Earn a Certificate of Business Excellence
Become an Indispensable Force in the Business World
1,000+ Participants
An inclusive network of 1,000+ participants
A Global Community
COBE participants are from 60+ countries
Diverse Professional Backgrounds
10% advanced leaders, 21% high-level directors, 39% advancing managers, and 5% entrepreneurs
Make Breakthrough Growth as a Professional
The Certificate of Business Excellence (COBE) provides an outstanding opportunity to build a solid foundation of marketable business skills and chart your course toward the professional future of your dreams—through a dynamic journey of your own design.
This certificate program was created for leaders like you. Leaders who want to challenge convention. Leaders with the vision to invest in themselves. And leaders who are endlessly inspired, knowing there’s always more to learn.
Why take this step?
Enhance Your Credibility
Gain a mark of distinction from a world-class university and exhibit the confidence that comes from aligning yourself with unparalleled academic quality. Berkeley’s educational expertise and learning experiences are world-renowned, cutting-edge, and led by the top faculty, researchers, and practitioners.
Ensure Professional Relevance
Round out your business acumen with a learning journey aligned to your goals. Choose your unique set of courses and topics most applicable to your professional needs or interests, across four core disciplines that every leader should know. Completing programs across our four academic pillars ensure that your comprehensive learning journey will develop you as a well-rounded, highly knowledgeable, and experienced leader.
Acquire High-Value Returns
Advance your career, increase your earning potential, achieve greater career satisfaction, and come away feeling well-equipped to not only succeed but thrive, in your field.
Learn At Your Own Pace
Upgrade your professional status without compromising your personal life. Our flexible scheduling options—with in-person and online offerings—allow you to learn at your own pace (take up to 3 years) and on a timeline that works with your busy schedule.
COBE Benefits & Resources
In addition to game-changing personal and professional benefits, Certificate of Business Excellence participants also enjoy access to some of Berkeley’s most coveted perks.
Promotional Alerts
Be the first to hear about special promotions for program offerings in our open enrollment portfolio
Special Discounts
Receive 15% off eligible future programs upon completion of your first program. Receive 30% off after completion of your COBE
Berkeley Email Forwarding Address
Get an @haas.executivealumni.berkeley.edu email forwarding address
Priority Waitlist Placement
Should an open enrollment program require a waitlist to attend, COBEs enjoy priority status for available seating
Access local alumni chapters or clubs in your region
Join the private, invitation-only Berkeley Haas Alumni LinkedIn group
Participate in the annual Berkeley Haas Alumni Conference
Attend select Berkeley Haas and Berkeley Executive Education Networking events
Access local alumni chapters or clubs in your region
Participate in the annual Berkeley Haas Alumni Conference
Join the private, invitation-only Berkeley Haas Alumni LinkedIn group
Attend select Berkeley Haas and Berkeley Executive Education Networking events
Valuable Networking & Events
Receive a one-year complimentary digital subscription to the California Management Review
Get the Alumni newsletter in your inbox. Join the Alumni Jobs newsletter for the latest job postings from top employers
Access “Haas Amplified” for the latest research and thought leadership from industry speakers and faculty
Receive a one-year complimentary digital subscription to the California Management Review
Access “Haas Amplified” for the latest research and thought leadership from industry speakers and faculty
Get the Alumni newsletter in your inbox. Join the Alumni Jobs newsletter for the latest job postings from top employers
Special Access to News & Information
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second best time is now."
~ Chinese proverb
It's Easy to Get Started
Don’t put your future on hold—start your Certificate of Business Excellence journey today. Registration, planning, and enrollment are simple.
Our Academic Pillars & Eligible Programs
By spreading educational planning across the four core disciplines below, COBE helps professionals transform into well-rounded, versatile leaders capable of adapting to changing circumstances and succeeding in today's rapidly shifting business landscape.
Each program will only satisfy one pillar requirement.
