With numerous world-renowned universities, the United States undeniably offers exceptional opportunities for students. And the best part? There’s no need to break the bank or go through a gruelling application process to do it.

Tailored specifically for students and professionals with an undergraduate degree, a postgraduate certificate, also known as a graduate certificate, provides advanced concepts, best practices, and industry-specific training aligned with current industry trends. Not only do they give a competitive edge in the job market, but they also pave the way for career advancement and promotion.

It is worth noting that some universities in the US offer postgraduate certificates or graduate certificates rather than postgraduate diplomas. The University of California, for instance, offers a range of postgraduate programs through its educational arm, UC Extension. These programs are designed to be flexible, with students able to choose from in-person, online, webcast, or hybrid learning arrangements. Additionally, students can learn at their own pace or on a set schedule allowing them to juggle studying with other commitments.

Why send your student to UC extension schools?

The University of California Extension system offers thousands of graduate certificates for students seeking to advance their careers or change fields. For $12,000 to $18,000, students can complete one academic year of study and receive a one-year Optional Practical Training (OPT) visa. In addition, most certificates offered by UC Extensions include the option for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), allowing students to gain real-world experience while earning their certificate.

To be eligible for OPT, students must complete a minimum of one academic year, which includes three quarters or two semesters of study. Courses are taught by professionals in their respective fields, ensuring students receive a quality education that is relevant to their desired career paths.

GSP has formed strategic partnerships with four of the eight UC extensions: UC Riverside Extension, UC San Diego Extended Studies, UC Santa Cruz Silicon Valley Extension Studies, and UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education. The opportunity to complete one of these certificates in locations close to some of the biggest and innovative businesses offers an exciting combination that many international students are drawn to.

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The University of California Riverside Extension

With an impressive 75% employment rate after graduation, UCR Extension postgraduate certificate and diploma programs provide students with a winning combination of in-depth knowledge and practical on-the-job experience.

Through expert instructors in various fields, students can gain work experience at leading companies, further boosting their skills and giving them valuable connections in the industry. Students will leave UCR with a gold-standard UC diploma, a highly respected credential that will open doors to exciting job opportunities.

Certificate and diploma programs include:

• Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Management
• Postgraduate Diploma in Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management
• Postgraduate Diploma in Public Policy and International Relations
• Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering Management
• Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management
• Postgraduate Diploma in Management
• Postgraduate Certificate in Management
• Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Management

University of California Irvine (Division of Continuing Education)

At UCI Division of Continuing Education (DCE), students can choose from over 80 industry-relevant certificates and specialised studies programs, both on campus and online, designed to help them advance in their careers. These programs provide opportunities for internship experiences in Orange County and Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the United States.

DCE is in Irvine, California, and has consistently ranked the safest city of its size in the United States since 2005.

Certificate and diploma programs include:

• Construction Management Certificate
• Human Resources Management Certificate
• Facilities Management Certificate
• Clinical Trials: Medical Device and Drug Development Certificate
• Data Science Certificate
• Web Intelligence Certificate
• Digital Marketing & Communications Certificate
• E-Learning Instructional Design Certificate
• Esports Management Certificate
• Project Management Certificate
• Real Estate Licensure Certificate

University of California Santa Cruz Silicon Valley Extension

UC Santa Cruz is the only accredited institution in the area that provides the University of California-quality courses led by experienced instructors. Its professional curriculum is designed in collaboration with industry leaders to address the evolving needs of the workforce. With its close proximity to Silicon Valley, students are provided with an exceptional learning experience, which includes practical, hands-on training from industry experts. Additionally, a vast majority of international students who finish a professional certificate program become eligible for unpaid internships and paid work experiences through the federally administered Optional Practical Training (OPT) program.

Certificate and diploma programs include:

• Certificate Program in Clinical Trials Design and Management
• Certificate Program in Regulatory Affairs
• Certificate Program in Linux Programming and Administration
• Certificate Program in Human Resource Management
• Certificate Program in User Experience and Web Design
• Certificate Program in Marketing Management
• Certificate Program in TESOL

The University of California, San Diego Extended Studies

UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies offers continuing and professional education with over 100,000 enrolments annually in over 4,400 courses, panels, and events delivered in-person, online, and even in 3D virtual reality classrooms.

As an integral part of UC San Diego, the Division of Extended Studies offers a diverse range of certificate programs, including lean six sigma, copyediting, medical coding, and more. These programs are designed with guidance from advisory boards and taught by professionals who maintain the same level of rigour and excellence as the university. Additionally, the division collaborates with almost 1,500 industry advisors to create innovative and contemporary programs in various fields, such as foreign languages and 5G technology.

• Business Administration
• Leadership and Management
• Digital Marketing
• Business Intelligence Analysis
• Business Management
• Project Management
• TEFL

Fun Fact: UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies manage the dynamic new downtown centre for UC San Diego in the heart of East Village, which opened in 2021. It is also home to two award-winning academic television stations, University of California Television (UCTV) and University of California San Diego Television (UCSD-TV), dedicated to sharing the vast knowledge of faculty throughout the University of California system.

While not all courses offered by UC Extensions can articulate into a degree, many offer this option. Student support services are also available to help ensure a smooth transition into the program and to support students throughout their studies. These services include career preparation and networking opportunities, housing assistance, SEVIS (I20) advising, and wellness programs.

Finally, UC Extensions offer one-on-one academic and immigration advising to ensure students have the support they need to achieve their goals. With a focus on career advancement and practical experience, the University of California Extension system provides a unique and valuable opportunity for students seeking to further their education and advance their careers.

For those considering postgraduate education in the US, there are a variety of options available at reputable universities like the University of California. With flexible learning formats and relatively affordable tuition fees, pursuing a postgraduate diploma or graduate certificate can be a valuable investment in one’s education and career. Check out our GSP Platform or contact gspna@upgradgsp.com to learn more.