Amazing program! I got my graduate certificate in marketing here about 6 years ago. Because of this credential, I was able to land a job as a marketing manager. The classes were hands-on, and the staff incredible (I remember my teachers ranged from former tech execs, to those with PhDs, etc.). I would highly recommend this campus to upgrade your professional skills or make a career jump.
California University and secondary education system can be a little confusing, so to be clear: this is a UC Extention, which function more like community colleges with focuses on adult school and night school for adults seeking additional education in professional ways. More information about the specific departments is available on their website, but this place is most know for tech and coding certificates and professional training such a financial planners. A great choice for full time workers looking to further or change their career.
The instructors have so much experience. They taught me what to do and what not to do and you cannot find that anywhere else. They shared their real experience.
I am very glad that I am taking classes here. I am going to take HR certificate. The classes are interesting and give a lot of practical information. The material( books) NOT expensive and the same time give you all information that you need. Teachers very helpful and support you during the class. One time I had some problems with my class, and the Program Manager Christina Shon helps me very quickly and I am very appreciated it. I am writing this because I want that everyone who think about what school to apply, know that this school provide you with everything that you probably need for improving your skills, receiving more opportunity and find good friend.
Got my human resources management certificate here. Great instructors, useful and practical information for the workplace. Variety and schedule of classes great for the working professional. Can go at your own pace to fit your lifestyle. Reasonable prices. Nice facility as well.
The classes and programs are great. I've had a couple of classes which I found to not be as useful but overall, if you are getting a certificate or completing a program, it is a great way to get skills and be competitive in your field. Like with anything, it depends on how much time and effort you can put into it. You can't just take a few classes here and there or just attend class once a week and not do the assignments and think you will succeed. You also should work with a program manager and discuss which classes you need to reach your goals. It's a great environment with solid industry instructors. The also have free wifi and break room and it's a great place to network. It would be nice if they had child care available for working parents.
I liked that UCSC's certificate programs in Project and Program Management as well as Internet Programming and Development were both very well focused and had a lot of hands on project based learning. I also liked that their instructors were working professionals (not out of touch academics). The instruction that I got there was as good or better than any of the other four universities I have attended.
I've taken a Search Engine Marketing class and a Leveraging Social Media for Business course -- both provided practical experience and were pretty in depth, considering they were only 6 or 7 weeks long. I was able to use the company for my final project.
Good instructors, but they need to be trained how to teach online. You simply can't tell students to buy the book, and then leave them on their own to learn. The only time the instructor responded was via email-- no online discussions, materials, or webinars. I'd give them five stars if they could only make the courses more interactive.
I've taken quite a number of classes at UCSC extension over the years, and have had almost all good experiences. I understand and appreciate the difference an instructor with in-depth experience in their subject can make.
For the future, I'd like to see UCSC extension focus more on improving their on-line instruction. At this point in my career, I just cannot face 3 hours of classroom time after putting in a full day at work. So on-line is where it's at as far as I'm concerned.
ucsc-extension.edu
