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International Programs

Leadership and Management

Embark on a transformative journey to enhance your leadership skills and become an influential figure in the workplace with the Leadership and Management Certificate at UC San Diego Extended Studies.

Who will Benefit

Whether you're a seasoned professional or have at least three years of work experience, this program is tailored to help you gain effective management skills and become a successful business leader. Strengthen your management, communication, and team-building skills, learning how to lead teams, communicate persuasively, and manage projects effectively within a group. 

Expand your learning by pairing the 3-month Leadership and Management program with other Business certificates for a total of 9 months, and apply to Optional Practical Training.

Program Details

Classes:

  • Managing for Maximum Performance (3 units)

Explore the responsibilities, functions and skills required of managers today. Learn how to hire, train and lead teams efficiently and effectively. Boost teamwork and morale using proven communication, planning and goal-setting strategies. Identify leadership styles, and learn to adjust yours to motivate employees and increase their productivity. Tackle challenges, solve problems and mediate differences using practical management tools and techniques.
 

  • Business Communication Skills (3 units)

Discover how to analyze and address a range of audiences. Learn the basics of speech organization, body language, vocal variety, and speaking without preparation. Improve your interactions, one-on-one and in meetings. Topics include recognizing and responding to nonverbal messages; personal vs. position power; negotiation; accommodating individual differences (age, culture, gender); giving and receiving constructive criticism; understanding group dynamics and team development; professional writing skills; and presentation skills.
 

  • Work Team Concepts (3 units)

Discover key factors that distinguish teams and shape team excellence, particularly communication and conversational dynamics. Study theories and models of individual and group conversational dynamics. Learn how to design powerful conversations to produce the results you want to achieve. Explore common team-related issues, including team charter and team contracts, trust, culture and conflict resolution. You will also have the opportunity to practice diagnosing and dealing with a variety of group dynamics through a team project.
 

  • International Business Projects (2 units)

This directed studies course provides students with an opportunity to meet with a professional U.S. organization and interact with decision makers as part of the techniques that the students will learn for creating their own business insights into a company, market or industry.
 

  • One Elective Course

Students will choose one elective from a list of pre-determined courses, provided by the program. The list will include a variety of electives. Students must take 12 credits per quarter, according to their visa status.
 

Note: Courses are subject to change without notice. 

Delivery Method: In-person

Visa: F-1 student visa

Program Schedule:

  • Monday - Friday, occasional Saturdays
  • Daytime and evening courses
  • Schedule varies
Sample Schedule:

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

9:30-12:00
 Directed Studies
 in International
 Business

 

9:30-12:30
 Business
 Decision
 Making

1:30-4:30
 Business
 Communication
 Skills

 

Work Team
 Concepts and
 Skills 

 

 

6:00-9:00
 Managing for
 Maximum
 Performance

 


Schedules vary depending on language level of the student and course selections.

Admission Requirements

Age: 18+ 
 
Language Proficiency Requirement:

  • TOEFL iBT: 79

  • IELTS: 6.5

  • B2 First (Cambridge English: First-FCE): B2/C1

  • C1 Advanced (Cambridge English Advanced-CAE):180-C1 and C2 Proficiency (Cambridge English Proficiency-CPE): 180-C1

  • Duolingo English Test (DET): 110

  • Pearson Test of English (PTE): 58

  • TOEIC (all four subjects are required):

    • Listening: 445 

    • Reading: 420 

    • Speaking: 170

    • Writing: 165

  • ELI level (8-week programs): 7 or higher

For questions regarding alternative English proficiency exams, please email ipadmission@ucsd.edu.

Additional Admission Requirements:

  • Your official university transcripts in English

    • You must have successfully completed a three or four-year bachelor’s degree OR have two years of professional, full-time, work experience.  
    • If you have pursued graduate-level coursework or degrees, you must include those transcripts as well.
  • Résumé or curriculum vitae (CV)

    • No work experience required if applying with a degree.
    • No degree required if the applicant has two years of full-time work experience.

All enrolled students are required to complete an online pre-arrival orientation before starting the Leadership and Management program. 

Dates & Prices

2025 Dates:

  • January 2 - March 22
  • March 24 - June 13
  • June 18 - September 13
  • September 17 - December 13

2025 Prices:

  • Application Fee: $225 (nonrefundable)
  • Tuition: $7,490
  • International Student Service Fee: $500
  • UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies medical insurance: $780
  • 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.)

For all 2025 program dates and prices, visit the Dates and Prices page or download the 2025 Dates & Prices document. This document also lists the financial verification required for your program application if you need the Form I-20 for a student visa.

Programs You May Also Like

For a complete list of all business and management certificates and programs, please visit our Certificate Programs page.

Business Management

Project Management

Apply Now!

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  • University Credit Programs
  • Business Certificates & Programs
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2025 Dates and Prices

View programs, dates, prices, and financial verification requirements.

Contact Us

Call
+858-534-6784

Email
ipinfo@ucsd.edu

Regular Mail Address
University of California San Diego
Division of Extended Studies
International Student Services, 0176D
9500 Gilman Drive
La Jolla, CA 92093-0176
USA

Physical Location & Express Delivery
University of California San Diego
Division of Extended Studies
International Programs
8980 Villa La Jolla Drive - suite 380
La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
USA

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