public Health, Clinical Research, Nutrition
Engineering & Sustainability – Construction Management, Environmental Studies
Education & Teaching – TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
Browse Programs: N/A
Undergraduate & Certificate Programs:
High School Diploma or Equivalent
English Proficiency (One of the following):
TOEFL iBT: 83+
IELTS: 6.5+
Duolingo: 105+
PTE Academic: 56+
Graduate-Level Certificate Programs:
Bachelor’s Degree (Equivalent to a U.S. degree)
English Proficiency (Same as above)
No GRE/GMAT required for most programs.
UCLA Extension offers certificate programs, short courses, and online learning in various fields such as business, IT, healthcare, film, and education.
Check Available Programs: N/A
F-1 Visa International Students: Must apply for full-time certificate programs (12+ units per quarter).
Part-Time & Online Learners: Can take courses without a visa.
Undergraduate-Level Certificate Programs:
High school diploma or equivalent
English Proficiency (for international students)
TOEFL iBT: 83+
IELTS: 6.5+
Duolingo: 105+
PTE Academic: 56+
Graduate-Level Certificate Programs:
Bachelor's degree (or equivalent)
English Proficiency (Same as above)
Some programs may require a resume, statement of purpose, or work experience
No SAT, GRE, or GMAT required for admission.
Apply Online: N/A
For International Students (F-1 Visa Applicants):
Select a full-time certificate program
Pay $200 non-refundable application fee
Submit English proficiency test scores
Provide passport copy and financial proof (bank statement showing ability to cover tuition & living expenses)
For U.S. & Online Students:
Directly enroll in courses or certificate programs
Pay tuition for selected courses
Once accepted, international students receive:
Acceptance Letter from UCLA Extension
I-20 Form (Required for an F-1 Visa application)
Steps to apply for a U.S. Student Visa:
Pay the SEVIS Fee ($350)
Schedule a visa appointment at the U.S. embassy
Attend the visa interview with documents:
Passport
I-20 form
Financial proof
SEVIS fee receipt
After visa approval, pay tuition fees and register for courses
International students must take at least 12 units per quarter
Online and domestic students can take part-time or full-time courses
Travel to Los Angeles before program start date
Arrange housing (UCLA Extension does not provide on-campus housing)
Attend Orientation for New Students
UCLA Extension offers four intake periods per year, allowing students to start their studies at a time that suits them.
Quarter |
Application Deadline (for International F-1 Visa Students) |
Classes Start |
|---|---|---|
|
Fall (September Start) |
June 1 |
Late September |
|
Winter (January Start) |
October 1 |
Early January |
|
Spring (April Start) |
February 1 |
Early April |
|
Summer (June Start) |
March 1 |
Late June |
Note:
F-1 visa students must apply by the deadline to receive their I-20 form and process their student visa.
Domestic and online students can apply at any time since many programs have rolling admissions.
Academic Requirement: High school diploma or equivalent
Minimum GPA: No strict requirement, but a 2.5+ GPA is recommended
English Language Requirement (For International Students – Any one of the following):
TOEFL iBT: 83+
IELTS: 6.5+
Duolingo: 105+
PTE Academic: 56+
No SAT/ACT required
Who Can Apply? High school graduates, professionals, and students looking to transfer to a U.S. university.
Academic Requirement: Bachelor's degree (or equivalent)
Minimum GPA: 2.5 - 3.0+ (Varies by program)
English Language Requirement (Same as undergraduate-level programs)
Additional Documents (Varies by Program):
Resume (for some professional programs)
Statement of Purpose (for some advanced programs)
Who Can Apply? Working professionals looking to upskill or transition careers.
Must enroll in a full-time certificate program (12+ units per quarter)
Must meet English proficiency requirements
Must show financial proof for tuition & living expenses
Note: Online or part-time programs are not eligible for an F-1 visa.
