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UCLA Extension Debuts Immersive Online Certificate Programs

UCLA Extension, the continuing education division of the University of California, Los Angeles, is introducing 11 fully online certificate programs that immerse students in the same resources and collaboration opportunities as the school's in-person classes. Dubbed UCLAxOnline, the new format blends "the latest in interactive learning innovations with real-world curriculum taught by industry leaders," according to a news announcement.

Built on online platforms such as Canvas and Zoom, the UCLAxOnline program is designed to provide professional development for students while offering "shared spaces to interact and network virtually with their peers and instructors," the university said. The program is launching this fall with certificates in Accounting, Accounting Fundamentals, Business and Management of Entertainment, College Counseling, Data Science, GIS and Geospatial Technology, Human Resources Management, Personal Financial Planning, Project Management, Sustainability, and User Experience, with plans to add more subjects every quarter.

"UCLAxOnline is a bold initiative, designed with today's professionals in mind," said Eric A. Bullard, dean of continuing education and UCLA Extension, in a statement. "The challenge, which we have met after careful study and design, was to offer certificate programs in a fully online format with the same high level of benefits, such as networking and interaction with instructors, that our students enjoy through our in-class sessions. This, by far, is the most advanced online professional continuing educational experience with courses that follow the rigorous protocols of a world-class university."

For more information, visit the UCLA Extension site.

About the Author

Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

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