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Is the University of San Diego accredited?

Yes. The Division of Professional and Continuing Education is regionally accredited through the University of San Diego by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Do I need to be a USD student to take a continuing education course?

No, all professional and continuing education courses are open to everyone.

Do Continuing Education courses count toward a degree?

Most of our courses do not count toward a degree, unless otherwise stated on the course website page. While credit earned for our courses may be accepted by some universities as applicable toward a degree, it is ultimately the decision of the institution you plan to transfer the credit to. It is highly recommended, and the responsibility of the student, to confirm the transferability with the other institution.

What type of credit am I earning?

Our courses award graduate-level extension credit in semester hours (1 semester hour = 15 contact hours). The credits earned are usually used for salary advancement, credential renewing, and/or recertification. Graduate-level extension credit is usually not transferrable toward a degree. Prior district approval is highly recommended and the responsibility of the student if using the units toward salary advancement, credential renewing, and/or recertification.

How many units can I complete in one semester?

USD Professional and Continuing Education allows for a maximum of 18 units to be completed during any one semester: Fall (September – December); Spring (January – April); and Summer (May – August).

Can I transfer courses to certificate programs from other colleges and universities?

If you have a course or credits you would like to have considered for transfer credit, please contact us. Transfer credits are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

What are your registration/drop/refund policies?

Click here for complete details regarding our refund, drop, and transfer policies.

What if I can’t get into a course because it is full?

Prospective students can request to be placed on a waitlist. Should a space open up in a course, those on the waitlist will be notified. We encourage you to register early for courses.

Are loan deferments, financial aid, and/or student loans available for continuing education courses?

Because our courses are not degree-seeking, we are unable to offer financial aid or assist with loan deferments.

What is the difference between an online fixed-date and online self-paced course?

Online fixed-date courses are delivered virtually but follow a predetermined schedule. These courses have fixed start dates, requiring students to complete assignments, participate in discussions, take assessments by specific deadlines, and potentially attend live, virtual class sessions. You will have 24/7 online access to your classroom assignments, syllabus, and course resources. Instructor feedback is shared along with the graded assignments.

Our online self-paced courses allow you to progress through the material at your own speed within a six-month period from the time of enrollment. There are no scheduled class times, required attendance, specific due dates for assignments, discussion forums, or interaction with others enrolled in the course. Your instructor will provide feedback via written responses on your assignments and exams. Grades are based on completed projects, assignments, and exams.

Find more information about online learning here.

How do I request an official transcript?

Transcripts can be ordered online via your student account. For more detailed information, please visit the Student Transcript Request Page.

What is “Open Campus”?

USD’s Open Campus initiative provides an administrative mechanism through which members of the broader San Diego community might enroll in and attend USD campus courses on a space-available basis. Prospective Open Campus students are eligible after receiving the signed permission of the course instructor and a department, school or college administrator.

The application process for Open Campus does not require University admission. Open Campus offers course enrollment on a space-available basis only. Please note that Open Campus students are not guaranteed access to courses. Instructors must provide permission before Open Campus students may attend a course. Participation in Open Campus does not grant admission to degree programs at the University of San Diego. For information about joining degree programs please contact Admissions.

For more information regarding Open Campus please go to www.sandiego.edu/opencampus.

What are the technical requirements for online courses?

All students in online courses must have access to high-speed internet, the Canvas learning management system, and Microsoft Office. Please visit the technical requirements page for more information.

I need more time to finish my self-paced course, what do I do?

Independent Study Self-Paced courses: USD allows nine months from the date of registration to complete an independent study course and submit all completed coursework for evaluation.

Online Self-Paced courses: USD allows six months from the date of registration to complete an online self-paced course and submit all assignments for evaluation within this period.

Classroom, Online Fixed-Date, and Credit Validation courses do not allow for any additional time to complete assignments.

If you need additional time and would like to make an extension request, contact us prior to your upcoming deadline at continuinged@sandiego.edu or call between 8:30AM–5:00PM (PST), M–F, at (619)260-4585 or toll free at (888)321-6658 for a one-time extension. If an extension is granted, it is final.

How long do I have to complete a certificate?

You have five years to complete a certificate.

What if I have to drop a course?

A full refund is provided if PCE cancels a course. Students who need to drop a course due to extenuating circumstances may receive a refund, if the request is received within three (3) days before the start date of the course. The course fee will be refunded less a processing fee of 10% or $50, whichever is higher. There are no refunds after the three-day withdrawal period. Learn about our registration policies here.

What if I can’t complete a course?

An Incomplete (INC) grade is available in some circumstances. The instructor makes the final determination to assign an incomplete grade based on the level of work already completed and the amount of assignments remaining.

To receive an ‘INC’ grade, students must complete a Petition for Incomplete and forward it to PCE. PCE will then forward the petition to the instructor for approval. If coursework is not completed in the agreed extension period, a final grade is assigned, with all ‘INC’ grades converted to ‘F’ grades or ‘NG’ (No Grade).

How can I receive a receipt for tax purposes?

A payment confirmation is automatically sent via email once you register and pay for a course through the website. Please save these receipts for tax purposes. You can also access receipts in your Student Account > Account History.