Office of Continuing Education

The Office of Continuing Education provides lifelong learning opportunities in support of the university mission. The unit offers a variety of credit, non-credit, training, and enrichment courses and programs.

Please NOTE:

- All Continuing Education courses, certificates, degrees, and services are offered on a self-support basis, and may be canceled if adequate enrollment is not reached.

CAREER TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

Emotional Intelligence for Professionals - Online Professional Development Unit Course

Emotional Intelligence is now considered the most important skill of the 21st century, particularly for Leaders, and the greatest predictor of personal and organizational success. At its core, Emotional Intelligence is grounded in understanding yourself at a deep level and using that understanding to guide and manage your actions and behaviors. People who incorporate Emotional Intelligence in their professional lives report a higher level of personal effectiveness and career satisfaction.

Central Washington University’s Emotional Intelligence course is co-facilitated by two industry experts that each bring their unique and diverse backgrounds to the classroom providing a fully integrated learning experience. Upon completion, students will earn an Emotional Intelligence Digital Badge, a Certificate of Completion, and 5 Professional Development Units (PDUs) from Central Washington University’s Department of Continuing Education.

Visit https://www.cwu.edu/academics/specialized-programs/continuing-education/index.php for more information.

LSAT Prep Course - Non-credit

Learn practical skills to help you succeed and earn a score that will make you competitive at the nation’s top law schools. Train with a CWU Professor and practicing lawyer who knows how difficult the LSAT can be, and how to do well on it. This course will teach you basic study and test-taking skills, as well as prepare you for success in Logical Reasoning, Logic Games/Analytical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and your Writing Sample. After completion of this course, you will be ready to take, and succeed on, the LSAT!

Visit https://www.cwu.edu/academics/specialized-programs/continuing-education/index.php for more information.

Online Certificates - Non-credit

Are you looking to start a new career or gain skills to advance in your current one? The Office of Continuing Education, in partnership with ed2go, offers online, open enrollment courses and programs designed to provide the skills necessary to acquire professional level positions for many in-demand occupations.

You can start these career training programs anytime and work at a pace that suits your individual style. You will have access to all the lessons and assignments from day one, and many of these programs can be completed in less than six months. Instructors are actively involved in your online learning experience. They respond to questions and concerns, as well as encourage and motivate you to succeed. Upon completing your program with a passing score, you will get a certificate of completion. Please NOTE: Many of these programs are approved by the Workforce Training Board and are eligible to receive funding from the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). For a list of approved courses, visit the Washington Career Bridge website at www.careerbridge.wa.gov and search the Eligible Training Provider List for online programs at Central Washington University, Ellensburg.

For a full list of our current offerings, please visit Career and Professional at https://www.cwu.edu/academics/specialized-programs/continuing-education/index.php.

Online Courses - Non-credit

Looking to get ahead in your career? These six-week, online, professional development courses are the perfect way to learn a new skill or enhance your existing ones. You will spend roughly two to four hours each week completing two engaging lessons in an enjoyable, interactive learning environment. Expert instructors develop and lead every course, and you will be able to interact with them and with fellow students in lively online discussion areas. New sessions start every month, so you can sign up anytime. Upon completing a course with a passing score, you will receive a certificate of completion.

For a full list of our current offerings, please visit Career and Professional at https://www.cwu.edu/academics/specialized-programs/continuing-education/index.php.

Seminars and Workshops - Non-credit

These face to face, online or hybrid courses are designed to enhance and strengthen your business operations or your personal career development. Upon completion of each seminar or workshop, continuing education units (CEU’s) or professional development units (PDU’s) may be issued. Course topics are timely, taught by experienced instructors, and offer professionals and businesses convenient, affordable options for training.

For a full list of our current offerings, please visit Career and Professional at https://www.cwu.edu/academics/specialized-programs/continuing-education/index.php.

Wildcat Community ESL

The Wildcat ESL class provides English language classes for community residents and CWU employees who want to improve their English language knowledge and skills. Students can expect a wide variety of teaching and learning activities that will help them meet their language goals.

Classes meet Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays throughout the quarter. More information can be found at https://www.cwu.edu/academics/specialized-programs/continuing-education/index.php.

PROGRAMS FOR EDUCATORS

Business and Industry Route Career and Technical Education Teacher Preparation Certificate Program

Combining your career, industry, or teaching knowledge with a CTE certificate opens doors to teaching CTE programs in middle and high schools, as well as skill centers.

CWU offers Career and Technical Education (CTE) teaching courses for current teachers and business and industry professionals. Central’s CTE Teacher Preparation program is uniquely designed for busy, working professionals.

During the academic year, classes meet one Saturday a month and are offered in locations across the state. For those looking for a shorter and more intensive experience, some courses are also offered during the summer in locations throughout Washington.

Course requirements can be satisfied in as little as five weeks for residency teachers, and one to two years for industry professionals.

Family and Consumer Sciences Education MS, FCS Teaching Endorsement

The Master of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences Education is an online program that prepares students to plan curriculum for teaching, create a physical and psychological environment for learning, engage students in the learning process, examine the relationship of diverse groups and the educational process, analyze the historical and philosophical underpinnings of family and consumer sciences, assume professional responsibilities, and apply research to practice.

Once admitted to the MS-FSCE program, students will work with their advisor to determine the appropriate program options. The program is offered in conjunction with the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (GPIDEA). GPIDEA is an academic alliance that offers fully-online graduate program options in high-demand professional fields.

There are three options within this program:

1. FCSE Master’s Degree with Initial Teaching Certification
2. FCSE Master’s Degree
3. FCSE Endorsement (no MS awarded)

Online Courses - Non-credit

Numerous professional development classes are available year round through online learning in partnership with VESi (Virtual Education Software). Course topics are timely, taught by experienced instructors, and offer PK-12 teachers convenient, affordable options for professional development (500) credit or clock hours. Course topics include classroom management, special education, bilingual education, health and safety management, teaching strategies, technology in schools, and more.

For a full list of our current offerings, please visit Teacher Development at https://www.cwu.edu/academics/specialized-programs/continuing-education/index.php.

Seminars and Workshops - Non-credit

Professional development classes are available each quarter through in-service and distance learning. Course topics are timely, taught by experienced instructors, and offer PK-12 teachers convenient, affordable options for professional development (500) credit or clock hours. Course topics include classroom management, special education, bilingual education, health and safety management, teaching strategies, technology in schools, and more.

For a full list of our current offerings, please visit Teacher Development at https://www.cwu.edu/academics/specialized-programs/continuing-education/index.php.

Personal Enrichment

Courses - Non-credit

These fun offerings are open to the public. Categories of classes include Outdoor Recreation and Fitness; Bus Tours and Day Trips; Food, Wine, and Beer; and Art, Culture, and History.

For a full list of our current offerings, please visit Lifelong Learning at https://www.cwu.edu/academics/specialized-programs/continuing-education/index.php.