A firm business foundation
6-9 months
6726417
Learning Outcomes
- Develop a broad understanding of financial concepts and tools.
- Demonstrate effective organizational communication.
- Apply proficiency fundamentals of administrative roles including human resources, financial responsibilities, public relations, and project management.
Build your administrative professional skills
Once you have a solid foundation in administrative support, you can build your own career trajectory. This is especially true in the UCSC Extension Specialization for Administrative Professionals where you learn practical skills in three key areas.
- Business Finance
- Strategic Communications
- Effective Writing
Add on an elective such as facilitation, project management, customer relations, or public relations fundamentals and launch your career in business support.
Career path versatility
You can continue to grow your career by applying the units from this specialization to the Business Administration, Human Resource Management and Marketing Management certificates. Make yourself an invaluable member of any dynamic team.
Courses
Program Requirements
Total: 4 courses/minimum 6.5 units
- 2 core courses (3 units)
- 2 elective credit courses (3.5–5 units)
- End with review of specialization completion.
1. Required Course(s): Two Required
BUSM.X404
$700
Jan. 6 - Feb. 24, Tuesday, 6:00pm - 9:00pm
- Flexible Attend in person or via Zoom at scheduled times.
BUSM.X404.(17)
Schedule
| Date | Start Time | End Time | Meeting Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, 01-06-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:00pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Tue, 01-13-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:00pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Tue, 01-20-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:00pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Tue, 01-27-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:00pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Tue, 02-03-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:00pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Tue, 02-10-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:00pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Tue, 02-17-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:00pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Tue, 02-24-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:00pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
This class meets simultaneously in a classroom and remotely via Zoom. Students are expected to attend and participate in the course, either in-person or remotely, during the days and times that are specified on the course schedule. Students attending remotely are also strongly encouraged to have their cameras on to get the most out of the remote learning experience. Students attending the class in-person are expected to bring a laptop to each class meeting.
To see all meeting dates, click “Full Schedule” below.
You will be granted access in Canvas to your course site and course materials approximately 24 hours prior to the published start date of the course.
Students attending the class in-person are expected to bring a laptop / tablet to each class meeting.
Professional Credit:
HRCI(R)---PHR(R), SPHR(R) and GPHR(R) general recertification credit: 19.25 hours.
SHRM-CP(R) or SHRM-SCP(R) 19.25 PDCs.
Winter
BUSM.X403
$600
Feb. 6 - Feb. 27, Friday, 6:00pm - 9:00pm
- Live-Online Attend via Zoom at scheduled times.
BUSM.X403.(32)
Schedule
| Date | Start Time | End Time | Meeting Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, 02-20-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:00pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Fri, 02-27-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:00pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Fri, 02-06-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:00pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Fri, 02-13-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:00pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
This class meets simultaneously in a classroom and remotely via Zoom. Students are expected to attend and participate in the course, either in-person or remotely, during the days and times that are specified on the course schedule. Just like a traditional in-person class meeting, you are expected to attend and participate in the discussion. Students attending remotely are also strongly encouraged to have their cameras on to get the most out of the remote learning experience.
Students attending the class in-person are expected to bring a laptop / tablet to each class meeting.
To see all meeting dates, click "Full Schedule" below.
You will be granted access in Canvas to your course site and course materials approximately 24 hours prior to the published start date of the course.
Professional Credit
HRCI(R)---PHR(R), SPHR(R) and GPHR(R) general recertification credit: 13 hours.
SHRM-CP(R) or SHRM-SCP(R) 13 PDCs.
Winter
2. Electives: Two Required
MKTG.X402
$650
Jan. 8 - Feb. 12, Thursday, 6:00pm - 9:30pm
- Flexible Attend in person or via Zoom at scheduled times.
MKTG.X402.(11)
Schedule
| Date | Start Time | End Time | Meeting Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, 01-08-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Thu, 01-15-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Thu, 01-22-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Thu, 01-29-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Thu, 02-05-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Thu, 02-12-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:30pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
This class meets simultaneously in a classroom and remotely via Zoom. Students are expected to attend and participate in the course, either in-person or remotely, during the days and times that are specified on the course schedule. Students attending remotely are also strongly encouraged to have their cameras on to get the most out of the remote learning experience. Students attending the class in-person are expected to bring a laptop to each class meeting.
To see all meeting dates, click "Full Schedule" below.
