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Certificate Programs for International Students

Certificate vs. Master’s Degrees

The advantages of a certificate program.

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 CertificateMost Master’s Degrees*
Enrollment Entry FlexibilityFour enrollment entry dates per year—one every three monthsTypically one enrollment entry date per year
Application DeadlineTwo months before program beginsTypically one year before program begins
Academic RequirementsVaries: Prerequisite courses, and/or college transcripts; some require degreeUndergraduate degree and transcripts; examinations: GRE, GMAT, etc.
English ProficiencyTOEFL, IELTS, iTEP, TOEIC, Duolingo, CAE, CPE 
(view complete list)
TOEFL or IELTS
DurationMost are nine monthsMost are two years
SelectionAll who qualify are admitted; no wait listsAdmission limits; wait lists
InternshipsAvailable for most programs during the programAvailable for most programs during the program
Optional Practical Training (OPT) for International StudentsAvailable on program completion (3 quarters or more)Available on program completion
Program FocusProfessional program emphasizing career-centered, practical workplace applicationAcademic program emphasizing theory, research, and some application
ClassmatesMostly working professionalsMostly full-time students
Course ScheduleMostly eveningsDaytime
InstructorsHighly regarded industry professionals and UCLA facultyUniversity faculty
University RecognitionCoursework and instructors approved by UCLA Academic Senate and UCLA academic departments; professional levelCoursework and instructors approved by University faculty and academic departments; graduate level
Academic TestimonialCertificate with university seal; transcriptDegree with university seal
Transfer CreditSome courses transfer to master’s by decision of receiving institutionSome courses transfer to other master’s by decision of receiving institution
*Degree programs are not standardized in the U.S. Information will differ by institution. The information on master’s degrees is general, and represents what would take place at most institutions.

Learn more about our international programs.

 

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