Business Administration
This program currently offers a hybrid model of instruction, which includes a combination of in-person and online classes.
Who should take this program?
If you would like a comprehensive overview of U.S. management practices and fundamental business skills, the Business Administration program may be right for you. Designed to provide a comfortable learning environment for international participants with minimal work experience, this program presents opportunities for you to compare and contrast business practices around the globe. Some courses may also offer the opportunity to study alongside other American students. After three consecutive quarters of study in Business Administration, you are eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training.
Program Benefits
- Develop business skills, knowledge, and abilities by learning American business fundamentals.
- Get broad exposure to multiple business disciplines including business operations, marketing, human resources, and communications.
- Study alongside international and American students and build your network.
- Apply for OPT after three consecutive quarters of study.
Note: UC San Diego follows a quarter system. Each quarter consists of 10-12 weeks of full-time study. There are four quarters per year.
Business Administration Program Overview
1st Quarter
The Business Administration first-quarter covers a range of business topics.
Potential courses of study consist of the following:
- Introduction to Business
- Elements of Marketing
- Business Communication Skills
- Market Research Workshop
- The American Workplace Experience
2nd Quarter
Second-quarter courses build upon the foundation you develop in the first quarter of Business Administration. The curriculum consists of the following required courses:
- Financial Accounting for Non-Accountants (FAFNA)
- Organizational Behavior
- Presentation Skills for Business
- Direct Studies in Marketing
3rd Quarter
Third-quarter courses continue to enrich your understanding of business practices. The curriculum consists of the following required courses:
- Career Preparation Strategies
- Elective courses (10 units)
Note: Courses are subject to change without notice. Check out the Business Administration course descriptions.
Dates
2023
One Quarter
- January 5 - March 25
- March 29 - June 16
- June 27 - September 8
- September 20 - December 16
Two Quarters
- January 5 - June 16
- March 29 - September 8
- June 27 - December 16
- September 20 - March 22, 2024
Three Quarters
- January 5 - September 8
- March 29 - December 16
- June 27 - March 22, 2024
- September 20 - June 14, 2024
View a complete list of all program dates.
Admission Requirements
The minimum requirements to be accepted in the program are listed below. We carefully review the background and qualifications of each applicant to ensure that those admitted will have a successful experience.
Language Proficiency Requirement
- TOEFL iBT: 79
- IELTS: 6.5
- CEFR: B2/C1
- Cambridge Scaled Score: 180 - C1 Advanced
- Duolingo English Test (DET): 110
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): 58
- TOEIC:
- Listening: 445
- Reading: 420
- Speaking: 170
- Writing: 165
- ELI level (8-week programs): 7 or higher
Additional Admission Requirements
- University studies: one year preferred, but not required
- Letter of recommendation from a professor or supervisor attesting to your experience and ability to excel in the relevant field. Must be signed and dated and on academic or company letterhead.
- Résumé or CV
- Personal statement. Please provide a 350-word essay, which addresses each of the following:
- Brief introduction of yourself
- Which certificate program are you applying for? Why are you interested in this specific certificate?
- How will you benefit from this program? How does this program relate to your career or professional goals?
- What will you contribute to the program? How will your participation benefit the program?
- Is there anything else you want to tell us or explain about your professional, volunteer, or educational experience (e.g., low GPA) that will assist in our decision-making?
- All official academic transcripts in English indicating a strong academic record; include a grading key
- A spoken language screening may be required.
Application Deadline
All programs close when they are full. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis until all seats available are taken by the most qualified applicants.
All enrolled students are required to complete an online pre-arrival orientation before starting the Business Administration program.
Program Schedule
- Monday – Friday, occasional Saturdays
- Daytime and evening courses
- Schedule varies
Location
Classes are held on the UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies campus in La Jolla or at the off-site University City Center near the campus. Access to a car or another source of reliable transportation is required for evening and off-site classes.
Cost (in U.S. dollars)
2023
- Application Fee: $225 (nonrefundable)
- One-Quarter Tuition: $6,050
- Two-Quarter Tuition: $12,050
- Three-Quarter Tuition: $18,050
- International Student Service Fee: $400 per quarter
- UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies medical insurance: $715 per quarter
- Books/Materials: Approximately $300-$800 per quarter (Payment for books and instructional materials CANNOT be made in advance. Books will be purchased upon arrival at UC San Diego.)
Programs You May Also Like:
For a complete list of all business and management certificates and programs, please visit our Certificate Programs page.