Business Management
(Two or Three Quarters)
The Professional Certificate in Business Management is one of the most popular and widely recognized of the UCSD certificate programs. Students choose the 2-quarter or 3-quarter option, with an emphasis in General Business (pre-MBA), Marketing, Human Resources, or Finance. Students earn a professional certificate in Business Management with selected emphasis after completion of the 2-quarter program. Upon successful completion of their third quarter, students receive a certificate of completion in their area of emphasis.. Students qualify to apply for Optional Practical Training after 3 consecutive quarters of successful study.
Save $1,500 when you sign up for the 3-quarter program in advance. After arrival, it will cost an additional $1,500 to extend a 2-quarter program to a 3-quarter program.
Please note: UC San Diego Extension programs follow a quarter system-each quarter lasts 10-12 weeks. There are 4 quarters per year.
Who should take this certificate?
These programs are for serious students with at least one to two years of professional-level work experience in a business environment. Students will be learning about U.S. business practices and acquiring necessary skills and knowledge for a career in business. The 3-quarter program is the best option for students who would like to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT). If you do not have the required university or work experience for this program, please read about our Business Essentials program, which is specifically designed for people with less experience.
Please review the information on prerequisites, admission requirements and how to apply.
2010 Two Quarter Program Dates:
- Jan 4 - Jun 18 (quarter break Mar 20 - Mar 28)
- Mar 24 - Sept 17 (quarter break Jun 19 - Jun 27)
- Jun 23 - Dec 10 (quarter break Sept 11 - Sept 19)
- Sept 15 - Mar 18, 2011 (quarter break Dec 11 - Jan 2, 2011)
2010 Three Quarter Program Dates:
- Jan 4 - Sept 17 (quarter breaks Mar 20 - Mar 28 and Jun 19 - Jun 27)
- Mar 24 - Dec 10 (quarter breaks Jun 19 - Jun 27 and Sept 11 - Sept 19)
- Jun 23 - Mar 18, 2011 (quarter breaks Sept 11 - Sept 19 and Dec 11 - Jan 2, 2011)
- Sept 15 - Jun 10, 2011 (quarter break Dec 11 - Jan 2, 2011 and Mar 19, 2011 - Mar 27, 2011)
What this certificate includes
- 120 hours of internship experience
- Approximately 140 hours of classroom instruction per quarter (minimum 12 units per quarter)
- Interaction with San Diego business professionals in your classes
- Individual and group projects and presentations
- Professional Certificate in Business Management
Business Management: Two Quarters vs. Three Quarters
The Business Management 3-quarter program combines the Business Management 2-quarter program with a 1-quarter specialization in your chosen area of emphasis.
During the first quarter, all students take the same classes. Students in the 3-quarter program further develop their skills in the selected area of study during the third quarter. Students choose one of the following emphases: Pre-MBA, Marketing, Finance or Human Resources.
Both programs include daytime and evening classes. The daytime classes are specifically designed to meet the needs of international students and cover foundations of general business. During evening classes (primarily in the second and third quarters), participants will be studying alongside American adults.
Students who excel in the 2-quarter program may choose to continue for another quarter, but will not receive the cost benefit of originally enrolling in the 3-quarter program.
Download a sample of a first-quarter schedule (PDF)
Business Management 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 Requirement
- TOEFL paper-based: 550
- TOEFL iBT: 79
- TOEIC: 760
- IELTS: 6.0
- Cambridge Advanced or Proficiency Exams: Pass
Education and professional experience
Two- or Three-Quarter Business Management Programs
- University study: 4-year degree
- Work experience: 1 to 2 professional-level years in a business environment
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 motivations 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 that students apply 4 months in advance.
Testimonials from past students
Hear about the experiences from past Business Management students.
View testimonials
Days
Monday - Friday, occasional Saturdays
Location
Most classes are held on the UC San Diego campus in La Jolla. Access to a car is required, as some courses may be held at our Sorrento Mesa location (about 10 minutes by car). Students must provide their own transportation to their internship sites.
Hours of instruction
12-18 hours per week in class
24-36 hours per week of homework
COST:
Application Fee: $200
2010 Two Quarter Tuition: $8,700
2010 Three Quarter Tuition: $12,200
Two Quarter Student Service Fee: $600
Three Quarter Student Servicess Fee: $900
Books and Materials: $200 - $500 per quarter
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Telephone: +858-534-6784
Fax: +858-534-5703
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All prices listed are in U.S. Dollars