UC Berkeley Extension is the continuing education branch of UC Berkeley. Our courses and certificate programs can be taken part time and are offered online, making them ideal for adults looking to enhance their professional skills. Whether you want to find a new career, move up in your current position or further your education, we're here to help you achieve your goals.
The UC Excelerator increases access to our courses for motivated adults who have faced challenges in pursuing education due to financial limitations, institutional or social barriers, or other adversities. With a UC Excelerator award, you will receive financial assistance, academic advising and professional development opportunities.
Available Now: Career Exploration Award
Curious about a new career? Try an introductory course! Learn from industry experts and develop foundational industry knowledge. Discover whether a career in that field is the right fit for you and earn academic credit along the way. Prior industry experience is not required.
With the Career Exploration Award, you'll receive:
- COURSE SCHOLARSHIP Enroll in one of our select introductory courses without paying the course fee. Course materials are not covered by the Career Exploration Award.
- ACADEMIC ADVISING An adviser will support you throughout your academic journey. They will help you develop a study plan aligned with your academic and professional goals.
- PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES After receiving the Career Exploration Award, you will be invited to enroll, at no cost, in Career Foundations I. In this series of interactive workshops, you will learn skills needed for success in any job. Successfully complete this course to earn a continuing education unit.
Who Should Apply?
This award is intended for individuals who have not completed a bachelor's degree and have faced challenges in pursuing education due to financial limitations, institutional or social barriers, or other adversities. You are a priority applicant if you have:
- A high school diploma and 5 or more years of full-time work experience in a professional setting, or
- Some college experience (12 or more units completed) and relevant work experience, or
- An associate's degree
You must apply for and receive the Career Exploration Award prior to enrolling in the course. If you have already enrolled in and/or completed the course, you are not eligible for this award.
Start Your Application
Before applying for the Career Exploration Award, be sure to review important information on the introductory course webpage, including available section schedules, modalities, materials and prerequisites. In addition to class time, you should plan to dedicate between 6–9 hours per week, on average, to homework, projects and studying outside of class.
If you receive this award, you will be invited to enroll in Career Foundations I. While participation is encouraged, enrollment in this course is not required as part of the award.
As part of the online application, you will need to submit:
- Your résumé
- Transcripts from all institutions attended
- Statement of purpose (200–300 words) that addresses:
- Your personal, academic and professional goals
- How the Career Exploration Award for your course will help you achieve your goals
- Any challenges that you have experienced in pursuit of education
The application closes on Feb. 1, 2025. Apply today!
Note: We are currently not accepting applications for Business Administration.
Questions?
If you have any questions about this opportunity, eligibility or the application process, please contact us at excelerate@berkeley.edu.
Professional Industries
Courses available for the Career Exploration Award are listed below.
Business Administration
Businesses are driven by people specializing in various functions such as finance, marketing, accounting and organizational management. Gain an overview of business administration to understand the inner workings of a business and develop your business acumen—essential for overseeing day-to-day operations and ensuring that all functions collaborate effectively to achieve organizational goals.
ESSENTIALS OF BUSINESS (BUS ADM X406.6)
Not currently accepting applications.
Data Analytics
Data analysts are like detectives—they find clues in data to inform business decisions and solve business challenges. As a data analyst, you use software tools to collect, clean and interpret data sets in order to answer a question or solve a problem. Working with your colleagues and peers, you may present your discoveries to teams or leadership.
INTRODUCTION TO DATA ANALYTICS (COMPSCI X407.9)*
*Prerequisites required
Submit your application by Feb. 1, 2025.
Facilities Management
Facilities managers run properties for investors and companies. If you are good with people, operations and real estate, and like to be on the move, this may be a good fit for you. As a facilities manager, you're responsible for the processes and functions of your facility—whether it's an office building, an apartment complex or a series of properties.
INTRODUCTION TO FACILITIES MANAGEMENT (ARCH X420)
Submit your application by Feb. 1, 2025.
Project Management
Project managers make things happen. Are you highly organized, able to see the big picture and manage the details? As a project manager, you coordinate and oversee the entire process of a project, from start to finish. Work with stakeholders to ensure projects are completed on time and that the final deliverables meet all of the necessary requirements.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT (BUS ADM X470)
Submit your application by Feb. 1, 2025.
"The accessibility and affordability of UCLA and UC Berkeley changed my life. I'm hoping this gift puts the educational resources of both universities within reach for more people and provides skills that lead to the growth of good jobs in the Main Street economy." —Scott Galloway
The UC Excelerator is an innovative collaboration between UCLA and UC Berkeley Extensions, funded by a generous gift from Scott Galloway, a visionary investor, Clinical Professor of Marketing at NYU Stern School of Business, and podcast host.
This landmark donation helps us provide transformative educational opportunities and empower individuals to realize their career goals. If you would like to make a donation to the UC Excelerator, contact us at excelerate@berkeley.edu.
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