A Changemaker is an organization or individual that embraces innovation and problem-solving to address and resolve emerging societal changes. In a world economy with instant communication channels and an increasingly diverse employee and customer base, organizations are responding with changes needed to operate and grow. PCE provides the continuing professional education necessary to address these changes with skills and knowledge. As an educator, PCE is a Changemaker because we are educating and preparing people to be Changemakers themselves.
2. Is the university accredited?
The University of San Diego is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, (WASC).
3. Are loan deferments, financial aid and student loans available for continuing education courses?
Please note that our policy has changed pertaining to loan deferment requests. Only courses or programs which qualify for financial aid are eligible to defer financial aid loans. The only program we currently offer which qualifies for financial aid is the Health Care Informatics Certificate Program. (rev. 10/31/2011)
Students cannot receive financial aid or student loans for any of our programs or courses, other than the Health Care Informatics Certificate Program which qualifies for financial aid.
4. Do I need to be a USD student to take a continuing education course?
No, all of our courses are open to the public. You can register for a course directly through our website course of schedule page.
5. Do Continuing Education courses count towards a degree?
Unfortunately most of our courses do not count towards a degree (unless you take an Open Campus course). Credit earned in some of our courses may be accepted by some universities as applicable towards a degree but that would be at the discretion of the university.
6. What type of credit am I earning?
The credit earned is considered Graduate Level Extension credit, in semester hours, meaning that the credit earned is usually good towards salary advancement, credential renewing and/or recertification and is not usually good towards a degree. Prior district approval is highly recommended and the responsibility of the student if using the units towards salary advancement, credential renewing and/or recertification.
7. 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 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.
8. Is Online learning right for me?
Online learning is about more than just convenience. Online classroom experiences can combine interactivity with multimedia-rich presentations in an instructor-led format that makes learning memorable and engaging. As an online student you may interact with students world-wide. Chats, email correspondence, and discussion forums will help create a sense of community with your peers. You can access your course anytime, anywhere, 24/7 on your computer at your convenience. The course site is your one-stop source to access course resources, syllabus, assignment details and calendar. You will read and send email, post to discussion forums and upload completed assignments. Course instructors provide prompt feedback and will respond to questions within 24 to 48 hours. An online course is fun, yet rigorous and allows you to structure your learning to your suit own educational needs while keeping you on pace for completion and success. Take the time you need to read, ponder and compose responses. Dress as you like. No driving. No parking. Online learning is a great way to add time to your life!
9. What is Graduate Level Extension Credit?
Courses in the 700-799 series are professional, graduate level (post-baccalaureate) extension credit courses in the field of education. Courses are specifically designed to meet the needs of beginning, veteran and prospective teachers (K-12) in both public and private school systems. Areas of emphasis include pedagogy, curriculum design, teaching methods and development of materials. Course credit fulfills requirements for professional growth, in-service and salary-step hurdle requirements, and may be applied toward an academic degree or teacher credentialing program subject to the prior approval of the institution in question. Course credit is recorded on an official university transcript and becomes part of the student’s permanent record at USD.
10. How do I request an Official Transcript?
Only Official Transcripts are processed.
Official Transcripts of Continuing Education for Educators are $10 each for domestic requests. Complete the Online Official Transcript Request Form for Educators.
The English Language Academy Official Transcripts are $30 for international requests (expedited delivery fees additional). Call (619) 260-8887.
For Corporate and Professional Education Official Transcripts call (619) 260-7699.
