Learning Center

UPCEA PCO Professional Certificate

Our flagship program, the highly flexible UPCEA PCO Professional Certificate program, is designed for professionals interested in building their expertise and advancing their careers in the field of Professional, Continuing and Online (PCO) Education. Read what past participants have said about the program.

To earn your UPCEA PCO Professional Certificate:

• Choose five (5) courses from the courses listed below
• Complete your 5 courses within 2 years from the start of the first course
• NEW Bundled price: Members pay just $1990 for all five courses! Non-members pay $2,690. 

ENROLL NOW

Introducing the UPCEA Institutional Impact PD Bundle! UPCEA members get 10 course enrollments for $3,500—saving over $1,000. Flexible access from July 2025 to June 2026. Courses can be applied toward the PCO Pro Certificate. Learn more here.

--------------------

Credentials Beyond Degrees: The Role of Professional, Continuing, and Online Educators in Credential Innovation

This course delves into the role online and professional continuing education units play in alternative credentials, from evaluating program opportunities to the design, implementation, quality assurance, and administration of these credentials. 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.

Designing Equitable and Inclusive Programs, Pathways, and Partnerships

This course will examine and explore pragmatic approaches to the opportunities and considerations for online and professional continuing education units in developing and implementing programming focused specifically on meeting the diversity, equity and inclusion goals of their institutions and communities. We will take a comparative and national perspective on underserved populations and ways their higher education needs can be addressed.

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

Who are the constituents and stakeholders that compose the ecosystem of online and professional continuing 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. This course also examines the roles of employers, communities, and government agencies in creating educational opportunities.

Overview of Online and Professional Continuing Education

What are the various ways universities organize and empower their units for online and professional continuing education? What are some unique features and approaches within these entities, particularly in how they address the educational needs of adult learners? This course provides a broad understanding of the variety of roles and models for online and professional continuing education across the academic landscape -- and the issues and opportunities they face. This course also looks at internal organizational structures, skill sets, and staffing. Finally, this course discusses professionalism and the role that UPCEA plays in networking and educating those in this domain.

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

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. 

Program Planning and Oversight in Online and Professional Continuing Education

How do those in online and professional continuing education create their program portfolio?  How are resources marshalled and managed? This course explores how an often unique mix of programs can be designed, developed, and delivered -- on-campus, on-site, and online.

Academic Strategic Planning in a Constantly Changing Environment

What are the processes for identifying opportunities, developing evidence, determining goals, defining key milestones, establishing accountability, and measuring outcomes? How do you engage others in these processes? This course explores how strategy combines analysis and action. Learning, planning, implementing, and reassessing permeate all levels of online and professional continuing education -- more so than perhaps any other area of higher education.

Forecasting, Budgeting, and Managing Money in an Environment of Uncertainty and Risk

How do those in online and professional continuing education analyze opportunities, project revenue and expenses, identify prudent ways to manage resources, monitor cash flow, and mitigate financial disaster? How do you measure success and respond to failure, reallocate resources, and determine new investment opportunities? Those in online and professional continuing education often operate as a stand-alone business -- by relying on revenue to support operating costs, and depending on forecasting, cash flow, and  agile pivoting to new strategies.  

Enroll in the UPCEA PCO Professional Certificate program now