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
Award Amount (USD) |
Application Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
|
UCLA Extension Dean’s Scholarship |
Enrolled in a certificate program; Demonstrated financial need & academic excellence |
Up to $5,000 |
Yes |
|
Osher Foundation Reentry Scholarship |
Students aged 25-50 returning to education; Enrolled in a certificate program |
Up to $2,500 |
Yes |
|
UCLA Extension Coding Bootcamp Scholarship |
Enrolled in the Coding Bootcamp; Based on merit and financial need |
(Partial Tuition) |
Yes |
|
Diversity in Entertainment Scholarship |
Students pursuing Film & TV, Screenwriting, or Entertainment programs |
Up to $5,000 |
Yes |
|
UCLA Extension International Student Scholarship |
F-1 Visa students enrolled in full-time certificate programs; Based on academic performance |
(Partial Tuition) |
Yes |
|
Design Communication Arts (DCA) Scholarship |
Students enrolled in the Design & UX/UI programs |
Up to $3,000 |
Yes |
|
Women in Tech Scholarship |
Women enrolling in Data Science, Cybersecurity, or IT programs |
(Partial Tuition) |
Yes |
Accommodation Type |
Location |
Facilities |
Average Cost Per Month (USD) |
Average Cost Per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
UCLA University Apartments (Off-Campus) |
Near UCLA Westwood |
Shared or private rooms, Wi-Fi, kitchen, laundry |
$1,200 – $2,500 |
$14,400 – $30,000 |
|
Private Apartments (Los Angeles) |
Westwood, Brentwood, Santa Monica |
Studio or shared, utilities, Wi-Fi, kitchen |
$1,500 – $3,500 |
$18,000 – $42,000 |
|
Homestay with Local Families |
Locations |
Private room, meals included, utilities |
$1,000 – $1,800 |
$12,000 – $21,600 |
|
Co-Living Spaces (Shared Housing) |
Near UCLA Extension |
Private room, shared amenities, Wi-Fi |
$900 – $2,000 |
$10,800 – $24,000 |
Note: Prices vary based on location, room type, and amenities.
Facility |
Details |
|---|---|
|
UCLA Extension Main Campus |
Located in Westwood, Los Angeles, near UCLA’s main campus |
|
Classrooms & Study Areas |
Modern classrooms, computer labs, and student lounges |
|
Library Access |
UCLA Extension students can use UCLA’s Powell Library & Young Research Library |
|
Student Support Services |
Career advising, academic counseling, and international student support |
|
Fitness & Recreation |
UCLA Extension students can access UCLA’s John Wooden Center (gym & sports facilities) for a fee |
|
Dining & Food Options |
Restaurants, cafés, and grocery stores available near campus |
Transportation: UCLA Extension students get discounted public transport passes for Metro and BruinBus services.
UCLA Extension is located in Westwood, Los Angeles, near the main UCLA campus. Westwood is a lively area with cafés, restaurants, theaters, shopping centers, and cultural attractions, making it an exciting place to live and study.
As a UCLA Extension student, you can visit the UCLA campus for study sessions, social events, and networking.
While UCLA Extension does not have traditional college clubs, students can participate in:
Networking Events & Career Fairs – Meet industry professionals and UCLA alumni.
Workshops & Seminars – Skill-building sessions on business, technology, entertainment, and more.
Guest Speaker Events – Talks by successful professionals in various fields.
Social Meetups & Study Groups – Great for making friends and building connections.
Many UCLA Extension programs also offer internship opportunities that help students gain hands-on experience.
UCLA Extension does not have on-campus housing, but students often live in Westwood, Brentwood, Santa Monica, or Culver City. These areas have great restaurants, nightlife, and entertainment options.
For those who prefer a quieter setting, homestays or shared housing are good options.
Students at UCLA Extension can purchase access to UCLA’s John Wooden Center, which includes:
Gym & Fitness Classes
Basketball & Tennis Courts
Swimming Pools
Los Angeles also offers outdoor activities, including hiking in the Hollywood Hills, surfing at Santa Monica Beach, or exploring Griffith Park.
Living in Los Angeles means access to world-class entertainment and cultural experiences:
Hollywood & Film Studios – Great for students in film, TV, and media programs.
Concerts & Theater – Theaters like The Hollywood Bowl, The Greek Theatre, and The Pantages host live performances.
