Learning Formats
We design our programs with busy professionals like you in mind, which is why we offer a variety of flexible formats to fit your schedule and learning style — including classroom, online and blended options.
Classroom Formats
CLASSROOM
Attend classes part time at one of our convenient locations in the Puget Sound region, which include the UW Seattle campus, UW Bothell and our facility in downtown Seattle. Classes generally meet once or twice a week in the evenings or on weekends.
Throughout the program, you’ll engage face to face with your classmates and instructors as part of a highly interactive curriculum. You’ll attend lectures, participate in group discussions and complete weekly assignments. For some programs, you’ll also participate in field trips or computer labs.
Though classes meet in person, you’ll access some assignments and course materials through a web-based learning management system that also serves as a communications hub.
ONLINE FORMATS
Online, Self-Paced
Certificate Programs
Enjoy the flexibility of learning at your own pace, with instructor support along the way. Self-paced certificate programs are 100% online, with no class meetings or fixed deadlines — so you can start anytime.
Lessons, assignments and other course materials are delivered through a web-based learning management system that also serves as a hub for communicating with your instructors and other students. The flexible online format allows you to access course content wherever you are, on your own schedule.
Once you're accepted to a self-paced program, you have six weeks to register for the first course. There is a fixed amount of time to complete self-paced programs. You have up to four months to finish each course, and up to two years to complete a program. Browse our online self-paced certificate offerings.
Credit Courses
In addition to our self-paced certificate programs, we also offer self-paced credit courses that start every quarter. You can advance through the course at your own pace, but you must complete it by the quarter’s end.
ONLINE, GROUP-PACED
Start and finish your program with the same group of students, with frequent opportunities to interact with each other and your instructors along the way. Courses are 100% online, with set due dates for assignments but no class meetings.
Lessons, assignments and other course materials are delivered through a web-based learning management system that also serves as a hub for communicating with your instructors and classmates. This flexible online format allows you to access course content wherever you are, on your own schedule.
ONLINE WITH REAL-TIME MEETINGS
Combine the convenience of online learning with the immediacy of real-time interaction. With this option, you’ll start and finish your program with the same group of students. You’ll take courses online and interact with your instructors and fellow students via chat, web conferencing or phone, all in real time.
Programs in this format are part time, with scheduled class dates and set due dates for assignments. You’ll access assignments and other course materials through a web-based learning management system that also serves as a communications hub.
For added flexibility, some programs may allow you to view recordings of a certain proportion of your class sessions instead of attending in real time. Check the program or course page for details.
Watch this video to get an idea of what the online with real-time meetings experience is like.
Need help choosing an online format? See our online format comparison.
BLENDED (CLASSROOM + ONLINE) FORMAT
Enjoy the convenience of online study along with the vibrancy of in-person classes in this unique blended learning experience.
With this format, you’ll take classes part time, attending some sessions in person with the remainder of instruction completed online. Your online classes may be held in real time or be prerecorded and ready for you to view; check the course page for details.
You’ll access your assignments and other course materials through a web-based learning management system that also serves as a communications hub.
Programs in this format may consist of a series of blended courses or a combination of classroom and online courses. Check the program page for details.
ACCELERATED FORMAT
Step up the pace and complete your program more quickly with our accelerated format. With this option, you’ll enjoy the same curriculum and features offered in our standard experience. You’ll move through the program’s full curriculum in a condensed time frame, attending more class hours each week for fewer weeks overall. Take a look at our accelerated offerings.