Frequently Asked Questions
Accommodations
The program fee does not include hotel accommodations, but we have negotiated special rates for our UC Berkeley Executive Education programs at several local hotels in Berkeley including:
- Graduate Berkeley: +1-510-845-8981. The hotel is located at 2600 Durant Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94704. Graduate Berkeley is within walking distance of the campus. To reserve a room with the UCBEXED promotion/corporate code pre-loaded, please click here.
- Hotel Shattuck: +1-510-845-7300. The hotel is located at 2086 Allston Way, Berkeley, CA 94704. The Hotel Shattuck is also within walking distance of the campus and within steps of the BART station (Bay Area Rapid Transit). Staying here allows you quick access to both the Berkeley campus as well as, quick access to public transportation to the airport(s) and the city of San Francisco. To reserve a room with the BEE promo, please click here and enter in the discount code "BEE".
- Claremont Hotel Club & Spa: +1800-551-7266. The hotel is located at 41 Tunnel Road, Berkeley, CA 94705. Please note, the hotel is approx 2 miles from the campus. Hotel shuttle and other transportation services are available. When making your reservations, please ask for the UCB/Haas rate. Or, if registering online - enter "NBEE" in the corporate/promotion code box. Click here to register.
Please note: special offers/discounted rates are subject to hotel availability.
The following hotels are within a short walk to the program facility on the UC Berkeley campus. Please note: the walk includes a slight incline through campus. If you decide not to walk, taxis and/or share rides services (Uber, Lyft) are readily available.
- Graduate Berkeley: ~ 7-10 minute walk through campus to the Haas School of Business
- Hotel Shattuck: ~ 20-25 minute walk uphill through downtown Berkeley and through campus to the Haas School of Business
During the program, meals (breakfast, lunch, and light snacks) are provided in the classroom or at a nearby dining facility. We will do our best to accommodate special meal requests (vegetarian, food allergies, etc) when notified in advance. Please note: your Program Manager will reach out to you to inquire about dietary restrictions if you haven't already provided the information within your enrollment form.
CONTACT USParticipants with special dietary requirements are asked to contact their Program Manager prior to arrival.
CONTACT USWe will do our best to accommodate the special needs of our participants including mobility, vision, hearing, other physical impairments, health conditions, or learning disabilities. Please contact your Program Manager for assistance with any special needs.
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Participation Requirements
You'll find a sample program schedule within each specific program page. Simply select "Download a Sample Schedule". The sample schedule is a PDF which down be printed from your computer. If you don't have Adobe Acrobat Reader, you can download it here.
CONTACT USAt the end of each Open Enrollment program, we award Certificates of Completion that signify you have fully participated and engaged in the program. We understand that there are, from time to time, unforeseen medical and family emergencies that might prohibit you from full participation. For these situations, if you miss 20% or less of a program, you will still receive your Certificate of Completion. If you do not fully participate in more than 80% of a program, you will not receive a Certificate of Completion.
*Please note that for our online programs, all sessions may not be recorded. If you miss an online segment, there may not be an opportunity to review the content later. For this reason, we would advise that you plan to attend all live sessions for our online programs.
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Billing
Your enrollment within a program is not guaranteed until payment in full is received. If you need to make other payment arrangements, such as payment by check, purchase order or via electronic funds transfer (ACH), payment is due upon receipt of that invoice.
CONTACT USPayments can be made via credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), check, purchase order, or electronic wire transfer. If you elect to be billed for the program, payment details will be provided on your invoice.
A $100.00 fee will be assessed for all checks returned for insufficient funds.
CONTACT USTo check on payment status and/or other questions regarding billing, please contact Yolanda Williams, Financial Analyst at billing@berkeley.edu.
CONTACT USWe understand that busy executives often have schedule changes and we will do our best to make it easy for you.
- Cancellations for a full refund can be made within 5 business days of initial registration. Requests for exceptions outside of the 5-day period will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- To cancel from a program and receive a full refund, the registrant must submit a written request to billing@berkeley.edu within 5 business days of registration.
- Program transfers will be granted up to 5 business days of the program start date. To transfer to a different iteration date of the same program, a registrant must submit a written request to billing@berkeley.edu. Every accommodation will be made to ensure enrollment in the next upcoming iteration. If the requested program is sold out, the registrant will be placed on the waitlist.
- We are modifying our cancellation policies for programs taking place during this health crisis period on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us at executive@berkeley.edu with any questions.
The program fee includes tuition, all program materials, and all meals during the program (breakfast, lunch). Please note: the program fee does not include hotel accommodations, meals outside of the program (dinner) or parking.
