What are Self-Supporting Graduate Degree Programs?

Self-supporting programs allow the University to serve additional students above and beyond the resources provided by the state while fulfilling demonstrated higher education and workforce needs. Currently, there are populations of working adults not served by UC state-supported programs who would be willing to enroll in self-supporting graduate degree programs. This policy is designed to facilitate the establishment of self-supporting programs by the University and its campuses while ensuring that these programs do not use state resources. These programs will receive no state-support; however, they have the potential to generate resources that would enhance the quality, access, and affordability of core academic programs and departments. For example, they could provide additional support for graduate students and students in state supported programs. (This information is from Academic Planning and Budgeting.)

The Self-Supporting Graduate Professional Degree Program (SSGPDP) Ad Hoc Advisory Committee of the Graduate Council supports innovation and creative approaches to graduate education.  The committee is available to advise and help proponents in designing programs, especially those that are non-traditional, and assist in strengthening proposals towards a smooth review process with subsequent councils and committees. The committee looks forward to meeting with interested units and faculty.

OTL staff consult with departments to refine their self-supporting degree program aspirations. This includes identifying resources, scheduling, and other needs. Once defined, we’ll help you build your courses. To meet with our staff to discuss your department’s self-supporting degree programs, please reach out to us at contact@online.ucla.edu or submit the form using the button below. Both the email and the form are sent to the same location, so use either method and we will get back to you as soon as we can!