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Phone: (510) 642-4151
Frequently Asked Questions
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Information Systems and Management
General Program
Admission, Enrollment, and Fees
Grading and Course Substitution
Additional Resources
GENERAL PROGRAM FAQ
As of July 2009
What is the difference between degree programs and UC Berkeley Extension’s certificate programs?
Degree programs are more focused on the theory of the subject major. UC Berkeley Extension’s certificate programs balance theory and practical skills. This allows students to acquire specific skills to change career paths or to upgrade to a better job position within an industry.
What are the advantages of a certificate from UC Berkeley Extension vs. industry associations or private vendor certificates?
The academic nature of UC Berkeley Extension's certificate programs ensures that you will have a traditional transcript. Rigorous courses designed to meet academic standards and taken for a letter grade are much more likely to be accepted as transfer credit towards a master's degree or an M.B.A. program.
Most of the time, employers are willing to provide tuition reimbursement for academic courses taken from a well-respected and accredited university. Some employers resist paying fees for a private workshop packaged to look like an academic course (but is not actually accredited).
In the IT field for example, vendor specific certifications are often really just confirmations that training to a specific level of keystroke familiarity has been reached with the current version of a vendor's product. Such product "training" often needs to be repeated every few years to stay current with the vendor's product line. In contrast, the broader academic design of UC Berkeley Extension's certificate programs contains a balanced mixture of theory and practical application approaches that is designed to equip the student with a strong lifelong "knowledge foundation."
What is the difference between the "core courses" in the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in ISM and the "required courses" in other UC Berkeley Extension certificate programs?
In the ISM certificate program, you are allowed to choose your classes from the core list as long as you take a total of at least six (6) semester units worth. In other certificate programs, all required courses have to be fully completed as listed.
I have noticed that some programs of study are titled as Certificate Programs, Professional Programs, Professional Sequences, and Professional Series. What are the differences, and will I get a certificate from all of them?
From a general point of view, programs with "Certificate" in the title require the most hours of study and those with "Series" in the title require the least hours of study. Please refer to the Web page for the program you are interested in for specific information on the exact number of hours of study, list of required courses and elective courses, and the conditions needed to earn the certificate. Regardless of the category, you will receive a certificate of completion and be able to request an official UC Berkeley Extension transcript, assuming that you have successfully fulfilled the requirements of the program.
How many classes do I need to take in order to complete the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program in ISM?
This will depend on the combination of core and elective classes you choose to take to fulfill the 10 total semester-unit requirement. On average, this translates to about five classes of 2 semester units each.
Can I earn the ISM certificate completely online?
It is certainly possible to complete all of the 10 semester units online, though not all of the wide array of core and elective courses in this program are available.
International students in evening programs are not allowed to take online courses to earn the certificate. Please see the International Evening Certificate Program page at www.unex.berkeley.edu/intl/evecert/programs/infosystems.html.
What is the difference between a semester unit and a continuing education unit (CEU)?
Semester units are associated with academic level courses, and are designated with an X number (X403, X412.1, or X33 for example). Such courses have final projects and/or exams to ensure the student has learned the class material. One semester unit in UC Berkeley Extension equals fifteen (15) hours of in-class instruction. Such classes are transferable on a case-by-case basis with other accredited institutions.
CEUs stand for Continuing Education Units. Unlike academic level courses, CEU courses are not transferable to an accredited institution. Such classes are required for those who need to renew various licenses (the renewal process requires a certain number of hours of instruction to maintain the license).
What are the minimum requirements to earn the certificate?
You must complete all courses with a grade C or better, and maintain at least a cumulative 2.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) in order to earn the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in ISM.
What are the requirements to earn a Certificate with Distinction?
For the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in ISM, you will need at least a 3.5 GPA to receive a Certificate with Distinction.
How long does it take to complete the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in ISM?
The certificate program can be completed at your own pace. You have, however, a maximum of three (3) years from the date of registering in the certificate program to complete all your requirements.
How many classes should I take in a given term (spring, summer, or fall)?
It all depends on your schedule. Most students working a full eight (8) hour workday take one course per term. Some students devote full time to studying, and could take two (2) to three (3) classes per term, depending on availability.
After completing the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program, how do I obtain the certificate of completion?
You are expected to complete the course requirements for the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program within three years of registering for the program. Please send us your certificate request by e-mail to course@unex.berkeley.edu when you have received the final grade report for your last course. After verifying successful completion of all coursework and program requirements, UC Berkeley Extension will award your certificate of completion.
How long does it take to receive the certificate?
It normally takes about six (6) to eight (8) weeks to process your certificate request.
Is job placement assistance available for graduates of UC Berkeley Extension’s certificate programs?
UC Berkeley Extension does not provide job assistance. Some instructors, however, may have information about job opportunities within their companies or industries.
ADMISSION, ENROLLMENT, AND FEES FAQ
Are there prerequisites for the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program in ISM?
There are no prerequisites, but since this is a post-baccalaureate certificate, students must submit both of the following prior to enrolling in the program:
- Official transcript proof of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution in the U.S. or equivalent international degree
- Copy of the degree received (mail, fax, or scanned)
Stephen Chang
Engineering and Technology Programs
UC Berkeley Extension
1995 University Avenue, Suite 110
Berkeley, CA 94704-7000
I have a degree from a foreign country. What are the steps I need to take to show that my foreign degree is equivalent to a bachelor's degree in the U.S.?
