UCSC Extension provides opportunities to increase earning potential and improve self-confidence. It gives student the experience of the pure enjoyment of learning something new. UCSC Extension is an extension of the University of California, Santa Cruz. Employers know that earning a UCSC Extension Certificate demonstrates a strong career commitment and a mastery of knowledge. UCSC Extension never stops updating and refining its certificates and courses.

Online Courses
UCSC Extension Online can help student to achieve goals with no commute, inconvenience or career breaks. All online courses apply towards the Certificates.
They reflect the latest thinking, the smartest practices and the most useful industry tools to complete the program with tomorrow's knowledge today. Others certificates can be completed within nine months to a year, and individual courses generally take between four and eight weeks. Exclude of online courses, university offers other flexible options such as evening and weekend seminars. 

UCSC Extension offers two types of distance learning courses: 
- Hybrid: a combination of online instruction and classroom-based courses
- Online: all instruction takes place through the Internet

Extension courses not only offer a solid foundation of knowledge, but provide the unique benefit of built-in networking occasions.Extension does not grant degrees, but some Extension courses carry credit that may be applied toward a degree, toward licensing, or other professional requirements. Nevertheless, University of California students who want such credit should consult with their advisor, department and school before taking courses for this purpose.