Certificate Programs offer specialized training and education that help you improve your skills in a particular field of study or explore a new career. For international students with professional goals, certificates can offer many advantages over a traditional master’s degree. Below, you can explore the differences between certificates and master’s programs.
| UCLA Extension Certificate | Most Master’s Degrees* | |
|---|---|---|
| Enrollment Entry Flexibility | Four enrollment entry dates per year—one every three months | Typically one enrollment entry date per year |
| Application Deadline | Two months before program begins | Typically one year before program begins |
| Academic Requirements | Varies: Prerequisite courses, and/or college transcripts; some require degree | Undergraduate degree and transcripts; examinations: GRE, GMAT, etc. |
| English Proficiency | TOEFL, IELTS, iTEP, TOEIC, Duolingo, CAE, CPE (view complete list) |
TOEFL or IELTS |
| Duration | Most are nine months | Most are two years |
| Selection | All who qualify are admitted; no wait lists | Admission limits; wait lists |
| Internships | Available for most programs during the program | Available for most programs during the program |
| Optional Practical Training (OPT) for International Students | Available on program completion (3 quarters or more) | Available on program completion |
| Program Focus | Professional program emphasizing career-centered, practical workplace application | Academic program emphasizing theory, research, and some application |
| Classmates | Mostly working professionals | Mostly full-time students |
| Course Schedule | Mostly evenings | Daytime |
| Instructors | Highly regarded industry professionals and UCLA faculty | University faculty |
| University Recognition | Coursework and instructors approved by UCLA Academic Senate and UCLA academic departments; professional level | Coursework and instructors approved by University faculty and academic departments; graduate level |
| Academic Testimonial | Certificate with university seal; transcript | Degree with university seal |
| Transfer Credit | Some courses transfer to master’s by decision of receiving institution | Some courses transfer to other master’s by decision of receiving institution |
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