University of California, Los Angeles Virtual Certificate Program in Sustainability

Program Suspended
Academic
Times Top 100
Delivery Method:
Virtual
Duration:
Multi Term, Single Term

About the Program

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.

Learn how to promote positive and sustainable solutions for the planet

Learn at a top-ranked American university from the comfort of your home

James Dean, Jim Morrison, Steve Martin, and Jackie Robinson: all UCLA alum

Advance your academic profile with a prestigious UCLA official transcript

Program Advisor

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Student Counselor 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.
Schedule a Consultation

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

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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

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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

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.
  • Language Proficiency
  • Academics & GPA
  • Application Documents & Materials

Language Test Score Requirements

Language scores are not required to submit for the application. However, applicants are recommended to have the language proficiency as in-person students to ensure success in class. Please use the following minimum scores as your reference.

  • TOEFL: 80 (iBT or Home Edition)
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • iTEP: 4.5
  • Cambridge English Qualifications: C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency; score of 170 or above
  • CEFR: C1
  • CET-4 (China): 530, CET-6: 500
  • DAAD: 3 or above/B2
  • GEPT: High intermediate
  • GRE (verbal): 140
  • TOEIC: 685 (Listening & Reading or Speaking & Writing)
  • Duolingo English Test (DET): 105

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.

Winter 2024 Academic

Program dates:
Early January - Mid March
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
1,600

Winter 2024 Academic + Spring 2024 Academic

Program dates:
Early January - Mid June
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
3,000

Spring 2024 Academic

Program dates:
Mid March - Mid June
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
1,600

Spring 2024 Academic + Summer 2024 Academic

Program dates:
Mid March - Late August
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
3,000

Student Health & Safety

We champion health, safety, and security. As part of IES Abroad, the largest study abroad organization, we’ve set the standard for health and safety in study abroad for decades. Regardless of your type of study, we have your back and support your health and safety in the virtual world, too.
24/7 Emergency Phone Support

Total coverage to support you throughout your enrollment

Program-Specific Information

Heath and safety information prepared based on your program

Help In Your Language

Highly trained multilingual staff to connect you to wellbeing services

Dedicated Expertise

Protection by a Dean of Students Office that advocates for your interests

Orientation

Admissions Support

We guide you through your digital admission process and help you interact with your intended university

Exclusive Welcome

Meet your tutors, SAF Staff, fellow SAF Scholars at the beginning of your study abroad virtual experience

Connect With Classmates

We arrange digital social activities and cultural events, so you meet other SAF Scholars and local students

Get Digital

We get you set up and settled into your secure digital learning campus, so you’re confident in your new

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 Virtual Programs

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.

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