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OFFICE OF THE DEAN

Golden Eagle Building 211
Phone: (323) 343-4900
Fax: (323) 343-4954
E-mail: extension@calstatela.edu
Website: www.calstatela.edu/extension

Administrators:

Dean: Eric Bullard
Associate Dean: Justin Casity
Director, International Office: Amy Wang
Director, English Language Program: Aaron W. Ostrom

 College Description

The College of Professional and Global Education exists to “extend the reach” of Cal State L.A.’s classes and programs to students not presently a part of the university community. The College offers flexible registration, convenient scheduling, and innovative delivery of academic classes as well as professional development and enrichment programs. Our programs extend beyond our borders to international students, extend beyond our campus buildings through online classes, extend into our local communities through academic certificate and degree programs, and extend into the workplace through professional training. We prepare students to extend their own education or professional standing through test preparation and classes for personal enrichment. Finally, our Open University registration process extends to non-matriculated students the opportunity of taking regular university classes, making accessible the university catalog to eligible students. While our reach is broad, our focus is to promote lifelong learning that will enhance our students’ lives - both professionally and personally.

Mission Statement

The mission of the College is to offer a relevant range of learning experiences and professional development opportunities to make available the academic resources of the University to our local, regional, and international communities. Consistent with the goals of the University, the College’s programs meet the changing needs of the multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, and multi-cultural populations that we serve, needs that include professional certification, academic advancement, career training, language learning, test preparation, international travel/study, and personal enrichment.

Programs and Services

Open University Enrollment

Open University allows eligible individual to take Cal State L.A. credit classes, on a space-available basis, without being admitted to the University. Approval to enroll in classes is subject to meeting course requirements/prerequisites. To register, individuals must first obtain the instructor’s permission to add the class, and then obtain the academic department office’s approval prior to paying the course fee. Formal admission to Cal State L.A. is not required, but the classes taken through Open University may allow you to earn credits in order to complete a degree, improve your grade point average to enable you, if you have been disqualified, to be reinstated, or apply the earned credits toward a future degree. Open University registration is available each quarter, Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer.

Academic Certificate Programs through Open University

Some academic departments admit students to their certificate programs and permit them to complete their coursework through Open University enrollment. For a list of certificate programs offered at Cal State L.A. please visit the relevant section of the University Catalog. Please keep in mind that not all certificates are available through Open University enrollment. Students should meet with an adviser in the department prior to beginning a program.

Academic Programs Offered through Special Sessions

Bachelor of Science in Engineering with an Emphasis in Manufacturing (Degree Completion, pending approval from WASC)

In collaboration with the College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology, the Bachelor of Science in Engineering program offers students the ability to complete their degree on the campus of College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita. Instruction is provided by Cal State L.A. faculty.

Certificate in Business Management

Offered in conjunction with the College of Business and Economics, this certificate program provides basic business skills to students with bachelor’s degrees in other fields who are interested in management positions. The program consists of seven 4-unit courses which offer the theoretical concepts and quantitative tools fundamental to making business decisions. Students learn the theory and applications of accounting, economics, finance and law, statistics, management, and marketing. Course work completed under this certificate satisfies the prerequisites for the MBA program offered at Cal State L.A. Instruction for the certificate is delivered on the Web via an easy-to-use management system. Some professors may require students to come to campus for the final examination or may require a proctor arranged by the Coordinator.

Entry Level Master’s Program in Nursing

Offered in collaboration with the School of Nursing, the ELMN program is a rigorous three-year program for selected non-RN students who hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing. Successful completion of the program leads to a Master of Science degree in Nursing. Students who are selected for the program will be admitted as conditionally classified graduate students and will be required to meet the following conditions prior to becoming a classified graduate student: (a) they must complete a prescribed series of basic nursing courses with an overall GPA of 3.0, over a period of 5 quarters (76 units), which will include the coursework required for the licensing exam, and (b) they must take and pass the California RN licensing exam.

Orff Schulwerk Program (Music Education)

Based on pedagogy employing Carl Orff’s music coupled with movement, the Orff Schulwerk Program provides music educators with a curriculum for teaching music through active music-making. This may include singing, movement, instrumental ensemble playing, and use of special instruments. Special topics include multicultural music traditions, folk dance, and storytelling.

