UCSC Extension through its courses provides opportunities to increase earning potential and improve self-confidence. It gives you the experience of the pure enjoyment of learning something new. UCSC Extension is an extension of the world-renowned University of California, Santa Cruz. Our standards are high and our reputation is stellar. We are respected for our quality of instruction and our ability to mirror the times.

Employers know that earning a UCSC Extension Certificate demonstrates a strong career commitment and a mastery of knowledge. In fact, our programs are so well respected that students are often promoted before they've completed their certificate.

UCSC Extension never stops updating and refining its courses and certificates. Whether you want individual classes or a comprehensive certificate program, UCSC Extension Online can help you achieve your goals with no commute, inconvenience or career interruption. All online courses apply towards the Certificates (sequences of courses). They reflect the latest thinking, the smartest practices and the most useful industry tools so that you complete the program with tomorrow's knowledge today. Some certificates can be completed within nine months to a year, and individual courses generally take between four and eight weeks. Except of online courses, we offer other flexible options such as evening and weekend seminars. Thanks to this UCSC Extension fits into your life and gets you up to speed quickly. You can pursue your studies anytime from an accredited education provider and build the skills you need to advance your career.

UCSC Extension instructors are highly successful professionals who teach from their personal experiences on the front lines. They will challenge you to reach for more. UCSC Extension offers two types of distance learning courses: (1) Online: all instruction takes place through the Internet; (2) Hybrid: a combination of online instruction and classroom-based courses.

Extension courses not only offer a solid foundation of knowledge, but provide the unique benefit of built-in networking opportunities. With students and instructors most innovative companies, Extension classes can make your address book the envy of other professionals.

Extension does not grant degrees, but some Extension courses carry credit that may be applied toward a degree, toward licensing, or other professional requirements. However, University of California students who want such credit should consult with their advisor, department and school before taking courses for this purpose.

Accreditation
As part of UCSC, Extension is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Colleges and Universities (WASC).

Financial Assistance
Through a special arrangement with WELLS FARGO (The Student Loan for Working Professionals) and CITIBANK (Private Loan with zero fees), UCSC Extension offers financial assistance to our students.