Today’s global professionals realize career development means regularly updating knowledge and skills with continuing education. Increasingly, they look for programs that help them demonstrate proficiency in high-demand skills like project management or data analysis. Or they decide to leverage their current work experience and add new knowledge, soft skills, and professional networks.
Flexibility to pivot to new and emerging careers is essential. To achieve their goals and stand out in any industry, professionals need an education partner that provides world-class instruction, a rigorous curriculum, and opportunities to build a network with local, national, and global colleagues.
When choosing an educational program, here are key questions: Does the program offer direct interaction with instructors, sometimes referred to as “instructor-led” courses vs. “self-paced” curricula? Are there options for accessible and convenient online formats using universal design to address diverse student learning needs? Do student support services provide opportunities to expand a professional network and engage in career planning?
A powerful example of an institution responsive to the needs of both individual professionals and employers is UCLA Extension with the launch of UCLAxOnline.
UCLAxOnline presents the next evolution in online continuing higher education. This major initiative offers high-demand certificates enhanced around innovative learning technologies combined with an interactive and immersive experience. UCLAxOnline uses the latest research to incorporate effective instructional design models that enhance the learning experience and peer engagement.
Designed to help professionals progress in their careers, UCLAxOnline offers the convenience of studying anytime and is optimized by direct interaction.
Focus on the End-User
UCLAxOnline certificates are instructor-led with multimedia functionality and are dynamic and effective. The asynchronous format offers students the flexibility to study, complete assignments, and balance existing careers and family commitments by engaging with the instructor and other students based on their schedules.
Instructors are another component of any online certificate. In the case of UCLA Extension, there are two advantages at play. First, courses are taught by accomplished instructors who are industry experts and practitioners approved by UCLA. Instructors share invaluable practical information and industry connections. Second, UCLAxOnline is structured to ensure student engagement. Of course, the focus in any online program is to give students knowledge, practice, skills, and support.
Open enrollment at UCLA Extension allows busy professionals to study part-time and enroll in one course a quarter. Or students can choose to accelerate their studies with enrollment in 2-3 courses per term. UCLAxOnline aspires to offer educational “access to all.”
Careers in Demand, Additional Benefits
The UCLA Extension initiative launches 11 enhanced certificates in professions or specialties currently in high demand, such as accounting, business and management of entertainment, college counseling, data science, GIS & geospatial technology, human resources management, personal financial planning, project management, and sustainability, and the user experience (UX). Additional certificates are added every quarter.
The resources of a top university are leveraged for UCLAxOnline. Students who complete UCLA Extension certificates can participate in workshops, networking events, career counseling services, job search resources, and access membership in UCLA Alumni Association.
UCLA Extension certificates also come with the added benefit of a Bruin Promise: a bold commitment to lifelong learning, professional development, and personal enrichment for all UCLA graduates.
Established university-based continuing education programs have delivered consistent results to adult learners everywhere. The new UCLAxOnline launches at a time when
the nature of work is changing the economic outlook for careers.
This fall, the re-imagined age of effective online learning for professionals emerges.
Learn more at uclaextension.edu/uclaxonline.
