Degree Plus
Skills-based Certificate | Paid Internships | Career Readiness
Apply Now
Priority Deadline: June 30
Regular Deadline: August 17, 2026
Please contact us for any questions at degreeplus@ucsd.edu.
What is Degree Plus?
Degree Plus is a free online skills-based certificate program and paid internship for eligible 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.
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Earn a skills-based certificate while completing your degree
Today’s employers are looking for more than a degree. They want graduates with practical, career-ready skills and real-world experience. Developed through labor market analysis, employer and industry input, collaboration with UC San Diego academic departments, and feedback from current students, Degree Plus offers three high-impact online certificate pathways tailored for juniors and seniors in the School of Arts and Humanities, School of Social Sciences, and School of Physical Sciences.
Each skills-based certificate combines three focused courses with an Internship and Career Development Seminar designed to help students build professional confidence, strengthen career readiness, and connect with paid internships and post-graduation employment opportunities.
EXPLORE CERTIFICATE PATHWAYS DESIGNED FOR YOUR ACADEMIC SCHOOL
Certificates take 3 quarters to complete (Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027). Courses are asynchronous online. Students also enroll in a 1-unit Internship and Career Development Seminar that spans the entire program. This Seminar is asynchronous online with 1 in-person session per month.
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
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
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
Paid Internships
Students who are legally authorized to work in the U.S. may complete a paid internship of 120 hours. Internships are not guaranteed. Students must actively identify, apply to, and interview for internship opportunities. Internships may include private companies, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and local, state, and federal government agencies. Additionally, students may pursue on-campus career-aligned student employment/internships as well as international internships through UCEAP and other UC partnerships. Through the Internship and Career Development Seminar, students will receive guidance, resources and targeted support for pursuing a variety of paid internship opportunities.
Eligibility
- UC San Diego junior or senior from the School of Arts and Humanities, School of Social Sciences, or School of Physical Sciences
- Must be in good academic standing
- Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. (F-1 international students should check in with our team at DegreePlus@ucsd.edu about current requirements)
Expectations
- Spend up to 10 hours per week on course lectures, readings, individual assignments, and group projects
- Participate in online discussions and activities; communicate effectively with instructors; collaborate well with group members
- Attend monthly in-person Internship and Career Development sessions
- Complete all required surveys, focus groups, and certificate and internship documentation
- Remain in good academic standing in your degree program and certificate courses
- Take an active role in obtaining an internship. This includes identifying internship opportunities, networking, refining resumes, cover letters, interviews, and preparing for a successful internship experience
Program Dates
Degree Plus courses are intentionally staggered throughout the academic quarter to support student success and balance alongside UC San Diego coursework. Courses begin during Week 2 of each quarter and conclude several days after the official end of the quarter, allowing students additional flexibility during high-demand periods such as quarter start-up and main campus final examinations. This schedule is designed to promote a more manageable learning experiencewhile supporting strong academic engagement and participation.
Fall 2026
- UC San Diego Quarter begins September 21
- Degree Plus courses begin October 5
- UC San Diego Quarter ends December 12
- Degree Plus courses end December 18
Winter 2027
- UC San Diego Quarter begins January 4
- Degree Plus courses begin January 11
- UC San Diego Quarter ends March 20
- Degree Plus courses end March 24
Spring 2027
- UC San Diego Quarter begins March 24
- Degree Plus courses begin April 5
- UC San Diego Quarter ends June 11
- Degree Plus courses end June 16
Application Deadlines & Important Dates
| Priority | Regular | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Deadline | June 30 | Application Deadline | August 17 |
| Admissions Notification | July 2 | Admissions Notification | August 19 |
| Enrollment Confirmation | July 9 | Enrollment Confirmation | August 26 |
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