Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) Program
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Chief Strategy Officer Program: Shape the Future With Strategic Leadership
The Chief Strategy Officer Program is a seven-month executive education program from UC Berkeley Executive Education designed to help current and aspiring strategy leaders strengthen their ability to lead strategy formulation and navigate complexity in an increasingly dynamic business environment.
The program combines strategic leadership, business transformation, C-suite leadership development, and technology integration with a curriculum that explores corporate strategy, AI, finance, innovation, growth strategy, and global expansion. Guided by faculty from the Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley, and industry experts, participants develop the leadership skills needed to lead strategic initiatives, build sustainable competitive advantage, and drive long-term business impact.
What Will You Learn in the Chief Strategy Officer Program?
Key Takeaways
Strategic thinking: Think critically and strategically, considering long-term goals, market dynamics, and competitive positioning
Technology and AI integration: Address the impact of technology on business models and operations, and leverage digital tools, AI, and strategies for growth
Innovation leadership: Cultivate a culture of innovation by fostering creative thinking, experimentation, and a willingness to challenge the status quo
Data-driven decision making: Strengthen your analytical skills to make informed decisions, strategically allocate resources, and drive sustainable growth
Leadership adaptability: Enhance your leadership skills to adapt to changing environments, inspire teams, and drive organizational success
How Is the Chief Strategy Officer Program Curriculum Structured?
The program combines expert faculty lectures, case studies, interactive exercises, discussions with industry experts, and applied learning activities to help participants strengthen their leadership skills, lead strategic initiatives, and navigate complexity in a dynamic business environment. Each module concludes with a capstone strategy project that enables participants to apply program concepts and frameworks to real-world strategic challenges.
Developing Effective Corporate Strategies | Online | 6 Weeks
Equip yourself to craft and execute corporate strategies that drive organizational growth by mastering strategic thinking, customer centricity, operational excellence, and change leadership.
Sharpening Your Strategic Thinking
Creating a Customer-Centric Organization
Operations Strategy
Driving Dynamic Execution
Future-Proofing Your Organization: Scenario Planning
Strategic Budgeting and Resource Allocation
Navigating AI-Driven Technological Disruption and Innovation | Online | 7 Weeks
Lead through disruption by harnessing AI as a strategic lever, using data-driven insights in decision making, embedding ethical AI practices, and fostering a culture of innovation to drive a sustainable business impact.
Leveraging Emerging Technologies for Business Transformation
Leading Innovation
Go-to-Market Strategy
Introduction to Big Data and AI
Descriptive Analytics and Data Visualization for Business
The Future of Big Data and AI
Experimentation for Business
Executing Growth Strategies | Online | 6 Weeks
Develop the skills to drive sustainable global growth by gaining expertise in strategy execution, market expansion, and merger and acquisitions and navigating the global business landscape.
Leading Growth Strategies
Mastering the Stages of Global Growth
Mergers and Acquisitions
Strategy in the Global Political Economy
Corporate Strategy: Sustainability and Growth
Growth Marketing Strategies
Leading in the C-Suite | Online | 9 Weeks
Strengthen your executive leadership capabilities by enhancing decision making, collaboration, influence, and resilience to lead organizations with vision and impact.
Your Leadership Style
Executive Presence
Effective Decision Making
Executive Team Dynamics: Unlocking Your Teams' Collective Intelligence
Cross-Functional Collaboration and Influence
Negotiation Skills
Fostering a Culture of Innovation and Inclusive Impact
Organizational Design for Competitive Advantage
Team Leadership in Times of Change
Global Leadership Campus Immersion | UC Berkeley Haas Campus | 2 Days
The Global Leadership Campus Immersion, held in the summer/fall at the UC Berkeley Haas campus, brings together participants from multiple cohorts of the Chief Strategy Officer Program for a two-day in-person networking event, live sessions with the faculty, keynote by guest speakers, and more. This event presents a significant opportunity for you to engage with peers, acquire knowledge, and conclude your program journey.
Live Online Series With the Faculty Director
Session 1:
Examine how organizations can anticipate, navigate, and drive technological change. Learn to translate innovation frameworks into actionable digital transformation strategies that strengthen long-term competitiveness.
Session 2:
Explore the interplay between market forces and the broader political and economic landscape. Understand how global regulatory, social, and geopolitical dynamics shape corporate strategy, risk management, and scaling decisions.
Session 3:
Develop the judgment and influence required for executive-level decision making. Delve into key leadership capabilities, including managing under uncertainty, shaping strategic direction, and driving alignment across senior teams.
Note: Session topics are subject to change.
AI Strategy and Innovation
AI in Action
Deep dive into real-world examples that illustrate how strategy leaders like you assess, deploy, and expand AI solutions to support long-term competitive advantage.
Data-Driven Leadership
Use big data and machine learning to enhance decision making, strengthen strategy development, and generate tangible results.
AI Strategy in Practice
Establish approaches for integrating AI across diverse industries and stages of growth.
Human and AI Collaboration
Support teams through change while upholding ethical standards and fostering trust in technology.
How Does the Chief Strategy Officer Program Use Applied Learning?
