General Frequently Asked Question

What type of program is right for me?

Here's a program glossary to help you decide.

A recognized credential for career advancement.
A fast-track path to learn about specific career fields like business, technology, bioscience, education, or design.
The curriculum typically requires 6-11 courses and 140+ hours of coursework.
Designed by industry experts, UC Santa Cruz professors, and Extension staff.
Most coursework is university-accredited and recorded on a permanent transcript.
Examples include professional certificates in Artificial Intelligence Application Development, Clinical Trials Design and Management, Educational Therapy, and Silicon Chip Design & Semiconductor Engineering.
People who complete the required courses and grade requirements for a certificate qualify for a certificate and a digital badge.
Duration: Varies: Usually 9-12 months
Modality: Varies, online, in-person in Santa Clara, CA, and flex.

Similar to professional certificates, these short programs offer a more focus in on a specific high-demand skill set.
Examples include the AI Business Practices, Lean-Agile Project Management, Linux Development, and Mobile Application Development.
People who complete the required courses and grade requirements in a specialization within three years qualify for a specialization and a digital badge.
Duration: Varies: Usually 4-9 months
Modality: Varies, online, in-person in Santa Clara, CA, and flex.

Also known as "concurrent enrollment."
Allows students to enroll in individual UC Santa Cruz courses on a space-available basis without formal admission.
Students apply to specific courses through UCSC Extension, and approval is at the discretion of the academic department.
Courses are available in fall, winter, and spring quarters through Open Campus.
Interested in a summer course at UC Santa Cruz? Please enroll directly through Summer Session.
Duration: One quarter.
Modality: Varies, online, in-person on the Santa Cruz campus.

Courses in a series may include cross industry topics, such as AI, health, or legal studies.
Can be taken in any order — but, be sure to check the prerequisites.
Usually offered independently of a program.
May be applied to a certificate, specialization or postbacc program if it meets program requirements.
May provide continuing education credit or professional development units needed for recertification or professional licensure.
Some series courses include certificates of completion.
Individual courses in a variety of high demand topic areas.
Duration: Varies from a one-day workshop to a 10-week course.
Modality: Varies, online, in-person, flex.

Experiential and exploratory summer programs for high school students, ages 14-17.
College-level topics that highlight UCSC's academic and research strengths in areas of student interest.
Each session includes teaching assistants and mentors who are UC Santa Cruz undergrad, grad students or postdocs to guide and support the high schoolers with their hands-on projects.
Duration: usually a couple of weeks.
Modality: Varies.

For students who have earned a bachelor’s degree and are preparing to apply to medical or other health professional schools.
UC science coursework, transferable credits to boost GPA, and fulfillment of medical school prerequisites.
Personalized academic advising, mentorship opportunities, and MCAT preparation.
Clinical shadowing, research experiences, and potential medical school linkage opportunities.
Two pathways:
- Structured Cohort: Work closely with an advisor to create an individualized plan and access cohort-specific opportunities.
- DIY Option: Enroll in individual courses at your own pace with flexible scheduling.
Duration: Varies.
Modality: Online and in-person.

UCSC Silicon Valley Extension partners with several high-quality education partners to provide courses and workshops in high-demand industries.
Top curriculum partners provide innovative courses and specializations.
Duration: Varies—6-12 weeks.
Modality: Online and live remote learning.

UCSC Silicon Valley Extension partners with several high-quality education partners to provide courses and workshops in high-demand industries. These providers often provide a certificate of completion to people who successfully complete their online course.
Modality: Online.