the next stage of your career is here.
Professional and continuing education courses at the university of san diego

Flexible and innovative curriculum for working professionals
Choose from over 600 top-quality courses and certificate programs
Learn from expert practitioners at a nationally ranked university
Are you looking to make a career change, enhance your skills, or learn something new in your field?
At USD’s Division of Professional & Continuing Education, you’ll find courses and certificates available online and on campus, in fields from business and engineering to healthcare, education, and project management.
Your next career move starts here.
Choose Your Area of Study
Your next career move starts here. The University of San Diego’s Division of Professional & Continuing Education delivers career-driven online courses and certificates across in-demand fields—from business and engineering to healthcare, education, and project management.
350,000
Students who have enhanced their career through PCE
96%
Courses are offered in flexible and convenient formats
89%
Students agree courses furthered their careers
81%
Recommend USD’s PCE to a friend or colleague (NPS average is 53% across the education sector)
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Why Continuing Education?
Built for Your Schedule
Choose from a variety of formats, such as self-paced, fixed-date, and more, to fit your needs.
Real Support for Your Learning
No going at it alone. Small class sizes ensure you receive personalized attention.
Skills That Boost Your Career
Short courses and certificates offer specializations essential for professional growth.
About USD PCE
USD’s faculty members understand the needs of working professionals who want to continue their education. That’s why USD’s valuable course, certificate, and degree programs make the most of every lesson, with real-world skill development, active community engagement, and opportunities to collaborate with industry leaders.
Ignite your career today by connecting with a member of the USD PCE team.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a USD student to take a continuing education course?
No, all professional and continuing education courses are open enrollment. An application to USD is not required. You can search for the course you want on the Find a Course page and click through to the course description to enroll.
Do Continuing Education courses count towards 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 towards 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
Is online learning, classroom or independent study Instructional Method right for me?
Online Fixed-Date courses offer a convenient yet rigorous style of learning that allows you to structure your education to suit your schedule while keeping you on pace toward achieving your educational goals. Online fixed-date courses have fixed start and finish dates similar to classroom courses, but as an online student, you will have access to your classroom at any time and can view your assignments, syllabus, and course resources from any computer with Internet capability.
Our online courses offer the same high-quality content and expert instruction as the courses held on-ground at the University of San Diego. Instructors facilitate courses through engaging multimedia presentations and provide prompt feedback to questions within a 24-48 hour time frame. Online learning allows students to interact with classmates worldwide and replicate in-classroom interactions through weekly discussion forums, chats and email communication.
Online Self-Paced courses are a perfect blend of accessibility, convenience and flexibility for you to control your learning pace. You will use course textbooks, manuals, assignments and exams to learn and earn credit. Depending on the course, you may also use streaming audio and video, CD-ROM, and download embedded materials through the Internet. Communication with your instructor will take place through your course site online. Your instructor will provide feedback via written responses on your assignments and exams. Grades are based on completed projects, assignments and exams. You can register at any time and you will have six months from the time of registration to complete your course.
Classroom courses are offered in a traditional classroom where you can connect with your instructor and classmates in a live setting. This learning environment facilitates a communication on a given subject in real time, enables immediate feedback, and fosters interaction with the instructor and likeminded classmates. To see if a course is being offered in a location near you please click on the Find a Course on the website’s top navigation bar: then Filter by SUBJECT AREA/PROGRAM and LOCATION. Classroom courses have a scheduled start and end date in which you are expected to attend the courses at that location for all course sessions.
Independent Study Self-Paced courses offer flexibility and the ability to complete a course faster than a traditional live course. Our courses deliver the same high-quality content and expert instruction as traditional, “face-to-face courses.” These courses work well for:
Working professionals with tight schedules
Students who require a specific course to meet professional development or recertification requirements
Students living in remote locations
Students who cannot easily attend courses due to injury or illness
Students who are self-motivated and conscientious
You can register at any time and you will have nine months from the time of registration to complete your course. Completed course work is submitted electronically through your student account.
How long do I have to complete the Certificate?
You have five years to complete the certificate.
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).
See our FAQ page for a full list of questions, including program-specific questions.
Helpful RESOURCES

VIDEO RESOURCES
Watch video overviews for a quick look at different USD PCE courses.

Blog Articles
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EBooks
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