Business Administration

This program currently offers a hybrid model of instruction, which includes a combination of in-person and online classes.

Who should take this program?

If you would like a comprehensive overview of U.S. management practices and fundamental business skills, the Business Administration program may be right for you. Designed to provide a comfortable learning environment for international participants with minimal work experience, this program presents opportunities for you to compare and contrast business practices around the globe. If you stay for three quarters, you will be in class with American students during your second and/or third quarter. After three consecutive quarters of study in Business Administration, you are eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training.

Program Benefits

• Develop business skills, knowledge, and abilities by learning American business fundamentals.
• Get broad exposure to multiple business disciplines including business operations, marketing, human resources, and communications.
• Participate in the American Workplace Experience, an experiential learning course. You will have the opportunity visit local businesses and learn directly from San Diego business professionals.
• Study alongside international and American students and build your network.
• Apply for OPT after three consecutive quarters of study.

Note: UC San Diego follows a quarter system. Each quarter consists of 10-12 weeks of full-time study. There are four quarters per year.

Business Administration Program Overview

1st Quarter

The Business Administration first-quarter covers a range of business topics. 

The curriculum consists of the following required courses:

• Introduction to Business
• Elements of Marketing
• Business Communication Skills
• Market Research Workshop
• The American Workplace Experience

 

2nd Quarter 

Second-quarter courses build upon the foundation you develop in the first quarter of Business Administration. The curriculum consists of the following required courses:

• Financial Accounting for Non-Accountants (FAFNA)
• Organizational Behavior
• Presentation Skills for Business
• Direct Studies in Marketing

 

3rd Quarter

Third-quarter courses continue to enrich your understanding of business practices. The curriculum consists of the following required courses:

• Career Preparation Strategies
• Elective courses (10 units)

Note: Courses are subject to change without notice. Check out the Business Administration course descriptions.

Dates

2022 Dates

One Quarter

• January 3 - March 19
• March 22 - June 10
• June 21 - September 3
• September 14 - December 10

Two Quarters

• January 3 - June 10
• March 22 - September 3
• June 21 - December 10
• September 14 - March 25, 2023

Three Quarters

• January 3 - September 3
• March 22 - December 10
• June 21 - March 25, 2023
• September 14 - June 16, 2023

View a complete list of all program dates. 

Admission Requirements

The minimum requirements to be accepted in the program are listed below. We carefully review the background and qualifications of each applicant to ensure that those admitted will have a successful experience.

2021 Language Proficiency Requirement

• TOEFL iBT: 75
• IELTS: 6.0
• Cambridge First Certificate (FCE): Pass
• Duolingo English Test (DET): 90
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): 50
• TOEIC: 735
• ELI Level: Completion of ELI Level 6 with a B- or higher in all courses

2022 Language Proficiency Requirement

• TOEFL iBT: 79
• IELTS: 6.5
• CEFR: B2/C1
• Cambridge Scaled Score: 180 - C1 Advanced
• Duolingo English Test (DET): 110
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): 58
• TOEIC:
  • Listening: 445 
  • Reading: 420 
  • Speaking: 170
  • Writing: 165

Additional Admission Requirements

• University studies: one year preferred, but not required
• Letter of recommendation from a professor or supervisor attesting to your experience and ability to excel in the relevant field. Must be signed and dated and on academic or company letterhead.
• Résumé or CV
• A one-page statement explaining your qualifications and motivation for taking the program
• All official academic transcripts in English indicating a strong academic record; include a grading key
• A spoken language screening may be required.

Application Deadline

There are no final application deadlines to apply for this program, but all programs close when they are full. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis until all seats available are taken by the most qualified applicants.

All enrolled students are required to complete an online pre-arrival orientation before starting the Business Administration program.

Program Schedule

• Monday – Friday, occasional Saturdays
• Daytime and evening courses
• Schedule varies

Location

Classes are held on the UC San Diego Extension campus in La Jolla or at the off-site University City Center near the campus. Access to a car or another source of reliable transportation is required for evening and off-site classes.

Cost (in U.S. dollars)

• Application Fee: $200 (nonrefundable)
• One-Quarter Tuition: $6,050
• Two-Quarter Tuition:  $12,050
• Three-Quarter Tuition:  $18,050
• International Student Service Fee:  $380 per quarter
• UC San Diego Extension medical insurance: $585 (1 quarter)
• UC San Diego Extension medical insurance: $ 1,170 (2 quarters)
• UC San Diego Extension medical insurance: $1,800 (3 quarters)
• Books/Materials: Approximately $300-$800 per quarter (Payment for books and instructional materials CANNOT be made in advance. Books will be purchased upon arrival at UC San Diego.)