Chief Operating Officer (COO) Program

Drive organizational growth as a visionary COO
Country/Region
Total Work Experience

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What You Will Learn

In this seven-month comprehensive program, you will learn how to:

  • Formulate and execute strategic plans aligned with the organization's goals and objectives

  • Assess market dynamics, identify growth opportunities, and mitigate risks effectively

  • Master the principles of operational management and gain insights into enhancing productivity, quality, and efficiency across various functions

  • Implement risk management methodologies to navigate uncertainty and change

  • Leverage and assess the impact of new technologies (e.g., AI) and new technological capabilities (e.g., Big Data analytics) on operations and supply chain dynamics

  • Understand the dynamics of organizational change and develop strategies to lead successful transformations

  • Communicate effectively and foster a culture of adaptability and innovation

Curriculum

The Berkeley Chief Operating Officer Program offers a comprehensive learning experience to elevate your operations career. The curriculum comprises four core modules featuring expert lectures, case studies, exercises, and discussions with global leaders. Each module concludes with a capstone project in which you will apply program learnings to real-world operational challenges.

“As the role of chief operating officers evolves, operational leaders need to look beyond day-to-day management and develop crucial long-term operational strategies. The Berkeley Chief Operating Officer Program equips leaders with skills in strategy development and execution, operational excellence, and the creation of business value — all critical to becoming a proactive, future-ready COO."
Profile picture of program faculty TERRY TAYLOR
Terry Taylor
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs; Milton W. Terrill Chaired Professor of Business Administration, Berkeley Haas

Program Highlights

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Flexible Learning Journey

Dedicate 3–5 hours weekly, balancing learning with work.

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World-Renowned Faculty

Learn from the Berkeley Haas faculty and global thought leaders.

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Peer Support Circles

Discuss business, leadership, and career challenges with peers.

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Success Coach

Align your learning journey with career goals through expert guidance.

Decorative image relating to Capstone Strategy Projects

Capstone Strategy Projects

Apply learnings to real-world business challenges, bridging theory and practice.

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Interactive Live Sessions

Engage with faculty members, coaches, and industry leaders for cutting-edge insights.

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Path to Alumni Benefits

Gain a pathway toward the Berkeley Executive Education Certificate of Business Excellence (COBE) and select alumni benefits.

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Expand Your Network

Connect with peers, industry leaders, and faculty members during the three-day campus event in California.

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Silicon Valley Ecosystem

Become part of the unique Bay Area ecosystem, which is pivotal in shaping the future of technology and business.

Global Leadership Campus Immersion

The program culminates in a three-day Global Leadership Campus Immersion at the Berkeley campus in California. This action-packed networking event features in-person faculty-led sessions, masterclasses, guest speakers, and peer discussions, including sharing your personal case story. You will interact with cutting-edge disruptors, industry leaders, and professionals from prominent organizations, venture capital firms, startups, and technology innovators. Through scheduled networking breaks and live sessions, you will engage with global peers and build influential networks while expanding your professional community.

Global Leadership Campus Immersion
 Global Leadership Campus Immersion
 Global Leadership Campus Immersion
Global Leadership Campus Immersion
Global Leadership Campus Immersion
Global Leadership Campus Immersion
Global Leadership Campus Immersion
Global Leadership Campus Immersion
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Capstone Strategy Projects

Across the four core modules, you will apply classroom lessons to distinct projects, each addressing a critical aspect of the chief operating officer's role. These projects will tackle real-world challenges in areas such as strategic operations, complex project leadership, C-suite dynamics, and technology integration. Through these assignments, you will demonstrate your grasp of key concepts and your ability to drive operational excellence and innovation in your organization.

Meet The Faculty

The Berkeley Chief Operating Officer Program is developed and taught by a team of Berkeley Haas faculty members who are renowned experts and skilled educators with a focus on the sociological and psychological processes within organizations. The faculty consists of industry experts and leaders who have spearheaded the development of groundbreaking operational strategies at some of the world’s most prominent institutions.

