Chief Operating Officer (COO) Program
- Engage in high-impact sessions with UC Berkeley Haas faculty
- Connect with peers and global thought leaders
- Leverage AI to drive operational excellence
- Learn through real-world operational case studies
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UC Berkeley Executive Education COO Program: Drive organizational growth as a visionary COO
The program combines strategic leadership, operations and project management, C-suite leadership development, and technology integration with a curriculum that explores areas such as business strategy, supply chain management, risk management, organizational design, data-driven decision-making, artificial intelligence (AI), and change leadership. Guided by the Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley, faculty and industry experts, you will develop the skills to build a strategic vision, lead cross-functional teams, foster innovation, and create lasting business impact across your organizations.
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What Will You Learn in the Chief Operating Officer (COO) Program?
Key Takeaways
Strategic planning: Formulate and execute strategic plans aligned with the organization's goals and objectives.
Market assessment: Assess market dynamics, identify growth opportunities, and mitigate risks effectively.
Operational excellence: Master the principles of operational management, and gain insights into enhancing productivity, quality, and efficiency across various functions.
Risk management: Implement risk management methodologies to navigate uncertainty and change.
Technology integration: Leverage and assess the impact of new technologies (e.g., AI) and technological capabilities (e.g., big data analytics) on operations and supply chain dynamics.
Change leadership: Understand the dynamics of organizational change, and develop strategies to lead successful transformations.
Communication: Communicate effectively, and foster a culture of adaptability and innovation.
How Is the Berkeley Executive Education COO Program Curriculum Structured?
The program combines expert faculty lectures, case studies, interactive exercises, discussions with global leaders, and applied learning activities to help you strengthen your leadership skills, drive operational excellence, and address complex business challenges. Each module concludes with a capstone project that will enable you to apply program concepts and frameworks to real-world operational scenarios.
Drive Strategy Formulation and Implementation | Online | 6 Weeks
Equip yourself to formulate and implement effective strategies by developing leadership skills, fostering innovation, analyzing competition, adopting customer-centric approaches, and mastering operational frameworks.
Sharpening Your Strategic Thinking
Creating a Customer-Centric Organization
Go-to-Market Strategy
Operations Strategy
Strategy Implementation and Resource Allocation
Driving Dynamic Execution
Drive Operations and Project Management | Online | 7 Weeks
Learn to develop resilient supply chains, create value through operational models, and make strategic capacity decisions. Gain insights into performance evaluation and strategies for handling complex projects, equipping yourself for effective operational leadership.
Supply Chain Management
Operational Efficiency Strategies
Innovative Operations Business Models
Designing Services
The Operations-Customer Interface
Managing Operational Projects
Risk Management
Drive C-Suite Excellence | Online | 7 Weeks
Learn essential C-suite leadership skills, including enhancing self-awareness and developing your personal brand. Build and manage cross-functional high-performing teams, and foster psychological safety within diverse environments to drive innovation.
Your Leadership Style
Negotiation Skills
Effective Decision Making
Executive Team Dynamics — Unlocking Your Teams’ Collective Intelligence
Cross-Functional Collaboration and Influence
Organizational Design for Competitive Advantage
Fostering a Culture of Innovation and Inclusive Impact
Drive New Technology Integration and Change | Online | 7 Weeks
Gain the knowledge to harness AI, data science, and effective change management strategies. Evaluate and implement new technologies, build data-driven organizations, and lead successful transformations. Through case studies and simulations, develop skills to navigate technological disruption and drive organizational change.
Leveraging Emerging Technologies for Business Transformation
Leading Innovation
Introduction to Big Data and AI
Descriptive Analytics and Data Visualization for Business
Experimentation for Business
The Future of Big Data and AI
Team Leadership in Times of Change
Global Leadership Campus Immersion | UC Berkeley Haas Campus | 2 Days
The Global Leadership Campus Immersion, hosted in the spring/summer time frame (before the end of June) at the Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley, gathers participants from multiple cohorts of the Chief Operating Officer Program for a two-day in-person networking event, live sessions with faculty, keynotes by guest speakers, and more. It presents a significant opportunity for you to engage, acquire knowledge, and culminate your program journey.
Live Faculty Sessions on COO Leadership and Strategy
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) Program includes four live faculty-led sessions designed for current and aspiring COOs. Led by UC Berkeley Haas faculty, these sessions explore operational leadership, strategic decision making, technology adoption, and executive leadership in times of change. All sessions are recorded and made available for later viewing.
Live Session 1: How Top COOs Navigate Strategy and Technology Change
Explore how successful COOs approach technology investments, respond to disruption, and align strategy with AI adoption and organizational priorities.