You will be granted access in Canvas to your course site and course materials approximately 24 hours prior to the published start date of the course.
Students attending the class in-person are expected to bring a laptop / tablet to each class meeting.
Required Tools & Materials: Charlotte's Web, E.B. White, 1952. You may purchase or get a copy from any public library. Edition does not matter.
Mastering Public Relations, The Saylor Foundation (download from CANVAS)
Public Relations Book by Ashley Wirthlin (download from CANVAS)
You will need access to a computer with a word processor and slide presentation application. I prefer Microsoft WORD and PowerPoint. You are welcome to use Google DOCS and SLIDES or Apple PAGES or KEYNOTE, but if you do, please submit a PDF, as I do not have those programs.
Recommended Tools & Materials: Rethinking Reputation: How PR Trumps Marketing and Advertising in the New Media World, Fraser P. Seitel and John Doorley, St. Martin's Griffin, 2013, 978-1137278708.
Public Relations Writing: The Essentials of Style and Format, Thomas Bivins, McGraw Hill, 2013, 978-0073526232.
The Associated Press Stylebook, Darrell Christian, Paula Froke, Sally Jacobsen, David Minthorn, AP International, 2014, ISBN: 978-0-917360-71-8.
New Rules of PR and Marketing: How to Use Social Media, Online Video, Mobile Applications, Blogs, News Releases, and Viral Marketing to Reach Buyers Directly, David Meerman Scott, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2013, 978-1119070481.
Public Relations Strategies and Tactics, Dennis L. Wilcox & Glen T. Cameron, Pearson, 2014, 978-0205960644
.
Winter
Currently no classes scheduled. Would you like to be notified when a class is available?
Currently no classes scheduled. Would you like to be notified when a class is available?
Spring
Currently no classes scheduled. Would you like to be notified when a class is available?
Fall Flexible
PPMT.X425
$900
Jan. 10 - Feb. 7, Saturday, 8:30am - 5:00pm
- Flexible Attend in person or via Zoom at scheduled times.
PPMT.X425.(4)
Schedule
| Date | Start Time | End Time | Meeting Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, 01-10-2026 | 8:30am | 5:00pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Sat, 01-17-2026 | 8:30am | 5:00pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Sat, 01-31-2026 | 8:30am | 5:00pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
| Sat, 02-07-2026 | 8:30am | 5:00pm | Flexible | SANTA CLARA / REMOTE |
This class meets simultaneously in a classroom and remotely via Zoom. Students are expected to attend and participate in the course, either in-person or remotely, during the days and times that are specified on the course schedule. Students attending remotely are also strongly encouraged to have their cameras on to get the most out of the remote learning experience. Students attending the class in-person are expected to bring a laptop to each class meeting.
No meeting on January 24, 2026. To see all meeting dates, click "Full Schedule" below.
You will be granted access in Canvas to your course site and course materials approximately 24 hours prior to the published start date of the course.
Students attending the class in-person are expected to bring a laptop / tablet to each class meeting.
Required Textbook: The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management, 6th edition, Eric Verzuh, John Wiley & Sons, 2021, ISBN 978-1119700760 (paperback).
Winter
3. Completion Review:
O-CE0507
$50
Schedule
Please enroll in the Specialization for Administrative Professionals Completion Fee only after all of the specialization requirements have been met and your final grades are posted.
Establish Candidacy
Instructors
Co-Chair
Dianne Conry
Consultant, Kranz & Associates | Program Chair
DIANNE V. CONRY, M.S., CPA, is a consultant with Kranz & Associates and has more than 30 years of accounting experience both in public accounting and in private industry. She has been teaching with UCSC Silicon Valley Extension since 1996, served many years as chair of the former Accounting certificate program, and currently serves as co-chair of the Business Administration certificate program.
Co-chair
Reynold H Lewke
Startup CEO Coach and Recruiter | Career and Ironman Coach
REYNOLD LEWKE, M.S., M.B.A, LLB, a corporate attorney, litigator, author and business advisor, runs his own strategic talent management consulting and executive search firm. He has worked with startups and global Fortune 100 companies integrating engineering, business and legal perspectives. He offers actionable insights into issues ranging from domestic and international contracts to products liability, technology, human resources, and construction. Reynold, a certified personal trainer and Ironman coach with more than 22 Ironman distance races behind him, also offers career coaching services for professionals and fitness and personal training services. He has served as chair or co-chair of the Business Administration certificate program since 2020.
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