Leaders in Online and Professional Continuing Education

Get the essential skills and knowledge you need and earn a recognizable credential from the leading association for professional, continuing, and online (PCO) education - UPCEA! Bringing you the leading experts with real-world experience in the field, these programs offer high-value, relevant content and actionable takeaways for practitioners at all levels. Engage with peers from across the field in a virtual classroom to strengthen understanding, breadth of knowledge, and skills. A badge will be awarded upon successful completion of each course. See below for courses and events that are now open for registration. 

UPCEA is proud to offer UPCEA members the Bethaida “Bea” González Diversity in Leadership Scholars Program to equip diverse professionals with the skills needed for leadership positions in professional, continuing, and online (PCO) education. Apply to receive a full scholarship for the UPCEA PCO Professional Certificate or the PCO Leader Certificate program. Applications will be accepted through June 30, 2023.

PCO Professional Certificate

Build your expertise and advance your career in Professional, Continuing, and Online Education with the PCO Professional Certificate. Great price!

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PCO Leader Certificate


Explore higher education leadership - the PCO Leader courses focus on managing people, data, and ideas. Apply by June 30, 2023. 

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Course Catalog



Explore all of UPCEA's Online Professional Development Courses and choose the one(s) that best meet your needs for advancement. 

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Upcoming Professional Development Courses

Understanding the Adult Learner and Other PCO Constituencies in Professional, Continuing, and Online Education

Faculty Member: Andy Atzert

Who are the constituents and stakeholders that compose the ecosystem of Professional, Continuing, and Online Education? What are the unique characteristics and educational needs of adult learners? How do the characteristics of the student market determine how programs are designed and delivered? This course examines prospective student markets and how to address their educational needs, and also examines the roles of employers, communities, and government agencies in creating educational opportunities.

Next Offering: 06/26/2023

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Markets, Marketing, and Managing the Cycle from Prospects to Learners

Faculty Member: Jim Fong 

How are new and changing markets identified? How are programs - in both content and format - developed to meet the needs of learners?  How can data analysis help shape ongoing understanding of markets?  This course will explore the processes and operations that convert markets into enrollments.

Next Offering: 06/26/2023
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Program Planning and Oversight in Professional, Continuing, and Online (PCO) Education

Faculty Member: Julie Uranis, Ph.D. 

Possessing a solid understanding of the program planning process is critical for a PCO professional, particularly for those involved in the development, design, and delivery of opportunities for diverse learners. 

Program planning is exciting, complicated, and dependent on the contexts and variables that exist at an institution. This course provides essential background on the process of program planning, good sources of information to guide essential elements in the process, and perspectives PCO professionals should consider when planning programs. 

Next Offering: 08/14/2023
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Credentials Beyond Degrees – the Role of Professional, Continuing, Online Educators in Credential Innovation

Faculty Member: Stacy Chiaramonte  

PCO units have long been the leaders championing the development and implementation of innovative educational programs designed to meet the needs of a non-traditional learner. How should non-degree credentials be created and run with integrity, clarity in the market, and compatibility within the traditional aspects of the university? This pragmatic course will explore opportunities and obstacles in developing and delivering alternative credentials.

Next Offering: 08/14/2023
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