You will need to go to the World Education Services (WES) website (www.wes.org) to obtain a credential evaluation from them. After you receive a credential evaluation, please submit an official copy to Stephen Chang at the department address above.
I have a baccalaureate degree that is not related to the Information Systems and Management field. Is it acceptable for admission into the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in ISM?
Yes. Any baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution, regardless of major, is acceptable.
How much does it cost to complete the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program in ISM?
The cost is the sum of the tuition of classes taken plus a $100 registration fee for the program. Each course is paid for separately at the time of enrollment. Since the course fees may vary from course to course and semester to semester, we do not have an exact fee for the program.
When do I need to register for the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in ISM?
Courses start throughout the year. You may register for the program in any semester. We recommend that you register before you take the third course. You can register online using our secure Program Registration Form, or print out a PDF version of the form available at www.unex.berkeley.edu/cert/certproginfo.html, and mail it with the nonrefundable fee.
I am not sure this class is right for me in completing the certificate program. Is there any way I can sit in on the first class and check it out before paying?
It depends. For classes that are six (6) meetings or less, you must pay your course fees upfront before showing up for the first meeting. For classes that are more than six (6) meetings, you are allowed to walk-in the first class meeting and pay your course fees before the second meeting if you decide to enroll.
Which currency does UC Berkeley Extension accept?
UC Berkeley Extension only accepts US dollars ($).
Is there an installment payment plan?
No. You may enroll in each class individually as you progress through the program, but all tuition fees must be paid in full when enrolling in a course.
I am an international student, and would like to take the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in ISM within the United States in the classroom format. How do I do this?
Please check out the website for UC Berkeley Extension international students at www.unex.berkeley.edu/intl/evecert/programs/
infosystems.html. Click on "Apply" in the global nav to see details.
Is financial aid available to students taking classes at UC Berkeley Extension?
UC Berkeley Extension is a self-supporting organization, so the programs are not currently eligible for federally sponsored financial assistance. Private financial aid may be available to you, though. For more information, please visit www.unex.berkeley.edu/info/enrollment.html#finassist.
My company or organization has tuition assistance. Can I use this to pay for courses in UC Berkeley Extension?
Yes. You can pay for a course by purchase order with a tuition voucher. For more details, please visit www.unex.berkeley.edu/info/enrollment.html#enroll.
GRADING AND COURSE SUBSTITUTION FAQ
What kinds of grading options do I have?
On the first day of class, the instructor will circulate the official grade roster for the class. The grading options are:
- CLG - Credit Letter Grade
- CP/NP - Credit Pass/No Pass
- NC - Not for Credit
When the official grade roster is passed to me, how do I fill it out?
Find your name on the roster. There is a column that allows you to input the abbreviation of the desired grading option (CLG, CP/NP, or NC). In addition, you must sign your name to the right of the grading option column to make the decision official.
Can I change my grading option at any time?
You can change your grading option at any time before the final exam is administered. After the final exam is administered and the class is finished, you cannot change the grading option.
Can I take a class Pass/No Pass and use it towards earning my certificate?
No. Candidates must take all classes for a credit letter grade (CLG) to earn the certificate.
I noticed that one of the requirements for earning a certificate is earning a grade C or better in each course. What does this mean?
While it is possible to pass an individual course with a C-, you may not apply any courses in which you received a C- towards completing the program of study. You must either retake the course and earn at least a C or work with your adviser to determine if you may take another course to meet the requirements of the program.
An emergency has come up. Is there any way I can complete all coursework after the last day of class?
Yes. If the emergency has come up and you feel that you will not be able to complete the coursework before then, please take the following steps:
-
1. Notify the instructor of your situation. Start making arrangements with the instructor on when you plan to complete the coursework and outline a schedule to meet that goal.
2. Go to www.unex.berkeley.edu/info/grades.html and find the subheading "Other Letter Designations." There will be information about "I"—a notation for an incomplete. Click on the "using petition form" link to fill out the Petition for Incomplete form. Please fill out the form jointly with the instructor.
3. The instructor will then submit the form to us along with the grade roster. This will help us keep track of students who request the "I" notation on their transcript.
I understand the Petition for Incomplete process. But what does an "I" mean on my transcript?
An "I" on a course is defined as student work of passing quality but not finished. An "I" designation will be issued only if you have made prior written arrangements with your instructor to make up work missed.
How much time do I have to complete all coursework to change an "I" to a letter grade?
UC Berkeley Extension does not allow more than three (3) months (90 days) after the last day of the course to complete all coursework. If you do not complete the coursework within the time limit, the incomplete will become an "F."
Can I substitute any of my courses into the post-baccalaureate certificate program?
Prior to registering in the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program in ISM, substitutions can be made on a case-by-case basis with pre-approval from the department. Courses from an accredited institution with a grade B or better can be substituted for up to 3 semester units' worth of classes. Once you are registered for the program, no substitutions or waivers will be allowed.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FAQ
How do online courses work in the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in ISM?
Please direct your inquiries about login information, online course format, and other logistics to online@unex.berkeley.edu or contact them at (510) 642-7343.
For More Information
Call (510) 642-4151, e-mail course@unex.berkeley.edu, or visit www.unex.berkeley.edu/cert/ism.html.
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