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Degree Plus

Priority Application Deadline: December 10, 2025
Regular Application Deadline: January 2, 2026

Please contact us for any questions at degreeplus@ucsd.edu.

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Earn a Certificate with Your Degree at UC San Diego

Degree Plus is a free online skills-based certificate program with the option of a paid internship for UC San Diego juniors and seniors. We are seeking committed students in good academic standing who are looking to stand out in the job market.

This program is funded by institutional and philanthropic support by the University of California Office of the President, Lumina and Strada Foundations.

Choose Your Path

Each skills-based certificate program consists of three asynchronous online courses. Participating students enroll in one course per quarter, starting in winter 2026. Eligible students include those in the School of Arts and Humanities (all majors), School of Social Sciences (Political Science and Sociology), and School of Physical Sciences (Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mathematics, and Physics). Completing the certificate opens the door to an optional paid internship, providing real-world experience, professional contacts, and references to help students launch their careers.

Certificate in Arts Management

Take your Arts and Humanities degree to the next level with a practical specialization in Arts Management and get ready to start a rewarding career in the arts or humanities. Complete an optional paid internship to gain real-world experience and build your professional network.

Courses
 
  • Foundations of Arts Management
  • Digital Marketing (BUSA-40879)
  • Introduction to Fundraising and Development (BUSA-40984)
  • Internship and Career Development Seminar
Credits: 9

Certificate in Data Analysis and Visualization

Build on your Political Science or Sociology degree with a practical specialization in Data Analysis and Visualization, gaining skills that enhance your career readiness. You can also complete an optional paid internship to apply your learning in a real-world setting and strengthen your professional experience.

Courses
 
  • Data Intelligence and Analytics Concepts and Applications (CSE-41411)
  • Dashboards and Data Visualization for Data Analysis (CSE-41222)
  • Excel for Data Analysis (CSE-41412)
  • Internship and Career Development Seminar
Credits: 10

Certificate in Project and Process Management

Enhance your Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mathematics, or Physics degree with a practical specialization in Project and Process Improvement, including Lean Six Sigma fundamentals gaining knowledge that will streamline operations and drive results. You can also complete an optional paid internship to apply your knowledge in a real-world setting and strengthen your professional experience.

Courses
 
  • Project Management Essentials (BUSA-40064)
  • Work Team Concepts and Skills (BUSA-40109)
  • Lean Six Sigma Foundations 
  • Internship and Career Development Seminiar
Credits: 9

Employers and UC San Diego Alumni

We are seeking internships for talented UC San Diego juniors and seniors, in a range of majors, who have completed skills-based certificates in Arts Management, Data Analysis and Visualization, and Project and Process Management. Please contact degreeplus@ucsd.edu if you have interest in offering internships for Degree Plus students.

UC San Diego Alumni – Not able to commit to hosting an intern, but still interested in mentoring a UC San Diego undergraduate student? Consider participating in the Take a Triton to Work program, which pairs students with UC San Diego alumni for professional development guidance visa a career exploration conversation or job shadowing opportunity. 

About the Degree Plus Program

Degree Plus is a two-year University of California pilot initiative that strengthens workforce readiness by integrating undergraduate study with skills-based certificates and paid internships. A collaboration between the UC Office of the President, UC San Diego, and UC Santa Barbara, the program advances student success while supporting California’s economic and talent development priorities. Funded by the Lumina Foundation, Strada Education Foundation, UCOP, and campus partners, Degree Plus will serve 240 students at UC San Diego (480 across both campuses) from July 2025 through June 2027.

Anticipated Outcomes

  • Enhanced student preparation for the labor market
  • Clearer alignment of UC liberal arts education with employer needs
  • Stronger industry and public sector partnerships
  • A scalable model for UC-wide implementation
  • Strengthened case for federal financial aid for certificate-based programs

Program Evaluation

The Degree Plus initiative will be rigorously evaluated to assess the impact of skills-based, work-integrated learning on post-graduation employment outcomes.

Key Metrics

  • Retention and completion rates
  • Time to employment
  • Job quality, earnings growth, and retention
  • Career alignment with degree and certificates

Frequently Asked Questions
No, your certificate is in addition to your degree so the course credits cannot count towards full-time enrollment at UC San Diego. UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies courses cannot be used to count towards unit requirements for financial aid or transferred back to meet degree requirements.
Yes, you must meet UC San Diego full-time enrollment responsibility of 12 units with main campus courses while participating in the certificate program.
During the initial years of piloting this program, students completing degrees within the School of Arts & Humanities, School of Social Sciences (Political Science and Sociology majors) and School of Physical Sciences (Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mathematics, and Physics) are eligible.
To participate in Degree Plus, you must be in good academic standing, committed to completing the certificate program, and on track to graduate by or before June 2027.