Office of the Dean

Thank you for joining us here at UCR University Extension. The self-supporting UC Extensions are the primary academic unit on each of UC’s ten campuses focusing on continuing education for adult, post-traditional learners. They collectively serve about 300,000 learners each year. They focus on non-degree credentials–especially Professional Certificates and Postgraduate Diplomas–for learners of all ages. We serve high schoolers through academic credit courses, college students with transfer courses and add-on credentials, and working adults who are looking to change or move up in their careers. Additionally, we serve international students and partners in our University Pathways, University Credit, and English Language programs.

UCR University Extension is building a stronger region through strategic partnerships with our local business community. We offer a complete catalog of corporate and customized education and training programs. We are recognized as an official US Department of Labor Apprenticeship Ambassador, and our grant-funded program is designed to benefit both student apprentices and regional employers.

Our UCR Palm Desert Center is home to the Osher Lifelong Learning program for like-minded adult learners over the age of 50, as well as the highly regarded Low-Residency MFA for creative writing and writing for the arts, featuring faculty that include Pulitzer Prize, Emmy Award and Academy Award winners.

UCR University Extension programs span business, design, education, healthcare, law, sustainability, and technology. All our for-credit courses and instructors are University of California gold standard and approved by the UCR Academic Senate. We serve students both online and at two in-person locations: In Riverside at University Village, within walking distance of the main UCR campus, and in the Coachella Valley at the UCR Palm Desert Center.

One of our most recent initiatives, the UC Degree Completion Program is designed for “stop-out” UC students with incomplete degrees, and California residents with some college and no degree attainment. This important program helps students overcome whatever obstacles may be in their way and achieve their goal of earning a UC degree.

Thus, you are assured excellent academic quality in your educational experience at one of the top public university systems in the world.

Do reach out if you have any questions or concerns. We are very happy that you chose us to be part of your educational journey.

Kevin J. Vaughn, Ph.D.
Dean, UCR University Extension
Professor of Anthropology
Visiting Faculty, Yamagata University, Japan