CONTACT USYou will need to check directly with your employer if our programs qualify for reimbursement. To assist you in the process, we have created the Requesting Employer Support document with tips on securing support and reimbursement from your employer.
CONTACT USCancellations for a full refund can be made within 5 business days of initial registration. To cancel from a program and receive a full refund, the registrant must submit a written request to billing@berkeley.edu within 5 business days of registration. No refund can be offered after a program has started.
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In-Person Programs
Laptops are not required, but some programs require a laptop to run a simulation. Simulations are often done in teams so you could pair with someone if you don't have a laptop. You will be notified if your particular requires a laptop.
CONTACT USThe first day of a program begins with check-in and you will receive the materials you will use throughout the rest of the program. Information on the start time and exact location will be sent to you approximately one month prior to the start of the program via the participant website. Some programs also have a welcome reception at the end of the first day. The complete schedule, including reception time, will also be sent to you via the participant website.
CONTACT USOn the last day of the program, you'll receive a Certificate of Completion given at the end of the day. If you need to leave early due to travel plans, your Program Manager can arrange to get you the certificate early; please inform the Program Manager of your early departure before the last day of the program.
CONTACT USThe Bay Area climate is mild year-round with warm days and cool evenings. However, the temperature can fluctuate substantially throughout the day and its best to dress in layers or bring a light jacket. Business casual clothing is recommended for our programs.
CONTACT USOur programs are founded on the principle of applied learning. We expose you to cutting-edge research, invite you to question the status quo and explore new ways of thinking and, provide opportunities for you to define practical ways to implement those idea in your organization. We engage you in a variety of learning experiences, such as assessments, experiential activities, interactive faculty presentations and facilitated discussions, case studies, simulations, group assignments, peer coaching, executive coaching, refresher and application webinars and social learning networks. Through these activities, we extend learning beyond the classroom into the workplace to ensure new concepts and skills drive impact for your business.
CONTACT USOur in-person programs are specifically limited in size to maximize the participant experience and interaction with faculty, guest speakers and other participants. Typically, there are about 30-50 participants in each program.
CONTACT USWe know time out of the office is precious and as such, we want to make every hour out of the office and in our programs as productive as possible. Our programs span full business days starting early in the morning (typically between 8:30-9:00 am) and will go through 5 pm with lunch served in the classroom and short breaks throughout the day. Approximately 1-2 hours of evening activities and preparation for the next day are required for some programs. Please refer to the individual program sample schedule for more detail.
CONTACT USIn-person programs are primarily held on campus at UC Berkeley in Berkeley, CA. Locations on campus include:
- The Haas School of Business at 2220 Piedmont Street, Berkeley CA
- Cal Memorial Stadium at 2227 Piedmont Street, Berkeley CA
- The Faculty Club on the UC Berkeley campus
- Other locations include: San Francisco and Sunnyvale, CA (Silicon Valley)
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No, UC Berkeley Executive Education only offers non-degree programs. However, certificates are awarded to participants upon completion of each program.
CONTACT USYou can view all of the Berkeley Executive Education in-person programs on our website here. You can download the Programs for Individual brochure for more information here.
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Online Programs
Our online programs are entirely online to enable the highest degree of access and flexibility for our participants.
CONTACT USWith the exception of our flagship program, Berkeley Executive Leadership (Online), our online offerings are all open enrollment programs and do not require an enrollment application. Once you fill out the required registration information and submit your payment, your seat in the program is secured.
CONTACT USWe provide verified digital certificates to participants via email upon completion of the program. The certificates allow for one-click sharing to social media and professional networking sites like LinkedIn.
CONTACT USAll of our programs offer live sessions with faculty that allow for chat and Q&A. Depending on the program, there may be additional opportunities to engage with faculty during live sessions.
CONTACT USNo, all of the program materials are included in the program fee. As long as you have a computer and a stable internet connection, you are all set. However, please be sure to download the full hardware, software, and bandwidth requirements prior to attending an online session for the Forum and Lab.
CONTACT USEach program is set at its own pace as determined by the curriculum. Asynchronous programs offer more flexibility in the completion of assignments. However, every program includes set deadlines for assignments and program completion. These deadlines will be announced at the beginning of the program by the Faculty Director.
CONTACT USYes, we welcome international participants to attend our programs. The digital format of our online programs enables the highest degree of access and flexibility, so we can accommodate participants from around the globe.
CONTACT USWe take extra care to create as many touchpoints and interactions between participants as possible. Depending on the program, participant interaction may include group coaching sessions, weekly live sessions, and discussions on the learning platform.