The Chief Strategy Officer Program combines applied learning, peer collaboration, and practical projects to help participants connect program concepts with real-world strategic challenges. Through live sessions, capstone projects, and interactive learning experiences, participants strengthen their leadership skills while exploring practical applications of strategy formulation, strategy execution, and business transformation.
Global Leadership Campus Immersion
Participants engage with peers and faculty while expanding their professional networks and concluding their program learning journey through collaborative discussions and live experiences.
Capstone Strategy Projects
Across the four core modules, participants apply program concepts to distinct projects, each addressing a critical aspect of the CSO role. These projects tackle real-world challenges in areas such as corporate strategy, technology integration, growth strategy, and C-suite leadership.
Through these assignments, participants demonstrate their understanding of key concepts and their ability to lead strategic initiatives, drive strategy execution, and create sustainable business impact within their organizations.
Program Highlights
Flexible Learning Journey
Dedicate three to five hours weekly, balancing learning with work.
World-Renowned Faculty
Learn from the UC Berkeley Haas faculty and global thought leaders.
Peer Circles
Discuss business, leadership, and career challenges with peers.
Success Coach
Craft your learning journey in line with your career goals with a success coach assigned to your cohort.
Capstone Strategy Projects
Apply learnings to real-world business challenges, bridging theory and practice.
Interactive Live Sessions
Engage with faculty members, coaches, and industry leaders for cutting-edge insights.
Path to Alumni Benefits
Completion of this program fulfills 12 curriculum days toward the Certificate of Business Excellence (COBE).
Expand Your Network
Connect with peers, industry leaders, and faculty members during the two-day on-campus event in California.
Silicon Valley Ecosystem
Become part of the unique Bay Area ecosystem, which is pivotal in shaping the future of technology and business.
Meet the Faculty for the Chief Strategy Officer Program
Ned Augenblick
Edward J. and Mollie Arnold Chair in Business Administration | Associate Professor
Contributing Faculty
Vinod Aggarwal
Affiliated Professor, UC Berkeley Haas
Homa Bahrami
Senior Lecturer | Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Sara Beckman
Teaching Professor | Earl F. Cheit Faculty Fellow
Jennifer Chatman
Interim Dean | Paul J. Cortese Distinguished Professor of Management
Mark Coopersmith
Lecturer in Entrepreneurship | Senior Fellow
Sunil Dutta
Professor | William D. Crawford Chair in Taxation and Accounting
Frederico Finan
George Break and Helen Schnacke Break Distinguished Professor of Economics and Business Administration
Sean Foote
Continuing Professional Faculty | Entrepreneurship and Innovation
David Evan Harris
Continuing Lecturer | Business and Public Policy
Adam Leipzig
Lecturer | Business and Public Policy
Aaron McDaniel
Professional Faculty | Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Kellie McElhaney
Lecturer | Founding Director, Center for Equity, Gender, and Leadership
Don Moore
Professor | Lorraine Tyson Mitchell Chair in Leadership and Communication
Abhishek Nagaraj
Associate Professor | Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Brandi Pearce
Lecturer | Director, High Impact Teams and Research | Team@Haas
Bill Pearce
Continuing Professional Faculty | Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Juliana Schroeder
Associate Professor | Harold Furst Chair in Management Philosophy and Values
Sameer Srivastava
Professor | Ewald T. Grether Professor of Business Administration and Public Policy | Chair, Management of Organizations
Robert Strand
Lecturer | Executive Director, Center for Responsible Business
Terry Taylor
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs | Milton W. Terrill Chaired Professor of Business Administration
Who Is the Chief Strategy Officer Program For?
Current CSOs | Expand your strategic framework, strengthen executive leadership capabilities, and drive organizational change. |
New and aspiring CSOs | Develop your strategic capabilities, strengthen leadership skills, and prepare to lead organizational transformation. |
Senior professionals with 15+ years of experience | Build the strategic perspective and executive capabilities required for advancement into C-suite and strategic leadership roles. |
Business leaders, including country heads, business unit heads, and general managers | Enhance strategic thinking and develop approaches for leading transformation and enterprise-wide strategic initiatives. |
Functional leaders in strategy, product, marketing, finance, and operations | Strengthen leadership capabilities, elevate strategic thinking, and improve cross-functional influence and execution. |
Senior management consultants | Develop deeper perspectives on business transformation, corporate strategy, and building sustainable competitive advantage for client organizations. |
Credentials and Outcomes: Chief Strategy Officer Program
Certificate
Upon successful completion of the program, Berkeley Executive Education grants a verified digital certificate of completion. You must complete 80% of the required activities, including a capstone project (if any), to obtain the certificate of completion.
Successful completion of this program fulfills 12 curriculum days (minimum requirement of 17 curriculum days) toward COBE under the 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 Berkeley Executive Education.
This program counts toward the Berkeley Executive Education COBE
Curriculum days: 12 days
Pillars: Leadership & Communication and Strategy & Management
A COBE gives individuals the opportunity to create a personal plan of study according to our four academic pillars. Participants will earn a mark of distinction with certificate 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 Strategy Officer Program?
