
Continuing education is a term that refers to a variety of post-secondary learning options, including degree programs, online courses, career training, and more. It is intended for adult learners, especially those beyond traditional undergraduate college or university age. Continuing education courses are often delivered through a division or school of continuing education at a college or university. These courses can be useful for career advancement, learning new skills, and fulfilling personal interests. They can also be necessary for professionals in certain fields, such as teaching and healthcare, to continue practicing their profession.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Refers to a variety of types of post-secondary learning options |
| Target Audience | Adult learners, non-traditional students, people who’ve already earned their degree |
| Purpose | To learn new skills, fulfill personal interests, advance one's career, or stay current in one's field |
| Types | Degree programs, online courses, career training, workshops, conferences, research, etc. |
| Recognition | Certificate or continuing education units (CEU), American Psychological Association uses CE |
| Examples | Oxford University's Department for Continuing Education, Harvard University's Havard Extension School, Columbia Southern University's CE courses in criminal justice, information technology, safety, etc. |
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What You'll Learn

Online courses
There are many providers of online courses, from universities such as Harvard, MIT, and the University of San Diego, to online platforms like Udemy and Coursera. These courses can be free or paid, with some platforms offering unlimited access to courses for a year for a single price. Online courses can be taken at your own pace, and often require certain technical specifications to be completed successfully, such as a fast computer, reliable internet service, and multimedia capabilities.
When choosing an online course, it is important to consider your goals and needs. If you are working full-time, you may want to choose a course that can be completed in the evenings or at your own pace. It is also important to consider the cost of the course and whether your employer offers any tuition reimbursement. Additionally, you may want to research the specific learning opportunities and requirements of the course, such as the technical specifications and any required reading materials.
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Workshops and conferences
Workshops are a form of professional development that hones skills directly relevant to one's job. They are often combined with other interventions, such as audit and feedback, educational outreach, and quality improvement activities, to facilitate learning and improvements in practice. Workshops can be highly variable in terms of content, the number of participants, the degree and type of interaction, length, frequency, and the targeted practices.
Conferences are another important aspect of continuing education. They provide an opportunity for professionals to network and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in their field. Conferences can also offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs), which are important for maintaining certifications and licenses. For example, attending a conference can provide up to 10 CEUs over a three-year cycle, with 1 CEU earned per hour of attendance.
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Professional certifications
Continuing education courses are recognised as post-secondary learning activities that include degree credit courses, non-degree career training, college remediation, workforce training, and formal personal enrichment courses. These courses are often provided by colleges and universities, either on-campus or online, and can be taken by individuals who are not enrolled as students.
Additionally, online platforms like LinkedIn Learning offer professional certification programs in partnership with trusted certificate providers. These programs help individuals develop skills and earn credentials that can enhance their career prospects.
Overall, professional certifications as a form of continuing education provide individuals with the opportunity to enhance their careers, acquire new skills, and demonstrate their expertise in their chosen fields. These certifications are often recognised by licensing bodies and can be essential for professionals to stay up-to-date and maintain their licenses.
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Research and publishing
Completing research projects and publishing reports or papers can offer several benefits for professionals. Firstly, it enhances their knowledge and expertise in their field or area of specialisation. Secondly, publishing provides an opportunity for recognition within their industry, contributing to their professional development and improving their career prospects. Publishing research in peer-reviewed journals, such as "Studies in Continuing Education" by Taylor & Francis Online, allows scholars to reach an engaged audience and contribute to the body of knowledge in continuing education.
Continuing education research can take various forms, including empirical papers, conceptual work, reflections on theory and practice, and critical reviews of issues in the field. It is important to note that certain professions or employers may require employees to engage in continuing education research and publish their findings. This can be a strategic choice for professionals to excel in their rapidly changing fields and stay current with industry advancements. Additionally, research projects may be a requirement for maintaining licences and certifications in certain fields, particularly in the public health sector.
When conducting research as part of continuing education, it is essential to consider the methods and theories behind adult learning. This includes incorporating feedback and interaction, as lectures and conferences alone may not provide sufficient interactive exchange. By engaging in diverse research methodologies and theoretical approaches, professionals can contribute valuable insights and innovations to their respective fields while advancing their careers and enhancing their industry credentials.
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Personal development
For example, a marketing professional might pursue continuing education to stay up-to-date with the latest strategies and advancements in their field. They might attend conferences, take online courses, or participate in workshops to ensure their skills remain sharp and relevant.
Continuing education is not limited to specific professions or industries. It is a commitment to lifelong learning, and many adults choose to pursue it to gain new skills, fulfill personal interests, or advance their careers. For instance, learning a new language can be a valuable skill across various industries, and it can be done through online courses or language learning apps.
Additionally, continuing education can be a pathway to gaining certifications or licenses required by certain professions. For instance, in fields like teaching and healthcare, professionals may need to periodically complete additional training or earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to maintain their licenses. These CEUs are a standardized measure of an individual's commitment to learning and can be earned through various activities, including attending webinars, conferences, or college courses.
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Frequently asked questions
Continuing education refers to a variety of types of post-secondary learning options, including degree programs, online courses, career training, and more. It is often undertaken by adult learners, non-traditional students, or people who have already earned their degrees but want to continue learning new skills.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are a standardized measure of continuing education efforts. One CEU is equivalent to 10 hours of a certification program. CEUs are often required for professionals who need licenses or certifications to continue practising their professions.
Examples of continuing education include attending conferences, enrolling in online courses, participating in workshops, performing research, and taking extension courses.
Continuing education can help individuals advance their careers, increase their job satisfaction, and enhance their professional reputations. It can also help educational institutions stay current and attract more students, professionals, and industry partners.

















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