CONTACT USAbsolutely! We encourage teams to go through our online programs together, so they can quickly apply their learnings. If you are interested in learning more about group enrollment, including potential opportunities for group discounts, please visit our group enrollment page.
CONTACT USThe standard refund policy for all programs at Berkeley Executive Education applies to our online programs. Cancellations for a full refund can be made within 5 business days of initial registration. To cancel from a program and receive a full refund, the registrant must submit a written request to billing@berkeley.edu within 5 business days of registration. No refund can be offered after a program has started.
CONTACT USAccess to the program alumni community will be available via a designated LinkedIn page. Programs will also include a participant roster and introductions to help facilitate connections before, during, and after the online program.
CONTACT USPlease refer to the specific program page of interest to you to determine if the program counts towards a COBE. You will see a specific section on the program page that will share how many days as well as which pillar(s) the program is eligible for if it will count towards your COBE requirements.
CONTACT USDue to the nature of our organization (we are a non-degree, non-accredited organization offering certificate programs), our programs do not hold any credit unit equivalency, letter grades, Continuing Education Units (CEUs), or transcripts. Rather, you will receive a certificate of completion at the conclusion of the program.
CONTACT USThe synchronous programs will consist of live sessions where you can interact with faculty and classmates in real-time. Synchronous online programs create a collaborative learning environment where engagement is encouraged. Asynchronous online programs are delivered on a flexible schedule enabling each participant to finish the curriculum on their own time.
CONTACT USSession recordings are not available for the Forum or the Lab. The sessions are designed to increase interactivity and attendance.
CONTACT USDownload the full hardware, software, and bandwidth requirements prior to attending an online session for the Forum and Lab.
CONTACT USAt the end of each Open Enrollment program, we award Certificates of Completion that signify you have fully participated and engaged in the program. We understand that there are, from time to time, unforeseen medical and family emergencies that might prohibit you from full participation. For these situations, if you miss 20% or less of a program, you will still receive your Certificate of Completion. If you do not fully participate in more than 80% of a program, you will not receive a Certificate of Completion.
*Please note that for our online programs, all sessions may not be recorded. If you miss an online segment, there may not be an opportunity to review the content later. For this reason, we would advise that you plan to attend all live sessions for our online programs.
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Registration & Enrollment
Enrolling in any one of our programs is easy, simply:
- Click on the "enroll" button on the program description page and completed the online enrollment form (should take less than 5 minutes to complete), or,
- Contact our team at executive@berkeley.edu or call us at 1 (510) 822-8949 and we're happy to assist.
The enrollment deadline for each program is dependent upon the amount of pre-work required for that program (i.e. surveys, assessments and/or required reading). To ensure all pre-work can be completed prior to the program start date, enrollment for a program may close early. Please check the individual program description for the exact date of the enrollment close.
CONTACT USYes. Enrollment is available to all global executive-level leaders (visa requirements may apply).
CONTACT USShortly after submitting your registration, you will receive a welcome packet from the UC Berkeley Executive Education team. The welcome packet, sent via email, will include introductions from your Program Manager (your primary point of contact for your Berkeley experience), billing contact information, recommended hotels for your stay at Berkeley and of course, details regarding your program and any required pre-work (if applicable). But should you have any questions in the interim, please feel free to contact us at executive@berkeley.edu or via phone at: 1(510) 822-8819. We are happy to walk you through the process.
CONTACT USFor international participants, the B1/B2 visa (for participation in scientific, educational, professional, or business conventions, conferences, or seminars) is the appropriate visa for entry into the United States from required countries. When applying for a visa, you can ask your Program Manager to prepare an invitation letter to help with your visa application. It is important to emphasize that the visit is for business purposes.
CONTACT USOur programs are specifically limited in size to maximize the participant experience and interaction with faculty, guest speakers and other participants. Due to this limitation, we often experience sold out situations - so it's important to enroll early in pay in full immediately to guarantee your seat in the program.
To transfer to a different date, an enrolled participant can submit a written request (email: executive@berkeley.edu) for a one-time transfer of enrollment to another iteration of the same program as long as, the next program iteration takes place within 12 months of the original date. All requests for transfer are subject to an additional fee of $300.
CONTACT USGroup discounts and other special offers are available for participants that meet certain criteria:
- Corporate/Group discounts: For groups of 5 or more from the same company, participants will receive a 20% corporate group discount.
- UC Berkeley Executive Education Alumni: Previous attendees of UC Berkeley Executive Education programs are eligible to receive a discount for enrollment in eligible future open enrollment programs.