Three-Summer Master of Music (Choral Conducting)

Offered in collaboration with the Department of Music and accredited through the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), the Master of Music (Choral Conducting) is offered over three seven-week summer residency sessions. Each intensive summer session prepares students in the areas of: choral pedagogy, performance practice, and applied vocal/choral training. One week of the program corresponds with the Summer Choral Festival.

Academic Advisement

All academic offerings are subject to the same policies and procedures in place at the University, without exception. Advisors within the College provide prospective and enrolled students with advisement related to potential program options, registration, and course selection. Staff will provide students with referrals to other offices on campus as necessary. Students are advised to consult with an academic advisor before undertaking any program of study.

International Services for the Campus 

The University’s excellent academic programs attract international (visa) students from around the world. The International Office, as part of the College, provides assistance in admission, orientation, and counseling to all international students and scholars, permanent resident alien students, and refugees. Students interested in organizing national or cultural clubs may obtain support and guidance from the International Office. The professional staff offers advising for educational, social, or personal issues. The International Office provides assistance and guidance to students who wish to obtain practical training and maintain compliance with U.S. immigration requirements. The staff treats student concerns with confidentiality. For more information, call (323) 343-3170, or visit www.calstatela.edu/international.

Visa and Immigration Support Services

The International Office provides assistance to visa students, foreign scholars, and foreign faculty with visa issuance (F, H, and J visas, etc.), maintenance of student status, and matters that involve the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This office also provides assistance to visa students and scholars in their academic and cultural adjustment as well as referrals to area recreational activities.

English Language Program

The English Language Program (ELP) offers intensive English training for students eighteen (18) years of age or older via daily classroom instruction. Classes are scheduled during a 10-week quarter at six proficiency levels. The University Bridge level (sometimes called Level 7) offers academic preparation and access to Open University credit courses. Instruction centers on the language areas of: Reading and Writing; Structure (Grammar); Speaking; Listening and Pronunciation; and Preparation for the TOEFL exam (Test of English as a Foreign Language). I-20 documents are issued by the ELP office for international students applying for visas. The program is also available to permanent U.S. residents, visiting scholars, and any student on campus wishing to improve language skills in English to succeed in his or her major.

Study Abroad Program Options

Developing intercultural communication skills and international understanding among its students is a vital mission of The California State University (CSU). Since its inception in 1963, CSU International Programs has contributed to this effort by providing qualified students an affordable opportunity to continue their studies abroad for a full academic year. More than 15,000 CSU students have taken advantage of this unique study option. At Cal State L.A., the International Office provides assistance with Study Abroad options in conjunction with the CSU International Programs office.
International Programs participants earn resident academic credit at their CSU campuses while they pursue full-time study at a host university or special study center abroad. CSU International Programs serves the needs of students in over 100 designated academic majors. Affiliated with more than 70 recognized universities and institutions of higher education in 20 countries, CSU International Programs also offers a wide selection of study locales and learning environments. International Programs pays all tuition and administrative costs for participating California resident students to a similar extent that such funds would be expended to support similar costs in California. Participants are responsible for all tuition and program fees, personal costs, such as transportation, room and board, and living expenses. Financial aid, with the exception of Federal Work-Study, is available to qualified students.
For additional information, including a listing of destination countries and application materials contact the International Office, (323) 343-3170; www.calstatela.edu/international.

Study in L.A. Program

This unique study abroad program offers students from all corners of the globe the opportunity to experience U.S. university life by enrolling in academic courses for a short-term overseas experience without applying for admission to a Cal State L.A. degree program. International students with advanced English skills can enroll in 12 undergraduate or 8 graduate units of Cal State L.A. courses. Students with English proficiency slightly below the required scores are eligible to enroll in a combination of university courses and intensive English language classes offered through the English Language Program. Approval to enroll in classes is subject to meeting course requirements/prerequisites and other conditions. Credits earned are listed on an official Cal State L.A. transcript and may be transferable to other universities.

