By: Emily Fodge
If you’ve ever signed up for a course, finished it, and thought, Now what?—you’re not alone.
In today’s endless scroll of “career development” opportunities, it can feel like you’re always searching, always learning, but never quite landing. Many programs leave students with a certificate and not much else. No new role, no new momentum… just another check mark on your to-do list.
At UCR University Extension, we take a different approach. Every program is designed for what comes next with action, opportunity, and real movement in mind. Whether you’re chasing a promotion, exploring a pivot, or considering international study, our newest lineup gives you what you actually need: skills that take you where you want to go.
In this article, we’ll walk you through:
- A global partnership that opens the door to Spain
- New programs made for real-world application
- Custom opportunities for organizations to upskill their teams
Here’s what’s new, what’s possible, and why it might be exactly the kind of momentum you’ve been waiting for. Let’s start with something big: a new program that begins in Riverside and lands you in Madrid.
Global Ambitions, Local Access
We’re not only opening doors locally. We’re going global, starting with a new partnership with Schiller International University in Spain.
We are now partnering with Schiller International University in Spain to offer a powerful new two-part path: students can earn a Postgraduate Certificate in Management in Riverside and then complete their MBA in Madrid. Think of it as local-to-global, designed for the ambitious student who wants both practical footing and international flair.
For students outside the U.S., our Postgraduate Diploma in Specialized Studies and Postgraduate Diploma in Construction Management offer similar benefits: flexible academics, real-world skills, and Optional Practical Training (OPT) eligibility to gain work experience in the U.S. after completion.
If you're aiming to break into global business, construction, or STEM, this is the kind of résumé-builder that looks good and does good.
Domestic Programs That Don’t Stay on Paper
We’re excited to launch a suite of courses that are ahead of their time and perfectly paced for your busy life.
These aren’t your average “watch the video and take a quiz” classes. They’re dynamic, instructor-led, and built to match the demands of modern industries. Whether you're stepping into leadership, adapting to new technologies, or future-proofing your career, these programs are designed to help you lead with confidence and act with purpose.
Professional Certificate in Construction Management
Designed for working adults, this certificate blends project planning, safety, estimating, and contracts into a schedule that fits real life. It’s ideal for professionals stepping into leadership roles in one of California’s fastest-growing industries.
Professional Certificate in Strategic Supervision and Leadership
If you’ve ever said “I wasn’t trained for this” after getting promoted, this one’s for you. You’ll learn how to lead teams, navigate conflict, and turn strategy into action. For those eyeing a promotion, it will prepare you to stand out from the competition with confidence.
Specialized Study Program in Foundations of Effective Leadership
Not quite ready for the deep dive? This shorter program helps you explore your leadership style and build the communication, planning, and emotional intelligence skills needed to lead with confidence.
Specialized Study Program in AI in K–12 Education
For educators curious about (or overwhelmed by) AI, this is your entry point. Explore how AI is reshaping the classroom and learn to use it as a teacher’s assistant. From ethical considerations to hands-on applications, you’ll walk away with practical strategies to boost student engagement and save valuable time.
Professional Certificate in Biosecurity
With threats evolving and industries demanding better preparedness, this program equips professionals in health, agriculture, and public safety with critical knowledge in biological risk management.
Custom Programs for Organizations That Want More
We partner with companies, school districts, and international organizations to design customized training programs that build specific, in-demand skills. These programs are built from the ground up in collaboration with each partner, designed to meet workforce goals and delivered by instructors who bring deep, real-world experience.
From frontline supervisors to mid-career managers, we help organizations grow their talent from within. Employers like Ontario International Airport have already worked with us to create tailored learning paths that strengthen operations and support professional growth across teams.
Programs like Construction Management are currently being delivered through this custom model, helping working professionals gain leadership skills and industry knowledge while staying on the job.
If your organization is looking to grow, we’re ready to build the program that gets you there.
Let’s Start Something That Moves You
These new programs aren’t designed to end at “congratulations.” They’re designed to launch the future you want.
Because the truth is, the value of your education lives in how it’s recognized and applied. Studying with UCR University Extension means gaining skills with purpose and walking away with the respected University of California name on your résumé. It’s a mark of quality, a source of confidence, and a powerful signal to future employers.
If you’re ready to grow, to lead, to shift, or to explore, we have something built just for that. Our latest programs are for people who want more than another line on their LinkedIn. They’re for people who want to move: up, forward, abroad, or into something new entirely.