Business Essentials

Business Essentials
(One, Two or Three Quarters)

The Business Essentials program provides students with a comprehensive overview of U.S. management practices and skills. The efforts of a team of business professionals provide quality instruction in a highly interactive format. Designed to provide a comfortable learning environment for international participants with limited work experience, the program presents opportunities for enrollees to compare and contrast business practices around the globe.

Who should take this program?

This full-time program is designed for pre-professionals who have little work experience and wish to obtain a basic introduction to American business practices.

After three consecutive quarters of study students are eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training.

Please note: UCSD Extension programs follow a quarter system--each quarter lasts approximately 10 weeks. There are 4 quarters per year.

2010 One Quarter Program Dates:

  • Jan 14 - Mar 26
  • Apr 8 - Jun 18
  • July 8 - Sept 17
  • Sept 30 - Dec 10

2010 Two Quarter Program Dates:

  • Jan 14 - Jun 18 (quarter break Mar 20 - Mar 28)
  • Apr 8 - Sept 17 (quarter break Jun 19 - Jun 27)
  • July 8 - Dec 10 (quarter break Sept 11 - Sept 19)
  • Sept 30 - Mar 18, 2011 (quarter break Dec 11 - Jan 2, 2011)

2010 Three Quarter Program Dates:

  • Jan 14 - Sept 17 (quarter breaks Mar 20 - Mar 28 and Jun 19 - Jun 27)
  • Apr 8 - Dec 10 (quarter breaks Jun 19 - Jun 27 and Sept 11 - Sept 19)
  • July 8 - Mar 18, 2011 (quarter breaks Sept 11 - Sept 19 and Dec 11 - Jan 2)
  • Sept 30 - Jun 10, 2011 (quarter break Dec 11 - Jan 2, 2011 and Mar 19, 2011 - Mar 27, 2011)

What this program includes:

  • Approximately 110 hours of classroom instruction per quarter
  • A required 48-hour internship within a department at UC San Diego Extension
  • At least 12 University of California San Diego Extension credits each quarter
  • Certificate of Completion in Business Essentials I, II or III

Program topics include the following:

  • Business Basics
  • Business Ethics
  • Marketing, Sales & Customer Service
  • Change and Innovation in the Workplace
  • Communication and Presentation Skills
  • Leadership and Team Skills
  • Planning
  • Project Management Fundamentals
  • Human Resources
  • Negotiation Skills

Business Essentials course descriptions (PDF)

Admission requirements

The minimum requirements to be accepted in the program are listed below. Applicants who satisfy these requirements are not automatically accepted. Space is limited and the admissions review is competitive. We carefully review the background and qualifications of each applicant to ensure that those admitted will have a successful experience.

Language

  • TOEFL paper-based: 530
  • TOEFL iBT: 71
  • TOEIC: 700
  • IELTS: 5.5
  • Cambridge First Certificate (FCE): Pass

Education and professional experience

  • University study: two or more years
  • Work experience: one year preferred but not required

Other requirements

  • Official university transcripts in English
  • Letter of recommendation from a professor or supervisor attesting to your experience and ability to excel in the relevant field. Must be on university or company letterhead.
  • Résumé or curriculum vitae (CV)
  • Essay: 200 words explaining your qualifications and motivation for taking the program

Application deadline

Applications are due at least 3 weeks prior to the start date of the program. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis until all seats available are taken by the most qualified applicants. It is recommended to submit the application 4 months in advance.

Testimonials from past students

Hear about the experiences from past Business Essentials students.

View testimonials

Days

Monday - Friday, with internship on Thursday

Time

Daytime, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Location

Most classes are held on the UC San Diego campus in La Jolla.

Hours of instruction

20-25 hours per week in class

40-50 hour per week of homework

COST:

Application Fee: $200

2010 One Quarter Tuition: $5,200

2010 Two Quarter Tuition: $8,700

2010 Three Quarter Tuition: $12,200

Student Service Fee: $300 per quarter

Books and Materials: $200 - $500 per quarter