Extension Programs

Accounting and Tax Seminars

The Accounting and Tax seminars have a history of over 30 years in presenting current, topical information for tax practitioners, including CPA’s, auditors, attorneys, and accounting managers. The seminars are presented by leading practitioners and experts in their respective fields in the format of one-half day, full-day, and five full-day programs. Coursework, offered up to four times per year on 5 consecutive Saturdays, qualifies for the continuing professional education credit (CPE and MCLE) of both the California State Board of Accountancy and the State Bar of California. Topics vary, and are chosen by a professional advisory board, in consultation with the program coordinator, currently Dr. Richard T. Lau, Professor of Accounting at Cal State Los Angeles.

Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) Certificate Program

Designed for those seeking a new career path in human resource management, or those working in human resources who are interested in advancing into managerial positions, the Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) certification enables professionals to develop new skills and obtain current up-to-date information in the field of human resource management, particularly group benefits, retirement plans or compensation management. Only eight courses are required to obtain the CEBS certification.

Certified Financial Planner™ Certification Education Program

This online, non-credit program meets the educational requirements of professional advisers in the fields of retirement and investment planning to sit for the qualifying CFP Board examination. The program is structured around the student’s completion of five modules in the following areas: tax management and strategy, risk management and insurance, investment planning, retirement planning and employee benefits, and principles of estate planning. Satisfactory completion of all five modules (grades of 70% or higher in each) qualifies candidates to receive a non-credit certificate and to sit for the CFP Board Certification examination.

EKG Technician Certification Program

The EKG Technician Certification Program equips students to function as competent EKG technicians and prepares them to take national certifying exams, such as the ASPT - EKG technician exam (given by the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians). The course combines theory and practice, covering important background on the anatomy and physiology of the heart and chest, on heart disease and disease processes, on medical terminology, and on the legal and ethical aspects of patient contact. The program provides practical and hands-on experience in the use and placement of the EKG machine and other equipment, and in reading and analyzing EKG printouts to determine ‘cardiac intervals and complexes’ and normal vs. abnormal readings.

Legal Interpretation and Translation Certificate Program

The program trains bilingual students for the profession of certified court interpreter, a profession much in demand given the linguistic diversity of the state of California. Cal State L.A.’s unique program can also prepare qualified students for a career as a certified translator or interpreter for any industry that needs to serve individuals with limited English skills, including government agencies, corporations, hospitals and telecoms. Finally, bilingual persons already employed in another capacity can increase their skills and their remuneration with formal interpreting certification from an accredited university. The program consists of seven, 4-unit, courses (28 non-degree credit units in all).

Paralegal Studies Certificate Program

The Paralegal Studies Certificate Program strives to produce competent, well-rounded paralegals who communicate effectively, demonstrate professional skills, and have the training and experience to assist attorneys effectively in a variety of legal practice settings. “A paralegal is a person employed by a law office, corporate legal department, or public entity to carry out specifically delegated, substantive legal work under the supervision of an attorney. A paralegal is not an attorney and may not give legal advice, accept cases, argue in court, or set fees.” The program has been ABA-approved since 1978, making it one of the first programs in California in a university setting. A successful student must complete eight courses (equivalent to 32 non-credit quarter units), earning a minimum grade of “C” in each, to receive a certificate of completion in a particular track. Students may pursue multiple tracks by substituting or replacing up to 2 courses (no more than 8 units) between tracks.

Pharmacy Technician Certification Program

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Program is a comprehensive, 50 hour course that prepares students to assist a licensed Pharmacist in a pharmacy, and also prepares them to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam (the PTCB exam). The program covers areas such as medical terminology (specific to the pharmacy), reading and interpreting prescriptions, and defining drugs by their generic and brand names. Students also learn dosage calculations, I.V. flow rates, drug compounding, dose conversions, dispensing of prescriptions, inventory control, and billing and reimbursement.

Test Preparation

The College offers a number of courses designed to prepare students for standardized tests in business, education, engineering, and medicine. Current offerings include the CBEST California Basic Education Skills Test); CSET (California Subjects Exam for Teachers); GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test); GRE (Graduate Record Exam); EIT (Engineer in Training); PE/EE (Professional Engineer in Electrical Engineering); MCAT (Medical College Admission Test); and RICA (Reading Instruction Competence Assessment).
 

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