Profile picture of program faculty TERRY TAYLOR
TERRY TAYLOR

Associate Dean for Academic Affairs | Milton W. Terrill Chaired Professor of Business Administration at Berkeley Haas | Operations & IT Management | Sustainability

Profile picture of program faculty NED AUGENBLICK
NED AUGENBLICK

Edward J. and Mollie Arnold Chair in Business Administration | Associate Professor | Economic Analysis & Policy

Profile picture of program faculty HOMA BAHRAMI
HOMA BAHRAMI

Senior Lecturer | Entrepreneurship and Innovation | Management of Organizations

Profile picture of program faculty SARA BECKMAN
SARA BECKMAN

Teaching Professor | Earl F. Cheit Faculty Fellow | Entrepreneurship & Innovation | Innovation & Design | Operations & IT Management | Sustainability

Profile picture of program faculty SUNIL DUTTA
SUNIL DUTTA

Professor | William D. Crawford Chair in Taxation and Accounting

Profile picture of program faculty  ABHISHEK NAGARAJ
ABHISHEK NAGARAJ

Associate Professor | Entrepreneurship & Innovation | Management of Organizations

Profile picture of program faculty OMAR ROMERO-HERNANDEZ
OMAR ROMERO-HERNANDEZ

Continuing Lecturer | Business and Social Impact | Operations and IT Management | Sustainability

Note: Faculty list is subject to change.

Who Is It For?

The Berkeley Chief Operating Officer Program is designed for accomplished professionals who are keen on advancing their executive leadership capabilities.

The program is ideal for:

  • Current COOs seeking to expand their strategic framework and drive change

  • New and aspiring COOs looking to develop their strategic capabilities and lead organizational transformation

  • Operational leaders (CTOs, CMOs, CFOs, etc.) aiming to enhance their strategic thinking and drive change initiatives

  • Senior professionals with over 15 years of experience aiming to advance into operational leadership and C-level roles

  • Directors and vice presidents in operations and supply chain management aiming to elevate their leadership skills and strategic thinking

Path to Alumni Benefits

Enrolling in the Berkeley Chief Operating Officer Program can be your first step toward pursuing the Berkeley Executive Education Certificate of Business Excellence (COBE). This certificate allows you to acquire and hone new skills on a flexible timeline that fits your busy schedule. Participants will earn a mark of distinction with a digital certificate from a world-class university and have up to three years to complete the program.

Networking and Events

  • Join local alumni chapters or clubs in your region

  • Participate in the annual Berkeley Haas Alumni Conference

  • Attend select Berkeley Haas and Berkeley Executive Education networking events that are open to the COBE community

Exclusive Berkeley Resources

  • Activate an @haas.executivealumni.berkeley.edu email forwarding address

  • Receive a 15 percent discount on the list price of future eligible Berkeley Executive Education programs

  • Obtain a 30 percent discount on the list price of future eligible programs after completion of your COBE

  • Gain public visitor access to select campus libraries and university database services

News and Communication

  • A one-year complimentary digital subscription to the California Management Review

  • Berkeley Haas Alumni newsletter

  • Berkeley Haas Alumni Jobs e-newsletter featuring job postings from distinguished employers

  • Haas Insights offering the latest research and thought leadership from industry speakers and faculty

Note: All benefits are subject to change. The discounts mentioned may not be combined with other promotions or special offers.

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Certificate

Upon successful completion of the program, Berkeley Executive Education grants a verified digital certificate of completion to participants. Participants must complete 80 percent of the required activities, including a capstone project (if any), to obtain the certificate of completion. This program also counts toward a Certificate of Business Excellence.

Successful completion of this program fulfills 12 curriculum days (minimum requirement of 17 curriculum days) toward the Berkeley Certificate of Business Excellence (COBE).

Learn more about how it works.

Note: This program results in a digital certificate of completion and is not eligible for degree credit/CEUs. After successful completion of the program, your verified digital certificate will be emailed to you in the name you used when registering for the program. All certificate images are for illustrative purposes only and may be subject to change at the discretion of Berkeley Executive Education.

Example image of certificate that will be awarded once you successfully complete the course

This program counts toward the Berkeley Certificate of Business Excellence

Curriculum days: 12 days

Pillar(s): Strategy and Management

A Berkeley Certificate of Business Excellence gives individuals the opportunity to create a personal plan of study structured by our four academic pillars. Participants will earn a mark of distinction with certification from a world-class university and enjoy the flexibility of completing the program in up to three years.

FAQs

Connect with a Program Advisor for a 1:1 Session

Our program advisors have helped senior executives across the world choose the right program for their career goals. Schedule a 1:1 to gain a deeper understanding of why the Berkeley Chief Operating Officer Program is the right fit for you. Email: berkeley_coo@emeritus.org

Phone: +1 567 485 3613 (U.S.) / +44 1313 812082 (U.K.) / +971 80 00321209 (U.A.E.) / +52 55930 20507 (LATAM)

Early registrations are encouraged. Seats fill up quickly!

Flexible payment options are available.

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