The Chief Strategy Officer Program from Berkeley Executive Education is a multimodular immersive learning journey designed to equip participants with the tools and frameworks needed to lead strategic excellence and drive organizational change. Participants develop expertise in strategy formulation, leadership, and digital integration to emerge as effective strategy leaders in today's evolving business environment.
Who should attend the Chief Strategy Officer Program from Berkeley Executive Education?
The Chief Strategy Officer Program is designed for current and aspiring CSOs as well as executives preparing to take on strategic leadership responsibilities in the next phase of their careers.
What will I learn in the Chief Strategy Officer Program from Berkeley Executive Education?
Participants strengthen their capabilities in strategy formulation, strategy execution, innovation, AI, corporate strategy, and executive leadership. The program explores decision making, business transformation, and organizational leadership to help participants lead effectively in complex business environments.
How is the Chief Strategy Officer Program structured?
The program consists of four core modules delivered through online and live online sessions with faculty. It concludes with a two-day networking event at the UC Berkeley Haas campus, where participants engage with peers from multiple cohorts, faculty, and industry experts.
How does the Chief Strategy Officer Program support strategy formulation and strategy execution?
The program combines strategic frameworks, faculty insights, case discussions, and applied projects to help participants strengthen strategy formulation and strategy execution capabilities across different organizational contexts.
Does the Chief Strategy Officer Program from Berkeley Executive Education cover AI and strategy development?
Yes. The program explores AI and emerging technologies through dedicated modules, faculty-led discussions, and applied learning experiences. Participants examine how AI supports strategy development, decision making, and long-term competitive advantage.
How does the Chief Strategy Officer Program help leaders build competitive advantage?
Participants explore approaches for innovation, digital transformation, organizational design, and market expansion to help organizations build sustainable competitive advantage in dynamic markets.
What are the capstone strategy projects?
Across the four core modules, participants apply lessons to projects addressing strategic operations, complex project leadership, C-suite dynamics, and technology integration. These projects help participants apply concepts to real-world strategic initiatives and business challenges.
How does the Chief Strategy Officer Program strengthen strategy formulation capabilities?
The program helps participants strengthen strategy formulation capabilities through:
Frameworks for long-term strategic planning and decision making
Approaches for evaluating market dynamics and competitive positioning
Techniques for aligning corporate objectives with business priorities
Methods for developing adaptable and resilient business strategies
How does the Chief Strategy Officer Program prepare leaders for a changing business environment?
The program helps leaders navigate evolving market conditions through:
Scenario planning and strategic foresight
AI and technology-enabled decision making
Innovation and experimentation frameworks
Approaches for responding to geopolitical and economic shifts
Learning Journey
Can I complete the Chief Strategy Officer Program while working full time?
Yes. The program is designed for working professionals and combines self-paced learning with scheduled live online sessions, allowing participants to balance learning with professional commitments.
What is the expected weekly time commitment for the Chief Strategy Officer Program?
Participants should expect to dedicate approximately three to five hours per week to coursework, discussions, assignments, and faculty interactions throughout the program.
What networking opportunities are included in the Chief Strategy Officer Program?
Participants engage with peers, faculty, industry experts, and global leaders throughout the program and during the two-day on-campus networking event at Berkeley Executive Education.
How do the live online sessions work?
The program includes scheduled live online sessions led by faculty and guest speakers that complement the online curriculum through discussion, practical insights, and interactive learning experiences.
Applied Learning
How does the Chief Strategy Officer Program apply learning to real business challenges?
The program combines case discussions, practical activities, live sessions, and capstone projects to help participants apply concepts to real organizational challenges and strategic opportunities.
How do the capstone strategy projects support strategy execution?
The capstone projects enable participants to apply program concepts to real business situations, strengthening their ability to lead strategy execution, organizational transformation, and business change initiatives.
Admissions
How can I apply to the Chief Strategy Officer Program?
Applications to the Chief Strategy Officer Program are made online. Application fees vary by rounds, and applying earlier may improve your chances of securing a place in the cohort.
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 the University of California, Berkeley, and UC Berkeley Haas.
Certificate
Will I receive a certificate after completing the Chief Strategy Officer Program?
Upon completing the program, participants receive a verified digital certificate and earn a path to select UC Berkeley Haas alumni benefits.
Does the Chief Strategy Officer Program count toward the Certificate of Business Excellence (COBE)?
Yes. Successful completion of the program fulfills 12 curriculum days toward the Berkeley Executive Education Certificate of Business Excellence (COBE).
Payment Process
Who will be collecting 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?
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 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.
Accessibility
How does Emeritus support accessibility for learners?
Emeritus is committed to making high-quality education accessible and affordable to individuals, companies, and governments around the world. If you have questions about accessibility or would like to discuss available support options before enrolling, please contact accessibility@emeritus.org. For more information about our accessibility practices, please review our Accessibility Policy 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 Strategy Officer Program is the right fit for you. Email: berkeley_cso@emeritus.org
Phone: +1 567 485 3613 (U.S.) / +44 1313 812082 (U.K.) / +971 80 0035703815 (UAE.) / +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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