Leadership & Communication
- Advanced Executive Presence (In-Person) 3 COBE days
- Berkeley Changemaker (In-Person) 3 COBE days
- The Berkeley Executive Leadership Program (In-Person) 5 COBE days
- The Berkeley Transformative CHRO Leadership Program co-led by Laszlo Bock (Blended) 7 COBE days
- Communications Excellence (In-Person) 2 COBE days
- Equity Fluent Leadership (In-Person) 2 COBE days
- High-Impact Leadership (In-Person) 3 COBE days
- New Manager Boot Camp (In-Person) 3 COBE days
- Leading Strategy Execution through Culture (Online or In-Person) 2 COBE days
- Women's Executive Leadership (In-Person) 4 COBE days
Entrepreneurship & Innovation
- AI for Executives (In-Person) 3 COBE days
- Berkeley Changemaker (In-Person) 3 COBE days
- Corporate Business Model Innovation (In-Person) 3 COBE days
- Data Science for Leaders (In-Person) 3 COBE days
- Product Management (In-Person) 5 COBE days
- Product Management Studio (Online) 4 COBE days
- Venture Capital Executive Program (In-Person) 5 COBE days
- Artificial Intelligence: Business Strategies and Applications (Online) 2 COBE days
- Business Analytics for Leaders: From Data to Decisions (Online) 2 COBE days
- Digital Transformation: Leading People, Data, and Technology (Online) 2 COBE days
- Fintech: Frameworks, Applications, and Strategies (Online) 3 COBE days
- Emerging Tech Strategies: Harnessing AI, IoT, Web3, and Beyond (Online) 2 COBE days
- Professional Certificate in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (Online) 4 COBE days
- Marketing Analytics: Strategies to Optimize ROI (Online) 2 COBE days
- Technology Leadership (Online) 4 COBE days
Strategy & Management
- AI for Executives (In-Person) 3 COBE days
- Berkeley Changemaker (In-Person) 3 COBE days
- The Berkeley Transformative CHRO Leadership Program co-led by Laszlo Bock (Blended) 7 COBE days
- Data Science for Leaders (In-Person) 3 COBE days
- Leading Strategy Execution through Culture (Online or In-Person) 2 COBE days
- Negotiation & Influence (In-Person) 3 COBE days
- Product Management (In-Person) 5 COBE days
- Product Management Studio (Online) 4 COBE days
- Artificial Intelligence: Business Strategies and Applications (Online) 2 COBE days
- Business Analytics for Leaders: From Data to Decisions (Online) 2 COBE days
- Data Strategy: Leveraging Data as a Competitive Advantage (Online) 2 COBE days
- Digital Transformation: Leading People, Data, and Technology (Online) 2 COBE days
- Emerging Tech Strategies: Harnessing AI, IoT, Web3, and Beyond (Online) 2 COBE days
- Leading Complex Projects (Online) 2 COBE days
- Professional Certificate in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (Online) 4 COBE days
- Marketing Analytics: Strategies to Optimize ROI (Online) 2 COBE days
- Technology Leadership (Online) 4 COBE days
Finance & Business Acumen
- Corporate Business Model Innovation (In-Person) 3 COBE days
- Financial Data Analysis for Leaders (Online or In-Person) 5 COBE days
- Venture Capital Executive Program (In-Person) 5 COBE days
- Fintech: Frameworks, Applications, and Strategies (Online) 3 COBE days
Certificate Cost
Participants are required to pay for each program upon registration, enabling them to distribute the certificate cost over three years.
The average cost of the required minimum of 17 days of programs is $17,000-$31,000 varying by program selections.
COBE Certificate Requirements
We work closely with you to develop a strategic, tailor-made course of study that will fill your knowledge gaps and allow you to achieve your business and education goals. Participants must complete the following core requirements:
The Superpower of The Future is Versatility
Leaders who have a comprehensive knowledge of the entire business ecosystem, in addition to specialized skills in their area of focus, are better equipped to make informed decisions, adapt to changing circumstances, lead diverse teams, foster innovation, and build trust and credibility.
See what our past participants have to say
Zia Karim
Zia Karim, Ph.D. completed his Certificate of Business Excellence (COBE) from UC Berkeley Executive Education in 2019. He currently owns 17 patents and has authored more than 40 papers in peer-reviewed journals.
John Hui
For John Hui, living in the greater New York area and arranging his schedule to attend UC Berkeley Executive Education in-person programs would be akin to completing a Rubik’s cube.
Reena Miglani
Reena is head of global sales engineering at Oracle, overseeing Marketing, Sales, and Service Cloud products. Her customers are hundreds of Oracle sales consultants located around the world.
Craig Fulton
“My COBE experience started with the Product Management Program, which six of my colleagues and I attended. Our company was changing and I was moving into PM and growing into a leadership position at the time.”