Museums & Art Galleries – Visit places like The Getty Museum, LACMA, and The Broad.
Sports & Events – Watch NBA, NFL, and MLB games with teams like the Lakers, Dodgers, and Rams.
UCLA Extension focuses on career growth, and students can benefit from:
Internship Opportunities – Many programs offer internships with top companies in Los Angeles.
Resume & LinkedIn Workshops – Helps students prepare for job applications.
Job Fairs & Industry Networking Events – Connect with employers and professionals.
Los Angeles is home to major industries in technology, entertainment, business, and healthcare, making it a great place to build a career.
UCLA Extension’s Career Services offers:
Internship & Job Search Support – Helps students find opportunities through the Handshake job portal.
Resume & Cover Letter Workshops – Guidance on creating professional resumes.
Interview Preparation & Coaching – Mock interviews and career counseling.
Networking Events & Job Fairs – Connect with industry professionals and recruiters.
LinkedIn & Personal Branding Workshops – Learn how to market yourself to employers.
Internships & Work Experience: Many UCLA Extension programs offer internship opportunities, giving students real-world experience before graduation.
Graduates from UCLA Extension have been hired by leading companies across multiple industries, including:
Business & Finance: Deloitte, Google, Bank of America, Amazon
Technology & IT: Microsoft, IBM, Tesla, Meta (Facebook)
Entertainment & Media: Disney, Warner Bros., Netflix, Universal Studios
Healthcare & Public Health: Cedars-Sinai, Kaiser Permanente, UCLA Health
Marketing & Advertising: Ogilvy, TBWA\Chiat\Day, Edelman
Sustainability & Engineering: Tesla, NASA, AECOM
Networking Tip: UCLA Extension students have access to UCLA’s alumni network, which is a major advantage when job hunting.
The salary after completing a UCLA Extension program depends on the field of study and prior work experience. Below are the average salaries for UCLA Extension graduates:
Field of Study |
Average Salary (USD per Year) |
|---|---|
|
Data Science & AI |
$90,000 – $130,000 |
|
Cybersecurity & IT |
$80,000 – $120,000 |
|
Business & Finance |
$70,000 – $100,000 |
|
Digital Marketing |
$60,000 – $90,000 |
|
Entertainment & Film |
$50,000 – $80,000 |
|
UX/UI Design |
$75,000 – $110,000 |
|
Healthcare & Public Health |
$65,000 – $95,000 |
Note: Salaries vary based on industry, location, and work experience.
F-1 Visa students who complete a full-time certificate program are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), allowing them to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months after completing their program.
STEM programs (Data Science, AI, Cybersecurity) qualify for a 24-month OPT extension (total 3 years of work authorization).
How to Apply for OPT?
Complete a full-time certificate program (minimum 9 months)
Apply for OPT through USCIS
Start working in your field of study
Internships & Freelance Work: Gain experience before completing the program.
Network with UCLA Alumni & Professors: Many professors have industry connections.
Build a Strong Resume & LinkedIn Profile: Showcase projects and skills.
Attend UCLA Extension Job Fairs & Workshops: Meet recruiters and hiring managers.
Acceptance Rate: 100% (Open Enrollment for Most Programs)
UCLA Extension follows an open enrollment policy, meaning most certificate programs and courses do not have a competitive admissions process. This makes it accessible to both domestic and international students looking to advance their education or careers.
No Competitive Admissions: Unlike UCLA’s undergraduate and graduate programs, UCLA Extension allows students to enroll in most courses without an extensive selection process.
No GPA or Test Score Requirements: Most certificate programs do not require SAT, GRE, or GMAT scores.
Flexible Learning Options: Students can choose part-time, full-time, or online study modes.
Career-Focused Education: Designed for professionals, students, and career changers who want practical skills.
Main Campus Address:
UCLA Extension
10960 Wilshire Boulevard,
Los Angeles, California 90024,
United States
Neighborhood: Westwood, Los Angeles
Near UCLA’s main campus
Close to major business districts, entertainment hubs, and cultural attractions