Live Session 2: Leading in a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous (VUCA) Environment
Examine a real-world case study focused on AI implementation, exploring how operations leaders evaluate recommendations and make decisions in complex business environments.
Live Session 3: Executive Presence and Leadership During Organizational Change
Focus on the key elements of executive presence, authentic communication, and effective leadership during periods of operational disruption and transformation.
Live Session 4: Understanding and Applying Your Leadership Style
Explore the core components of your leadership style and executive communication, with practical strategies for leading teams through operational challenges and change.
Note: Live session topics are subject to change.
AI Strategy and Innovation
AI in Action
Real-world case studies that show how operations leaders evaluate, implement, and scale AI initiatives
Data-Driven Leadership
Leveraging big data and machine learning to optimize operations and deliver measurable value
AI Strategy in Practice
Proven methods for adopting AI across different business models and growth stages
Human and AI Collaboration
Guiding teams through disruption while maintaining balance between technology, ethics, and trust
How Does the Chief Operating Officer (COO) Program Use Applied Learning?
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) Program combines applied learning, peer collaboration, and practical projects to help you connect program concepts with real-world operational challenges. Through live sessions, capstone projects, and interactive learning experiences, you can strengthen your leadership capabilities while exploring practical applications of key program topics.
Capstone Strategy Projects
Across the four core modules, you will apply classroom lessons to distinct projects, each addressing a critical aspect of a COO'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.
Global Leadership Campus Immersion
Meet the Faculty for the Chief Operating Officer (COO) Program
TERRY TAYLOR
Faculty Director | Associate Dean for Academic Affairs | Milton W. Terrill Chaired Professor of Business Administration at UC Berkeley Haas | Operations & IT Management | Sustainability
NED AUGENBLICK
Edward J. and Mollie Arnold Chair in Business Administration | Associate Professor | Economic Analysis & Policy
HOMA BAHRAMI
Senior Lecturer | Entrepreneurship and Innovation | Management of Organizations
SARA BECKMAN
Teaching Professor | Earl F. Cheit Faculty Fellow | Entrepreneurship & Innovation | Innovation & Design | Operations & IT Management | Sustainability
SUNIL DUTTA
Professor | William D. Crawford Chair in Taxation and Accounting
ABHISHEK NAGARAJ
Associate Professor | Entrepreneurship & Innovation | Management of Organizations
OMAR ROMERO-HERNANDEZ
Continuing Lecturer | Business and Social Impact | Operations and IT Management | Sustainability
Note: Faculty list is subject to change.
Who Is the Berkeley Executive Education COO Program For?
Who Should Enroll? | Why This Program Is Relevant |
Current COOs | Refine your strategic framework, strengthen executive leadership capabilities, and drive organizational change. |
New and Aspiring COOs | Develop your strategic capabilities, and gain the leadership skills needed to lead organizational transformation. |
Operational Leaders (CTOs, CMOs, CFOs, and other functional leaders) | Enhance your strategic thinking, and learn approaches for leading change initiatives across the organization. |
Senior Professionals With 15+ Years of Experience | Build the operational leadership and strategic perspective required for advancement into C-level and operational leadership roles. |
Directors and Vice Presidents in Operations and Supply Chain Management | Strengthen your leadership capabilities, elevate strategic thinking, and prepare for greater organizational responsibility. |
What Do Past Participants Say About the Berkeley Executive Education COO Program?
Credentials and Outcomes: Berkeley Executive Education Chief Operating Officer (COO) Program
Certificate
Upon successful completion of this program, you will be awarded a digital certificate by UC Berkeley Executive Education. You must completely 80% of the required activities, including a capstone project (if any), to obtain the certificate. This program also counts toward the COBE.
Successful completion of this program fulfills 12 curriculum days (minimum requirement of 17 curriculum days) toward the COBE under Leadership & Communication and Strategy & Management pillars.
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 UC Berkeley Executive Education.
This program counts toward the Certificate of Business Excellence
Curriculum days: 12 days
Pillars: Leadership & Communication and Strategy & Management pillars
A COBE 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
The Program
What is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) Program?
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) Program is a seven-month online executive education program from Berkeley Executive Education designed for current and aspiring COOs and operational leaders.
The program explores:
Strategy formulation and implementation
Operations management
Leadership
Organizational design
Risk management
Emerging technologies
Big data and AI
Innovation
Case studies
Applied projects
Who is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) Program designed for?
The program is designed for current and aspiring COOs, heads of operations, senior executives, and functional leaders seeking to strengthen their leadership capabilities and strategic perspective.
It is also suitable for directors, vice presidents, and experienced professionals who want to deepen their understanding of operations, strategy, organizational leadership, and business transformation.
