Overview

Today’s business environment practically changes overnight. The most successful companies are those whose employees have an understanding of finance and marketing, possess skills to build effective teams, and understand how to manage effectively. This program is designed for those individuals who have minimal business experience and wish to gain an understanding of the managerial functions, roles and skills necessary to succeed in this competitive business world.

Benefits

  • Prepare to enter an MBA program
  • Develop managerial skills
  • Build effective teams
  • Explore business and leadership models
  • Obtain a strong foundation in business functions and analysis
  • Gain a competitive edge in the global job market through an internship in a U.S. company

Who Should Attend

Newly appointed managers from sales, marketing, purchasing, finance, and human resources will benefit from the courses in this program. Participants will obtain a strong foundation in business functions, the tools for business analysis, and management functions.

Certificate Requirements

To earn a certificate at UCI Division of Continuing Education, students must complete all required courses with a grade of “C” or better.

Curriculum

Essentials of ManagementExpand
Are you a manager interested in increasing your effectiveness? A human resources professional? An individual looking to move into management? An international student seeking an overview of American business management? Now you can acquire an in-depth understanding of the basic concepts and theories of management, while exploring the manager's operational role in all types of organizations. Gain insight into the manager's responsibility in planning, organizing, leading, staffing and controlling within the workplace. Learn how the best managers manage for success!

Communication in the Business EnvironmentExpand
Virtually everything that we do in business involves working with people in person one-on-one, in groups, in writing, by phone or through a myriad of other electronic means.  In today's highly competitive business world, it is more important than ever to recognize and study the significant role communication plays in our lives.  As employees at all levels, how well we communicate in a large part determines how successful we will be on the job, and our level of personal job satisfaction.  This course is for individuals at all levels in all types of businesses/organizations who desire to polish and/or develop additional communication skills in formal and informal settings. Through interactive discussions, role plays, and activities, the following areas are covered: verbal and nonverbal communication; defensive/supportive communication; assertiveness, submissiveness and aggressiveness; active listening; receiving and providing criticism; team building; delegation of responsibilities; empowerment; management and sales strategies; leadership; customer service; interviewing/recruiting; and conflict resolution.

Finance for the Non-Financial Business PersonExpand
In this time of increasing economic complexity, understanding what goes on in the world of business finance is no longer a luxury but a necessity. This course is designed for individuals with an interest in business and a desire to gain an understanding of basic financial theory and concepts.  The focus of the course is to provide the student with a basic understanding of financial concepts, terminology, and valuation techniques.

Integrated Marketing Strategies for Today’s BusinessExpand
Whether you are an e-business or brick and mortar corporation, companies today are not immune to the demands of building a business on a solid foundation, responding to customer demands and maintaining a strong, distinctive business in the face of competition. In this course, students examine the fundamentals of marketing along with key strategies necessary to make an e-business and brick and mortar corporation successful.  Strategies discussed in the course are applicable to both Business-to-Business and Business-to-Consumer environments.

Topics discussed throughout the course include the importance of Branding, Market Positioning, Marketing Communications, Community Building, Research, Revenue Generation and Processing, Security and Privacy, Customer Service, Search Engine Optimization, Social Media, and Content Development and Management.

Strategic PlanningExpand
Strategic planning is integral for leaders who must get work done through others. Intensive and hands-on, this course gives you management insight into solving three questions fundamental to strategic planning: 1) Where are we today, 2) Where do we wish to go, and 3) How do we get there? To answer these questions and drive organizational performance, the course explores the following topics: strategic leadership, multiple strategic approaches, elements of the strategic planning process (Vision Statements, Mission Statements, and Strategy Statements), strategic analytical tools (SWOT, Value Chain Analysis, The Five Competitive Forces Model, STEEPLED Analysis, Balanced Scorecards, and Strategic Group Maps), and strategic execution.

EntrepreneurshipExpand
Success in business can be greatly enhanced with an understanding of key entrepreneurial characteristics and competencies.  This interactive course provides students with the knowledge to innovate and succeed in an entrepreneurial opportunity.  Topics include:  evaluating new opportunities; business strategies for new businesses; developing a business plan; entrepreneurship in a large corporation; achieving success in a new business.  Case studies allow students who come from all over the world to gain an understanding of entrepreneurial concepts and develop skills in a real-world setting.  Team projects create an experience in innovating an entrepreneurial business. At the end of the course, students will have the skills and confidence to evaluate starting a business.

Internships

As an optional last course and for an additional fee of $2,900, you have the opportunity to apply academic theory and gain practical experience in a variety of businesses and industries for 10 weeks. Also included in the internship is the Résumé Writing and Interviewing Skills workshop.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What time are ACPs offered?Expand
Classes are scheduled variously between 09:00 and 17:00 (California time).  Students will learn their specific class times when they enroll.

Is part-time study available?Expand
All ACP students must study full-time only.

What are the visa requirements of the program?Expand
An F-1 student visa is required for full-time, on-campus study.

Are there internship opportunities available after ACP study? Expand
Yes.  ACP programs offer internship opportunities at Southern California companies. 

Can ACP students apply for an OPT after their program?Expand
F-1 students who maintained their F-1 status for one full academic year (3 consecutive quarters) may apply for an OPT.  Contact an international student advisor at immigrationofficials@ce.uci.edu for more information.

 

Program Cost

Certificate Tuition: $7,900

Approximate Total Cost: $14,100 USD
Amount shown above is an approximation for tuition plus living expenses (housing, transportation, meals, books, etc.) This amount is before any discounts applied and excludes airfare.

You can view all the tuition and fees rates on our Tuition and Fees page

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Admissions Requirements

PROGRAM DATES

Fall 2023Sep 28 - Dec 15
Winter 2024Jan 8 - Mar 22
Spring 2024Apr 1 - Jun 14