hello -

I am moving this discussion from another thread - I had asked previously about MLA programs in California, and UCLA Extension came up.

I am currently taking evening design classes (not LA) at UCLA Extension and have been impressed by the caliber of the teaching and the facilities. I went in with kind of low expectations having never attended "continuing ed" classes before, but I'm happy with what I'm receiving - especially for the low price tag.

I've decided that this spring and summer I am going to take a couple of the Extension LA classes and see what they are all about. What scares me is that I will really like it - I just want to make sure I won't be screwing myself by getting a certificate and not an MLA. I like that with the certificate I can work during the day and not go into debt (as someone who has been killing myself paying off undergrad, it's important to me). I have no plans on leaving California, or even right now, Los Angeles. I don't care about being licensed in other states.

Can anyone here who has had actual experience with this program attest to the pros and cons? It sounds really appealing, but I want to hear it from someone who's been in it.

Thanks!