What will I learn in the Chief Operating Officer (COO) Program?
You will explore a range of topics that support effective operational and organizational leadership.
The program also includes applied learning activities, live sessions, and capstone projects.
Does the Chief Operating Officer Program (COO) cover artificial intelligence (AI)?
Yes. The program includes dedicated modules on big data and AI, experimentation, and the future of AI in business.
Participants explore AI-centric operating models, data-driven decision making, experimentation, data governance, interpretability, fairness, data privacy, and the strategic implications of AI adoption.
How does the Chief Operating Officer (COO) Program use applied learning?
The program combines faculty-led learning with practical exercises, case studies, discussions, live sessions, and capstone projects.
Participants apply concepts and frameworks to real-world operational and organizational challenges throughout the learning journey.
Are there live sessions in the Berkeley Executive Education COO Program?
Yes. The program includes live faculty-led sessions that explore topics such as operational leadership, technology adoption, executive presence, leadership in times of change, and decision making in complex business environments.
Session recordings are made available for later viewing.
What is the Global Leadership Campus Immersion?
The Global Leadership Campus Immersion is a two-day, in-person experience held at the UC Berkeley Haas campus in California at the conclusion of the program.
The immersion includes faculty-led sessions, masterclasses, guest speakers, peer discussions, networking opportunities, and the opportunity to share a personal case story.
Is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) Program worth it?
The program is designed for professionals who want to strengthen their capabilities in strategy, operations, leadership, organizational change, and emerging technologies.
Through faculty-led instruction, applied learning activities, live sessions, peer engagement, and capstone projects, participants explore practical approaches to addressing operational and organizational challenges.
What topics related to operations management are covered in the program?
The curriculum explores operations strategy, supply chain management, operational efficiency, service design, operational project management, risk management, and innovative operations business models.
Participants also examine how operations influence customer experiences, organizational performance, and business strategy.
What is the best COO program?
The best COO program depends on your professional experience, learning goals, and the leadership capabilities you want to develop.
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) Program from Berkeley Executive Education explores strategy, operations, leadership, organizational design, innovation, and AI while providing opportunities for applied learning, faculty engagement, peer collaboration, and practical application.
Learning Journey
How is the program structured?
The program has four core modules taught through online and faculty-led live online sessions. It concludes with a two-day networking event where you will meet peers from multiple cohorts, faculty, and industry leaders on the UC Berkeley Haas campus in California.
What is the time commitment for the Chief Operating Officer (COO) Program?
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) Program is a seven-month online program from Berkeley Executive Education.
Participants should expect to dedicate approximately three to five hours per week to program activities, including lectures, exercises, discussions, live sessions, and applied learning activities.
How will I spend my time in the Chief Operating Officer (COO) Program?
Throughout the program, you will engage with recorded faculty content, case studies, exercises, discussions, and applied learning activities. You will also complete capstone projects, participate in live sessions, and interact with peers as part of the learning experience.
At the conclusion of the program, you will have the opportunity to attend the two-day Global Leadership Campus Immersion at the UC Berkeley Haas campus in California, featuring faculty-led sessions, masterclasses, guest speakers, peer discussions, and networking opportunities.
How is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) Program administered? Can the program be accessed at any time?
The program is delivered through an online learning platform that provides access to program content, learning activities, discussions, and other program resources.
Program materials are released throughout the learning journey, allowing participants to engage with content online. Live sessions are recorded and made available for later viewing.
Certificate
Will I receive a certificate after completing this program?
Upon completing the program, you will receive a verified digital certificate and earn a pathway toward COBE and select UC Berkeley Haas alumni benefits.
How can I apply to this program?
Applications to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) Program are to be made online. Application fees vary by rounds. Applying earlier helps your chances of being accepted into the program.
What is the organizational structure of Berkeley Executive Education?
UC Berkeley Center for Executive Education, DBA Berkeley Executive Education, is a California nonprofit organization formed for the purpose of operating executive education programs in support of University of California, Berkeley, and UC Berkeley Haas.
Payment Process
Who will be collecting the payment for the program?
Emeritus collects all program payments, provides learner enrollment and program support, and manages learning platform services.
Are there any restrictions on the types of funding that can be used to pay for the program?
Program fees for Emeritus programs with Berkeley Executive Education may not be paid for with (a) funds from the GI Bill, the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Act of 2008, or similar types of military education funding benefits or (b) Title IV financial aid funds.
Refund Policy
What is the program refund and deferral policy?
For the program refund and deferral policy, please click the link here.
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 one-on-one session to gain a deeper understanding of why the 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 0035703815 (U.A.E.) / +52 55682 69035 (LATAM)
Early applications are encouraged. Admissions are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Flexible payment options are available.
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