UC Excelerator

Designed for individuals or partners who are starting or have started a new business, this course teaches the realities of starting and managing a new business from idea to operation. Through planning, research, testing of viability, problem solving, decision making and operation, gain an understanding and appreciation for cooperation, common goal setting, negotiating and the execution required of any business organization. Topics include identifying and qualifying a market opportunity, organizing a business model, guidelines for a business plan, legal aspects (including protecting the idea), selecting the best funding option, venture capital etiquette and other useful tools and resources for creating and operating a successful business.

What you can learn:

• Identify and qualify a market opportunity
• Assess and determine an appropriate business model and plan
• Understand how to select the best funding option
• Gain knowledge about useful tools and resources to creating and operating a new business

This course is the first in a two-course Principles of Financial Accounting sequence and provides an introduction to accounting theory, principles and practice. Instruction covers the uses, communication and processing of accounting information, as well as the recording, analyzing and summarizing of procedures used in preparing balance sheets and income statements. Additional topics include accounting for purchases and sales, receivables and payables, cash and inventories, plant and equipment, depreciation and natural resources, intangible assets and payrolls. Sole proprietorships and partnerships also are examined. Transferable for UC credit.

What you can learn:

• Develop the skills to communicate and process financial information
• Record, analyze, and summarize information used in preparing balance sheets and income statements
• Learn the accounting skills associated with purchases and sales, receivables and payables, cash and inventories, plant and equipment, depreciation, natural resources, intangible assets, and payrolls
• Understand various forms of business structures: sole proprietorships, partnerships, and publicly traded corporations

In this this hands-on, exercise-driven course, students will learn the role of data science in decision-making, basic statistics, entry-level Python programming and data analysis, using tools such as Excel and Python. Designed for beginners, business analysts and non-technical managers, the curriculum includes problem-solving exercises using pencils, paper and laptops for assignments during and outside of the class.

What you can learn: 

• Understand the principles of statistics, programming, and algorithms used in data science
• Apply statistical methods to solve basic data analysis problems
• Get and introduction to statistical analysis tools, such as Excel
• Practice data analysis using Microsoft Excel and Python programming language

Gain an overview of the digital marketing landscape in this survey course and become ready to apply the fundamentals of marketing in this digital age. This course is for both veteran marketers who want to understand the new tools available through the Internet and those who are comfortable with Internet applications and the digital world but want to learn the marketing fundamentals as they apply to the Internet.

What you can learn:

• Overview the broad landscape of digital marketing including social media, mobile, and video
• Examine how new digital and technological developments impact business and marketing
• Identify best practices to integrate and implement digital marketing strategies
• Learn to develop KPIs and also learn to monitor and evaluate metrics

Gain the skills to manage your daily projects efficiently and effectively. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the foundational framework that underpins all successful projects, along with essential tools, techniques, and knowledge necessary for achieving optimal project outcomes.

What you can learn:

• Utilize the PMI®’s project management framework as a cornerstone to efficiently and effectively oversee projects, while staying abreast of the latest innovations such as AI impacts and tools
• Implement a systematic approach to project management, seamlessly navigating through all phases from initiation to closure, and integrating cutting-edge methodologies to enhance efficiency
• Craft a well-defined project scope and identify key stakeholders, laying a solid foundation for each project's success, while leveraging advancements in AI and other technologies
• Integrate all project processes, encompassing schedule, budget, quality, staffing, resources, communication, risk, and procurement, leveraging AI impacts and tools, to ensure successful project outcomes