Ramit Lamba
“The business world has always been an interest of mine. I was at a stage in my career where I felt like I already had leadership roles, but was also at a point where I wanted to learn more.”
Dr. Jane Melia, Ph.D.
“I was very interested in expanding my knowledge, refreshing some parts of my training, and expanding it broadly as part of my job in QuintessenceLabs and I decide the Berkeley Executive Certificate of Business Excellence (COBE) was a good match.”
Apurv Kamath
“I discovered the Certificate of Business Excellence (COBE) Program while attending my first Berkeley Executive Education program. I've considered executive MBA programs including Berkeley's, but I thought the COBE offerings met my requirements and allowed me to be systematic and focus on select skills.”
Steven Hubert
“I’m not over-exaggerating when I say this — the initial program I completed, High-Impact Leadership, was life-changing for me. It sparked a passion and put a new emphasis on the value of education for me. It has challenged me to learn more. I now look for the attribute of continual learning in individuals I bring onto my team.”
Rashi Mehta
Rashi Mehta co-founded Rahi Systems, a global enterprise information technology solution provider, with her husband Tarun Raisoni, chief executive officer, in 2012. They have since grown from a U.S./India-based organization of three employees to a global entity with offices in 25 countries comprising more than 400 employees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I approach my employer for support for reimbursement and time off?
Maximize your chances of success when approaching your employer with these tips:
- Frame your request
Emphasize the program's alignment with your organization's strategic objectives and provide examples that showcase potential outcomes. Don't forget, all subsequent programs qualify for a 15% off Executive Education Alumni discount! - Come prepared
Share the program brochure, schedule, and objectives with your manager to help them understand the program's relevance to your role and the organization. - Pace yourself
Plan to complete one to two programs per calendar year, as the program is designed for a three-year duration.
Let us know how we can help: Whether you need assistance working with your employer or establishing a payment structure, reach out to us at the form below. We're here to support you.
Who should enroll in the Certificate of Business Excellence?
Participants join the Certificate of Business Excellence Program for various reasons, such as advancing their current position, transitioning to a new role, or equipping themselves with the skills to tackle multiple challenges in their industry. By leveraging the comprehensive and blended four-pillar COBE framework, participants address perceived gaps in their executive toolkit, resulting in enhanced leadership abilities.
Berkeley stands out as the ideal choice due to its immersive learning environment, research-driven curriculum, and the opportunity to collaborate with an executive-level cohort within the dynamic Silicon Valley ecosystem. Committing to the 17-day program offers participants a prestigious credential from a world-class university, setting them apart as distinguished professionals.
Join the program to excel in your career and gain a distinctive edge in today's competitive business landscape.
How much does it cost?
Each learning journey in the Certificate of Business Excellence program is tailored to meet the participant's specific needs. On average, the cost for the mandatory 17 days of executive programs ranges from $17,000 to $31,000, depending on the specific program selections. Rest assured, there are no upfront or additional fees required during the registration process.
Furthermore, participants can benefit from a 15% alumni discount on all subsequent programs after completing their first one. This discount serves as a valuable opportunity to continue enhancing your skills and knowledge while enjoying cost savings as an esteemed program alum.
MBA vs Certificate of Business Excellence - which is right for me?
Choosing between pursuing a master's degree in business or a business excellence certification is a matter of personal preference. Several factors come into play when making this decision, including the price point, level of commitment, breadth of topics covered, availability of resources, program classification, and financing options.
To explore these decision points further and receive personalized guidance, we encourage you to schedule a 15-minute phone consultation.
Do I have to sign up for the Certificate first or can I wait until after I have taken a program?
Whether you choose to sign up for the Certificate of Business Excellence before or after taking your first program, you can still become a valued member of our community. If you decide to enroll in COBE from the start, your program hours will count towards the 17-day requirement for the certificate. On the other hand, if you prefer to join later, you can still apply any program hours you've completed toward the certification. However, due to the COBE structure, you may want to schedule a consultation early on to ensure you are selecting programs that count toward your 17-day requirement.
The choice is yours. Whether you decide to join early or later, we are excited to welcome you into the Certificate of Business Excellence community and support you in achieving your professional goals.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Start your certificate journey by registering for your Certificate of Business Excellence and scheduling a personal consultation call to discuss your interests and concerns.