UCLA PGP Pro Program in Management for Professionals in 2025
- Goalisb
- Apr 7
- 8 min read
UCLA Anderson Executive Education offers a one-year program for working Professionals (PGP Pro) that focuses on providing general management principles to working professionals looking to enhance their management skill-set and advance their careers. The program has been structured in a way that provides students with the flexibility to pursue their degree while maintaining their full-time work commitments.
The UCLA Post Graduate Program in Management for Professionals (PGP PRO) is an elite executive education program from the UCLA Anderson School of Management, designed for mid- to senior-level professionals aiming for accelerated leadership growth. With a blend of global faculty, immersive learning, and flexible delivery, the program positions itself as one of the top alternatives to a traditional Executive MBA in India.
Let’s break down every element of the UCLA PGP PRO 2025, from curriculum to peer profile to ROI — and see if it aligns with your goals.
Table of Contents
Program Overview
School: UCLA Anderson School of Management
Program Partner: Northwest Executive Education
Duration: 12 Months
Format: Part-time, Modular, Blended (Live + Online + In-person)
Locations: Delhi & Bangalore
Fee: USD 12,000 (~₹10 Lakhs approx.)
Credential: UCLA PGP PRO Executive Certificate
UCLA PGP PRO is tailored for working professionals aspiring to step into CXO or entrepreneurial leadership. It blends global best practices with practical industry relevance. It is not exactly an Executive MBA but will qualify as executive education.
Who Should Join UCLA PGP PRO?
The program is designed for professionals with:
7+ years of work experience
Backgrounds in general management, operations, technology, sales, and finance
Experience managing teams, projects, or business functions
Entrepreneurial or strategic decision-making exposure
Ideal candidates include mid-career professionals looking to accelerate their transition into senior roles or gain cross-functional leadership acumen.
Curriculum Structure
The curriculum covers 500+ hours over 12 months. It's built on 6 learning tracks:
Module | Focus Areas |
Foundations of Business Management | Strategy, Marketing, Negotiation |
Core Finance | Financial Acumen, Corporate Strategy |
Global Business Management | Macroeconomics, International Business |
Digital & Entrepreneurial Management | Design Thinking, Digital Marketing, Innovation |
Data & Analytics | Big Data, Decision Analytics, Customer Insights |
Advanced Management Immersion | Brand Management, Corporate Finance, M&A, Operations |
Key Learning Themes
Strategic & Growth Leadership
Digital Transformation
Entrepreneurial Thinking
Global Market Readiness
Real-world Case Studies & Simulations
Leadership Labs & Capstone Projects
"This is not a theoretical MBA—it’s an applied leadership lab."
Faculty Excellence
Delivered by UCLA Anderson’s world-class professors, the faculty includes:
Prof. Sanjay Sood – Marketing expert, ex-Stanford, Kellogg alum
Prof. Alfred Osborne – Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Prof. Corinne Bendersky – Leadership & Organizational Behavior
Prof. Miguel Unzueta – DEI & Culture
Live online sessions are supplemented by 22+ webinars, in-person residencies, and more than 80 learning modules.
Peer Learning & Class Profile
The UCLA PGP PRO cohort includes professionals from:
Deloitte, Nike, NTPC, Kerry, MSD, Crown Worldwide
Work experience: 7 to 25+ years
Industries: Tech, Pharma, Energy, Finance, Consumer Goods
Roles: Product Managers, Ops Heads, Functional Directors
Class Diversity Snapshot:
Function | % |
General Management | 32% |
Operations | 18% |
Product Management | 15% |
Sales & Marketing | 9% |
Consulting | 8% |
Technology | 26% |
Program Format & Flexibility
Component | Format |
Live Faculty Webinars | Bi-monthly |
In-classroom Learning | 90+ hours in Delhi or Bangalore |
Online Modules | 80+ hours |
Self-study Time | 50+ hours |
Career Coaching | Optional via Northwest’s Career Services+ |
The modular structure is ideal for full-time working professionals.
Alumni Network & Brand Value
Upon completion, you gain:
Certification from UCLA Anderson Executive Education
Access to the UCLA PGP PRO Alumni Network
Invitations to global UCLA events & workshops
Subscription to the Anderson Review
The program does not offer a formal MBA degree, but its branding and recognition are strong in Asia and the Middle East.
Fees & Admissions
Detail | Info |
Fee | USD 12,000 (~₹10L) inclusive of academic materials & meals |
Application Process | Online form + Resume + 1 Essay + Interview (if shortlisted) |
Minimum Experience | 7 years full-time |
Deadlines | Rolling admissions with early bird waivers |
Essay Prompt:
“What are your long-term (5–10 years) career aspirations? How will UCLA PGP PRO help you achieve these?”