U.S. Military Service Members: U.S. Military service members (active duty and veterans) are eligible for a 15% discount. Please contact executive.berkeley.edu to inquire. Please be prepared to include one of the following documents for review: DD Form 214, 215, 256, NGB Form 22 or NGB Form 22-A. - Berkeley Haas Alumni: Berkeley Haas alumni enjoy 30% off any eligible open-enrollment program with Berkeley Executive Education.
Contact Berkeley Executive Education.
Due to the nature of our organization (we are a non-degree, non-accredited organization offering certificate programs), our programs do not hold any credit unit equivalency, letter grades, Continuing Education Units (CEUs), or transcripts. Rather, you will receive a certificate of completion at the conclusion of the program.
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Transportation & Directions
The UC Berkeley Executive Education programs are held on the UC Berkeley-Haas campus at 2220 Piedmont Avenue, Berkeley CA, 94794. The UC Berkeley campus is easily accessible from many major highways, public transportation and two major international airports (SFO and OAK). For more information, please click here.
CONTACT USSeveral major international airports are relatively close to the UC Berkeley campus. Please note: ground transportation times can fluctuate widely due to traffic congestion.
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO) - 25 miles, approximately 40 minutes away
- Oakland International Airport (OAK) - 15 miles, approximately 30 minutes away
- San Jose International Airport (SJC) - 45 miles, approximately 70 minutes away
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Access to the UC Berkeley Campus is available through several options including:
- Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART): Trains operate from Fremont, Richmond, Bay Point/Concord and San Francisco/Daly City and includes service to San Francisco International Airport. The Berkeley BART station is 1.5 blocks west of the Berkeley campus and approximately 1 mile from the Haas School of Business. Campus shuttles run from BART to Haas every 30 minutes
- AC Transit: Bus service provides transportation for commuters to and from San Francisco and through Alameda and Western Contra Costa County. There are several AC bus lines that come near the campus area such as: #65, #52, #51, #43, #40, #15, #9, U and F.
- Campus Shuttle - Campus Perimeter (P Line) Shuttle: If you are taking campus shuttle bus, from downtown Berkeley. The cost is $1.00 each way. Service runs from 7:00am-7:30pm. Enter the bus at the Downtown Berkeley bus stop (Shattuck Avenue and Addison Street). Exit the bus at the Haas School of Business stop. Signage will be posted at the street level entrance, directing you to the classroom.
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Programs are typically held at four different locations on campus:
The nearest parking facility is our Stadium Parking Garage at 2205 Piedmont Avenue, Berkeley CA 94794 between California Memorial Stadium and the Greek Theater.
Programs are typically held at five different locations on campus:
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Certificate of Business Excellence
Participants enroll in the Certificate of Business Excellence Program for a variety of reasons. Often, it’s to advance from a current position, transition to a new role or develop the skill set to confront multiple challenges in their role or industry. Students leverage the four pillar, general management blended program to fill in perceived gaps in the executive toolkit and become a stronger leader. Berkeley is the right choice because it provides an immersive learning environment and rigorous research based curriculum with an executive level cohort in the thriving Silicon Valley ecosystem. The 17-day commitment to the four pillar program is an excellent way to gain a mark of distinction from a world-class university.
CONTACT USEach Certificate of Business Excellence learning journey is customized for the participant, and prices are subject to change. In general, the average cost of the required 17 days of executive programs is $15,000-$29,000 varying by program selections. There are no upfront or additional fees to register. After your first program, participants are eligible for a 15% off alumni discount on all remaining programs.
CONTACT USDeciding to pursue a master’s degree in business or a business excellence certification is a matter of personal preference. Decision points generally include price point, commitment level, range of topics, accessible resources, classification and available financing options. Contact Jennifer Arvai at +1.510.561.4018 or jarvai@berkeley.edu to schedule a 15-minute phone consultation to get started.
CONTACT USYou can become part of the Certificate of Business Excellence community with the very first program or join later and apply program hours towards the 17 day requirement. If you already know that you want to pursue a general management curriculum to advance your executive skill set, we can schedule a consult to plan your journey or you can enroll now.
CONTACT USHere are some tips for how to successfully approach your employer:
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Frame your request. Highlight the return on investment by aligning the program with your organization’s strategic objectives and cite examples that potentially connect to your desired outcomes. Remember, all programs after your first one are eligible for a 15% off Executive Education Alumni discount!
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Come prepared. Share the program brochure, schedule, and objectives with your manager for a deeper understanding of the program and its relevance for your organization and role. Be sure to download the COBE planner to quickly review your selection and track your plans.
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Pace yourself. The program is designed for a 3-year completion so plan to take 2 programs per calendar year.
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Let us know how we can help. We’re here to support whether it is to work with your employer or establish a payment structure. Just contact us at executive@berkeley.edu
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