Degree Plus Blog
Introducing Degree PLUS: Get a Pro Certificate and a Guaranteed Internship—All for Free.
You know the drill: You’re studying hard, but the nagging question remains—how do I turn this great UCSB degree into a great first job?
We heard you. That’s why UC Santa Barbara is thrilled to announce Degree PLUS, a new, high-impact career readiness initiative designed exclusively for our juniors and seniors. This program is your intentional bridge from the lecture hall directly to the workplace, combining real-world skills with hands-on experience.
The best part? It’s 100% tuition-free.
Why Are We Doing This? (The 'Plus' in Degree PLUS)
Your professors want you to graduate with a love of learning and a devotion to ideas. We want that too, but we also want you to graduate with demonstrable skills, meaningful experiences, and the confidence to crush your job interviews.
Degree PLUS isn't an "add-on." It’s our commitment to making sure you have an undeniable competitive edge.
Here’s how we make it happen, fully funded by the Lumina Foundation:
1. Free Professional Certification
Forget expensive external bootcamps. You get to choose a specialized, market-driven certificate from UC Santa Barbara Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE) in a high-demand field. This certificate proves to employers you possess state-of-the-art skills.
Choose Your Specialty:
- Applied AI and Innovation: Get practical skills in artificial intelligence and emerging tech.
- Foundations of Agile Project Management: Master business strategy, leadership, and methodologies like Scrum.
- Applied Business Essentials: Learn sales processes and execute effective digital marketing campaigns.
2. Mandatory, Coordinated Internship
The program coordinates a mandatory internship for you. This is crucial. It gives you professional references, transferable skills, and often results in paid or subsidized work—potentially replacing the need for a separate summer job hunt.
As our Academic Coordinator, Ery Millan-Coffey, puts it: “The true power of Degree PLUS is watching our students realize they don't have to wait until graduation to launch their career.”
Who Is This For?
This is an exclusive opportunity for UCSB juniors and seniors.
The program is especially valuable for students in the humanities and liberal arts, as the professional certificate provides an additional layer of clarity to employers about your specific workplace readiness, helping you stand out in the applicant pool.
Ready to Launch?
Stop stressing about the job market. Start building your career now. You can complete the coursework flexibly over 1–3 quarters, and then our coordinator will help you secure your professional placement.
Visit the UC Santa Barbara Professional and Continuing Education - Degree Plus website today for eligibility requirements, certificate options, and application details!