Formats
Blended
Length
7 Months
Time
Cost
$20,000.00
Next program
Jun 22, 2026 - Feb 9, 2027
Certificate
Certificate of Completion
COBE eligible
12 Days

Overview

The UC Berkeley Executive Education Chief Operating Officer (COO) Program is designed for operational executives looking to strengthen their leadership capabilities and drive enterprise-wide impact. It emphasizes operational excellence, organizational growth, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). Over seven months, expert faculty will offer practical insights and frameworks to help leaders drive sustainable change across their organizations.

Upon successful completion, participants gain a pathway toward the Berkeley Executive Education Certificate of Business Excellence (COBE).
 

Key Takeaways

Drive strategic growth

Formulate and execute strategic plans aligned with organizational goals while assessing market dynamics, identifying growth opportunities, and mitigating business risks effectively
 

Optimize operational excellence

Master core operational management principles to enhance productivity, quality, and efficiency across business functions and supply chain operations

Leverage technology and innovation

Evaluate the impact of emerging technologies, including AI and big data analytics, to drive operational effectiveness, innovation, and informed decision-making

Lead organizational transformation

Implement risk management strategies, lead organizational change initiatives, and foster a culture of adaptability, collaboration, and effective communication
 

With this program, you will receive:

  • Access to world-renowned faculty: Learn from subject matter experts and global thought leaders who bring deep industry experience and real-world insights.
  • A flexible learning journey: Dedicate just three to five hours per week and learn at your own pace while balancing work responsibilities, business travel, and other commitments.
  • Access to peer circles: Learn alongside a diverse cohort of high-achieving professionals from around the world, who will help you gain exposure to varied industries, perspectives, and leadership approaches.
  • Guidance from a success coach: Craft your learning journey in line with your career goals with guidance from a dedicated success coach assigned to your cohort.
  • Capstone strategy projects: Apply learnings to real-world business challenges through practical frameworks and strategic insights that will help you bridge the gap between academic concepts and day-to-day operational leadership.
  • Interactive live sessions: Engage with faculty members, coaches, and industry leaders to gain cutting-edge insights, diverse perspectives, and practical guidance on navigating today’s business landscape.
  • Path to alumni benefits: Upon successful completion of the program, earn 12 curriculum days that can be applied toward the Berkeley Executive Education Certificate of Business Excellence (COBE).
  • Exposure to the Silicon Valley ecosystem: Gain exposure to the unique Bay Area ecosystem that continues to shape the future of technology, innovation, and global business leadership.

     

More about the Chief Operating Officer (COO) Program

The Learning Journey

The Berkeley Executive Education Chief Operating Officer (COO) Program offers a dynamic experience through live online sessions, expert-led discussions, and practical application exercises. The program combines a forward-looking curriculum with a hands-on capstone project and insights from UC Berkeley Haas faculty and industry leaders to strengthen operational leadership and strategic decision-making. It culminates in an optional two-day networking experience on the UC Berkeley Haas campus in California.

AI Technology for Leaders

This program explores the impact of AI on business and operational leadership through interactive sessions, strategic frameworks, and practical decision-making tools.

Capstone Strategy Project 

Across four core modules, participants apply key concepts to real-world projects focused on strategic operations, complex leadership challenges, C-suite collaboration, and technology integration.

Global Leadership Campus Immersion

The Global Leadership Campus Immersion brings together participants from multiple cohorts for a two-day in-person experience on the UC Berkeley Haas campus with faculty sessions, guest keynotes, and networking opportunities. 
 

Who's it for

The Berkeley Executive Education Chief Operating Officer (COO) Program is designed for professionals seeking to expand their executive leadership capabilities. The program is ideal for, but not limited to:

  • Operational leaders across functions seeking to enhance their strategic thinking and drive transformation initiatives
  • Senior-level executives aiming to advance into operational leadership and step up to C-suite roles
  • Aspiring operational leaders looking to build their strategic capabilities and lead organizational change

 

Want to approach your employer about supporting your development? Check out this article.

group shot of berkeley exec ed COO program participants

Format & Structure

Blended

Online and In-person modules combined in a program
Length
7 months
  • Two-day in-person networking event at the UC Berkeley campus in California
  • World-renowned Berkeley Haas and Executive Education faculty
  • Blend of group exercises, one-on-one coaching, and peer feedback
  • Four live sessions led by distinguished UC Berkeley Haas faculty designed to empower current and aspiring COOs
  • AI integrated into interactive sessions, providing strategic frameworks and practical tools to support smarter decision-making
  • Access select UC Berkeley Haas alumni benefits upon completion of the program

Dates & Costs

Blended

Date
Cost
Jun 22, 2026 - Feb 9, 2027
$20,000.00

What people are saying

Get more information

Is the Berkeley Executive Education COO Program suitable for professionals transitioning into enterprise leadership roles?

Yes, the Berkeley Executive Education COO Program is designed for experienced leaders such as senior operations executives, functional heads, directors, and vice presidents who are preparing to step into broader enterprise leadership or COO positions. It is particularly valuable for professionals looking to strengthen their strategic, operational, and transformational leadership capabilities.
 

How much weekly time commitment is required for the program?

Participants typically dedicate three to five hours per week to coursework, including online modules, live sessions, case discussions, and capstone project work.

What types of professionals will I network with during the Berkeley Executive Education COO Program?

The cohort includes senior executives, operational leaders, aspiring COOs, and cross-functional leaders from diverse industries and geographies, creating opportunities for peer learning and strategic networking.

How are live online sessions conducted, and are recordings available?

Live sessions are conducted virtually by UC Berkeley Haas faculty and industry experts. Recordings with transcripts and chapter markers are generally made available for participants who cannot attend in real time.

What practical outcomes can participants expect from the capstone projects?

The capstone projects are designed to help participants apply program frameworks to real organizational challenges, enabling them to develop actionable operational strategies and transformation initiatives.

Partner

UC Berkeley Executive Education has partnered with Emeritus to deliver high-impact online programs. This collaboration broadens access to our premier management thought leadership while maintaining the exceptional quality of UC Berkeley.

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Faculty

Certificates

Certificate of Completion

Signal your professional achievement to your network and get recognized for your completion! Upon successful completion of the program, UC Berkeley Executive Education grants a verified digital certificate of completion to participants that you are encouraged to add to your profiles.

Note: This program results in a digital certificate of completion and is not eligible for degree credit/CEUs. After successful completion of the program, your verified digital certificate will be emailed to you directly. All certificate images are for illustrative purposes only and may be subject to change at the discretion of UC Berkeley Executive Education.

Certificate
This program is eligible to count toward the

Certificate of Business Excellence

Curriculum days
12 Days
Pillar(s)
Leadership & Communication
Strategy & Management

Participants in the Certificate of Business Excellence (COBE) program will earn a mark of distinction from a world-class university, gain access to a powerful global network, and enjoy the flexibility of completing the program in up to three years. A UC Berkeley Certificate of Business Excellence allows individuals to create a personal learning journey structured by our four academic pillars to gain management essentials in Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Strategy, and Finance to drive both personal and organizational development.

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