Career Support Services
While not offering placements, UCLA PGP PRO includes:
Access to Northwest Career Services Plus
Personal career roadmap creation
Resume enhancement & mock interviews
Peer review & capstone projects to demonstrate leadership ROI
UCLA PGP PRO vs Executive MBA Options
UCLA PGP PRO vs ISB PGPpro – Executive MBA Comparison
Aspect | UCLA PGP PRO | ISB PGPpro |
Institution | UCLA Anderson School of Management (USA) | Indian School of Business (ISB) |
Credential | Executive Education Certificate from UCLA | Post Graduate Certificate in Management from ISB |
Program Type | Executive Business Management Program (non-degree) | Executive MBA-equivalent (non-degree) |
Program Duration | 12 months | 18 months |
Format | Modular blended format (online + in-person) | Alternate weekend in-person classes (Sat–Sun) |
Delivery Locations | New Delhi & Bengaluru (in-person modules) | Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad |
Eligibility | Minimum 7 years of work experience | Minimum 5 years of full-time work experience |
Average Experience | 10–15 years | ~10.1 years |
Global Exposure | UCLA branding; global faculty; no mandatory international immersion | One optional international immersion (e.g., NUS, Singapore) |
Faculty | UCLA Anderson faculty + industry experts | ISB core faculty + international visiting professors |
Curriculum Highlights | Strategy, Innovation, Finance, Data, Global Business, Leadership Labs | Leadership, Strategy, Digital Transformation, Finance, Electives in Marketing & Finance |
Learning Hours | 500+ hours: 80+ modules, 22 live webinars, 90+ in-classroom hours | 24+ courses across weekend modules + international exposure |
Peer Group | Cross-industry professionals: tech, BFSI, pharma, media | Senior managers, entrepreneurs, functional heads from diverse industries |
Alumni Access | UCLA Anderson Executive Education network | Full ISB alumni status (16,000+ network) |
Career Support | Northwest Career Services Plus: resume, mock interviews, strategy coaching | ISB Learning & Development workshops; alumni job board; no formal placement |
Program Fee | USD 12,000 (approx. ₹10–11 lakhs) | ₹31.96 lakhs + GST (~₹37.7 lakhs total) |
Admissions Process | Resume, 1 essay, 2 references, interview (rolling basis) | Online application, essay, 2 recommendations, interview |
Ideal Candidate | Professionals seeking flexible learning and international faculty exposure | Mid-career professionals aiming for senior roles or functional transitions in India or abroad |
UCLA PGP PRO vs ISB PGPMAX – Executive Program Comparison
Aspect | UCLA PGP PRO | ISB PGPMAX |
Institution | UCLA Anderson School of Management | Indian School of Business (ISB) |
Program Type | Executive Education Certificate Program | Executive MBA-equivalent (Post Graduate Program) |
Credential | Executive Certificate from UCLA Anderson | Post Graduate Certificate in Management (non-degree) |
Duration | 12 months | 15 months |
Format | Blended: Online modules + in-person sessions in India | Modular: 12 week-long residencies every 5 weeks |
Eligibility | Minimum 7 years of work experience | Minimum 10 years of full-time experience |
Average Experience | 10–15 years | 16 years (average); 35–50 years age range |
Delivery Locations | Delhi and Bengaluru (via Northwest Executive Education) | ISB Hyderabad & Mohali campuses |
Global Exposure | UCLA faculty + global curriculum; no mandatory immersion | 2 mandatory international immersions at top global B-schools (e.g., Wharton, Kellogg) |
Faculty | UCLA Anderson professors + guest industry experts | ISB core faculty + global visiting professors from LBS, Kellogg, Wharton |
Curriculum Focus | Strategy, Leadership, Innovation, Data & Analytics, Global Business | Strategic leadership, digital transformation, finance, governance, innovation |
Peer Group | Mid- to senior-level professionals | Senior leaders, entrepreneurs, CXOs, directors |
Classroom Hours | 500+ hours (includes 90+ in-class hours, 80+ learning modules) | 700+ contact hours across 12 modules |
Career Services | Career Services Plus by Northwest: resume help, mock interviews, coaching | Executive coaching, branding sessions, alumni network (no formal placements) |
Alumni Access | Access to UCLA Anderson Executive Education alumni resources | Full ISB alumni status with access to 16,000+ member global network |
Program Fee | USD 12,000 (approx. ₹10–11 lakhs) | ₹43.9 lakhs + GST (accommodation + international immersion included) |
