Founded in 1919, UCLA is the largest and most competitive institution in the University of California system. UCLA’s distinguished professors and faculty include Nobel Prize winners, Guggenheim Fellows, members of the National Academy of Sciences, and other prestigious academic organizations. In Westwood Village, one of the safest and most attractive neighborhoods in Los Angeles, you’re just a short bus ride from Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and the beach.
University of California, Los Angeles Certificate Program in Sustainability







About the Program
Program Advisor

At a Glance
Stay Healthy & Safe While You Study Abroad
Zhang, Zhuofan
Professors all have different habits but they are all concerned about you. They all have multiple office hours. You may go and ask them questions during their office hours. You may also email them your questions even if it’s not their office hours. During classes, you may ask questions as long as there are some things you don’t understand. Professors always clarify them for you. One thing you should know is the syllabus is always the most important for every class. It has all the important information you need and all the important deadlines you need.
UCLA SAF Alumni

About the University
University of California, Los Angeles
Founded in 1919, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has its home in Westwood Village, one of the safest and most attractive neighborhoods in Los Angeles and a short bus ride from Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and the beach. The vibrant neighborhood has theaters, shops, markets, museums, and great restaurants frequented both by the student body and UCLA’s distinguished professors and faculty of Nobel Prize winners, Guggenheim Fellows, members of the National Academy of Sciences, and other prestigious academic organizations.
Beyond Westwood Village, the city of Los Angeles is world-famous film and entertainment hub, abundant in movie studios and concert venues as well as its naturally stunning beaches, mountains, and deserts.
Learn more at University of California, Los Angeles' official website.
Academics

University of California, Los Angeles' Academic Approach
The Study Abroad at UCLA program offers courses in computer programming, engineering, project management and many more. Most of the program courses are taught by experienced professionals who place a strong emphasis on practical application.
During your time here, you gain world-class knowledge and skills you can use throughout your career.
Courses
What you can learn:
- Environmental systems and the interrelationship and effect of humans upon the environment
- Explore individual and group roles in sustainability, and the interconnectedness and necessity of collaboration between social, economic, and ecological responsibilities
- Learn business aspects of sustainability by identifying practical tools, measuring performance, and reviewing best practices
- Acquire skills in environmental and energy consulting, green investments and marketing, green building project design, renewable energy, climate change, public policy, and more
Courses:
- Principles of Sustainability I: Introduction
- Principles of Sustainability II: Current Issues and Case Studies
- Principles of Sustainability III: Stakeholders and Engaging Communities
- 2 Required Elective courses (Multiple options)
A UCLA Extension certificate offers in-depth study of a professional field. The coursework, developed by academic and industry experts, balances theory and real-world practice, providing you the knowledge you need to transition from scholar to professional.
Over the course of the study, you will:
Make lasting connections with faculty at one of the highest ranked public universities in the United States. You will have an opportunity to request recommendation letters from faculty members.
Advance your post-graduate profile through earning an official transcript/certificate from a prestigious university. UCLA extension certificate courses earn a standard UCLA transcript.
Exclusive Benefits
- Access to Handshake Handshake , UCLA Career Center’s online job board, with access to thousands of job and internship postings
- Become a member of the UCLA Alumni Association (upon completing your certificate) and gain access to a nationwide network of Bruin alumnus
- PLUS, all UCLA Extension students have access to UCLA Extension’s Career Resources including online career coaching, workshops and networking events
- Students who complete the full certificate become UCLA alumni which provides benefits for a lifetime
Prerequisites
Some courses may have prerequisites. Students should demonstrate verifiable courses they have taken in home universities to fulfill the prerequisite requirement. Students should not apply if they don’t meet the prerequisites.
After they are admitted, students are required to file a petition to the certificate program academic department to waive the prerequisite (I will do it on behalf of students). This may require them to identify the similar courses they have taken and provide a course description if necessary. Program Specialist will be in touch with the country office with more details when filling the petition.
Get To Know Our Application Process
From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.
Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor
Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.
Application Requirements
The requirements outlined in this section include the language proficiency scores you may need to demonstrate your language skills, a guide to the GPA range and other academic prerequisites required by your host university, and a list of documentation and other application materials you will need to finalize your application. You may need to supply additional information throughout the process, and you will be alerted through your emails and SAF Student Portal if this is the case for you.
Language Test Score Requirements
The following minimum language scores are required at the time of application:
- TOEFL iBT: 80 *Home Edition accepted
- IELTS: 6.5
- iTEP: 4.5
- CET 4: 530
- CET 6: 500
- Duolingo: 105
- TOEIC 685 *Applicant can submit scores of Listening & Reading OR Speaking & Writing
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency or score of 170 or above
* Other language scores or English language waiver may be applicable. Please consult with SAF Advisor for details.
Learn More About Language Requirements
Program Dates
When studying abroad, you will want to consider the time of year and how long you are away. Most programs follow the host university's academic calendar.
The dates shown below are general estimates, and as you get closer to the start of the term, you will get more detailed information from SAF. If you have any questions, your Student Counsellor and Program Specialist are always here to support you and point you to the correct information.
Academic Summer Quarter 2023 + Academic Fall Quarter 2023
Program dates:
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
Housing Information

Off-campus apartment
Your SAF program fee covers a shared accommodation in an off-campus apartment. Women-only housing may be available.
*Housing is subject to availability. For specific questions regarding housing please contact SAF.
About Los Angeles

Why Los Angeles
A world-famous film and entertainment hub, the fantastically diverse Los Angeles is abundant in movie studios and concert venues as well as naturally stunning beaches, mountains, and deserts. Its sunny year-round climate beckons you to explore its large Asian communities, Hollywood and downtown Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and all the beaches of the second largest city in the US.
The Student Experience

Get to know Los Angeles like a local when you’re studying abroad
Discover LA’s cultural heart and what makes the city such a cool place to study as an SAF Scholar.
Orientation
Advising and Support
The process of studying abroad could quickly feel overwhelming, but we have been doing this for decades and do everything we can to support you through it.
Many SAF staff are alumni and have walked this path. They have real-life experience to draw on as they advise and support you through every step of our comprehensive services. They’re in your corner, taking care of all the details and explaining what you need to do next.
Take the first step in your study abroad journey by scheduling a consultation with your closest Student Counselor. You can discuss your for-credit academic courses and language programs and explore internships, research programs, and study tours. When you know what you want to do, we guide you through the pre-program steps, help you arrange your visa and transport, and finalize your accommodation or digital experience.
Get To Know Our Application Process
From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.
Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor
Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.
Commonly Asked Questions About Studying Abroad
Commonly Asked Questions About Academic & Concurrent Programs
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Why Travel With SAF?
Studying abroad is an unforgettable experience, one that stays with you in your career, your contacts, your future. It can define you. At any of our prestigious university partners, you can build personalized for-credit programs that can last up to a whole year.
