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 Virtual Certificate Program in Sustainability
About the Program
Summer 2023
Fall 2023 Academic
Program dates:
Late September - Mid December
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
1,600
Program Advisor
SAFFY
Your Student Counselor is your study abroad ambassador and supporter. They join your application journey when you’ve confirmed you’re interested in studying abroad. At this point, they guide you through each stage of the application, notify you of the documents you need, let you know when your admission results are in, and walk you through the next steps, including class enrollment and organizing pre-arrival tests.
At a Glance
Language of Instruction:
English
Language Prerequisite Level:
Advanced
GPA Requirements:
2.85
Academic Level:
Undergraduate,
Graduate
Academic Strengths:
Sociology,
Biological & Physical Sciences,
Business, Economics & Finance,
Engineering,
Music, Film & Performing Arts
Credits:
4 units
Stay Healthy & Safe While You Study Abroad
WHAT STUDENTS SAY
Zhuofan Zhang
Professors all have different habits but they are all concerned about you. During classes, you can ask questions and they always answer. The syllabus 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.
Explore Beyond the Classroom
SAF Beyond the Classroom is a collection of services provided to students enrolled in virtual courses with SAF. Join weekly virtual classes exclusively available to SAF students to enhance your online coursework experience.
Participate in:
- Weekly discussion groups
- Virtual campus tours
- SAF-only university-hosted private virtual events
- Western culture experiences
- Expert lectures
- Career advice
- Trivia nights
- …and more
Students who successfully complete an SAF program receive a program completion certificate from SAF, alongside their Western universities completion certificates, and potentially can receive support in obtaining any recommendation letters from their professors.
Courses
In participating in their program, you will have the opportunity to enjoy UCLA’s award-winning faculty and world-class reputation.
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 students the knowledge they 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 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, 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, as a UCLA Extension student, you have access to UCLA Extension’s Career Resources, including online career coaching, workshops, and networking events
- With a completed full certificate, you become UCLA alumni, which provides benefits for a lifetime
Prerequisites
Some courses may have prerequisites. You should demonstrate verifiable courses you have taken in home your university to fulfill the prerequisite requirement. You should not apply if you don’t meet the prerequisites.
After you are admitted, you are required to file a petition to the certificate program academic department to waive the prerequisite. This may require you to identify the similar courses you have taken and provide a course description if necessary.
In this program, you are enrolling in the courses that are part of the certificate. You need to finish all the courses in a chosen certificate program to earn a certificate.
You will be registered for courses at the time of your enrollment based upon your selection on the course preference form in your application documents.
Notes for class format:
- Remote = Synchronous
- Online = Asynchronous
- Hybrid = synchronous + asynchronous
What you can learn:
- Environmental systems and the interrelationship and effect of humans upon the environment
- Learn business aspects of sustainability by identifying practical tools, measuring performance, and reviewing best practices
- Explore individual and group roles in sustainability, and the interconnectedness and necessity of collaboration between social, economic, and ecological responsibilities
- Acquire skills in environmental and energy consulting, green investments and marketing, green building project design, renewable energy, climate change, public policy, and more
Courses: You will take 3 required courses plus 2 elective courses to complete the certificate.
|
Course Title |
Required/ Elective |
Spring Class Format |
FA |
WI |
SP |
SU |
|
Principles of Sustainability II: Current Issues and Case Studies |
Required |
Online |
√ |
√ |
√ |
√ |
|
Principles of Sustainability I: Introduction |
Required |
Online/Remote |
√ |
√ |
√ |
√ |
|
Principles of Sustainability III: Stakeholders and Engaging Communities |
Required |
Remote |
√ |
√ |
√ |
√ |
|
Environmental Sociology |
Elective |
Online |
√ |
|||
|
The Solar Energy Solution: Harnessing Solar Power in the Home and Office |
Elective |
Remote |
√ |
√ |
||
|
Supply Chain Sustainability |
Elective |
Remote |
√ |
√ |
||
|
Food Studies Graduate Certificate Colloquium |
Elective |
Currently Not Available |
||||
|
Strategic Social Impact |
Elective |
Currently Not Available |
√ |
√ |
||
|
Renewable Energy Economics and Policy |
Elective |
Online |
√ |
√ |
||
|
Climate Change, Energy, and the Environment |
Elective |
Currently Not Available |
√ |
√ |
||
|
Food Justice |
Elective |
Currently Not Available |
√ |
|||
|
Sustainable Food and Agriculture |
Elective |
Currently Not Available |
√ |
|||
|
Global Business Practices in Sustainability |
Elective |
Online |
√ |
√ |
||
|
Integrating Sustainability into Financial Reporting |
Elective |
Currently Not Available |
√ |
√ |
||
|
Earth's Physical Environment |
Elective |
Currently Not Available |
√ |
|||
|
People and the Earth's Ecosystems |
Elective |
Currently Not Available |
√ |
|||
|
The Ocean Environment: An Ecosystem Perspective |
Elective |
Online |
√ |
|||
|
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design |
Elective |
Online/Remote |
√ |
√ |
√ |
√ |
|
Sustainable Energy Management |
Elective |
Currently Not Available |
√ |
|||
|
Urban Food Production |
Elective |
Currently Not Available |
√ |
√ |
||
|
Greener Gardens: Sustainable Garden Practice |
Elective |
Currently Not Available |
√ |
|||
|
Building a Garden Ecology with California Natives |
Elective |
Currently Not Available |
√ |
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
When applying to study abroad, you must meet the entry requirements set by the host university—and SAF is here to set you up for success.
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.
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
To prove your language proficiency, you can use any of the following:
- Duolingo: 95
- IELTS: 6.0
- iTEP: 3.7
- TOEFL iBT: 72
- TOEFL ITP: 532
- TOEFL PBT: 532
- TOEIC R/L: 645
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.
Spring 2023 + Summer 2023
Program dates:
Late March - Late August
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
2,500
Winter 2023
Program dates:
Early January - Mid March
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
1,250
Spring 2023
Program dates:
Late March - Mid June
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
1,250
Summer 2023
Program dates:
Late June - Mid September
Application Deadline:
Fall 2023 Academic
Program dates:
Late September - Mid December
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
1,600
Fall 2023 Academic + Winter Quarter 2024 Academic
Program dates:
Late September - Mid March
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
3,000
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.
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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.