Ideal For | Working professionals seeking global faculty exposure and a flexible 1-year program | Senior executives, entrepreneurs, and CXOs aiming for board/C-suite transitions and global leadership roles |
UCLA PGP PRO vs SDA Bocconi IEMB – Executive MBA-Style Program Comparison
Aspect | UCLA PGP PRO | SDA Bocconi IEMB |
Institution | UCLA Anderson School of Management (USA) | SDA Bocconi School of Management (Italy) |
Credential | Executive Education Certificate from UCLA | Executive Master's Degree (65 ECTS) |
Program Type | Certificate program (non-degree) | Degree-granting Executive Master |
Duration | 12 months | 15 months |
Format | Blended: 90+ in-class hours (Delhi/Bangalore) + online modules | Hybrid: 1 weekend/month in-person + 1 weekend/month online |
Delivery Locations | India (Delhi & Bangalore), live faculty sessions online | SDA Bocconi Asia Center (Mumbai) + 2-week Milan immersion |
Eligibility | Minimum 7 years of work experience | Minimum 9 years of work experience |
Average Work Experience | 10–15 years | 15.1 years |
Faculty | UCLA Anderson global faculty + industry leaders | Bocconi Milan professors + guest global faculty |
Global Immersion | No mandatory international residency | 2-week international module in Milan at SDA Bocconi |
Curriculum Focus | Strategy, Innovation, Analytics, Global Business, Leadership | Leadership, ESG, Strategy, Finance, Digital, DEIB |
Career Support | Career Services Plus (via Northwest): resume building, coaching | Full Executive Career Curriculum (CV, HR panels, coaching) |
Alumni Network | UCLA Anderson Executive Education network | Full Bocconi University alumni network (130,000+ globally) |
Degree Recognition | Not a degree; non-credit certificate | Recognized Master's degree under European Bologna system |
Accreditations | UCLA Anderson: AACSB | SDA Bocconi: Triple Crown (EQUIS, AMBA, AACSB) |
Program Fee | USD 12,000 (~₹10–11 lakhs) | ₹21 lakhs + GST |
Ideal For | Professionals seeking U.S. faculty insights & flexible executive learning | Leaders seeking a globally recognized European degree with structured career support |
Final Verdict: Is UCLA PGP PRO Worth It?
Yes—if you are a working professional seeking:
Brand value of UCLA Anderson
Flexible format without leaving your job
Global faculty-led, immersive curriculum
Strong peer network across industries
Career transition or entrepreneurial push
It’s not a full MBA but is a strong executive education credential respected in international job markets.
Ready to take the next step?
FAQs about UCLA PGP PRO
What is the ranking of UCLA PGP PRO?
UCLA PGP PRO is an executive education certificate program and is not ranked like full-time MBAs. However, it is offered by the UCLA Anderson School of Management, which is consistently ranked among the top 20 global business schools by Financial Times and U.S. News.
How much is the UCLA PGP PRO program?
The UCLA PGP PRO program fee is USD 12,000 (approximately ₹10–11 lakhs). This fee includes tuition, course materials, in-classroom sessions in India, faculty webinars, and meals during in-person modules. Accommodation and travel expenses are not included.
Is an MBA from UCLA worth it?
Yes. UCLA Anderson's MBA programs are globally respected, with strong ROI, industry connections, and alumni success. While PGP PRO is not a degree, it provides high-impact learning for professionals seeking career advancement without leaving their job.
Is it hard to get into a UCLA master’s program?
UCLA’s full-time master’s programs are highly competitive, often requiring strong academic records, test scores, and relevant experience. UCLA PGP PRO, while selective, focuses more on professional achievements and career goals than on academic test scores.
Is UCLA MBA hard to get into?
Yes. The acceptance rate for UCLA Anderson’s full-time MBA is typically around 20–25%, making it a competitive program. It requires a strong GMAT/GRE, leadership experience, and well-crafted application essays.
What is the difference between PGPpro and PGPmax?
PGPpro (ISB) targets professionals with 5–12 years of experience and offers weekend classes in four Indian cities. PGPmax (ISB) is designed for senior professionals with 10–25 years of experience and follows a modular format with two international residencies. PGPmax is more suited for CXOs and entrepreneurs.
This stands closely in comparison with the ISB PGPpro and the INSEAD ILPSE . Get a profile evaluation from us by writing to us at contact@goalisb.com or call us at +91 7719497187.